First, choose a fridge that will fit in your kitchen and whose doors can open properly. Then compare the space available for fresh and frozen food separately. A table-top or single-door fridge can suit you if you need little freezer space; for regular shops that include frozen food, consider a fridge-freezer instead. A multi-door fridge offers plenty of storage, provided your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate it.
If you often restock fresh food but have limited width or depth, consider compact models. If your kitchen is close to your living space, check the storage capacity and stated noise level too. UFC-Que Choisir highlights a table-top fridge as one option for a studio flat.
If you store both fresh and frozen food, compare the available litres in each compartment rather than looking at the total capacity alone. The European Commission says the energy label lists these capacities separately.
Plenty of storage can make it easier to put away a large shop, as long as the appliance can be brought through to the kitchen and there’s enough room to open its doors. UFC-Que Choisir highlights these considerations for large American-style models.
Consider it: for a studio flat or very small kitchen, if you store little fresh food and few or no frozen items.
Limitation: the compact design offers less storage space; check the freezer compartment if you need one.
Consider it: if you mainly shop for fresh food and have limited freezing needs.
Limitation: the freezer compartment may be small, depending on the model. UFC-Que Choisir advises against relying on a small freezer compartment if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider it: if your regular shop calls for separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
Limitation: the capacity split varies by model. A suitable total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in each compartment.
Consider it: for large shops, if your available space and delivery access can accommodate your chosen model.
Limitation: check its size and energy consumption. UFC-Que Choisir notes that American-style models can use more energy than standard designs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and door clearance | Measure the space and access route, then check the model’s instructions for ventilation and door clearance. | In a small kitchen or with a narrow access route, I need to be able to install the appliance and reach the drawers without blocking the way. Around 29% of consumers put this first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres, based on how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food. | For my regular shop, I want to store fresh food without running out of room for frozen items. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the noise emissions and annual consumption in kWh on the label; compare appliances with similar capacities and features. | When the kitchen opens onto the living space, I pay attention to noise while keeping an eye on the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 21% of consumers put these two points first. |
| Large family capacity | Compare usable capacity with the model’s dimensions, weight and delivery route. | If I bring home a big shop for the household, I’m looking for more space without choosing an appliance that can’t be delivered. Large capacity is the main need for around 14% of consumers. |
A spacious appliance may not leave enough room for the frozen food you buy regularly. The European Commission lists each compartment’s capacity on the energy label, while UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this need from simply having a small freezer compartment.
Before settling on a style, compare fresh and frozen food capacity separately, based on your usual shopping.
A fridge may fit between two cupboards but still lack the ventilation or door clearance it needs. Installation instructions and whether the door can be reversed vary by model, as Bosch’s guides point out.
Measure the access route and the space needed for the doors too, then check the exact model’s instructions for installation clearances.
The stated noise level is a useful first filter, but UFC-Que Choisir explains that how noisy an appliance seems also depends on the type of noise, including vibrations.
If your kitchen is open-plan, look beyond the energy label and check independent tests of the model or a genuinely comparable range.
A large model can be difficult to bring into your home, even if it fits in the space. When replacing a fridge, the old refrigerating appliance also needs to go through an appropriate collection scheme.
Check access to your home and delivery arrangements before placing your order. For your old appliance, ADEME says you can hand it to the retailer or delivery team, or take it to an appropriate collection point.
Compare the energy rating from A to G, annual consumption in kWh, the capacity of the fresh and frozen food compartments, and the noise information. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels for fridges and freezers. Ideally, compare appliances with similar capacities and features that meet the same needs.
No, the clearances required depend on the model and its installation instructions. Check the manual before buying rather than assuming a standard gap will be enough; Bosch advises following the instructions for the specific appliance.
No, only assume the door can be reversed if this is an option on your chosen model. Bosch says the method varies by appliance, so check the specifications and manual if the door opening direction affects where you can install it.
Use a collection scheme that accepts refrigerating appliances. ADEME says you can hand it to the retailer or delivery team when your new appliance arrives. Confirm the collection arrangements before delivery, or find out where your nearest suitable collection point is.