Households that shop less often
If you stock up for several days at a time, compare the fridge and freezer capacities rather than relying on the total capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking your shopping habits into account.
Which fridge format is right for you?
People with a small kitchen
In a studio flat or narrow kitchen, check the dimensions, the route to the space, the installation type and the ventilation requirements before choosing a capacity. Bosch Home Appliances France sets out the installation requirements for its models.
Households that prioritise fresh food
If you mainly store chilled food, consider whether you really need an integrated freezer. The Beko B1RMLNE444W is an example of a 365 L single-door fridge without a freezer, according to Beko France’s product information.
What should you compare before buying?
Tabletop fridge
Worth considering: if you have limited kitchen space and shop frequently, with few frozen foods.
Bear in mind: capacity is more limited, and a freezer compartment is not always included.
Single-door fridge
Worth considering: if you prioritise fresh food storage and can manage without an integrated freezer.
Bear in mind: a model without a freezer will not meet regular frozen food storage needs.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you want to divide your shopping between separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: some of the total capacity is taken up by the freezer, leaving less room for fresh food for the same overall size.
Multi-door fridge
Worth considering: if your less frequent shopping trips call for several storage zones, and your kitchen and access points can accommodate a large appliance.
Bear in mind: check the dimensions, door clearance and the capacity of each compartment. This format is not automatically right for every household.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Appliance and packaging dimensions, delivery route, door clearance, installation type and the ventilation instructions in the manual. | If your kitchen is narrow, check that the appliance can get through the access points and be installed correctly. Around 27 % of consumers say available space is their top priority. |
| Fridge capacity | Usable fridge volume, the layout of shelves and drawers, and how much fresh food you need to store between shopping trips. | If you shop for several days at a time, you need enough room for fresh food, so don’t rely on the total capacity alone. Around 27 % of consumers prioritise fridge capacity. |
| Freezer space | Whether there is a separate freezer compartment and its capacity in litres; don’t estimate its capacity from the total volume. | If frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, check that the compartment has enough room. Around 20 % of consumers put freezer capacity first. |
| Noise in living areas | The noise level stated in dB(A) on the label or product information, taking the intended location into account. The European Commission includes noise among the information on fridge energy labels. | In an open-plan kitchen or near a place to relax, you may want to compare the stated noise levels of the models you’re considering. Around 13 % of consumers make quiet operation their top priority. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Annual energy consumption in kWh and compartment volumes on the EU energy label, as well as information on parts availability for the exact model number. | If you want to compare running costs and plan for maintenance, check this information for each specific model. Around 13 % of consumers prioritise energy use and long-term maintenance. |
What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a fridge?
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Comparing total capacity alone
Two appliances can have a similar total capacity but divide the space between fresh and frozen food differently.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately to suit your shopping habits.
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Confusing appliance dimensions with installation dimensions
The packaging, access points, door clearance and ventilation requirements for the model can all matter too. Bosch Home Appliances France explains that installation requirements vary by appliance type.
Measure the route to your kitchen and the space where the appliance will go, then check the installation instructions before ordering.
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Assuming every tabletop fridge has a freezer
The Bosch KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB have the same stated dimensions, but only the KTL15NWEB has a freezer compartment. Their fridge capacities also differ, according to Bosch Home Appliances France.
Check the exact model number, whether it has a freezer compartment and how much space is available for fresh food.
Brands and models to know when comparing formats
Bosch
The French models mentioned here include a tabletop fridge and a freestanding fridge-freezer. They offer examples of different formats, but do not represent the entire range.
- Bosch lists the KTR15NWEB as having 134 L of fridge capacity and no freezer. The KGN33NLEB has separate compartments, with 193 L for fresh food and 89 L for frozen food.
- The KGN33NLEB has a stated noise level of 42 dB(A). These specifications apply to these specific models; any benefits attributed to the technologies described by Bosch are the manufacturer’s claims.
Beko
The B1RMLNE444W is an example of a freestanding, single-door fridge designed for fresh food storage, according to Beko France’s product information.
- The model’s product information states a net fridge capacity of 365 L.
- This model does not have a freezer, so it cannot meet freezer storage needs on its own.
Samsung
The RF48A401EB4/EF is an example of a multi-door format for a household with suitable space, according to Samsung France.
- Samsung states that this model has a capacity of 488 L and measures 833 × 1793 × 740 mm.
- Check delivery access and how the compartments are arranged. Samsung’s explanations of Twin Cooling are manufacturer information, not an independent comparison between brands.
Haier
The HCR5919ENMB Cube 90 Series 5 is an example of a freestanding, four-door multi-door fridge, according to Haier France.
- Haier lists the dimensions as 908 × 648 × 1900 mm.
- Check that its width suits the space and delivery route. Haier’s claims about food preservation depend on the test conditions specified by the brand and do not demonstrate general superiority.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes compact tabletop models, a fridge-freezer and larger-capacity options, so you can compare how they organise fresh and frozen food to suit your kitchen and shopping habits.
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CANDY CFQQ5T817EPS multi-door fridge, 467 L, No Frost, E energy rating, silver
This multi-door format may suit you if you’re looking to organise fresh and frozen food separately in a large-capacity appliance.
The product name states a capacity of 467 L, No Frost technology, an E energy rating and dimensions of 83.3 × 65 × 181.5 cm.
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SONLU CC-520WE fridge, 444 L, No Frost, 40 dB, E energy rating
Its stated capacity may appeal to households looking for plenty of storage space. Check how the capacity is divided between fresh and frozen food before choosing.
The product name states a capacity of 444 L, No Frost technology, a noise level of 40 dB and an E energy rating.
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SONLU CD-350RW fridge-freezer, 310 L, E energy rating
This fridge-freezer may suit you if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
The product name states 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm, an inverter compressor and a reversible door.
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TCL RF60DWE0FR tabletop mini fridge, 45 L, E energy rating
This compact format may work well in a small space or as an extra fridge. Check that its capacity suits the amount of food you want to store.
The product name states a capacity of 45 L and an E energy rating.
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COMFEE' RCT87WH2EU(E) countertop fridge, E energy rating, white
This countertop fridge may suit you if you’re looking for a compact appliance with flexible interior storage.
The product name lists a light, removable shelves, an adjustable thermostat, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a fridge
Can a freestanding fridge be installed in a space designed for an integrated model?
Don’t assume it will fit based on the appliance dimensions alone. Check the model’s manual for ventilation requirements, door clearance and installation type. Bosch Home Appliances France notes that its installation guidance for fitted spaces varies by model.
How can you compare the energy consumption of two fridges?
Compare the kWh/year shown on the European Union energy label, after checking that the fridge and freezer capacities meet your needs. According to the European Commission, the label also shows the energy rating, compartment volumes and noise level.
Does every fridge sold in France need to display a repairability index?
No. Fridges are not on the current list of product categories covered by the French repairability index, published by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. However, the DGCCRF states that there are information requirements concerning the availability of certain spare parts for domestic refrigeration appliances. Check the parts information and terms for the specific model you choose.
Does a commercial warranty replace the legal guarantee of conformity?
No. If you buy from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies under its terms. The DGCCRF states that you have two years from delivery of the goods to bring a claim. A commercial warranty is optional and applies in addition to the legal guarantee.