Small home with frequent shopping trips
In a studio flat or a narrow kitchen, you’ll want to save space and may prefer to shop regularly rather than store large quantities of food.
Which household needs does each type suit?
Household that cooks and freezes food every day
You’ll need to divide your shopping between chilled storage and a freezer compartment suited to ready meals and frozen food.
Large family or household that likes to stock up
You’re looking for plenty of capacity and easy access to food, provided your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate a larger appliance.
What should you check before choosing?
First rule out any styles that won’t fit properly, then compare fridge and freezer capacity separately with your shopping habits. A table-top fridge suits compact spaces; the capacity of a single-door model depends on whether it has a freezer compartment; a fridge freezer separates the two uses, while a multi-door model needs more room.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, the delivery route and door clearance; check the manual for ventilation clearances. | If my kitchen is narrow, there’s no point choosing a generous capacity if the door won’t open or the appliance won’t fit through. Around 33% of consumers put installation first. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare fridge and freezer capacity in litres separately, taking into account the number of people in your household and how often you shop. | To store the week’s shopping and frozen meals, I need a split that matches what I actually keep in the fridge; around 33% of consumers put this need first. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the stated kWh/year, energy class and dB(A) for each model, particularly if your kitchen is open-plan. | In a living space close to the kitchen, I want to consider noise as well as the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously. Around 17% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Storage and access | Look at the layout of the drawers and shelves, as well as which way the door can open. | If I often store meals and a variety of foods, I want to find them easily without choosing the wrong capacity; nearly 17% of consumers prioritise organisation. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on the available width
Depth, height, the delivery route, door clearance and ventilation can also prevent a proper installation. The required clearances vary by model.
Measure the route and the space, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual before ordering.
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Assuming a large total capacity means a big enough freezer
A spacious fridge may still have a freezer compartment that’s too small for regular frozen-food shopping.
Compare the capacity of each compartment separately and consider how it suits your shopping and ready meals.
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Automatically choosing a multi-door model for a family
The extra capacity is only useful if you’ll use it and have enough space. ADEME points out that a larger size and extra features can increase electricity consumption.
Compare a fridge freezer and a multi-door model against the capacity you need, then check their dimensions, stated annual energy consumption and noise level.
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Relying on the name of a technology without checking the model
Drawers, access features and cooling systems vary between ranges. Manufacturers’ stated benefits may depend on test conditions.
Choose the space and capacity you need first, then check the exact model’s product details for its features and the conditions behind any claims.
Brands to consider by model
Bosch
The KIR81VFE0 is an example of a built-in, single-door fridge for a kitchen with a compatible housing unit.
- Bosch states that this model has 310 L of fridge capacity and no freezer compartment.
- Check the housing unit and plan another solution if you need to freeze food; these features don’t apply to the whole range.
LG
LG offers, among others, the 387 L GBV22NCCPY fridge freezer and the 646 L GMK960EV2E multi-door model.
- These two models let you compare different capacities and styles to suit the space available.
- These capacities apply to these specific models. Check the dimensions and energy label of the model you choose; claims about the effects of cooling technologies are based on LG’s statements and their test conditions.
Haier
The HTW5618DNMG and HCR59F18DNMM illustrate a three-door model and a multi-door model in different sizes.
- Haier states that the HTW5618DNMG is 595 mm wide, compared with 905 mm for the HCR59F18DNMM.
- The multi-door model needs considerably more space; also check the depth, height and clearance requirements of the model you choose.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
These models let you compare multi-door fridges, fridge freezers and a single-door fridge with an integrated freezer compartment. Choose according to the space available and how much frozen food you need to store, rather than looking at total capacity alone.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door multi-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want fridge and freezer storage in one multi-door appliance and have enough room for it.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check its full dimensions, installation clearances and the split between fridge and freezer capacity before choosing.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L multi-door fridge
Consider this model if you’re looking for a large capacity and have room for a multi-door fridge in your kitchen.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 495 L and an E energy class. Measure the space and check the split between fridge and freezer capacity, the clearances and any connection requirements for the dispenser.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if you need to store fresh and frozen food in a kitchen where width is a key consideration.
The model name specifies 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy class. Check the other dimensions, clearances and the model’s annual energy consumption.
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Heinrich´s, 253 L fridge freezer
Worth comparing if you want separate spaces for fresh food and frozen food.
The product name indicates 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, 39 dB and No Frost. Check the full dimensions, clearances and annual energy consumption before choosing this model.
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Candy CIO 225 EE/N, 179 L single-door fridge with freezer
Worth considering if everyday fridge storage matters more to you than keeping large quantities of frozen food.
The product name indicates a total capacity of 179 L and a single door. Check the freezer compartment capacity, the intended installation type, the dimensions and ventilation requirements before fitting it in your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity should I choose for my household?
Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to how often you shop, and compare freezer capacity separately if you store frozen food.
Should you leave space around your fridge?
Yes. Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. LG’s support guidance recommends at least 10 cm around the appliances covered by its installation advice, but this isn’t a rule that applies to every fridge.
Where can I compare the energy use and noise levels of two models?
Compare the stated figures for the exact models rather than assuming how they’ll perform based on their style. For models covered by the European Union’s energy labelling rules, the energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database provide useful details for comparison.
Does a large fridge always use more energy?
Not necessarily when comparing every pair of models: check their stated annual energy consumption. ADEME points out that a larger size and extra features can increase energy use, so it’s worth choosing a capacity you’ll actually use.