Households that shop for the week
If you put away several days’ worth of shopping at once, compare the capacity for fresh food with that of the freezer. The size of your household matters, but so does the way you divide up your shopping.
Who is this guide for?
People with small kitchens
In a compact space, check not only that the appliance fits, but also that its doors can open fully. For an integrated model, check that it’s compatible with your existing housing and cabinet.
Households that store lots of frozen food
A small freezer may not suit the way you shop. Compare its usable capacity and the layout of its compartments before choosing between a fridge freezer and a multi-door model.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
Start with the space available and how much fresh and frozen food you need to store between shops. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres as a starting point for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Compare this guide to your own storage habits.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for your shopping | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer with the size of your household and how often you shop. | When I bring home the weekly shop, I want to be able to put away fresh food without taking space away from frozen food. Around 37% of consumers put storage capacity at the top of their list. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and the layout of its drawers or compartments. | If frozen food makes up a large part of my shopping, a small freezer won’t meet my storage needs. Freezing capacity is the priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the space and check the doors can open; for an integrated model, also check the housing, door fixing and installation instructions. | In a compact kitchen or one with existing cabinetry, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without obstruction. Around 27% of consumers say compatibility is their main need. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A), then check the energy label and the consumption of appliances with a similar capacity. | If my kitchen is open-plan, the appliance’s noise matters every day; I also want to be able to compare its energy consumption. These are the top priorities for around 9% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
An appliance may be spacious overall and still offer too little room for frozen food. Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between a small freezer compartment and freezer space suited to storing larger quantities.
Work out separately how much you need to store in the fridge and freezer, then compare the usable capacities of each.
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Ordering an integrated model based on height alone
Two appliances of a similar height may need different housing, door fixings or installation conditions. Bosch explains that an integrated fridge is designed to fit a suitable cabinet.
Measure the housing and check the model’s instructions for door fixing and ventilation.
If the cabinet or door panel isn’t suitable, it may need adapting or you may need to arrange professional installation.
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Forgetting about access and door clearance for a multi-door model
The internal capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit through the access points or whether its doors can open in your kitchen.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go, and check the door clearance using the dimensions of the model you’ve chosen.
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Deciding based on the energy label or noise level alone
These details can help you compare appliances, but they don’t replace checking capacity, compartments and installation requirements.
First compare models that suit your shopping needs, then look at their stated energy consumption and noise levels together.
Brands to consider, depending on the style you’re looking for
Bosch
The Bosch range includes freestanding and integrated fridges, including single-door models and compact fridge freezers.
- The different styles give you options to compare for storing fresh food, depending on your kitchen layout.
- For an integrated model, check the housing, door fixing and instructions for the exact model. Claims about food preservation linked to VitaFresh are made by the brand.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers fridge freezers, including integrated models.
- These styles let you compare the space for fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
- The brand’s claims about food preservation or energy savings don’t replace checking the specifications of the model you choose and the conditions it will be used in.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool range includes multi-door and American-style fridges with separate compartments.
- Some models feature convertible zones or a function called Triple No Frost; check it’s included on the model you’re considering.
- Check the width and depth, the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors.
Liebherr
The Liebherr range includes freestanding, table-top and integrated models in a variety of capacities and dimensions.
- The range specifications let you search by capacity, noise level or housing dimensions.
- Always check the specifications for the model you choose; claims about food preservation linked to EasyFresh are made by the manufacturer.
Fridges to suit your needs
These Joybuy fridge freezers and multi-door models are for households looking to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance. Compare their total capacity with the space available; if you’re looking for a compact model or an integrated installation, check the relevant criteria in the table above first.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS multi-door fridge freezer, 467 L, silver
Worth considering if you do a big shop and want to store fresh and frozen food in a multi-door model.
Four doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E are listed in the product title. Before choosing, check the delivery route, door clearance and ventilation requirements.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA fridge freezer, 390 L, grey
This fridge freezer is worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Energy rating C is listed in the product title. If freezer defrosting is important to you, check how it works in the model’s specifications or manual.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door fridge, 495 L, black
Compare this model if you’re looking for a multi-door fridge with plenty of room for fresh and frozen food.
Energy rating E is listed in the product title. Before choosing this style, check the delivery route, the space needed to open the doors and the model’s ventilation instructions.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN fridge freezer, 344 L, black
This fridge freezer is worth comparing for its storage capacity for fresh and frozen food.
Energy rating E is listed in the product title. Check how the freezer defrosts in the model’s manual before making this a deciding factor.
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Indesit IT70 832 S fridge freezer, 437 L, stainless-steel finish
Worth considering for a big shop that needs space for both chilled and frozen food.
This freestanding model is listed with energy rating E. The freezer needs to be defrosted manually, so factor in this maintenance and check that the appliance will fit and the doors can open where you plan to put it.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should you allow for the size of your household?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres as a starting point for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Then adjust your choice to how often you shop and check separately how much space you need for frozen food.
Is a small freezer enough if you buy lots of frozen food?
As Que Choisir points out, a small freezer may not be suitable for storing large quantities of frozen food. Check the usable capacity and layout of the freezer compartment rather than relying on the fridge’s total capacity.
What should you check before ordering an integrated fridge?
Check the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation instructions for the specific model. Bosch explains that an integrated appliance is designed to fit a suitable cabinet; the manual for the fridge you choose will provide the installation details you need.
What should you do if a new fridge doesn’t match its description?
In France, you can invoke the statutory legal guarantee of conformity with the professional seller if an item doesn’t match its description. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this guarantee is compulsory for goods sold by a professional to a private individual. Tell the seller how the fridge you received differs from its description.