To choose a fridge for several days’ worth of shopping, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check that they suit your shopping habits and available space. A tabletop fridge keeps its footprint small, a fridge freezer gives you both types of storage, while a multi-door model may suit larger shops if your kitchen and access route can accommodate it. Also compare the dimensions, kWh/year, stated noise level and the layout of the compartments on the specific model.
If you need to store several days’ worth of fresh food, leftovers and sometimes frozen food, compare the capacity and layout of each compartment rather than looking only at the total capacity. Gifam and the European Commission distinguish between fresh and frozen storage capacities; Anses also highlights the importance of storing food appropriately.
You need to be able to fit the appliance, open its doors and store enough shopping, even when space is limited. A tabletop fridge, a freestanding model in the right dimensions or an appliance that fits an existing housing unit may be worth considering; Beko and Liebherr offer formats designed around these constraints.
If you keep frozen food as well as fresh ingredients, check the freezer compartment’s capacity and type before relying on the total capacity. Gifam and the European Commission distinguish between compartment capacities; Beko’s information also shows why it’s important to check the exact model’s features.
First, work out how much room you need for chilled and frozen food, then check the appliance’s overall size and installation requirements. Next, choose between freestanding and integrated models to suit your kitchen layout and the dimensions of the housing unit.
Worth considering : if your kitchen is small and your shopping for several days includes little frozen food, check the litres available for fresh food and what type of cold compartment it has.
The trade-off : its compact size limits capacity; a small ice compartment may not be a suitable substitute for a proper freezer compartment.
Worth considering : if you need to store both fresh and frozen food, compare the capacity of the two compartments separately.
The trade-off : the right width isn’t enough on its own; also check the height, depth, door opening, noise level and energy consumption of the model you choose.
Worth considering : if you do a large shop and have a kitchen and delivery access route wide enough to accommodate one.
The trade-off : it can take up a lot of space; compare kWh/year for models with a similar usable capacity and check that the packaged appliance can fit through the access route.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge capacity in litres, as well as the layout of the shelves and drawers. | If I’m storing several days’ worth of fresh food, I want to know how much space is actually available and whether the storage suits my containers. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise fresh-food storage space. |
| Size and fit | Measure the space and delivery access route; check the height, width, depth and clearance required, and the housing dimensions for an integrated model. | In a kitchen where every centimetre counts, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without obstructing movement around the room. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise size and fit. |
| Freezer capacity and function | Check the freezer capacity in litres and the type of compartment, based on how much frozen food you buy. | If my shopping regularly includes frozen food, I want a suitable freezer compartment rather than just a space for making ice. Around 20 % of consumers put freezer storage first. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year shown on the label, taking the fresh and frozen capacities into account, not just the energy class. | Once I’ve found enough capacity for my shopping, I want to compare appliances by their stated annual energy consumption. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise this. |
| Noise level | Compare the stated noise emissions in dB and the noise class on the labels of the models you’re considering. | If the kitchen is close to a living room or bedroom, I want to take the stated noise level into account without sacrificing the storage space I need. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise a quiet appliance. |
A high total capacity can hide a split that doesn’t suit the food you buy between shops.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres, then check the usable space on the shelves and in the drawers.
Tabletop fridges and fridge freezers don’t necessarily have compartments with the same purpose or capacity.
If frozen food is part of your regular shop, check the type and capacity of the compartment for the exact model you’re considering.
The height, depth, door opening, housing unit and delivery access route could make an appliance unsuitable, even if the width is right.
Measure the route and the space, then check the dimensions and clearances specified for the model you’ve chosen.
Difficult access or a specific installation requirement may incur additional costs, which vary by retailer and installation.
Manufacturers’ claims may be based on specific test conditions. Label values are declared figures, while actual energy consumption is affected by how and where you use the appliance.
Compare the stated kWh/year, capacities and noise levels, then follow the recommended temperature and food-storage advice.
The details below apply to the ranges or models mentioned; they don’t describe every appliance from each brand.
Tabletop fridges to consider when kitchen width is limited.
Freestanding fridge freezers to compare by fresh and frozen capacities, noise level and energy consumption.
Fridge freezers to compare if fresh-food storage and the stated noise level matter when shopping for several days.
Freestanding fridge freezers to consider when comparing a large capacity with the available width.
Multi-door fridges to consider if your storage needs and available space allow for a large appliance.
Integrated fridge freezers to consider when an existing housing unit determines the installation dimensions.
This selection features freestanding fridges with separate fresh and frozen compartments, from fridge freezers to large multi-door models. Compare the capacity split and dimensions with your shopping habits and available space.
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For shopping that includes fresh and frozen food, the capacity of each compartment is listed separately.
Fridge: 347 L; freezer: 197 L. No Frost, Multi Air Flow and a water dispenser with a tank, so no fixed water connection is required.
Specifications list four glass shelves, six door balconies and two freezer drawers. Stated dimensions: 911 × 1 786 × 615 mm; check the space and delivery access route.
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To divide your shopping between fresh and frozen food, this model lists the two capacities separately.
Fridge: 235 L; freezer: 125 L. The product description states 271 kWh/year, 35 dB(A), No Frost and three freezer drawers.
Stated dimensions: 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm. The doors are listed as reversible.
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For several days’ worth of shopping that includes fresh and frozen food, the two capacities are listed separately.
Fridge: 238 L; freezer: 98 L. The product description states 135 kWh/year, 35 dB(A), No Frost and energy class B.
Storage includes five shelves, fresh-food drawers and three freezer drawers. The door is listed as reversible.
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For shops with varying amounts of fresh and frozen food, this model has a My Fresh Choice zone with an adjustable temperature.
Fridge: 304 L; My Fresh Choice zone adjustable from +5 °C to −18 °C. The product description states 293 kWh/year and 37 dB(A).
The stated frozen capacity includes a 92 L 2-star compartment and an 87 L freezer; bear this split in mind when buying frozen food.
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For storing a varied shop, this large model separates fridge capacity from several freezer or adjustable-temperature zones.
Fridge: 390 L; My Fresh Choice is adjustable from around −20 °C to +5 °C. The product description states 320 kWh/year and 39 dB(A).
The stated capacities include a 95 L freezer, a 108 L 2-star compartment and a 13 L 2-star door compartment. The product description states that the door is not reversible.
If your shopping includes fresh and frozen food, compare their capacities separately in litres: the European energy label lists them separately. Then check that the drawers and shelves can accommodate the containers you usually use.
Measure the space and delivery access route, then check the dimensions and clearances required in the manual for your chosen model. For an integrated appliance, make sure the housing unit matches the model’s specifications; for a freestanding one, also check that the doors can open fully.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C and checking the temperature regularly, as well as storing perishable food appropriately. Avoid overfilling the appliance and clean it regularly: buying more food doesn’t replace these steps.
Check the kWh/year stated on each model’s energy label. To estimate the annual difference for your household, multiply the difference in kWh/year by your price per kWh, using the same units; actual consumption also depends on how and where you use the appliance.
For a purchase by an individual from a professional seller, the seller is responsible for the statutory guarantee of conformity; according to the DGCCRF, a claim must be brought within two years of delivery, subject to the applicable legal conditions. The DGCCRF also explains that when you buy a new appliance, the seller must offer free take-back of an equivalent used appliance on a “one-for-one” basis; ask the seller how this works in practice.
Since 1 March 2021, the European energy label for domestic fridges has shown an A to G scale, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise emissions. This information describes the product; buyers aren’t required to choose a particular energy class.