Small kitchen
If space is tight, measure the area and check that the door can open. A compact appliance may mean shopping more often or having less room for groceries.
Which format is right for you?
A mix of fresh and frozen food
If your regular shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, compare the capacity of each compartment separately rather than relying on the total capacity.
Mostly fresh food
If you mainly buy fresh food, choose chilled storage that suits your habits and check how much space is actually set aside for freezing.
What should you check before buying?
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Space, ventilation and door clearance | Measure the space and delivery route; check the manual for the clearances required and the door-opening direction for the model. | If your kitchen is narrow, you’ll want to make sure the appliance can be installed and opened without blocking the way. Around 31% of consumers prioritise the space it takes up. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the litres allocated to the freezer separately from chilled capacity; also check the type of compartment. | If you often buy frozen food, you’ll want enough room for it without relying on the total capacity alone. Around 25% of consumers prioritise frozen food storage. |
| Fresh food storage | Check the chilled capacity, shelf layout and available space for your containers. | If most of your shopping is fresh food, you’ll want storage that suits the meals you make. Around 25% of consumers prioritise fresh food capacity. |
| Large shops and energy use | Check the capacity of each compartment and compare the kWh/year shown on the labels of the models you’re considering. | If you do a big shop, you’ll want plenty of capacity without overlooking the space available or the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 19% of consumers prioritise having plenty of storage. |
Que Choisir recommends taking your shopping habits, freezer needs and kitchen size into account. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously, so compare the energy use of models that meet your storage needs.
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at total capacity
Two fridges with a similar total capacity can divide the space between chilled and frozen storage differently. For example, according to Beko’s product information, the Beko TSE1284N has 101 l for fresh food and a 13 l four-star freezer compartment.
Before choosing, compare the chilled and frozen capacities separately and consider what you usually buy.
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Assuming an appliance will fit in an alcove because it’s narrower
Ventilation and door clearance vary by model. A feature advertised for one appliance doesn’t automatically apply to others.
Measure the space and check the manual for the exact model to confirm the necessary clearances and door swing.
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Choosing a large model without checking its energy use
ADEME says that a larger size and features you don’t need can increase the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
Compare the kWh/year of models that offer the capacity you need.
Brands to consider by format
Beko
The TSE1284N is an example of a tabletop fridge suited to a compact kitchen.
- Beko’s product information gives this model 101 l of fresh food space and a 13 l four-star freezer compartment.
- These figures apply to the TSE1284N and don’t indicate the capacity of other Beko models.
Liebherr
The Ksfd1820 is an example of a larder fridge designed to prioritise chilled storage.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 399 l and external dimensions of 185,5 × 59,7 × 67,5 cm for this model.
- Total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much freezer space there is. Check the compartment breakdown on the product page for the model you choose.
Bosch
The KGV36VBEAS is an example of a fridge-freezer with separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
- Bosch lists 214 l of chilled capacity and 94 l of freezer capacity for this model.
- The product information says this model doesn’t have No Frost; also check its installation instructions in the manual.
Haier
The HCR79F18CHMB is an example of a multi-door fridge to consider if your kitchen can accommodate a wide appliance.
- Haier lists four doors and a width of 905 mm for this model.
- The manufacturer’s claims about freshness technologies haven’t been independently compared here; make sure you also measure the space needed to open the doors.
Hisense
The RB5K330GSFC is an example of a fridge-freezer with front ventilation to consider when side clearance is limited.
- Hisense lists a width of 595 mm and says the door can open beyond 103° with minimal side clearance on this model.
- These details apply specifically to the RB5K330GSFC and don’t confirm that it will fit every alcove: check the manual for the exact model.
Fridges to discover on Joybuy
This selection includes compact fridges, larder fridges, fridge-freezers and multi-door models, so you can compare formats based on the space available and the balance of fresh and frozen storage you’re looking for.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, three-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer for shopping that includes both fresh and frozen food.
360 L; energy rating E; Total No Frost; Wi-Fi and My Zone.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE French-door fridge-freezer, 485 L
Worth a look if you’re considering a multi-door model for larger shops. First, check the dimensions and make sure the doors can open in your kitchen.
485 L; energy rating E; Total No Frost; Multi Air Flow; water dispenser; 38 dB.
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LG GBBS322CEV, bottom freezer, 375 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer for shopping that includes both fresh and frozen food.
375 L; energy rating C.
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Upstreman CR85, 85 L, black
Worth a look if you’re after a compact fridge; measure the space available before choosing.
85 L; adjustable thermostat from 0 to 12 ℃; interior light; salad drawer; 39 dB; reversible door.
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Sonlu CS-100L, larder fridge, 82 L
Worth considering if you prioritise fresh food storage and don’t need a freezer compartment in this appliance.
82 L; energy rating E; no freezer compartment.
Frequently asked questions
How do you compare two fridges with different capacities?
Compare chilled and frozen capacities separately, then check the kWh/year and noise level shown on the EU energy label. The European Commission explains that the label also gives the energy rating and storage capacities. Then check the dimensions and door clearance to make sure the fridge will suit your kitchen.
Can a fridge-freezer be placed against a wall?
It depends on the model and how it’s installed. Bosch recommends allowing enough ventilation space for its fridge-freezers, while Hisense describes a specific design feature on the RB5K330GSFC. Check the manual for the exact model and make sure there’s enough room for the door to open before deciding where to place it.
What temperature should fresh food be stored at?
Anses recommends a storage temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Check your appliance’s actual temperature and arrange your food accordingly.
What protections and take-back options apply in France?
For eligible goods bought from a professional seller, the French Ministry of the Economy says the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, including to new, second-hand and refurbished goods; it gives a two-year period in which to make a claim. When a new appliance is sold, the “one-for-one” take-back scheme requires the retailer to take back an equivalent old appliance free of charge. Check with the seller for the practical arrangements for collection when your order is delivered.