Start by measuring the available space and the delivery route, then choose fridge and freezer capacities based on the size of your household and how often you shop. A table-top or single-door model is best suited to homes with limited space or little need for frozen food, while a fridge freezer is ideal for everyday storage of both fresh and frozen food. A multi-door model requires a suitably sized kitchen and clear access routes.
Prioritise the floor space it occupies, the amount of fresh-food storage you genuinely need and the clearance required for access and opening the doors. A table-top or single-door model can be suitable when frozen food is only an occasional purchase.
Separate capacities for fresh and frozen food make it easier to put away a full shop. A fridge freezer is often the most versatile format for this type of use.
A large capacity can make it easier to store substantial quantities, provided that the kitchen, access routes and the appliance’s energy use genuinely suit the property and the household’s habits.
Choose this if: space is very limited and you mainly need to store fresh food.
Check: the compact size means less storage space; check separately whether it has a freezer compartment and how much capacity it offers.
Choose this if: fresh food is your priority and you rarely buy frozen food, or you already have a separate freezer.
Check: a small freezer compartment may not be a suitable replacement for a dedicated freezer.
Choose this if: your household stores fresh and frozen food every day, particularly after a weekly shop.
Check: compare the litres available in each compartment, along with the model’s noise level and kWh/year.
Choose this if: you need a large capacity and both the kitchen and delivery access are spacious enough.
Check: the dimensions, weight, noise level and energy consumption all require careful comparison before ordering.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by 50 L for each additional person. | I want to be able to put away a full shop without buying an appliance that is too large for my household. I’ll adjust this guideline according to my ready meals, cooking habits and the proportion of frozen food I buy. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Check the capacity and type of freezer compartment, as well as the temperature setting. Anses recommends between 0 °C and +4 °C at the coldest point for refrigerated food. | I buy both fresh and frozen food, so I need compartments that are proportionate to this split. |
| Noise and energy | Read the kWh/year, energy class, capacities and noise emissions in dB(A) on the EU energy label. Compare appliances with similar formats and capacities. | The fridge runs continuously, and I want to keep noise to a minimum in an open-plan kitchen or studio flat without relying solely on the energy-class letter. |
| Positioning and delivery | Measure the height, width and depth, the door clearance and the entire delivery route. Also ask for the packaged dimensions, delivery level and collection arrangements. | I want to be certain that the appliance will fit through the entrance, corridors or lift, and that it can be installed without obstructing movement around the kitchen. |
An appliance can appear spacious while offering too little room for frozen food. The label distinguishes between usable fridge and freezer capacities.
Make a list of what you usually store fresh and frozen, then compare the litres in each compartment rather than the total capacity.
Larger formats require more space. Que Choisir states that an American-style model may need around 1 m of width, compared with around 70 cm for a standard model, and can weigh more than 100 kg.
Measure the available space, door clearance and route from the entrance. Ask the seller for the packaged dimensions and the exact delivery level.
The French Ministry of the Economy states that delivery costs must be provided in writing at the time of purchase; also check the collection and installation arrangements offered.
The label also shows kWh/year, capacities and noise levels. Features such as No Frost or fresh-food zones vary from one model reference to another.
Compare similar-sized models by kWh/year, dB(A), litres per compartment and dimensions, then check the advertised features on the product page for the exact model.
The French range includes freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, with formats and capacities to suit different kitchens.
In France, Beko offers fridge freezers with options designed to help preserve fruit and vegetables, ventilated cooling and a range of capacities.
The French range includes integrated and freestanding fridge freezers, bringing fresh and frozen storage together in one appliance.
In France, Samsung sells fridge freezers, American-style fridges and multi-door models for households looking for generous capacities.
These Joybuy options mainly include fridge freezers for everyday storage of fresh and frozen food, as well as a single-door model for households whose needs are focused mainly on fresh food.
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For weekly shops combining fresh and frozen food in a kitchen where a width of 54 cm is suitable.
187 L fridge capacity, 75 L freezer capacity, 39 dB(A), 215 kWh/year and reversible door.
The stated ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C, so this model is not intended for an unheated room.
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A compact option for separating fresh and frozen food in a narrow kitchen.
153 L fridge capacity, 74 L 4-star freezer capacity, 54 cm width, reversible door and stated noise level of 39 dB(A).
Check the energy label or technical specifications for the kWh/year before comparing running costs.
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For a household looking for a compact fridge freezer with separate fresh and frozen food compartments.
115 L fridge capacity, 59 L 4-star freezer capacity, 50 × 55 × 150 cm format, reversible door and stated noise level of 39 dB(A).
The 59 L freezer capacity may be limiting if frozen food makes up a large part of your shop; also check the kWh/year on the energy label.
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For a household wanting separate fresh and frozen storage in one fridge freezer.
182 L fridge capacity, 71 L freezer capacity, LED lighting, reversible door, stated No Frost technology and stated noise level of 39 dB(A).
Check the dimensions, weight and kWh/year before confirming where to place it and comparing it with other models.
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For a compact home where fresh food is the priority and frozen food needs are limited.
163 L fridge capacity, 16 L freezer compartment, 148 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), reversible door and dimensions of 54 × 122,1 × 54,5 cm.
The 16 L compartment requires manual defrosting and is less suitable for regular purchases of frozen food.
As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by an additional 50 L per person. Adjust this guideline if you cook a lot, store ready meals or do large shops, and check the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
The EU energy label shows the annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions, among other details. Compare these figures between appliances with similar formats and capacities: the A to G class alone is not enough to compare a small appliance with a large multi-door model.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 °C and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Check that the model offers a clear temperature setting, then monitor the temperature according to the instructions and how the food is arranged.
No, it is mainly suitable for kitchens and access routes with plenty of space. Que Choisir states that an American-style model is around 1 m wide, compared with around 70 cm for a standard model; also measure doors, corridors, stairs and lifts, taking the packaging into account.
The French Ministry of the Economy states that the retailer must provide the delivery cost in writing at the time of purchase. Also ask about the delivery level, the access conditions covered, any installation service and the arrangements for collecting your old appliance.