Before choosing a fridge, measure the space, check how far the doors open and follow the clearance requirements in the manual. A compact model is best when space is tight; a single-door fridge suits households that mainly need fresh-food storage; a fridge freezer offers space for both fresh and frozen food; and a multi-door model can handle a large family shop, provided your kitchen has room for it.
If space is limited, make sure a compact appliance leaves enough room for the door to open and for the ventilation clearances specified by the manufacturer. Que Choisir recommends a table-top model for studio flats; the clearance requirements vary from model to model.
If you keep both fresh and frozen food between shops, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than just the total volume. Que Choisir includes how often you shop and how much freezer space you need among its selection criteria.
Large quantities of food or bulky containers may call for a roomier model, as long as its width, depth and door clearance work in your kitchen. Que Choisir includes multi-door models among its family-sized options.
Whether you’re moving home or replacing an appliance, start by checking the space you can actually use. Then compare the capacity of each compartment with what you need to store between shops.
Worth considering : for a studio flat or kitchenette if you don’t store much food.
Bear in mind : a smaller footprint means less storage space; check the freezer section on the model you’re considering.
Worth considering : if you mainly buy fresh food and use little frozen food, or have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind : depending on the model, the freezer section may be limited to a small compartment.
Worth considering : if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance and shop for several days at a time.
Bear in mind : freezer capacity varies between models, even when their total volumes are similar.
Worth considering : if your family needs space for large quantities of food or bulky containers.
Bear in mind : this style needs enough room for the appliance itself and a delivery route that can accommodate its dimensions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery access and door clearance; check the manual for the required ventilation and clearances. | In a small kitchen, I need to install the appliance without blocking its door or ventilation; around 25 % of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Fresh-food storage | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and the layout of its shelves and drawers with the food and containers you need to store. | If I mainly store fresh food, I need enough room for my meals without giving too much space to frozen food; for around 25 % of consumers, fresh food is the main storage priority. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, as well as the freezer’s layout. | When my shopping needs to last several days, I need room for fresh and frozen food in their respective compartments; around 33 % of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Plenty of family storage | Check the capacity of each compartment and the space needed for the appliance’s width and depth, as well as clearance in front of the doors. | To store large quantities or bulky containers, I need plenty of capacity without making the kitchen difficult to use; this is the main priority for around 17 % of consumers. |
Two appliances with similar total capacities can offer very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A small freezer may not meet your needs if you freeze a lot of food.
Think about what you store between shops, then compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment.
A fridge may fit in its space but still not have enough room for the doors to open or for ventilation. Requirements vary depending on the model and how it is installed.
Check how far the doors need to open and follow the instructions in the manual ; for a built-in model, also compare the housing dimensions and the specified ventilation system.
Your storage needs aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing a style : a large appliance must also fit through to its final position and remain easy to use with the doors open.
Measure the delivery access and the available width and depth, then check the clearance in front of the appliance.
When replacing a fridge, arranging for the old one to be taken away is separate from installing the new appliance.
Agree the collection arrangements with the retailer when you place your order, including where and when the appliance will be collected.
Beko offers single-door and fridge-freezer models, as well as built-in and freestanding options, giving you several styles to compare to suit your available space.
The Bosch range includes fridge freezers and multi-door models, making it easy to compare different layouts and sizes.
Liebherr offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers in a range of sizes and capacities, depending on the model.
Compare the height, width and depth of the housing with the installation details for the model you’re considering, not just the visible dimensions of its front. Also check the door fitting and ventilation requirements : Bosch and Liebherr provide housing dimensions that vary between models.
Yes, follow the instructions in the manual. Bosch specifies a clear area of at least 200 cm² behind and beneath the appliances concerned, while a Beko manual says not to obstruct air circulation : check the requirements for the model you choose.
Anses recommends setting your fridge below 4 °C. Check the temperature after switching it on, and avoid overfilling it to the point where cold air can no longer circulate freely.