First, choose a fridge that can be delivered and installed in your kitchen. Then divide the usable capacity between fresh and frozen food according to the size of your household and your shopping habits. A fridge-freezer is a good choice if you need both compartments; consider a multi-door or American-style model if you’ll make use of the extra capacity and have room for it. To compare similar models, check the capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption in kWh and noise levels on the energy label.
The delivery route, available space, door opening and the clearances specified for the model can all limit your options before you even compare capacities. The model’s installation instructions are key, as Bosch Home Appliances points out.
If your weekly shop includes fresh and frozen food, check the usable capacity of each compartment separately. Que Choisir links the choice of fridge type to household size and shopping habits.
A multi-door or American-style model could meet your needs, provided your kitchen and access points can accommodate it. Also compare the annual energy consumption and noise level shown on the energy label; Que Choisir highlights the size and energy consumption of American-style models.
First check access and installation, then choose a model with enough room for your fresh and frozen food. A table-top fridge suits limited storage needs; a fridge with a single door is better if fresh food is your priority; a fridge-freezer keeps the two separate. Make sure the extra capacity of a multi-door or American-style model is worth the space it takes up.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the delivery route and the space where the fridge will go; check that the doors can open and allow for the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | If the appliance needs to fit through narrow doorways or sit close to a wall, I want to be sure it can be delivered and its doors can open. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity of the fresh-food and freezer compartments separately. Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 litres for one person, then adding 50 litres per extra person, and adjusting this according to your shopping habits. | If I want to shop less often or regularly store frozen food, I need enough space in the right compartment, not just a large total capacity. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Energy use and noise | For models with similar capacities and formats, check the annual energy consumption in kWh and the noise level in dB on the EU energy label, as well as the A to G rating. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to everyday noise and the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 21% of consumers put these criteria first. |
| Large capacity | Compare the extra capacity in each compartment with the overall size, access requirements and any water connection needed for the model. | If I need to store a lot of food, I’m happy to consider a larger appliance if my kitchen can accommodate it. For around 14% of consumers, capacity and how it is organised come before other criteria. |
A fridge may be spacious enough for your household but still be difficult to deliver or unsuitable for the space available. The required clearances vary by model.
Measure the route to your kitchen and the space available, then check these against the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact appliance you’re considering.
The A to G rating alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or the appliance’s capacity. The EU energy label also shows annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level, according to the European Commission.
Compare these figures between models with similar formats and capacities, taking into account how much room you need for frozen food.
Que Choisir describes American-style fridges as larger and generally more energy-intensive than standard models. The extra capacity is only useful if it suits your household’s shopping habits.
Before choosing this type, check access, door clearance, separate compartment capacities and the annual energy consumption in kWh of the models you’re considering.
Arrange for it to be taken away before your new appliance arrives. ADEME directs refrigerating appliances to an appropriate collection service.
Check whether your old appliance can be taken away at delivery, or find a collection point that accepts this type of appliance.
These models suit different needs: multi-door fridges for plenty of storage, a single-door fridge with a small freezer compartment, and a fridge-freezer that separates fresh and frozen food. Compare their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large model for fresh and frozen food. The title lists a capacity of 488 L and an E energy rating; check the capacity of each compartment, access and required clearances before buying.
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Worth considering if your household needs plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The title lists a capacity of 591 L and an E energy rating; measure access points carefully and check the instructions for installation requirements.
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This multi-door fridge is designed for households that want to organise plenty of storage across several compartments. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating; check that the doors can open and that there’s enough clearance in your kitchen.
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This format is worth considering if you need more space for fresh food than for frozen food. The title lists a total capacity of 179 L; check the freezer compartment capacity before choosing it if you regularly buy frozen food.
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This fridge-freezer could suit you if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food in a model listed as 54 cm wide. The title specifies 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer rating, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height, clearances and annual energy consumption in kWh for the model before ordering.
Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then adding 50 litres per extra person. Adjust this guide according to how often you shop, and check separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food.
Measure the delivery route, the space where the fridge will go and the room needed to open its doors. Also check the dimensions required for delivery and follow the model’s instructions for clearances, the electrical supply and any water connection.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level, as well as the A to G rating shown on the EU energy label. The European Commission explains the information on the label; comparing appliances with similar capacities and formats makes it easier to choose.
No. Before buying, make sure it will fit through access points, has a suitable space and enough room for the doors to open. Que Choisir describes American-style models as larger than standard fridges, and the extra capacity should also suit your household’s needs.
Arrange for it to go to an appropriate collection service rather than disposing of it with general waste. ADEME says a refrigerating appliance can be returned to the retailer or delivery team when it’s replaced; check the take-back arrangements before delivery, or ask a suitable collection point.