First, measure the space and the route into your kitchen, then choose the fridge and freezer capacities to suit your shopping habits. A single-door model may be right if you mainly store fresh food; a fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen storage, while a multi-door model calls for careful checks on available space. Then compare the noise levels and energy labels of models that meet your needs.
If you buy several days’ worth of food at a time, check that the usable capacity and freezer space match what you actually store. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity to suit the size of your household and your shopping habits.
An alcove, a narrow doorway or a cabinet front can determine which format will fit. Check the delivery route, the appliance’s dimensions and the installation requirements in its manual.
If your kitchen is open-plan or close to a bedroom, compare the stated noise levels. To distinguish between appliances of similar capacity, also check their annual energy consumption and energy label, as recommended by ADEME.
The format you choose will depend first on the available space and how much fresh and frozen food you need to store. Whether to choose an integrated or freestanding model is a separate decision based on your kitchen, whatever format you have in mind.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food, have limited space or already own a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment may not meet your needs if you store a lot of frozen food.
Consider this if: you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: two fridge freezers with the same total capacity may divide the space differently between their compartments.
Consider this if: less frequent shopping or a large household calls for greater capacity, and your kitchen can accommodate the appliance.
Bear in mind: check the overall size, delivery access and door clearance particularly carefully.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance, any alcove and the access route; check the manual for ventilation and door-opening requirements. | If my kitchen has an alcove or narrow access, I need to know whether the appliance can be delivered and installed before choosing its capacity. Around 29% of consumers put the fit with their kitchen at the top of their list. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of both compartments and take account of any separate freezer. | When I need to store more frozen food, a large total capacity is not enough if the freezer is still too small. This balance is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Usable capacity | Choose a capacity to suit the number of people in your household and how often you shop. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, adjusted to your household’s habits. | If I shop less frequently or need to feed more people, I want enough space for my groceries without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance. This is the top priority for around 24% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy | When comparing models of a similar format and capacity, check the stated noise level, annual energy consumption and energy label rating. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to everyday noise while comparing the energy use of appliances that meet the same storage needs. Around 18% of consumers make this their main priority. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of freezer space. A large overall capacity does not necessarily mean there will be enough room for your frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately with the quantities you buy between shopping trips.
An integrated appliance needs a suitable cabinet and ventilation; a large model must also be able to get through to your kitchen.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for the required clearances and door system.
For a built-in front, also confirm whether fitting, panelling or carpentry work is included in the planned installation.
An energy rating letter on its own does not tell you the storage capacity or annual energy consumption of two appliances.
Compare the energy label and product information for models with similar capacities and configurations, including their annual energy consumption.
The stated noise level helps you compare models, but the location and installation conditions can also affect how noisy an appliance seems in your home.
If your kitchen is open-plan or close to a bedroom, compare the stated noise levels and follow the installation instructions for the model you choose.
In France, Bosch offers single-door fridges in freestanding and integrated designs.
Whirlpool’s range in France includes integrated single-door models, fridge freezers and multi-door models.
In France, LG offers several large-capacity multi-door fridges, worth considering when your storage needs and available space make this format suitable.
These models include fridge freezers, multi-door designs and an integrated appliance, giving you options to compare fresh and frozen storage to suit your kitchen. Check the installation dimensions and the specifications of your chosen model before buying.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a multi-door appliance. The model name specifies a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an energy rating of E.
Before choosing this large format, check the delivery route, clearances and door opening requirements in the manual.
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Worth comparing if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name specifies a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an energy rating of E, Wi-Fi and My Zone.
Check the available space, delivery route and installation clearances. If the door-opening direction matters, confirm the door configuration in the manual.
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Worth considering for a household looking for plenty of storage space. The model name specifies a capacity of 488 L and an energy rating of E.
Check the kitchen access, available space and door clearance. If your living area is nearby, also compare the noise level stated in the product information.
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Worth comparing if you do a big shop or store plenty of frozen food. Check the space offered by each compartment separately. The model name specifies a capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E.
Check the required clearances in the manual, then measure the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for an integrated fridge freezer. The model name specifies a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E.
Check the dimensions of the alcove and the compatibility of the cabinet front and door system. Check the energy label for the exact model to compare its annual consumption.
Measure the space and every access point on the way into your kitchen, then compare them with the appliance’s full dimensions. For an integrated model, also check the alcove, ventilation and door system specified in the manual; confirm whether any cabinet-front work is needed before delivery.
Choose according to how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then consider the room available in your kitchen. A single-door model may suit you if you mainly store fresh food or have a separate freezer; a fridge freezer combines both uses, while a multi-door model makes sense if you need a large capacity and have room for its dimensions.
Compare the energy rating and annual energy consumption of fridges with similar formats and usable capacities, without overlooking their stated noise levels. ADEME recommends checking the energy label on new appliances; make sure you check the label for the specific model you are considering.