First, choose a fridge that fits the available space. Then compare the room for fresh and frozen food separately, based on how often you shop. A table-top or single-door model may suit smaller shops; a fridge-freezer lets you consider a separate freezer for larger shops. If you’re considering a large multi-door model, check that it can be brought in and that the doors can open fully. For an integrated model, check the housing, door front and ventilation requirements specified for that model.
If space is limited and you don’t store many frozen foods, look at the usable capacity, the appliance’s footprint and the space needed to open its door. UFC-Que Choisir lists table-top models among the formats suited to studio flats.
If you bring home fresh and frozen food in one weekly shop, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking at the total volume alone. UFC-Que Choisir’s testing protocol includes a full weekly shop.
If you’re replacing an integrated appliance, check the housing unit, door-front fitting and airflow before choosing a model. Bosch says that integrated fridges are designed to fit a suitable housing unit.
First rule out formats that can’t be installed in your kitchen, then compare the space you need for your shopping. Next, compare noise and energy consumption between appliances with similar capacities. Treat integration as a separate installation consideration from the fridge format.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the door clearance; follow the instructions for airflow. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to install and open the appliance without obstructing the other cabinets. Around 34% of consumers put this space constraint first. |
| Storage for your shopping | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then check the layout of the compartments. | Whether I shop weekly or less often, I need room for both fresh and frozen food. This capacity is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the dB rating, noise class and kWh/year on the labels of appliances with similar formats and capacities. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to take operating noise into account without overlooking energy consumption. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these day-to-day considerations. |
| Fitting into kitchen units | For an integrated model, check the housing unit, door-front fixing and ventilation diagram against the model’s instructions. | When replacing an integrated appliance, I want to keep my kitchen’s existing door front without choosing an incompatible model. This is the main consideration for around 13% of consumers. |
A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment you use most.
Compare the capacity for fresh and frozen food with how often you shop and how much frozen food you buy.
Similar external dimensions don’t necessarily mean an appliance will fit the housing unit and door front.
Check the installation plan for the exact model against your housing unit, door fitting and kitchen ventilation.
Bosch recommends using a professional for installation: factor this in if you’re planning to have the appliance fitted.
The rating letter alone doesn’t tell you whether the capacity suits your needs or what annual energy consumption is shown on the label.
When comparing similar appliances, also check the kWh/year, the capacity of both compartments and the noise information. The European Commission presents the rating and energy consumption as two separate details on the label.
A multi-door fridge may suit larger shops, but it still needs to fit through the delivery route and have enough room for its doors to open properly in your kitchen.
Measure the route to its final position, its depth and the door clearance before you choose.
Worth considering if you’re looking at an integrated fridge and its installation documentation.
A brand to consider for integrated single-door and fridge-freezer configurations.
Worth considering when comparing a large integrated fridge-freezer using its product details and installation documents.
These fridge-freezer and multi-door models offer a range of capacities for fresh and frozen food. Compare their format with the space you have and how often you shop.
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Consider this if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a fridge-freezer. Check how the capacity is divided, then make sure your kitchen has enough room for its height, depth and door clearance.
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This multi-door model is aimed at shoppers looking for plenty of room for their food. Check the delivery route dimensions and door clearance, and see how the capacity is divided between fresh and frozen food.
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Compare this if you need room for larger shops but don’t want a multi-door model. Check where it will go and whether the freezer’s defrosting method suits the level of maintenance you’re happy with.
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This large model may suit your storage needs if your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate it. Check the door clearance and, if you plan to use the dispenser, read the instructions for its water supply requirements.
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Consider this if you’d prefer a fridge-freezer to a large multi-door model. Before deciding where to put it, check its depth, door clearance and ventilation requirements. Also compare its kWh/year and noise level with those of the other models you’re considering.
Start with how much fresh and frozen food you need to store between shops. UFC-Que Choisir recommends table-top models for studio flats. If you regularly store frozen food, compare the capacity of a separate freezer compartment with the space the fridge-freezer will take up.
Not based on external dimensions alone. An integrated model needs to suit the housing unit, door-front fitting and ventilation setup, so check these against the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Compare the noise information for fridges with similar formats and capacities, but don’t assume the dB figure alone will tell you how noticeable the noise will be in your room. Operating cycles and your kitchen’s acoustics can also affect how loud it seems.
No. Check the annual energy consumption and the capacity of each compartment too. The European Commission says the label shows both the efficiency rating and energy consumption. Compare these details for appliances with capacities that suit your shopping needs.