Choose a format that suits the space available and what you actually store: a compact model works well if you have little room and don’t keep many frozen foods, while a fridge-freezer combines both functions and a multi-door model needs more space. A separate freezer is worth considering if the built-in compartment regularly falls short and you can accommodate the extra space and electricity use. In a living space, the stated noise level alone won’t tell you how disruptive it will feel, notes Que Choisir.
You need to fit your fridge into a small kitchen or living space, and you’re sensitive to noise. Saving space can mean less room for frozen food. Que Choisir highlights the importance of noise levels in studio flats and open-plan kitchens.
You want enough space for fresh and frozen food without choosing a large model based solely on the number of people in your household. Que Choisir recommends considering how often you shop and how much you freeze.
You need room for regular supplies or batches of food you’ve prepared and frozen, and want to decide whether the built-in compartment is sufficient or a separate freezer is worth the space.
Measure the space and access routes, then compare the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately. The ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers run continuously, so check the annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering too.
| Priority | What to check before buying | Who cares most about it? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and access | Measure the space, delivery access routes and door clearance for the model you’re considering. | If my kitchen is narrow, I want to make sure the appliance will fit and the doors can open without getting in the way. Around 25% of consumers are thought to prioritise size. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the dB(A) rating for the exact model and, where available, tests describing how noisy it sounds. The stated figure doesn’t guarantee acoustic comfort. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to avoid an appliance near my living area disturbing my sleep or quiet moments. Around 19% of consumers are thought to prioritise noise. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and layout. A compact freezer compartment doesn’t necessarily serve the same purpose as a freezer. | If I shop less often or regularly prepare food to freeze, I want the compartment to suit the amount I usually store. Around 25% of consumers are thought to prioritise freezing capacity. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering. If you choose a separate freezer, add the consumption figures for both appliances together. | For an appliance that runs continuously, I want to compare annual consumption before choosing a larger format or a second appliance. Around 12% of consumers are thought to prioritise running costs. |
| Fresh food space | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and interior layout with your usual shopping, rather than relying on the total capacity alone. | Between shops, I want to store my fresh food without giving up more freezer space than necessary. Around 19% of consumers are thought to prioritise fresh food capacity. |
The top compartment in some compact models can be used to store food that’s already frozen, but it may not meet the same needs as a freezer. Que Choisir distinguishes between these uses.
Check the type and capacity of the compartment, then compare them with your usual shopping and what you want to freeze.
The space for fresh and frozen food may not suit your habits. The ADEME also notes that a larger size and unnecessary extra features can increase electricity consumption.
Compare usable capacities, dimensions and kWh/year figures for the configurations you’re considering.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, the stated figure alone won’t tell you whether the noise will be disruptive day to day. Que Choisir notes that the noise level on the label isn’t enough, on its own, to predict how disruptive it will feel.
Compare the stated noise level for the exact model with tests describing how noisy it sounds, where available.
Free collection of an equivalent used appliance doesn’t mean that every delivery or installation service is also free. The DGCCRF distinguishes “one-for-one” take-back from other services.
Ask what take-back arrangements are available and check any optional services separately before placing your order.
Separate services you request may be charged for, depending on the seller’s offer.
The TSE1284N is an example of a table-top option for a small kitchen. Beko lists this model as 54 cm wide.
The KGN36VLED fridge-freezer is listed with a 237 l fridge and an 89 l freezer, and measures 186 × 60 × 66 cm.
The RF48A400EM9/EF multi-door model is listed with a 488 l capacity and measures 833 × 1 793 × 740 mm.
Two models illustrate different uses: the CNsfc 574i fridge-freezer, listed at 371 l, and the CFe 2500 chest freezer, listed at 497 l.
This selection includes compact fridges, fridge-freezers and a multi-door model, so you can compare options for different space and storage requirements.
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This format combines separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
Stated capacities: 235 l for the fridge and 125 l for the freezer. Dimensions: 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm. The product details list 35 dB(A), 271 kWh/year and No Frost.
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A fridge-freezer to consider if you’d like to store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
Stated capacities: 238 l for the fridge and 98 l for the freezer. The product details list 35 dB(A), 135 kWh/year, energy rating B, Total No Frost and three freezer drawers.
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This multi-door format may suit you if you’re looking for plenty of capacity and have enough room for the appliance and its doors to open.
Stated capacities: 336 l for the fridge and 149 l for the freezer. The product details list 38 dB(A), 295 kWh/year, energy rating E and Total No Frost.
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Consider its countertop format if space is limited and the storage it offers suits your shopping habits.
The product details mention a reversible door, removable shelves and a noise level of 40 dB. The title states energy rating E.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer combines storage for fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Stated capacities: 115 l for the fridge and 59 l for the freezer. The product details list Low Frost, a noise level of 39 dB, a four-star compartment, three drawers and a reversible door. The title states energy rating E.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir distinguishes the freezer compartment in some table-top models, designed to keep food that’s already frozen for a limited time, from a proper freezer compartment. Check the model’s product details and see whether its capacity suits how you plan to use it.
Measure the space and delivery access routes, check that the doors can open and follow the clearances and warnings in the manual for your chosen model. Bosch recommends consulting the manual before installing its appliances; these specific instructions don’t automatically apply to other brands.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of the models you’re considering. If you choose two appliances, add their annual consumption figures together. The cost in euros will then depend on the price per kWh you’re charged.
For a purchase made by an individual from a professional seller, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity is mandatory for new, second-hand and refurbished goods, according to the Ministry of the Economy. When you buy new equipment, free “one-for-one” take-back of an equivalent used appliance must be offered. Check the practical arrangements with the seller.
Yes. The DGCCRF lists household refrigeration appliances among the products covered by the labelling requirements in force since 1 March 2021, and the Ministry of the Economy confirms that the rules also apply to online sales. To compare current appliances, use the A to G scale rather than the old A+, A++ or A+++ ratings.