Single person or small home
If every centimetre counts, compare the usable capacity with the space available and your freezer needs before choosing a compact appliance.
Who are these formats for?
Household that shops weekly
If you store fresh and frozen food between shops, check the capacity of each compartment in a fridge freezer separately.
Family household with a large kitchen
A larger model may suit your storage needs, provided you check its width, the route into your kitchen and its annual energy consumption.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start with what you need to store, then rule out models that won’t fit the intended space before comparing their energy labels.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable litres with the number of people in your household and how often you shop. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L per additional person as a starting point to adjust to your needs. | I don’t stock up much, so I don’t need a large overall capacity. If I shop less often, I’ll need enough room to store everything. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Make sure the freezer section in the format you’re considering suits how much frozen food you buy. | I regularly buy frozen food, so the space set aside for it matters just as much as the total capacity shown. |
| Installation | Measure the appliance, the space and the delivery route. For an integrated model, check the housing unit, hinges and ventilation against the model’s instructions; Electrolux says an integrated appliance needs a ventilated housing unit. | My kitchen has a housing unit, or the route to it is narrow, so I need to check these measurements before choosing a format. |
| Energy and noise | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar formats and capacities, then compare their noise emissions if noise is a concern. The European Commission says the label also shows the energy efficiency class and storage capacities. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to compare noise levels. As the appliance runs continuously, I’ll also check its annual energy consumption. |
| Temperature | Check the instructions to find out how to set and monitor the coldest part of the fridge. Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in this area, which should be 4 °C. | I want to be able to check the temperature where I store food that needs to be kept cold. |
What should you watch out for when buying?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
This figure doesn’t show how much space is set aside for fresh and frozen food. How the capacity is divided may matter more than the overall figure for your shopping habits.
Estimate your needs for each section separately. Use UFC-Que Choisir’s capacity guide as a starting point, then adjust it to suit your habits.
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Treating an integrated model as simply a choice of finish
A cabinet with similar dimensions doesn’t necessarily mean an appliance will fit: the housing unit, door fitting and ventilation all need to be suitable.
Before ordering, measure the housing unit and check the model’s instructions for hinge and ventilation requirements.
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Comparing energy efficiency classes alone
The letter on its own doesn’t tell you everything on the label. The European Commission says it also shows details such as annual energy consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions.
Compare the kWh/year figures and noise levels of models with similar formats and capacities.
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Forgetting about access for a large appliance
UFC-Que Choisir says an American-style fridge may need around 1 m of width. So the space where it will stand isn’t the only measurement to consider.
Measure doorways, corridors and turns along the delivery route, then check the dimensions of the model you’ve chosen.
Which brands should you consider for each format?
These product ranges can help guide your search; always check compatibility and specifications for the exact model.
Bosch
A brand worth considering if you’re planning to fit a fridge into your kitchen cabinetry.
- The Bosch France catalogue includes an integrated fridge with a freezer compartment and sliding door hinges.
- Check the housing unit dimensions and door fitting for the model you’re considering; these features aren’t available across the entire range.
Electrolux
A brand to consider if your kitchen has a housing unit for an integrated fridge.
- Electrolux France explains the installation requirements for its integrated fridges, including the need for a ventilated housing unit.
- Check the instructions and the dimensions required for your chosen model before finalising the cabinetry.
Liebherr
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with separate sections for fresh and frozen food.
- Liebherr France features fridge freezers with a separate freezer section.
- Compare the capacity of each compartment across models that will fit your available space.
Samsung
A brand to consider when comparing fridge freezers and larger appliances.
- The Samsung France catalogue includes a category of appliances over 600 L and more than 90 cm wide.
- These dimensions apply to specific models, not the entire range. Check the size and kWh/year figures of the model you choose.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge freezers and models described as multi-door, so you can compare different capacities to suit your shopping habits and available space. Check the specifications for each model before choosing.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3 doors, 360 L
Worth considering if your shopping needs space for both fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a 360 L capacity, three doors, Total No Frost and an energy efficiency class of E. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions of the space, along with the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4 doors, 467 L
This format is worth comparing if you store large quantities of fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a 467 L capacity, four doors, Total No Frost and an energy efficiency class of E. Measure the space and delivery route, then compare the compartment capacities with your needs.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA, 390 L fridge freezer
A fridge freezer to compare if you want to divide your shopping between chilled and frozen food. The model name lists a 390 L capacity and an energy efficiency class of C. Before choosing, check the separate capacities, dimensions and clearance needed for installation.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L
Worth considering if you need plenty of capacity and have a suitable space. The model name lists a 495 L capacity and an energy efficiency class of E. The configuration is described differently in the title and product listing: confirm the door and compartment layout, then measure the delivery route.
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LG GBBS322BPY NatureFRESH, 375 L
This freestanding fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for a total capacity of 375 L. The model name lists Total No Frost and an energy efficiency class of B. To see how well it suits your shopping needs, check the separate fridge and freezer capacities. Also check the model’s kWh/year figure on its label and the clearances specified in the instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What should you compare on a fridge’s energy label?
As well as the energy efficiency class, compare annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission says these details are shown on the label. To compare appliances fairly, look at models with a format and capacity that suit the same needs.
Can you install an integrated fridge in place of any freestanding fridge?
No. An integrated fridge must fit the housing unit and meet its ventilation requirements. Electrolux specifies this for its integrated models; check the instructions for the dimensions, door fitting and ventilation required for the model you’re considering.
What temperature should you monitor in the coldest part of the fridge?
Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, which should be 4 °C. Check the instructions to find this area and set the appliance correctly.
What should you do with your old fridge when replacing it in France?
If you’re buying an appliance of the same type, ask the retailer about taking your old one away. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says that in-store ‘one-for-one’ take-back is linked to the purchase. Ask the retailer how it works before moving your old appliance.