First, choose a fridge that fits the space available, then compare the usable capacity for fresh food and frozen food separately. A compact model may be enough if you only keep a modest amount of food in stock. If you freeze food regularly or want to store more between shops, consider a fridge-freezer, checking its dimensions, ventilation requirements and door clearance.
You need to fit the appliance into a small kitchen and want to store a modest amount of fresh food, with or without a few frozen items. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide links the choice of size to your lifestyle and shopping habits.
You keep enough food for several days and need to work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering the number of people in your household and your storage habits.
Your main need is a separate freezer compartment that you can use regularly, provided your kitchen has room for the appliance. Electrolux’s documentation distinguishes between an integrated freezer compartment and the separate compartments in a fridge-freezer.
Measure the space and delivery route before choosing a size, then check that the balance of fresh and frozen storage suits what you usually keep in stock.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the manual for ventilation requirements, hinges and door clearance. | In a studio flat, I need to make sure the appliance fits the space and the door opens without blocking the way. Around 33% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s size. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the fridge capacity in litres and the layout of the shelves and drawers with what you put away after shopping. | If I shop for several days at a time, I want to be able to put my fresh food away without running out of space. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer capacity in litres separately. If you freeze fresh food, check the compartment’s specifications and star rating. | If I regularly store frozen food, freezer capacity matters more than the total capacity on its own. Around 25% of consumers put this criterion first. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings of models with similar capacities and configurations. Also check the appliance’s stated climate class. | In a studio flat where the fridge is close to the living area, I want to take its energy use and stated noise level into account. Around 17% of consumers make these their priority. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity can offer different amounts of fridge and freezer space.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and consider what you actually put away after shopping.
The capacity, star rating and features of the compartment vary by model. The word ‘freezer’ alone doesn’t tell you how much food you’ll be able to freeze.
If you freeze fresh food or store lots of frozen food, check the compartment’s specifications before choosing.
An appliance may fit in its space but still be unable to open properly or meet the ventilation requirements in its manual. The delivery route may also restrict access.
Check the dimensions of the appliance and its packaging, access routes, hinges and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The energy rating doesn’t replace the stated annual energy consumption or a comparison of capacity and noise between similar appliances.
Choose a size that suits what you need to store first, then compare the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings of similar models.
Its table-top examples show the different trade-offs between width and freezer compartment, without implying that a particular model is available from any retailer.
The documented examples include an integrated model with a freezer compartment and a fridge-freezer with separate compartments.
The French product sheet for one multi-door model lists a large capacity, which is only relevant if your storage needs and available space justify it.
Its category documentation distinguishes between fridges with an integrated freezer compartment and fridge-freezers with separate compartments.
This selection includes compact models, fridge-freezers and a multi-door fridge, so you can compare fresh and frozen storage options according to the space available and how often you shop.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in separate compartments. The product sheet lists 238 L for the fridge and 98 L for the freezer, Total No Frost, 135 kWh/year, an energy rating of B and 35 dB(A).
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want separate storage for fresh and frozen food at home. The product sheet lists 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer, Low Frost, a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, three freezer drawers, 39 dB and an energy rating of E.
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Consider this model if you need a large capacity and have a suitable space for it. The product sheet lists 330 L for fresh food and 165 L for frozen food. It also gives dimensions of 177,6 × 81,7 × 71,5 cm, energy consumption of 301 kWh/year, 40 dB, No Frost and an energy rating of E.
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Worth considering if you want a compact model with space for a few frozen items. The product sheet lists 64 L for the fridge and 28 L for the freezer compartment, annual energy consumption of 116 kWh and an energy rating of D.
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Compare this fridge-freezer if you want separate fresh and frozen food capacities in an appliance stated to be 54 cm wide. The product sheet lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a 4-star freezer rating, Low Frost, 39 dB and a reversible door.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the model’s manual for ventilation requirements, hinge direction and the clearance needed to open the door. Instructions for one manufacturer’s model aren’t a universal clearance requirement for every appliance.
UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l of usable capacity for one person as a general guide, plus 50 l for each additional person. Compare this with what you actually buy and, if you shop less often, check the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately: the guide doesn’t set a ratio between the two.
In France, the EU energy label for the household fridges it covers has used a scale from A to G since 1 March 2021. It also gives information including energy consumption, capacity and noise, according to the European Commission and the DGCCRF. The climate class indicates the ambient temperature range the appliance is designed for. Check the class for your model on its product sheet or rating plate, and don’t confuse it with the energy rating.
Not necessarily: freezer capacity and compartment specifications vary by model. If you want to freeze fresh food or regularly store frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity, star rating and the manufacturer’s guidance before buying.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check the temperature regularly, clean the appliance and follow its manual. Avoid overfilling it so that cold air can circulate.