When choosing a fridge for a new home or as a replacement, start by measuring the space, then work out how much capacity you need based on the number of people in your household, your shopping habits and how much frozen food you want to store. A compact model is a good fit when space is limited, while a fridge freezer gives you a separate freezer compartment. If you choose an integrated model, the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements must all match the exact model.
First, check where the appliance will fit, allowing for the door to open and for ventilation. Que Choisir recommends a worktop fridge for studio flats; then check whether its fresh-food capacity and space for frozen food suit your shopping habits.
If your shopping needs to last several days, look at the fridge and freezer capacities separately. The number of people in your household, how often you shop and how much frozen food you keep matter more than the appliance’s appearance alone, as Que Choisir’s guide points out.
When replacing an integrated appliance, compare the existing housing with the new model’s instructions: check the dimensions, depth, door fixing and required clearances. Bosch’s installation guidance and the dimensions published by Liebherr show why the height of the appliance door alone is not enough to confirm compatibility.
Think about two separate decisions: the storage you need and the type of installation your kitchen allows. Worktop, larder and fridge-freezer describe different storage configurations; freestanding and integrated models require different installation checks.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and check that the door can open. For an integrated model, compare the housing, door fixing and ventilation requirements with the model’s instructions. | In a small kitchen or when replacing an integrated appliance, I need to be sure the fridge will fit without assuming it’s compatible with the existing unit. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the usable litres in the fridge compartment with how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres as a starting point for one person, to be adapted to the household’s habits. | If my shopping needs to last several days, I need enough space for fresh food without having to shop more often. This is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Frozen-food storage | Check whether there is a separate freezer compartment and how much it holds; also compare the freezing features that matter for your needs. | If frozen food is a regular part of my shopping, a small freezer may not have enough space for everything I want to store. This capacity comes first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | For appliances with a similar size and capacity, compare the kWh/year and noise emissions shown on the energy label, rather than looking at the A to G rating alone. | In an open-plan kitchen or small home, I want to take noise and energy use into account in everyday life. Around 15% of consumers make this their main criterion. |
A height that looks right doesn’t guarantee the correct depth, door fitting or required clearances. The housing dimensions published by Liebherr apply to each specific model; Bosch also recommends checking that the appliance can be installed in the unit you have in mind.
Before ordering, compare all the unit measurements and the door system with the installation instructions for your chosen model.
If it isn’t compatible, you may need to adapt the unit or arrange additional installation work.
Two appliances that take up a similar amount of space may divide their capacity differently between fresh and frozen food. So a small model that fits your kitchen may still not suit your shopping habits.
Check the usable litres in each compartment and think about what your household needs to store between shops, rather than focusing only on the number of doors.
The A to G rating alone won’t tell you how many litres the appliance holds or how noisy it is. The EU energy label also shows annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise emissions.
Compare the kWh/year and noise levels of models with a similar size and capacity. Scan the label’s QR code to view the model’s information in EPREL.
When replacing a fridge, plan how the old one will be removed and make sure there is access to your home for the new delivery. Ecologic explains the ‘one-for-one’ take-back service offered when buying a new appliance.
Ask the retailer how to arrange collection, including any access requirements and when the old appliance will be removed.
If collection isn’t coordinated, you may need to make extra arrangements or arrange another visit.
These pointers relate to information available for specific ranges or models, particularly integrated appliances. They don’t guarantee that another model will be compatible or available on Joybuy.
Worth considering if your integrated appliance project calls for particular care with the housing and installation.
Worth considering when comparing integrated models by housing dimensions and specifications.
Worth looking at when comparing fresh and frozen food capacities, energy use and noise levels for a specific integrated model.
These freestanding models combine fridge space with a freezer compartment. To compare the options, first check that each one will fit in your kitchen, then look at how its capacity is divided between fresh and frozen food. A freestanding model shouldn’t be installed as an integrated appliance.
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Worth considering if your shopping includes both fresh and frozen food, provided it fits in the space available.
The title lists a total capacity of 390 L and an energy rating of C. Before choosing, check there’s room for the door to open and for ventilation, then look at the capacity of each compartment.
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This freestanding fridge freezer is worth considering if you need to store both fresh and frozen food.
The title lists a total capacity of 344 L and an energy rating of E. Compare the capacity of both compartments with your shopping needs, and make sure the appliance and its opening door will fit in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you need a total capacity of 437 L for fresh and frozen food, provided you have a suitable space.
This model is listed as freestanding, with an energy rating of E. Measure the available width carefully and check the separate compartment capacities before choosing this size.
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This freestanding fridge freezer could suit your fresh and frozen food storage needs if its layout works for your shopping habits.
The title lists a total capacity of 344 L and an energy rating of D. Before comparing it with another model, check the depth needed for installation, the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year and the noise level.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a smaller freestanding fridge freezer that still has space for frozen food.
The title lists a capacity of 174 L, a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Check the compartment capacities, dimensions, kWh/year and noise level against your priorities. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
Compare the existing housing and door fitting with the new model’s installation instructions; don’t rely on the stated height alone. Check the required width, height, depth and clearances. Bosch recommends using a professional to install an integrated appliance.
When comparing models of a similar size and capacity, look at the kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise emissions, as well as the A to G rating. The EU energy label also gives you access to the model’s information in EPREL via a QR code.
Not necessarily. If frozen food makes up a significant part of your shopping, compare fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment instead. Que Choisir recommends starting with how much frozen food you use; then check the freezer capacity and the freezing features of the model you’re considering.