Families who do a big weekly shop
You store lots of fresh food between shops. Fridge capacity matters, but so does the layout of the shelves and drawers: you need to be able to put your shopping away without hiding what’s at the back.
Who is this guide for?
Households that stock up on frozen food
Your main issue is a lack of freezer space. Compare the freezer’s own capacity and the shape of its storage areas, especially if you buy pizzas, pies or large multipacks.
Families with a narrow kitchen or access route
You need more storage but can’t make the space any bigger. The packaged appliance dimensions, the route into your kitchen, how the doors open and the clearances specified in the instructions could all help you choose between different styles.
What should you look for?
For a big family shop, compare styles based on which compartment is actually short of space, then rule out any models that can’t be delivered and installed in your home.
Large-capacity fridge freezer
Worth considering: if most of your shopping is fresh food and your kitchen may not have room for a very wide appliance.
Trade-off: the built-in freezer may still be too small for a large stock of frozen food.
Multi-door
Worth considering: if easy access to fresh food and separate storage areas are priorities.
Trade-off: the layout varies by model, and its overall size must suit both your kitchen and delivery route.
American-style or side-by-side
Worth considering: if you want a large overall capacity and have enough width.
Trade-off: Bosch notes that the freezer column in some American-style appliances may be too narrow for large pizzas or pies.
Fridge and separate freezer
Worth considering: if freezer storage is your main concern and you have space for a second appliance.
Trade-off: two appliances take up two spaces and won’t, on their own, solve a lack of room for fresh food.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge compartment capacity in litres, then check the layout of the shelves and drawers. | When most of the weekly shop goes in the fridge, I want to be able to put fresh food away without losing access to what’s already there. Around 25% of consumers concerned would prioritise this need. |
| Freezer space | Check the freezer capacity and the usable dimensions of the drawers against the packaging you usually buy. | If pizzas, ready meals or large multipacks no longer fit, freezer storage is what guides my choice; around 25% of consumers concerned would put it first. |
| Access and organisation | Check that you can reach the drawers and shelves with the doors open as far as your kitchen allows. | When several people take food throughout the day, I prefer compartments that are easy to see and reach. This would be a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Space and delivery | Measure the delivery route and the packaged appliance; check the instructions for door-opening space and ventilation clearances. | With a narrow kitchen or access route, I need to be sure I can get the appliance inside and use it once it’s in place. Nearly 31% of consumers concerned would make this their top criterion. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two large-capacity appliances can divide the space between fridge and freezer very differently. Bosch notes in particular that the freezer column in an American-style appliance may restrict storage for larger items.
Compare the capacity of each compartment and the drawer dimensions against the bulky foods you usually buy.
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Measuring only the final location
An appliance that fits in your kitchen still has to get through the doors and corridors and, if relevant, up the stairs or into the lift. Samsung recommends checking the route using the dimensions of the packaged appliance.
Measure the entire route, then check the instructions for the space needed to open the doors and install the appliance.
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Assuming a dispenser works without a water connection
According to Bosch, some American-style fridges with dispensers need a mains water connection, while others use a refillable tank. It depends on the model.
Check how the dispenser on your chosen model is supplied with water and whether it can be installed in your home.
A model that needs to be plumbed in may require changes to your plumbing.
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Forgetting what to do with your old appliance
Used fridges come under the collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment, as set out by the French government departments responsible for the ecological transition.
If you’re replacing an appliance, check the take-back arrangements when you order and any preparation required before collection; otherwise, use an appropriate collection service.
Brands to consider for these styles
These ranges offer a choice of layouts to explore. Always check the specifications of the exact model rather than assuming its layout based on the brand alone.
Bosch
The range includes fridge freezers, multi-door and side-by-side models, as well as freezers, so you can compare different ways to increase your storage.
- Bosch offers a range of wider family-sized models and solutions with a separate freezer.
- The brand notes that the freezer column in some American-style appliances may be too narrow for pizzas or pies. Check the internal dimensions.
Haier
The freestanding range includes four-door, French Door and side-by-side models.
- There are several door and drawer layouts to consider, depending on how your household likes to store food.
- Compare capacities, dimensions and compartments model by model.
LG
The American-style range includes models with Door-in-Door access, designed for frequently used items.
- For example, LG lists a capacity of 634 l and a water and ice dispenser for the GSJV31DSXF.
- A secondary access point or dispenser doesn’t remove the need to check the freezer width and installation requirements.
Samsung
The range includes large-capacity multi-door and side-by-side models.
- Samsung lists a capacity of 648 l and dimensions of 912 × 1 853 × 683 mm for its RM70F63NER multi-door model.
- For this model, Samsung also advises measuring doors, lifts and corridors, taking the packaged appliance into account.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These multi-door and side-by-side models let you compare listed capacities and different layouts for the family shop. Before choosing, make sure each style fits the space available and the size of the food you store.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS 467 l multi-door, silver
Worth considering if you want to split your shopping across several doors and have a listed total capacity of 467 l.
The product name lists four doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E. Check the usable storage dimensions, as well as the route in and clearances required for installation.
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Samsung RF48A401EB4 488 l, black
Worth comparing if you’re looking for more room for your shopping while assessing fresh and frozen food storage separately.
The product name lists a capacity of 488 l and energy rating E. Check the internal dimensions, the packaged appliance dimensions and the installation instructions before choosing this model.
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Samsung RS80F64KEF 640 l side-by-side, black
Worth considering if you need plenty of storage and your kitchen can accommodate a side-by-side.
The product name lists a capacity of 640 l. Check the exact variant reference before comparing its features; also check the delivery route and the connection requirements for its dispenser.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 495 l, black
Worth considering for a family shop if its compartments suit the way you split your storage between fresh and frozen food.
The product name lists a capacity of 495 l and energy rating E. Check the exact door and storage layout for this model, then confirm the dimensions needed for delivery.
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CHiQ JR525WSE 525 l side-by-side, stainless steel
Worth comparing if you want to know how the capacity is divided between uses before choosing a large appliance.
The product name lists 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer, along with No Frost and energy rating E. Measure the delivery route and check the storage dimensions for your larger items.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I look for when shopping for a large family?
Start with the amount of food you usually buy, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l as a guide for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this if you buy in bulk or regularly freeze food, and check that the storage areas can accommodate your containers.
Is a side-by-side suitable if we store lots of frozen food?
Not necessarily: its overall capacity may be large, but the freezer column can still be too narrow for some larger items, as Bosch points out. Compare the usable width of its storage areas with the drawers in a multi-door model or separate freezer.
What should I measure before delivery?
Measure the space where the appliance will go and the entire route to your kitchen, including doors, corridors, stairs and lifts. Compare these measurements with the packaged appliance dimensions, then check the instructions for the space needed to open the doors and meet installation clearance requirements.
How do I compare the energy use of two large fridges?
Check the energy label and annual energy consumption listed for the exact models, rather than estimating from their style or capacity alone. The European Commission describes EPREL as a database of information on models covered by energy labelling. To estimate your costs, use your own electricity tariff.
What should I check about my old fridge and faults with a new one?
Arrange for your old appliance to be taken away and check the collection arrangements when you order. The French government departments responsible for the ecological transition describe a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy a replacement of the same type. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that you can claim under the legal guarantee of conformity from the professional seller for covered faults; any commercial guarantee is separate.