One person in a studio flat
If your kitchen is small, first check the available space and the access route for moving in. The capacity you need also depends on how often you shop and how much you use the freezer.
Which format is right for you?
A couple or house-share that freezes food regularly
A fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment rather than choosing based on total capacity alone.
A household that does a big weekly shop
A larger capacity can be useful if it matches the amount of food you store. Before choosing a large appliance, check where it will go and the entire delivery route.
What should you check before buying?
Start with the measurements that could prevent delivery or installation. Then decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, and compare the practical features of suitable appliances.
Table-top
Consider it: in a studio flat, if one person shops frequently and rarely freezes food.
Bear in mind: its compact size means less room for food and, depending on the model, less freezer space.
Single-door
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food and only need to freeze things occasionally.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if there is one, may not suit regular shops that include frozen food.
Fridge freezer
Consider it: if you need to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance every day.
Bear in mind: the balance between fridge and freezer space varies by model, so total capacity alone is not enough to compare two appliances.
Multi-door
Consider it: if your household stores large quantities and has a suitable kitchen and access route.
Bear in mind: its large size means you’ll need to check the access route carefully and allow enough room to open the doors.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and delivery | Measure the space, doorways and delivery route. If the dimensions are available, also check whether the appliance will fit through while still in its packaging. | If the entrance or kitchen is narrow, I want to be sure the fridge can reach its final spot without blocking the way. Around 31% of consumers prioritise access and the space the appliance takes up. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir Ensemble suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional occupant, as a starting point. | If I shop less often or buy a lot of frozen food, I want enough space in the right compartment. Capacity is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | For appliances that meet the same needs, compare kWh/year, noise level in dB(A) and usable capacity, rather than relying on the energy rating alone. | In a small living space, I want to take account of the noise and energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 23% of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
| Cooling and maintenance | Check the cooling system and which compartment has the frost-free function. Look at the freshness compartments on the specific model you’re considering. | If I often store fresh food or want to spend less time defrosting, I look for features that suit those habits. For around 15% of consumers, maintenance and food storage come ahead of other criteria. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of freezer space. A small freezer may not be enough if you regularly buy frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with your shopping habits.
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Measuring the kitchen but not the delivery route
An appliance may fit in its intended space but get stuck at a doorway, in a corridor or in a lift. Samsung recommends checking the route using the dimensions of the packaged appliance.
Measure every access point along the route. If access is tight, ask the retailer about delivery and unpacking arrangements.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The rating letter does not replace the annual energy consumption shown on the label, or checking that the capacity and noise level suit your needs.
Compare kWh/year, dB(A) and usable capacity for models that meet the same needs.
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Choosing a multi-door model without planning its installation
A large capacity is only useful if you’ll make use of the space and the doors can open properly once the appliance is installed.
Check the dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the annual energy consumption of the model you’re considering.
Brands to compare
Bosch
Worth considering for freestanding or integrated fridge freezers, depending on the dimensions and features you need.
- For the KGN36VLED, Bosch lists 237 L of fridge capacity, 89 L of freezer capacity and a noise level of 39 dB(A).
- These specifications apply to the KGN36VLED, not every Bosch appliance. Check the details for the model you choose.
Liebherr
Worth considering if you’re comparing integrated models and need to fit one into a kitchen unit.
- For the IRBSd 5121, Liebherr specifies a niche height of 177.2 to 178.8 cm, a width of 56 to 57 cm and a depth of 55 cm.
- Niche dimensions and freshness compartments vary by model. Check the exact model before planning the installation.
Beko
Worth considering among larger-capacity appliances when the layout of the compartments matters to your household.
- For some models, Beko advertises compartments with temperatures between 0 and 3 °C.
- Check each model to confirm whether these compartments are included and how they should be used. Their presence does not guarantee that all foods will keep for a particular length of time.
Samsung
Worth considering for a multi-door fridge if the capacity you need and your access requirements justify this format.
- Samsung describes the RF50C530ES9/EF as a 495 L model and recommends measuring doorways, corridors and lifts to check that the packaged appliance will fit through.
- The dimensions and features of the RF50C530ES9/EF apply to that model only. Don’t assume they’re the same for another model or colour without checking its product details.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
These models offer two ways to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance: multi-door models for households needing plenty of capacity, and fridge freezers to consider depending on the space available. For every model, check the delivery and installation measurements before you order.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door fridge, 495 L, black
Worth considering if your household needs plenty of space for fresh and frozen food, provided you have a suitable location and access route.
Advertised total capacity: 495 L; energy rating E.
Before ordering, check that the packaged appliance will fit through the access route and that there is enough clearance for installation.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS four-door fridge freezer, 467 L, silver
Worth considering for a household that does a big shop, if your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate a four-door appliance.
Advertised total capacity: 467 L; Total No Frost; energy rating E.
Check the space needed to open the doors and the packaged dimensions before delivery.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB fridge freezer, 282 L, stainless steel finish
Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer with the freezer at the bottom, once you’ve checked it will fit in your kitchen.
Advertised total capacity: 282 L; energy rating E.
If noise matters in your home, check the noise level for this model before choosing. Also make sure you allow for the required installation clearances.
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Hisense RB3K330SAFC freestanding fridge freezer, 330 L
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in a freestanding appliance.
Advertised total capacity: 330 L; No Frost; advertised noise level of 35 dB.
Check the packaged dimensions, access route and clearance needed for installation.
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CHiQ JR227LSE fridge freezer, 227 L, silver
Worth considering for a kitchen where width is limited, if you also need a freezer compartment.
Advertised capacity: 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing; 54 cm wide; reversible door; Low Frost.
Low Frost does not mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually. Also check the height, packaged dimensions and kWh/year for this model.
Frequently asked questions
How much capacity should you allow for one person, a couple or a family?
Que Choisir Ensemble suggests starting with 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 L for each additional occupant. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits, and check the freezer capacity separately if you often buy frozen food.
What should you measure before a fridge is delivered?
Measure the space and every access point on the way to the kitchen, including doorways, corridors, landings and lifts. Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the packaged appliance, if available, and check the clearance needed for installation.
Does No Frost mean you never have to defrost the freezer?
No Frost is worth considering if you want to spend less time dealing with frost, but check that the feature applies to the freezer compartment on the model you choose. Don’t confuse it with Low Frost, and compare capacity, energy use and noise too.
What should you compare on the energy label?
Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh, usable capacity and noise level of appliances suited to the same needs, rather than looking at the rating letter alone. According to ADEME, the energy label helps you compare energy use and noise, among other things; check the model’s product details as well.