First, choose a size that fits your kitchen. Then compare the space available for fresh and frozen food to match your shopping habits. A table-top fridge is a good choice when space is your priority, a fridge-freezer gives you both compartments in one appliance, and a multi-door model can make it easier to store larger shops — provided you check its dimensions and access to your home. For a built-in appliance, the housing and ventilation requirements must match the instructions for the specific model.
If space is tight and you don’t buy large amounts of food, start by measuring the space available and allowing room to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir recommends table-top fridges for studio flats; just make sure the compartments suit the way you shop.
A fridge-freezer gives you separate spaces for fresh and frozen food without having to opt for a particularly wide appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment: the total capacity alone won’t tell you where you’ll be able to store your food.
If you shop less often, capacity and the layout of the compartments become more important. A larger appliance also means checking the width of your kitchen, the depth of the fridge and the route to its intended spot.
The space available determines which sizes you can consider. Then compare the fridge and freezer capacities to find the model that best suits your habits.
Worth considering: for a studio flat or kitchenette, when saving space is a priority and you don’t buy large amounts of food.
Bear in mind: its compact size leaves less room for larger, less frequent shops. Also check whether it has a freezer compartment.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and rarely buy frozen food, or have a separate freezer.
Check: whether there is a freezer compartment, and its capacity, as this varies between models.
Worth considering: if you regularly buy both fresh and frozen food and want both in one appliance.
Check: two fridge-freezers with the same total capacity may have different amounts of space in each compartment.
Worth considering: for storing larger amounts of food across several compartments, if your kitchen and access to your home allow it.
Check: this style can take up a lot of space. Compare the dimensions and energy label information for each model.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and space | Measure the space and allow for the door to open. Check the model’s installation dimensions. | In a studio flat, I want to be able to open the fridge without blocking the way through the kitchen. Around 27% of consumers would put lack of space at the top of their list of needs. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the net capacity of each compartment separately, along with the freezer layout. | If I regularly buy fresh and frozen food, I need enough room for both, even if the total capacity seems right. This balance would be the main concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Storage for your shopping | Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the information on the energy label. | If I shop less often, I want to store more food without losing sight of how much space the appliance will take up. Storage would be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Installation and delivery | For a built-in model, check the housing, door fixing and ventilation requirements against the instructions. Also check the delivery route. | When replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, I need to know whether the new model will fit in the housing and can be brought through to it. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise these considerations. |
A fridge-freezer might have a total capacity that suits you, but still not enough room for the frozen food you buy.
Compare the net capacity of both compartments with what you usually buy.
The external width alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit in a housing: the door system and airflow clearances matter too.
Check the installation instructions for the exact model and compare them with the housing dimensions before ordering.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the unit or arrange another delivery.
Extra capacity is only useful if it suits the amount of food you need to store and the appliance can get through the access points and fit in your kitchen.
Measure the space and delivery route, then compare the compartments and energy label with those of the other styles you’re considering.
When replacing a fridge, the old one may still be taking up the space needed for the new appliance.
Check the collection options offered when you place your order, and keep confirmation of the arrangements with your delivery details.
Worth considering if installation compatibility is crucial, especially before choosing a built-in model or replacing an existing appliance.
Worth considering when comparing fridge-freezers and the space they provide in each compartment.
Worth considering if several storage zones would suit your larger shops.
Worth considering if you want to start with the space available before choosing a style.
These appliances cover a range of fresh and frozen food storage needs, from a fridge-freezer for a compact kitchen to models with larger capacities. There’s also a built-in model in the selection: check that it’s compatible with your housing before choosing it.
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Worth considering if you want plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The product title states a capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Check the door layout, installation dimensions and route into your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The product title states a capacity of 333 L and an energy rating of C. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you’re short on width but still need space for fresh and frozen food. The product title states a width of 54 cm, 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer and a reversible door. The freezer is listed as Low Frost, so bear defrosting in mind when making your choice.
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Worth considering for a small home where you still need separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. The product title states a capacity of 174 L, a reversible door and Low Frost operation. Check the dimensions and clearance requirements for this model.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen that needs an integrated fridge-freezer. The product title states a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the capacity of each compartment and confirm the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions.
Follow the clearances specified in the installation instructions for the model you choose, rather than relying on a distance that might not suit every appliance. Before buying, check these requirements against the available space and neighbouring units. For a built-in model, check the housing too.
Compare the energy ratings and consumption information for fridges of a similar size and capacity. Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016, published on EUR-Lex, governs the energy labelling of the relevant refrigeration appliances. The label can help you choose, but it doesn’t replace checking the dimensions and compartments.
Check the collection arrangements when ordering your new appliance, including where it will be collected from if you’re having it delivered to your home. The organisation ecosystem explains how an old appliance can be taken away when you buy an equivalent item. Keep confirmation of the arrangements offered for your order.
Measure the route to the room where the fridge will go, and confirm with the retailer the delivery arrangements for your floor, installation and, if needed, collection of your old appliance. Separately, check that the fridge doors will open once it’s in place.