Which format is right for you?

Small home, limited storage

If your kitchen is narrow and you store few frozen foods, start by checking the appliance’s dimensions, then look at the usable space available for fresh food.

Households that do a big shop and buy frozen food

If you shop less often and regularly store frozen food, compare the space set aside for freezing with the space for fresh food. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee that both compartments will meet your needs.

Households that prioritise fresh food and low noise

If you mainly buy fresh food or your kitchen opens onto a living area, check the fridge capacity, the stated noise level and the compartments in the model you’re considering.

What should you consider before buying?

Undercounter fridge

Consider this if: you have a small kitchen and mainly store fresh food, with very little frozen food.

Bear in mind: its compact size limits the available capacity; check whether it has a freezer compartment and, if so, how large it is.

Larder fridge

Consider this if: fresh food storage is your priority and you buy very little frozen food, or have another way to freeze food.

Bear in mind: depending on the model, freezer space may be limited to a small compartment or not included at all.

Fridge freezer

Consider this if: your regular shop includes both fresh and frozen food that you need to store separately.

Bear in mind: two fridge freezers with the same total capacity can offer very different amounts of freezer space.

Multi-door fridge freezer

Consider this if: your shopping needs call for plenty of capacity and your kitchen can accommodate a wide appliance.

Bear in mind: its size means you’ll also need to check the delivery route and make sure there’s room to open the doors.

Criteria What to check Who is this for?
Dimensions and fresh food capacity Measure the space, clearances and door swing. Compare the usable fridge capacity in litres, rather than looking only at the total capacity. When my kitchen is narrow, I want an appliance that fits without sacrificing the space I need for fresh food. Around 33 % of consumers would put this fit at the top of their list of needs.
Freezer capacity Check whether there’s a separate freezer compartment and its usable capacity in litres; also make sure the drawers suit the food you buy. If I regularly buy frozen food, I want to be able to store it without taking too much space away from fresh food; freezing would be the priority for around 42 % of consumers.
Noise, energy use and fresh food Check the annual kWh consumption and noise emissions on the energy label, then look at the model’s fresh food capacity and compartments. In an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep noise to a minimum while still having enough room for fresh food and comparing energy use. These criteria would be the priority for around 25 % of consumers.

What should you watch out for?

  • Looking only at the total capacity

    Two fridges with a similar total capacity can divide the space between fresh and frozen food very differently. So a high stated capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for your frozen food.

    Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with what you normally put away after a shop.

  • Measuring the space without allowing for the doors to open

    An appliance may fit in your kitchen but be difficult to use if there isn’t enough clearance for the doors. You’ll also need to consider its depth and the route to its final position.

    Before ordering, measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors, following the instructions for your chosen model.

  • Choosing a multi-door fridge freezer just for its capacity

    A large capacity is only useful if it suits your shopping needs and you have room for the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that American-style fridge freezers generally use more energy than conventional fridges.

    Before deciding between a multi-door fridge freezer and a standard fridge freezer, compare the annual kWh consumption, noise levels and capacities of models that fit your space.

  • Leaving plans for your old appliance until delivery day

    Moving a used fridge can make replacing it more complicated. Used electrical appliances must be taken to an appropriate collection point.

    When you place your order, ask the retailer how your old appliance can be taken away. In France, ecosystem says collection can be arranged when you buy in store or at the time of delivery.

Brands to consider

Bosch

Bosch’s range of fridge freezers includes freestanding and integrated models, which you can compare based on how much space they offer for fresh and frozen food.

  • Bosch lists 189 L of fridge capacity and 90 L of freezer capacity for the KGN33NWDA fridge freezer.
  • These figures apply to the KGN33NWDA; check the specifications for the exact model and variant you’re considering.

Liebherr

Liebherr offers integrated and freestanding fridge freezers; your choice will depend in part on the space available and the capacity you need.

  • Liebherr lists a total capacity of 276 L for the integrated ICBNci 5663 and 423 L for the freestanding CBNsdc 765i.
  • These two models have different dimensions and installation requirements, so check the specifications for the exact model.

Samsung

Samsung’s multi-door fridge freezers are worth considering if their generous capacity suits your shopping habits and you have enough width in your kitchen.

  • Samsung France lists a capacity of 648 L for the RM70F63NER and 674 L for the RF24BB620EB1EF.
  • According to Samsung France, the RM70F63NER is 912 mm wide and 683 mm deep; remember to measure the access route and allow for the doors to open.

Beko

Beko’s range of fridge freezers includes models with air circulation features or dedicated compartments for fresh food.

  • Beko describes AeroFlow as a feature designed to distribute the temperature more evenly throughout the fridge.
  • The manufacturer’s description doesn’t replace comparing the usable capacity, dimensions, noise level and annual kWh consumption of the model you choose.

Joybuy products related to this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do you compare two fridges of different sizes?

Compare their usable capacities for fresh and frozen food, then check their annual energy consumption in kWh rather than looking only at the energy rating. The European Commission says the energy label also provides information about noise; compare these figures with the capacity your household needs.

Is a small freezer compartment enough if you regularly buy frozen food?

A small freezer compartment may not be enough if you store a lot of frozen food. In this case, UFC-Que Choisir recommends looking at appliances with a separate freezer compartment; check its usable capacity in litres before choosing.

What noise level should you check for a fridge in an open-plan kitchen?

Check the model’s dB(A) rating and noise class on its label. UFC-Que Choisir cites less than 40 dB(A) as a guide for the quietest models. Use this to compare appliances, rather than as a guarantee that you won’t hear them.

How can you arrange for an old fridge to be collected in France?

Ask the retailer about collection when you buy your new appliance. According to ecosystem, collection of your old appliance can be arranged when you buy in store or at the time of delivery; check the practical arrangements for collection from your address in advance.