For a family home, start by choosing an appliance with fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits separately. Then check that it will fit in your kitchen and can be brought in during delivery. A fridge-freezer may be all you need if its split works for you; a multi-door model is better suited to keeping food organised in separate zones, while an American-style fridge is worth considering if you need a lot of storage space – provided you also compare its dimensions, energy use and noise level.
If you buy both fresh and frozen food for several people, look at the space allocated to each rather than just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide includes fridge-freezers, multi-door models and American-style fridges among the formats suited to families.
The appliance’s width isn’t the only thing to consider: you also need to get it into the kitchen, install it and open its doors and drawers. Samsung recommends measuring doorways, corridors and lifts before delivery of its larger models.
If your kitchen is open-plan or close to rooms where people rest, compare the stated noise level as well as annual energy consumption. The European Commission says these details, along with storage capacities, appear on the energy label for fridges.
First, work out what your shopping needs from each compartment. Then choose a format that makes it easy to store food and access it, without complicating delivery or everyday use.
Consider it if: two separate compartments suit the fresh and frozen food you buy.
Bear in mind: storage may be less divided between doors and zones than in some multi-door models; check the capacity of the specific model you choose.
Consider it if: having several access points and storage zones matters as much as capacity.
Bear in mind: it can take up a lot of space, and the layout of doors and drawers varies by model.
Consider it if: a very large capacity is a priority and your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate it.
Bear in mind: UFC-Que Choisir says American-style models generally use more energy than standard fridges; compare the energy labels of the models you’re considering.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Compare the usable litres in the fridge and freezer, then look at the layout of shelves, drawers and doors. | When I shop less often, I want to store fresh food and drinks without losing access to what’s already in the fridge. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this capacity and organisation above all else. |
| Space and access | Measure the space, clearance for opening doors and the delivery route. Check the packaged dimensions too, if they’re available. | If my kitchen or access to my home is narrow, an appliance I can’t get in or open won’t meet my needs. Space and access would be the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and look at its drawers or compartments. | If I batch-cook or buy frozen food in bulk, I prioritise freezer space, even if the total capacity seems sufficient. Around 20% of consumers would put freezer capacity first. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the annual consumption in kWh and the stated noise emissions on the energy label; compare models with similar capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to factor in the noise and electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously. These two indicators would be the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
Two fridges with a similar total capacity can offer different amounts of freezer space. This split matters particularly if you freeze portions or buy in bulk.
Note the usable litres in each compartment separately and compare them with what you usually buy.
A large appliance might fit in its intended space but still not make it through a doorway, around a corridor corner or into a lift. Samsung highlights this in its guidance for large models.
Check the entire route, the appliance dimensions and, if published, the packaged dimensions. Remember to allow enough room to open the doors and drawers too.
The name of a format is no substitute for the figures for a specific model. The European Commission says the energy label includes details such as energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions.
Compare annual kWh and stated noise levels for models with similar capacities. The label’s QR code links to the model’s European product information sheet.
In France, old fridges can be taken to dedicated electrical equipment collection points rather than disposed of with general waste. The organisation ecosystem offers donation and recycling options.
If the appliance still works, consider donating it or having it reused. Otherwise, arrange collection or find a suitable drop-off point for refrigeration appliances.
These examples can help you compare specific configurations, but they don’t necessarily reflect every model from each brand.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer with clearly stated capacities for each compartment.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-door model and the compartment layout and available space are key factors.
Worth considering if a large-capacity side-by-side model suits your shopping habits and kitchen.
Worth considering if you’re comparing different layouts, including fridge-freezers and multi-door models.
These models offer different ways to organise a household’s shopping, including three- and four-door appliances, an American-style fridge and a side-by-side model. For each one, compare the stated capacity with the space you actually have at home.
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Worth considering if a four-door layout suits the way your household organises its shopping. The model name lists a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check its dimensions, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a stated capacity of 495 L for family shopping. The title lists an E energy class, but check the door configuration before choosing this model: the title describes it as multi-door, while the description calls it side-by-side. Also check its dimensions and access to your home.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an American-style fridge with a stated capacity of 488 L. The title lists an E energy class. Before ordering, check the split between fridge and freezer space, the dimensions, the clearance and the delivery route. If No Frost matters to you, confirm that it’s included.
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Worth comparing if a stated capacity of 360 L and a three-door layout suit your shopping habits. The title lists Total No Frost, My Zone and an E energy class. Check the separate fridge and freezer capacities, as well as the space needed for installation.
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Worth considering if generous freezer space is a priority: the title splits the stated 525 L capacity into 333 L of fridge space and 192 L of freezer space. It also lists No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy class. Check the appliance and packaging dimensions for delivery, as well as the annual kWh on the energy label.
Compare the energy class, annual consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions for the model. According to the European Commission, the label’s QR code links to further information in the EPREL database for models placed on the European market.
No. Also check how many litres are allocated to the freezer, the appliance dimensions, whether it will fit through the access route while packaged and whether its doors can open in your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir also says American-style fridges generally use more energy than standard models, so compare the stated consumption of the models you’re interested in.
If it still works, you could donate it or arrange for it to be reused. Otherwise, use a collection or recycling service suited to electrical equipment and refrigeration appliances. The organisation ecosystem lists donation and recycling options for fridges.