If your weekly shop regularly includes frozen food, start by comparing the separate fridge and freezer capacities of a fridge-freezer. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits and available space. An under-counter fridge takes up less room, while a multi-door model is worth considering if you need more storage and have the space in your kitchen.
If your shopping regularly includes frozen food, compare the space for fresh food with the freezer capacity. A fridge-freezer lets you assess these two capacities separately. The right size depends on the number of people in your household and how much you buy.
An under-counter fridge or compact single-door model may be a good fit if saving space matters more than storage capacity. Measure the route into your kitchen, check how far the doors open and allow for the clearances specified in the manual.
A multi-door model can make it easier to organise your shopping, provided its compartments suit your habits. Check the capacity of each compartment, as well as the appliance’s width and depth, before deciding if this style is right for you.
Start with what you usually buy in a week, then compare the capacity you need with the space available in your kitchen.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres, not just the total. Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide according to how often you shop. | I want enough room to store my shopping until my next trip, with freezer space to suit the amount of frozen food I buy. |
| Storage and visibility | Check how easy it is to reach the shelves, the lighting and the layout of the drawers. ADEME also recommends checking what you already have before shopping and tidying your fridge regularly so you can see which food is already there. | I need to be able to see the food I should use soon, even when the fridge is full. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the delivery route and how far the doors open. Follow the ventilation instructions in the manual for the model you choose. | I need to be able to fit the appliance in my kitchen and open its doors without blocking access to the drawers. |
| Energy use and noise | For household fridges covered by the EU energy label, the European Commission says the label shows details including the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level. Compare these details for models with a similar capacity and design. | If the fridge is near my living area, noise matters when I’m choosing. I also want to compare the energy use of models that offer the storage space I need. |
Two appliances can divide their capacity differently between fresh and frozen food. So even if the total looks sufficient, there may not be enough freezer space for your shopping.
Make a note of how much you store in each compartment, then compare their usable capacities separately.
For example, the Bosch KTL15NWEB offers 106 L of fridge space with an integrated freezer compartment, according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This style is suited to different space requirements from a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer.
Compare its capacity with your usual weekly shop, including drinks and frozen food.
The depth, height and door opening can restrict access to the appliance or stop it fitting in the space you have planned. Ventilation requirements vary by model.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the installation instructions for the exact model.
Separate compartments can help you store food, but they won’t keep track of what needs using up. ADEME recommends checking what you have before writing your shopping list and tidying your fridge regularly.
Choose a layout that’s easy for you to use, and keep food that needs using up in sight.
The range includes fridge-freezers and under-counter fridges. Bosch’s product information distinguishes, for example, between the KGN36NWEA fridge-freezer and the KTL15NWEB under-counter fridge.
The range includes fridge-freezers and single-door appliances. Liebherr lists a total capacity of 348 L for the single-door Rd 5000 Pure fridge.
Haier’s range includes the four-door HFR3718ENMM multi-door fridge-freezer. Its product information gives dimensions of 700 × 688 × 1775 mm.
This selection includes a multi-door model and fridge-freezers, giving you a choice of capacities for your weekly shop. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions of the model you’re considering to make sure they suit your household and kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to spread a large shop across several compartments and have enough room for the appliance. The model name gives a total capacity of 467 L and Total No Frost. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities too, and check the door clearance and installation instructions.
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This fridge-freezer gives you separate storage for fresh and frozen food for your weekly shop. The model name gives a total capacity of 440 L and a D energy class. Check the split between the compartments and the installation requirements for this model.
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Worth comparing if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen shopping. The model name gives a total capacity of 390 L and a C energy class. Check the capacity of each compartment, the door clearance and the ventilation instructions in the manual.
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Its three doors may suit a household looking to keep fresh and frozen shopping more separate. The model name gives a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before choosing.
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This fridge-freezer offers another capacity to compare with a weekly shop that includes fresh and frozen food. The model name gives a total capacity of 333 L and a C energy class. Check the split between compartments and the installation instructions.
Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to the amount you buy for one or two weeks, and compare fridge and freezer capacities separately if you store frozen food.
It may be suitable if you don’t buy much and space is limited, but check its capacity against what you usually store. For example, Bosch lists 106 L of fridge space and an integrated freezer compartment for the KTL15NWEB.
No. This feature mainly helps manage frost; it doesn’t keep track of your shopping. To find food easily, check how accessible the shelves and drawers are, and regularly take stock, as ADEME recommends.
Follow the instructions for the exact model, as installation requirements vary. Bosch’s installation guide recommends at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and underneath the appliance. Don’t automatically apply this guidance to another model.
For household fridges covered by the EU label, compare the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level. The European Commission confirms that these details are shown on the label. Ideally, compare appliances with a similar capacity and design.