Households with a small kitchen
In a studio flat or kitchenette, check the space available, access and door clearance before choosing a capacity. Que Choisir specifically recommends tabletop fridges for studio flats.
Who is this advice for?
Households that shop regularly and buy frozen food
Freezer capacity matters just as much as space for fresh food. Que Choisir recommends matching your fridge format to how often you shop and how much frozen food you buy.
Households fitting out a fitted kitchen
If the appliance needs to fit into a housing unit, check its dimensions, the door fixing system and the model’s ventilation requirements. Bosch and Whirlpool’s guides distinguish these requirements from those for a freestanding appliance.
Which features should you prioritise?
Start with the space available, then choose a fresh-to-frozen capacity split that suits your shopping habits. Your kitchen will also determine whether you need a built-in or freestanding model: a built-in appliance must fit its housing unit and meet its ventilation requirements, while a freestanding model gives you more flexibility over where you place it, according to Whirlpool’s guide.
Tabletop or compact
Consider it: for a studio flat or smaller, frequent shops when space is very limited.
Bear in mind: there will be less room for groceries, especially if you store a lot of frozen food.
Single door
Consider it: if you prioritise refrigeration and rarely use a freezer, or have a separate freezer.
Check: a small freezer compartment may not be large enough for all your frozen food.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it: if you want your main appliance to provide both refrigeration and a separate freezer.
Check: the capacity of each compartment, as the total capacity doesn’t show how much space is available for frozen food.
Multi-door
Consider it: if you buy large quantities and want separate storage zones.
Bear in mind: its large size must be suitable for your kitchen and delivery route, with enough room for the doors to open.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Overall dimensions and route into the kitchen; door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking access or preventing the door from opening. Around 31% of consumers say that fitting the available space is their top concern. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Usable capacity of each compartment, shown separately; freezer layout. | If I regularly shop for both fresh and frozen food, I want enough room for each. This balance is said to be the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Storage and organisation | Capacity of each compartment and the layout of drawers, shelves or dedicated zones; external dimensions. | For a big shop or a large household, I want storage that’s easy to access without overfilling the shelves. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise storage and organisation above all else. |
| Fitting and everyday use | Whether it fits the housing unit, if required; energy consumption in kWh/year and noise level in dB(A). | In a fitted or open-plan kitchen, I first consider how well the appliance will fit, as well as its noise level and energy consumption. These are said to be the priorities for around 13% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Looking only at the total capacity
A high total capacity can hide a freezer that’s too small for your shopping needs. Que Choisir links your choice to how often you shop and how much frozen food you buy; the European EPREL database lists the capacity of each compartment separately.
Compare the litres available for fresh and frozen food, then check that the drawers and shelves suit the food you store.
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Ordering a built-in model without checking the housing unit
A built-in appliance must fit the kitchen unit and be installed according to the instructions. Bosch recommends using a professional installer, while Whirlpool says professional installation is often necessary.
Before ordering, check the housing unit’s dimensions, the front panel fixing, the door system and ventilation openings against the model’s instructions.
Installation may require a professional or modifications to your kitchen unit.
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Choosing a multi-door model for its features before checking its size
Adjustable zones or connected features won’t make an appliance suitable for a narrow front door, access route or kitchen. Les Numériques highlights the large size of this category.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go, then allow enough room for the doors to open before looking at extra features.
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Confusing the legal guarantee with a commercial warranty
For purchases from a professional seller in France, the legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory, according to the Ministry of the Economy. A commercial warranty is optional, so consider what extra protection it genuinely provides.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare the faults covered, exclusions, service conditions and length of the additional cover.
Brands to consider for your needs
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re comparing built-in models or a single-door fridge for a fitted kitchen.
- Bosch offers freestanding and built-in ranges, as well as installation guidance for integrated models.
- For a built-in appliance, follow the dimensions and ventilation requirements for your chosen model rather than allowing for a different kitchen unit.
Whirlpool
Worth considering if your choice between a freestanding and built-in model depends on your kitchen unit and installation requirements.
- The brand’s product specifications let you compare model-specific details, such as housing unit dimensions and noise levels.
- According to Whirlpool’s guide, built-in models often need to be installed by a professional. Check the requirements for both the model and your kitchen unit.
Haier
Worth considering if you’re looking at a freestanding fridge-freezer or multi-door model with drawers and separate zones.
- Haier’s French catalogue features both formats, including multi-door models measuring 83 cm wide.
- Check the exact model’s dimensions, capacity, noise level and energy consumption rather than choosing based only on its technology features.
Samsung
Worth considering if you’re comparing fridge-freezers and multi-door models for capacity and available space.
- Samsung France offers several formats, including appliances listed at over 600 L and 90 cm wide.
- Look at connected features or customisable zones only after checking that the appliance’s size and compartments suit your needs.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These models include fridge-freezers that keep fresh and frozen food separate, plus a multi-door model for larger shops. Compare their dimensions and compartments with your kitchen and shopping habits.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge-freezer, silver
Worth a look if you want separate fresh and frozen storage in a kitchen where width is a key consideration.
The model name indicates a 153 L fridge, a 74 L 4-star freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating.
Also measure the height, depth and door clearance. Compare the kWh/year and noise level if these matter to you.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN 344 L fridge-freezer, black
Worth considering if you shop regularly and want one appliance for both fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 344 L and an E energy rating.
Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions, ventilation clearance and door opening space for your kitchen.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 495 L multi-door fridge, black
Worth considering if you need plenty of storage and have room for a multi-door appliance.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 495 L and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment against your needs for fresh and frozen food.
Check the floor space it will take up, the delivery route and the room needed to open the doors.
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Comfee’ by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E) 174 L fridge-freezer, black
Worth a look if you want separate fresh and frozen storage while keeping an eye on how much space the appliance takes up.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 174 L, a freestanding design, Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat, LED lighting and a reversible door.
Compare the capacity of each compartment with your shopping needs, and check the dimensions, kWh/year and noise level before choosing.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB 282 L fridge-freezer, stainless steel
Worth considering if you’re looking for a main appliance with a separate freezer for regular shops.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 282 L, a bottom freezer and an E energy rating.
Check how the capacity is split between compartments, the noise level if your kitchen opens onto your living area, and the clearances specified in the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure before choosing a built-in or freestanding fridge?
Measure the space, the delivery route and the room needed to open the doors. For a built-in model, also measure the housing unit and check the front panel fixing and ventilation requirements in the instructions. Bosch’s guidance for certain cabinets is no substitute for the instructions for your chosen model.
How can you compare two fridges without looking only at total capacity?
Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then compare annual energy consumption in kWh/year and noise level in dB(A). The European EPREL database lists these details for registered models. Compare them with how often you shop and the space available.
Is a multi-door fridge always a better choice for a family?
No. It’s a good choice if the extra storage and layout justify its size, and your kitchen has room for it. Before choosing this format, check the capacity of each compartment, the route into the room and the space needed to open the doors.
Should you take out an extended warranty for a new fridge?
No, it isn’t essential. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private customer, as the Ministry of the Economy explains. Check what a commercial warranty actually adds, including its exclusions and service conditions.