Households that shop weekly
If your shopping needs to last several days, look separately at the space for fresh food and the space for frozen food. The total capacity doesn’t tell you how that space is divided.
Which option is right for you?
People living in a studio flat or with a small kitchen
The appliance’s dimensions, door swing and noise level matter just as much as its capacity. Que Choisir lists under-counter fridges among the suitable options for studio flats.
Households fitting out a fitted kitchen
For an integrated fridge, check the housing measurements, depth and door system against the model’s instructions. Also check the ventilation requirements before ordering.
What should you check before buying?
Start with your usual shopping habits. A compact or fridge-only model may be worth considering if you have little need for frozen food, while a fridge-freezer keeps fresh and frozen food separate. With a multi-door model, you’ll also need to measure the space required to open the doors. Then decide between a freestanding or integrated model based on the space available, without assuming that the format alone tells you how much clearance you’ll need.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment, not just the total capacity. | If I do a big shop and regularly buy frozen food, I need enough room in both compartments; around 33% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery access and door clearance. For an integrated model, check the housing and the instructions. | In a small kitchen or with an existing housing, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without difficulty; this is the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy and noise | Check the kWh/year and noise emissions on the label, then compare appliances with a similar capacity and format. | When the kitchen opens onto the living area, noise matters every day, as does the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously; around 25% of consumers put these factors first. |
| Maintenance and storage | Check the cooling system, defrosting instructions and drawer layout. | If I want to organise my food and cut down on defrosting, I look at the interior layout and cooling system; around 17% of consumers prioritise this aspect. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two fridges with a similar total capacity may divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. A large capacity figure alone doesn’t tell you how much room there’ll be for your usual shopping.
Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment on the product page or model label.
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Choosing an integrated model based only on its height
The width and depth of the housing, the hinges and the ventilation requirements could all prevent installation, even if the appliance is close in height to your old one.
Measure the housing in all three dimensions and check the door system against the instructions for the exact model.
If the cabinet or hinges aren’t suitable, adapting them may mean extra work before installation.
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Assuming one model’s features apply to the whole range
The energy rating and noise level apply to a specific model. Figures for appliances in different formats or with different capacities also aren’t enough on their own to tell you which will suit your kitchen.
Check the kWh/year, noise level and capacities on the labels of the exact models you’re comparing.
Brands to consider for these formats
These model examples can help you identify the measurements and features to compare; a model’s specifications don’t apply to an entire brand.
Bosch
Freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers to consider based on the capacity you need and the space available.
- According to Bosch Electroménager France, the freestanding KGN49AIBT fridge-freezer measures 2030 × 700 × 667 mm and offers 311 L of fridge capacity and 129 L of freezer capacity.
- Bosch’s Perfect Fit installation feature is available on certain models only. Check the instructions for your chosen model for installation and ventilation requirements.
Whirlpool
A brand worth considering for integrated fridge-freezers, particularly when the dimensions of the housing determine your choice.
- Whirlpool specifies a housing width of 56 cm for the WHC18T323P and gives a noise level of 32 dB for this model.
- These details alone don’t confirm that the model will fit: also check the depth, door system and model instructions.
Electrolux
Integrated fridge-freezers to consider when your cabinetry calls for precise dimensions and you need to check the two capacities separately.
- Electrolux France specifies a housing size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENT6MD18S4, with 186 L of fridge capacity and 62 L of freezer capacity.
- These dimensions are specific to the ENT6MD18S4: a similar height doesn’t guarantee that another integrated model will fit the same cabinet.
Fridges for different needs
This Joybuy selection includes appliances with different capacities and configurations, from fridge-only models to fridge-freezers and multi-door designs. Compare their compartments and check the installation requirements for the model you’re interested in.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four-door, 467 L
Worth considering if you shop less frequently and want to store fresh and frozen food in a four-door appliance.
- Advertised total capacity: 467 L; Total No Frost; energy rating E.
- Check the dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements for your space.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L, black
Worth considering if you need plenty of room for fresh and frozen food, provided you have enough space to fit the appliance and open its doors.
- Advertised total capacity: 495 L; energy rating E.
- Check the door layout and clearance before deciding where to put it.
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Candy CIO 225 EE/N, one door, 179 L
This one-door format is worth considering if space is limited and you store little frozen food.
- Advertised total capacity: 179 L.
- Before choosing, check the freezer compartment capacity, defrosting instructions and installation dimensions.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, fridge-freezer, 227 L, silver
This fridge-freezer lets you check the space available for fresh food separately from the space for frozen food, in a kitchen where width is a key consideration.
- 153 L fridge capacity and 74 L freezer capacity; advertised width of 54 cm; energy rating E.
- Reversible door and Low Frost. Check the height, depth, defrosting instructions and installation requirements.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 174 L fridge-freezer with a reversible door to suit your kitchen layout.
- Freestanding, reversible door and Low Frost technology.
- Low Frost doesn’t mean you never need to defrost: check the model’s instructions and installation requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do you need for your household?
As a starting point, Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to suit how often you shop and how much frozen food you buy, comparing the capacities of the two compartments separately.
What should you look for on a fridge’s energy label?
Compare the energy efficiency rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission states that domestic fridges have used the A to G energy label scale since 1 March 2021. When comparing two appliances, also take their formats and capacities into account.
Why check the climate class?
It shows the ambient temperature range the model is designed to operate in. For example, Beko’s documentation gives a range of 10 °C to 32 °C for class SN and 16 °C to 32 °C for class N. Check the class of the appliance you’re considering if the area where it will go could be particularly cold or hot.
How can you check whether an integrated model will fit the housing?
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing, then check the hinges and installation requirements for the exact model. Electrolux France specifies a housing size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENT6MD18S4; these measurements can’t confirm that another model will fit.