When moving into your first home, choose a fridge format based on the space available, the route into your kitchen and how much frozen food you need to store. A table-top fridge suits smaller needs in a compact space, a single-door fridge prioritises fresh food, and a fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen storage; a multi-door model requires more space and suitable access. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, the stated noise level and kWh/year for models of a similar size.
If space is limited and you mainly buy fresh food, consider a table-top fridge or another compact model. Que Choisir lists table-top fridges among the formats suited to studio flats. Before relying on one for frozen food, though, check its usable capacity and whether it has a freezer compartment.
A single-door fridge is worth considering if you want plenty of room for fresh food and store very little frozen food. Check the exact configuration: ‘single door’ alone doesn’t tell you how much freezer capacity is available.
A fridge freezer combines both compartments in one appliance, as Bosch Home Appliances explains. If you’re considering a multi-door model for its capacity, also measure the delivery route and the space needed to open its doors.
Consider it: for a studio flat or small kitchen, when your fresh food shopping is limited.
Bear in mind: its compact size limits the available space. Pay particular attention to the freezer compartment if you buy frozen food.
Consider it: if you’ll mainly use the appliance for fresh food.
Bear in mind: check whether it has a freezer compartment and how much capacity it offers before choosing it as your main appliance for frozen food.
Consider it: if you want to store fresh and frozen food regularly in one appliance.
Bear in mind: two fridge freezers with similar total capacities may divide the space between their compartments differently.
Consider it: if your household needs plenty of capacity and your kitchen can accommodate it.
Bear in mind: check its width, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors carefully.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the appliance and its packaging to make sure they’ll fit through the planned route. Check the clearances specified in the manual and how far the doors need to open to remove bins and drawers. Que Choisir highlights this for installations in a corner or between two units. | I need to be able to get the fridge into the kitchen, install it and open its doors without blocking storage. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable litres of the fridge and freezer separately. If you plan to freeze fresh food, also check the freezer compartment specifications for the model you’re considering. | I buy fresh food and sometimes frozen food, so the total capacity doesn’t tell me how much space each gets. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB and the airborne acoustical noise emission class for models with the capacity you need. A stated figure alone doesn’t tell you how disruptive the appliance will be in every home. | Noise matters to me in a small room or open-plan kitchen. |
| Energy | Check the energy efficiency class and annual consumption in kWh/year, preferably comparing appliances of a similar format and capacity. ADEME recommends using the energy label when choosing household appliances. | I want to take account of the consumption of an appliance that runs continuously, rather than comparing only its size or features. |
The same total capacity can be divided differently between fresh and frozen food. So this figure alone won’t tell you whether your shopping will fit in each compartment.
Compare the usable litres of both compartments separately, then check the freezer compartment if you want to freeze fresh food.
An appliance may fit in its intended spot but not through a doorway, or its drawers may not come out once it’s installed. Que Choisir draws particular attention to whether the door can open near a wall or between two units.
Measure the delivery route, then check the appliance dimensions, door opening direction and the space needed in front of the doors in the documentation.
Installation guidance depends on the appliance’s design. Clearance measurements for one freestanding model shouldn’t be used in place of the manual for a different fridge.
Follow the clearance and ventilation instructions for the specific model you choose.
Plenty of storage won’t solve a lack of space in your kitchen. For example, Samsung France lists its RM70F63NER as 912 mm wide and advises measuring the access route for the packaged appliance.
Make sure its capacity suits your shopping, then check the width, depth, delivery route and door clearance for the model you’re considering.
These brand examples highlight formats and features to compare on each model; they don’t describe every appliance in their ranges.
Worth considering for a small kitchen if you’re looking for a table-top fridge.
Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer that combines fresh and frozen storage.
Worth considering for a table-top fridge, single-door fridge or fridge freezer, depending on the space available.
Worth considering for a multi-door model if its capacity suits your shopping and your kitchen.
This selection includes fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, as well as a multi-door model for households needing more capacity. First choose the format that suits your shopping and available space, then check the dimensions and installation requirements of the model you’re considering.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. The product listing specifies a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Before deciding where to put it, check the access route, door clearance and the clearances required in the manual.
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If width is a key consideration in your kitchen, this fridge freezer is listed as 54 cm wide, with 153 L of fridge space and a 74 L freezer. The product listing mentions a 4-star freezer compartment, Low Frost, a reversible door, adjustable feet and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth and route into your kitchen. Low Frost doesn’t mean you can skip checking the defrosting instructions.
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Worth considering if your household needs plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The product listing specifies four doors, a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the delivery route and check how much space the doors need to open before choosing this format.
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This fridge freezer could suit shopping that includes both fresh and frozen food when width is limited. The product listing specifies a capacity of 262 L, a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost. Before installation, also check the depth, delivery access and defrosting instructions.
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Worth considering if you need more space for both types of shopping: the product listing divides its 355 L capacity into 252 L for fresh food and 103 L for frozen food. It specifies a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth, stated noise level and annual energy consumption before comparing it with other models.
No: also measure the doors, corridors and lifts along the delivery route. In the kitchen, check that the door opens far enough to remove bins and drawers, particularly if the appliance is in a corner or between two units, as Que Choisir recommends.
Follow the measurements in the manual for the model you’ve chosen, rather than using clearance measurements from another appliance. Freestanding and integrated models, as well as different door designs, may have different requirements, so check before deciding where to put it.
No: it helps you compare energy efficiency classes and annual consumption in kWh, but it doesn’t replace checking usable capacity, noise and dimensions. Ideally, compare appliances with a similar format and capacity that meet the same needs.
Yes. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual, according to the DGCCRF. If you find that the fridge doesn’t conform to the contract, keep your proof of purchase and contact the seller to discuss your situation.