For a household’s weekly shop, first choose a balance of fridge and freezer space that suits your habits, then check whether the appliance can be delivered and installed. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guideline according to how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge freezer is worth considering if space is limited; a multi-door or American-style model needs more careful checks for access, dimensions and kWh/year.
If you need to store fresh food, large containers and frozen food for several days, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking at the total alone. A large fridge freezer could meet your needs if the layout works for you and it can be installed in your home.
Space and easy access to prepared dishes, vegetables and large packs matter just as much as the stated capacity. Check the shelves and drawers on the variant you choose; UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol also assesses how appliances perform after a big shop.
A multi-door or American-style fridge could be a good fit if you need spacious compartments for fresh and frozen food. Before choosing a large model, though, check the delivery route, door clearance and annual energy consumption.
Start with what you store each week, then rule out any styles that won’t fit in your kitchen or along the delivery route.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and style | Compare fridge and freezer capacity separately, then look at the drawers and shelves. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit your household’s habits. | I shop for several days at a time, so I need room for fresh food without cutting back on freezer space. |
| Access and installation | Measure the appliance, the space where it will go, door clearance and the entire delivery route. Check the packaged dimensions if they’re available. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit, hinges and ventilation requirements in the manual. | The fridge needs to fit all the way through to the kitchen and be easy to use once installed, with the doors and drawers open. |
| Energy consumption | Check the kWh/year figure and energy rating on the label for the variant you’re considering; ideally, compare models with similar capacities and designs. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that larger sizes and extra features can affect energy consumption. | If I’m choosing a larger model for the weekly shop, I want to know its annual energy consumption. |
| Noise and everyday use | Compare the stated dB(A) rating for the exact model and check how easy it is to access the storage compartments. For independent tests of how quickly an appliance returns to temperature after a big shop, look for results for the specific model. | Noise matters in an open-plan kitchen. After the weekly shop, I also want to be able to put food away without blocking access to the compartments. |
A spacious appliance might not have enough freezer space for your needs, or its storage could be awkward for your dishes and containers.
Compare the capacity of each compartment, then check the size of the drawers and bins, and the space between the shelves.
A fridge that fits in your kitchen might still be difficult to get through a doorway, along a corridor or into a lift. It also needs enough ventilation, so you’ll have to follow the installation instructions.
Measure the entire route, check the packaged dimensions if provided, and follow the clearance requirements for the exact model.
Fridges and freezers run continuously. According to ADEME, their size and extra features can increase energy consumption.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of models with similar capacities, and choose features you’ll actually use.
These models show a range of styles. The features mentioned apply to the models listed, not to every product from each brand.
Two models to consider, depending on whether your kitchen can accommodate a freestanding appliance or requires a built-in one.
The RF24BB620EB1EF is an example of a multi-door model for anyone choosing a wider appliance for its capacity and internal layout.
The GSJV80BSLF is an example of an American-style fridge for households looking for generous freezer space.
The built-in range lets you consider capacity alongside the dimensions required for a fitted kitchen.
This selection includes multi-door models, an American-style fridge and fridge freezers for storing a household’s weekly shop. Compare each style with the space you have, then check the internal layout of the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you’d like to organise your shopping across several doors. This silver model has a stated capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity and the dimensions needed for delivery.
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This multi-door model could suit a household looking to organise a big shop in a 495 L appliance. The black model has a stated E energy rating; check the balance of fridge and freezer space, as well as the delivery route to your kitchen.
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Consider this 488 L American-style fridge if its layout suits your fresh and frozen food needs. The black model has a stated E energy rating; measure access to your home, the space where it will go and the clearance needed to open the doors.
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This 360 L fridge freezer is worth considering if you’d prefer a standard fridge freezer to a larger multi-door model. The product name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating and My Zone. Check that its storage and freezer space are sufficient for your weekly shop.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for family-sized capacity without immediately opting for an American-style model. This grey model has a stated D energy rating; check the installation dimensions, the balance of space between compartments and the freezer’s defrosting system if that’s important to you.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests using 100 to 150 L for one person as a guide, then adding around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your habits and compare fridge and freezer capacities separately: the same total capacity can be split in very different ways.
No. Capacity alone isn’t enough to decide. UFC-Que Choisir recommends allowing for a width of around 1 m for this style and notes that it may use more energy than a standard model. Also compare the freezer space, kWh/year figure and delivery access requirements for the specific model.
Measure the space where the appliance will go, door clearance and the entire delivery route, including narrow doorways and the lift. Check the packaged dimensions if listed, then the clearances and ventilation requirements in the manual. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit and hinges.
Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) for the exact models you’re considering. UFC-Que Choisir classifies the quietest models as those below 40 dBA, although the stated figure alone doesn’t tell you how noisy the appliance will seem in your room.