Start by measuring the width, height, depth, door-opening clearance and ventilation space that are genuinely available. A table-top or single-door model is generally best for one person with few frozen foods, while a fridge freezer is more practical for weekly shopping; a multi-door model requires a more spacious kitchen and wider access routes. Finally, compare the capacity of each compartment, noise levels, annual energy consumption and the climate class of your chosen model.
You want to preserve space for movement and worktop areas while keeping enough cooling capacity for everyday needs. A table-top or single-door model is suitable if frozen food is limited and the required installation clearances are respected.
A more generous fridge compartment and a separate freezer make it easier to shop less often. A fridge freezer is often a practical compromise, provided you check its footprint and noise level.
Large compartments make it easier to buy in bulk and organise your food. A large-capacity fridge freezer or multi-door model may be suitable if your kitchen, delivery access and door-opening clearance allow it.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and usable capacity | Measure the width, height and depth, including skirting boards, access routes and clearance. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately in litres on the energy label. Choose the format according to your shopping habits and the proportion of frozen food. | I need to be able to install the appliance without reducing the storage space required between shops. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person, followed by around 50 L for each additional person. |
| Noise | Compare the dB(A) ratings and noise classes of appliances in a similar format. Also consult an independent test for the exact model where one is available. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to limit operating noise near the living area. Que Choisir cites less than 40 dBA as a guide for the quietest fridges. |
| Ventilation and door opening | Check the clearances specified in the manual, the installation type and the hinge-opening requirements. Bosch indicates 200 cm² of free space at the rear and underneath some appliances, while Beko recommends 5 cm at the sides and rear of its freestanding models. | I need to be able to open the doors and drawers fully without obstructing a wall, unit or walkway. Ventilation requirements vary according to the model and its installation. |
| Energy consumption and delivery | Compare the A to G energy class and kWh/year figures between models with similar capacities and formats. Check the climate class, then confirm the delivery, access and collection arrangements before paying. | I am looking for an appliance suited to the temperature of my room and to the practicalities of replacing my old one. The European energy label displays annual consumption, compartment capacities and noise levels. |
An appliance may fit its space while obstructing movement, restricting door opening or lacking sufficient air circulation. The required clearances differ according to the design and brand.
Record the width, height, depth, skirting boards, wall angle, delivery route and door-opening clearance. Then compare these measurements with the installation instructions for the exact model.
The space you need depends on the proportion of fresh and frozen food, as well as how often you shop. A small freezer compartment may not be sufficient for regular frozen-food purchases.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities shown on the label separately, then choose the format that matches your shopping habits.
A fridge operates continuously, and its cycles can be more noticeable in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen. The label provides a declared noise level, supplemented by independent tests where available.
Compare the dB(A) ratings and noise classes of similarly sized models. Que Choisir states that a level below 40 dBA characterises the quietest appliances and also assesses disruptive sounds during operating cycles.
The appliance dimensions, floor, doors, stairs and installation position can all make delivery of a large appliance more complicated. Collection of your old appliance must also be arranged.
Before paying, confirm access to your home, the installation location and the arrangements for collecting your old appliance. In France, the order of 8 October 2014 provides for collection at the place of use when an equivalent new appliance is delivered.
Worth considering for freestanding and integrated fridges when fitting the appliance into an alcove, beneath a worktop or next to a wall is a priority.
Worth considering when comparing compact formats, single-door models, fridge freezers and family appliances with capacity and climate-class information published on the brand’s French website.
Worth considering when integrating an appliance into a fitted kitchen or comparing compact and integrated formats for particularly restricted spaces.
This selection brings together Joybuy fridge freezers for compact kitchens and households that need separate storage for fresh and frozen food.
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A fridge freezer for weekly shopping, with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
183 L fridge capacity, 37 L fresh-food compartment and 113 L freezer capacity; width 597 mm, depth 674 mm and declared noise level of 34 dB.
Allow for the clearances specified for this model and check the height of 1,860 mm, depth and door opening in your kitchen.
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An option for shopping less often while retaining a separate freezer compartment with generous capacity.
276 L fridge capacity and 114 L freezer capacity; 59.5 × 203 × 65.8 cm, 35 dB, 169 kWh/year and climate class from 10 to 43 °C.
The height of 203 cm and depth of 65.8 cm require precise measurements; also check the ventilation clearances in the manual.
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A slimline fridge freezer for a small household wanting separate storage for fresh and frozen food.
187 L fridge capacity and 75 L freezer capacity; width 540 mm, depth 550 mm, height 1,760 mm, 39 dB, reversible door and N-ST climate class.
The Low Frost system requires periodic manual defrosting. The stated climate range is 16 to 38 °C; also check the required clearances before installation.
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A well-balanced fridge freezer for households looking for separate fresh-food and freezer compartments.
230 L fridge capacity and 114 L freezer capacity; 59.5 × 185.3 × 65.8 cm, 35 dB, 254 kWh/year and SN/N/ST/T climate class.
Compare its energy consumption with that of fridge freezers with similar capacities, and check the manual for clearances and full door opening near a wall.
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A large fridge freezer for increasing storage capacity without moving to a multi-door format.
Total capacity of 375 L, bottom freezer, Total No Frost, 595 × 675 × 2,030 mm, SN-T climate class and energy class B.
The height of 2,030 mm, depth of 675 mm and stated clearances of 50 mm at the sides and 100 mm at the rear must be compatible with the alcove. Check the capacity split and declared noise level if the appliance is close to a living area.
As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide according to how often you shop and the separate freezer capacity you need for frozen food: a large total capacity does not guarantee a large freezer.
There is no universal clearance. Bosch indicates at least 200 cm² of free space at the rear and underneath some appliances, while Beko recommends 5 cm at the sides and rear of its freestanding models. Always follow the installation instructions for the exact model first, along with the unit requirements for an integrated appliance.
The climate class corresponds to the ambient temperature range in which the appliance is designed to operate. Bosch specifies, in particular, SN from 10 to 32 °C, N from 16 to 32 °C, ST from 18 to 38 °C and T from 18 to 43 °C; choose a class suited to the room where the fridge will be installed.
Yes, if you compare appliances with similar formats and capacities. The European Commission states that the A to G label shows, among other details, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and airborne noise emissions.
When buying an equivalent new appliance, a free ‘one-for-one’ collection service must be offered. When a new appliance is delivered to its place of use, the order of 8 October 2014 provides for the old appliance to be collected from that location at the time of delivery; confirm the practical arrangements, access requirements and preparation of the old appliance before ordering.