Small home with frequent shopping trips
In a studio flat or small kitchen, you’ll want to save space and may be happy with less room for fresh and frozen food.
Which households suit each style ?
Household storing fresh and frozen food
You want to keep everyday fresh food to hand, while also making room for less frequent shops or meals prepared in advance.
Family household with plenty to store
You’re looking for a generous capacity, provided the appliance’s dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption suit your kitchen.
Which features should you check first ?
Choose a style by balancing your storage needs against the space you actually have. An under-counter fridge can solve a space problem, while a fridge-freezer or multi-door model is worth considering if you need more room for fresh and frozen food.
Table-top fridge
Consider it : for a studio flat, if you have little food to store and shop frequently.
Bear in mind : its compact size usually means less storage space, particularly for frozen food.
Fridge
Consider it : if fresh food is your priority and you only need a little freezer space, or have a separate freezer.
Check : the space available in any freezer compartment varies by model.
Fridge-freezer
Consider it : when you need to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, especially if you do a weekly shop.
Check : the total capacity doesn’t tell you how many litres are available in each compartment.
Multi-door fridge
Consider it : if you need lots of storage space and your kitchen can accommodate a wide, deep appliance.
Plan ahead : measure the delivery route and allow enough room for the doors to open before ordering.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres with the size of your household and how often you shop. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person; adjust this based on what you actually store. | If I cook often or keep large containers, I want to be able to store fresh food without overcrowding the shelves. Around 27 % of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. If you freeze lots of food after shopping, also check the stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | When preparing meals in advance, I need a freezer that doesn’t take up too much of the space for fresh food. Around 33 % of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Size and space | Measure the height, width and depth, check the delivery route and allow for the doors to open. Consult the manual for the clearances and ventilation requirements for that model. | In a small kitchen, I first need to make sure the appliance will fit and the doors can open properly. Available space would come before other considerations for around 20 % of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | For appliances with a similar capacity and layout, compare the kWh/year on the energy label and the stated noise level in dB(A), rather than looking at the energy rating alone. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider everyday noise and energy consumption once I’ve found the capacity I need. Around 20 % of consumers would put these factors first. |
What should you avoid ?
-
Looking only at the total capacity
An appliance may be spacious overall but still have too little freezer space for your needs, or the other way round.
Compare the capacity of each compartment with what you usually buy, cook and freeze in a typical week.
-
Choosing a large model without planning its installation
The width, depth and door clearance could make an appliance unsuitable for your kitchen, even if its capacity is right for you.
Measure the delivery route too, and check the manual for the necessary clearances and ventilation.
-
Comparing energy ratings alone
Two fridges with different capacities may not meet the same needs, even if they have the same energy rating.
Compare the kWh/year on the energy label, usable capacity and noise level of appliances with a similar layout.
-
Confusing an extended warranty with your legal rights
In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years on a new product bought from a professional seller. Check what an additional commercial warranty offers beyond these rights.
Before taking out an extended warranty, check how much extra cover it provides, which repairs are covered and what exclusions apply.
Brands to explore
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
These appliances are for households looking to combine refrigeration and freezing in one unit. Multi-door models suit those who need plenty of storage, while fridge-freezers offer more modest capacities. Compare each model’s compartment layout and dimensions with the space available in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door fridge, 495 L, black
Worth considering if your household needs to store plenty of fresh and frozen food, provided you have enough space.
Advertised total capacity : 495 L ; energy rating E. Check the dimensions and clearances, as well as any connection requirements for the water and ice dispenser in your chosen configuration.
Image unavailable
Candy CFQQ5T817EPS four-door fridge-freezer, 467 L, silver
Worth considering for a household looking to store fresh and frozen food in a multi-door appliance.
Advertised total capacity : 467 L ; Total No Frost and energy rating E. Check there’s enough space for the doors to open; according to the description, they are not reversible.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s fridge-freezer, 253 L, stainless steel finish
Worth considering for a small household looking to store fresh and frozen food in a fridge-freezer.
Advertised capacities : 182 L for refrigeration and 71 L for freezing ; stated noise level of 39 dB and No Frost feature. Check the full dimensions, clearances and kWh/year for the model.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE fridge-freezer, 227 L, silver
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 54 cm-wide fridge-freezer for a small kitchen.
Advertised capacities : 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing ; reversible door, Low Frost and energy rating E. Low Frost may not eliminate the need to defrost, so check the height, depth and kWh/year too.
Image unavailable
Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L, black
Worth considering for a small household looking to store fresh and frozen food in a compact appliance.
Advertised total capacity : 174 L ; Low Frost and reversible door. Check the separate compartment capacities, kWh/year, stated noise level and freezer maintenance requirements before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity should I choose for my household ?
As a starting point, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person ; its guide suggests at least 300 litres for a household of more than three people. Adjust this to suit how often you shop, whether you store large containers and how much freezer space you need.
How do I compare two fridges with the same energy rating ?
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh and usable capacities before judging the energy rating alone. Check the fresh-food and freezer compartments separately, then look at the dimensions and noise level in dB(A) to find an appliance that suits your needs.
Does the legal guarantee apply to a new fridge bought in France ?
Yes. According to the Ministry of the Economy, if you buy a new fridge from a professional seller, you can claim the legal guarantee of conformity from that seller for two years. If a commercial warranty is offered, check what additional cover it provides beyond your legal rights.
What should I do with my old fridge when replacing it ?
Arrange for it to be collected through an appropriate electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme. Information from the ministries responsible for the ecological transition outlines a « one-for-one » take-back service when buying a similar product. Confirm the collection arrangements with the seller before delivery.