First, check the space available, how the doors open and the route into your kitchen. Then compare the capacity for fresh food and frozen food. A fridge freezer combines both in one appliance. If freezer space is becoming a priority and you have room for two appliances, consider pairing a larder fridge with a separate freezer. For each setup, compare the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label.
If you store several days’ worth of fresh food, compare the fridge’s usable capacity and layout with the kind of shopping you usually do. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide links the choice of format to how often you shop and your household’s needs.
Check how much space is actually dedicated to freezing. A fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance. If you need more freezer space, you could consider a separate freezer, provided you have room for it.
Measure the space, check how the doors open and plan the delivery route before choosing a capacity. Bosch Électroménager notes that an integrated appliance must fit its cabinet space. Darty’s delivery advice also recommends checking doors, corridors, stairs and lifts.
The right format depends on how much space you can give the appliance and how you want to divide it between fresh and frozen food. Then compare the annual energy consumption of appliances that meet the same storage needs.
Consider it: when space is very limited and you only need to store small quantities.
Bear in mind: the available capacity may be too limited if you shop less often or need to store much frozen food.
Consider it: if you want to choose separately how much space to dedicate to fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room for two appliances and should check the annual energy consumption of each.
Consider it: if you need to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space each compartment has.
Consider it: if you need plenty of storage and your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate the model you choose.
Bear in mind: its dimensions mean you’ll need to check the available space and access to the room carefully.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Dimensions of the space, door clearance and delivery route; for an integrated model, check the exact cabinet dimensions specified for that model. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in, open its doors and meet its installation requirements. Around 30% of consumers may put this constraint first. |
| Fresh food storage | The fridge’s usable capacity and the layout of its storage, compared with your usual shopping. | If I shop less often, I want to be able to store fresh food until my next shop. This may be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Freezer space | The freezer’s usable capacity and drawer layout; if you’re considering a separate appliance, check that you have space for it. | If I regularly buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not meet my usual storage needs. Around 20% of consumers may put this need ahead of others. |
| Ongoing energy use | Annual energy consumption on the energy label, comparing appliances that meet the same storage needs. | Once I’ve worked out the capacity I need, I want to compare the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously. This may be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Two fridge freezers with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of space in the fridge and freezer compartments. One that suits a shop with plenty of fresh food may not meet the same need for frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of both compartments separately, then see how they match your usual shopping.
A fridge may fit in the space you have without leaving enough room for its doors to open or for ventilation. You also need to make sure it can get through to the kitchen.
Measure the space and the delivery route. For an integrated model, follow the cabinet dimensions and instructions in its own manual. Bosch Électroménager highlights how important it is to make sure the appliance fits.
A large capacity is only useful if it suits the amount of food you store and the appliance can be installed in your kitchen.
Check the layout of the compartments, the dimensions, the route into the room and the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label.
Whirlpool says that the air in a NoFrost fridge is drier and recommends covering food that is prone to drying out.
If you choose a fan-assisted model, check its exact features and make sure you have suitable containers for the foods concerned.
These models include freestanding fridge freezers, an integrated fridge freezer and a multi-door model. Compare their format with the space you have, then check whether the stated capacity suits your shopping habits and how much frozen food you store.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one fridge freezer. The stated total capacity is 390 L. Check how much space each compartment offers, the clearance required and the route into your kitchen.
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Consider it if you need plenty of storage and your kitchen can accommodate a four-door appliance. The stated total capacity is 467 L and it features Total No Frost. Check the dimensions, door clearance and delivery route.
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Worth considering if width is limited but you still want a freezer compartment. The model offers 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space, a reversible door, Low Frost and energy class E. If ease of maintenance matters to you, check the model’s defrosting instructions.
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Worth considering if your fitted kitchen has a cabinet space that will accommodate an integrated fridge freezer. The model is listed as energy class E. Before choosing it, check the manual against the cabinet dimensions and door system, then check the usable capacity of each compartment.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge freezer with a stated total capacity of 375 L. It is listed as energy class B and features Total No Frost. Check the usable capacity of each compartment, the installation dimensions and the annual energy consumption to see if it suits your needs.
No. First, check that the space is compatible with the dimensions and installation requirements of the model you’re considering. Bosch Électroménager recommends choosing a freestanding appliance if the cabinet space is too small for an integrated model. Check the specified door system too.
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose. As a general recommendation for freestanding appliances, Whirlpool France specifies 5 cm above and 10 cm behind. These measurements don’t replace the instructions for your particular fridge.
Measure the route into your kitchen as well as the space where the appliance will go. Darty’s delivery advice includes checking doors, corridors, stairs and lifts. Separately check the installation options offered when you place your order.