First, measure the space, access routes and clearance needed to open the doors. Then choose fridge and freezer capacities to suit your habits. A compact fridge is a good fit where space is very limited; a larder fridge is best if frozen food is less of a priority, while a fridge freezer gives you both compartments in one appliance. A multi-door model needs more room, and any integrated model must fit the housing unit and meet the installation requirements for that specific model.
The number of people in your household is a useful starting point, but available space and how much frozen food you store matter too.
In a small kitchen, compare the appliance’s actual footprint, door clearance and noise level. With a compact fridge, pay particular attention to the usable capacity and whether it has a freezer compartment, as not all models do.
A fridge freezer lets you keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment separately, then check whether a freestanding or integrated model is right for your kitchen.
A large fridge freezer or multi-door model could suit bigger food shops. Before choosing a multi-door model, also measure its depth, the delivery access route and the space needed to open the doors. A plumbed-in dispenser also requires a suitable water supply.
Start with the available space, then work out how much capacity you need for fresh and frozen food. Next, compare day-to-day features and installation requirements across the models that could work for you.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance or housing unit, the delivery access route and the space needed to open the doors. Follow the ventilation clearance requirements in the model’s instructions. | My kitchen is narrow, or I need to fit the appliance into an existing unit. For an integrated model, a suitable-looking width isn’t enough: the housing unit and door system must also be compatible. |
| Style and capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Check whether the model is a compact fridge, larder fridge, fridge freezer or multi-door fridge, as well as how the storage is arranged. | I freeze food regularly, so freezer capacity matters just as much as the total. If I already have a separate freezer, I can prioritise fridge space with a larder fridge. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the energy label and noise level. To compare energy use, look at appliances of a similar type and capacity, as shown on the label presented by ADEME. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to the noise level listed for each model rather than judging it by size alone. |
| Cooling system | Check the cooling system and defrosting guidance for each compartment. Don’t assume that Low Frost means you’ll never need to defrost the appliance manually. | I want to know what maintenance I’ll still need to carry out, especially if I use the freezer regularly. |
| Water dispenser | Check the product details and instructions to see whether the dispenser uses a reservoir or needs to be connected to the mains water supply. Make sure there’s room for any pipes and access to a socket. | If I want a dispenser, I need to choose one that works with the water supply available where I plan to install it. |
The total doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for fresh or frozen food. An appliance might have the overall capacity you want but a freezer that’s too small for your needs.
Compare the capacity of both compartments and the layout of the drawers and shelves with the food you usually store.
A door that’s blocked by a wall makes it harder to access the storage inside. Integrated models also need to be installed with the specified clearances. Bosch notes that housing unit dimensions vary between its models.
Measure the space and access routes, then check them against the installation diagram for the exact model before ordering.
A dispenser connected to the mains and one that uses a reservoir have different installation requirements. Without a suitable water supply, you won’t be able to use a plumbed-in dispenser as intended.
Check the water supply requirements in the product details and instructions, as well as access to a socket and any pipes needed.
Two styles that fit your available space can have different energy use and noise levels. Noise is particularly worth considering in an open-plan living space.
Compare the energy label and noise level of appliances with a similar capacity and intended use.
These examples show a range of styles. Always check the features and installation requirements for the specific model you’re considering.
Beko offers freestanding compact fridges, which are worth considering if space is tight.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers.
Liebherr offers freestanding multi-door fridges for households looking for plenty of space.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, with a choice of capacities and styles. Compare their dimensions and compartments with your available space and storage habits.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of space for fresh and frozen food and have room for a multi-door model. The model name specifies 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before choosing this appliance, check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions, the delivery access route and the space needed to open the doors.
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Consider this model if you want a fridge and freezer in one 360 L appliance. The model name lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions and door clearance you’ll need at home.
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Worth a look if a stated width of 54 cm matters to you and you still want two separate storage areas. The model name specifies 262 L, a 70/30 split, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearance required. Low Frost doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a 150 cm-high fridge freezer with a freezer compartment. The model name specifies 174 L, a 70/30 split, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door, 39 dB and an E energy rating. Check which way the door can open, the required clearances and the defrosting guidance in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you want two compartments with a total capacity of 170 L. The product name breaks this down into 120 L of fridge space and 50 L of freezer space. It also specifies 40 dB and an E energy rating. Before choosing, check the dimensions and installation requirements for the specific model against your available space.
No. Also check the delivery access route, door clearance and ventilation gaps. For an integrated model, compare the housing unit dimensions and door system with the model’s installation diagram. Bosch notes that the housing unit dimensions for its appliances vary by model.
No. The unit must meet the dimensions and installation requirements of the appliance you choose, particularly for the door and ventilation. If it doesn’t fit, don’t force the installation. Instead, look for a model that suits the housing unit or consider a freestanding option.
No, it depends on the model. Bosch says that an appliance with a water and ice dispenser may need a water supply, while a model with a reservoir works differently. Check the water supply requirements in the product details and instructions.
Check the energy label and noise data for each fridge, then compare models of a similar type and capacity. ADEME presents the energy label as a way to compare energy use and noise. Make sure you also take any differences in style or capacity into account when choosing.