First, measure the space, the delivery route and the clearances specified in the instruction manual. Then choose a model based on how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. A table-top fridge is worth considering when space is very limited; a one-door model prioritises fresh food if you don’t need a freezer or have one elsewhere; and a fridge freezer combines both functions. A multi-door model is an option if you need plenty of storage, provided its dimensions suit your kitchen and the route into your home.
The right format depends as much on the kitchen in your new home as on how your household splits its shopping between fresh and frozen food.
If you need to fit an appliance into a tight space, a table-top fridge is worth considering. Que Choisir recommends this format for studio flats; however, Bosch product pages show that two models of the same dimensions may differ in whether they have a freezer compartment. Check the installation requirements too before planning to place one under a worktop.
If you regularly store frozen food or prepared portions and don’t want two separate appliances, a fridge freezer combines a fridge and a freezer in one. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment rather than looking at the total capacity alone, then check that the model’s height and noise level suit your kitchen.
If you buy a lot at a time, a multi-door model may be worth considering, provided your kitchen can accommodate it. Before choosing this format, measure your doorways, corridors and lift too: Samsung recommends these checks for delivery of its RF65DG960ESL model.
First rule out any formats that can’t be installed, then work out how much space you need for frozen and fresh food. The figures in the final column indicate each household’s main priority, but won’t replace measuring your kitchen.
Consider it: when headroom is limited and your shopping mainly calls for space for fresh food.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited and, depending on the model, there may be no freezer compartment. Bosch’s KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB product pages illustrate this difference despite their identical dimensions.
Consider it: if fresh food storage is the priority and you already have a separate freezer or don’t need one.
Bear in mind: some models don’t offer any freezer capacity; Whirlpool lists 365 L for the fridge and 0 L for the freezer on its WHMLF 6442 FXP4.
Consider it: if you regularly buy fresh and frozen food and want to store both in one appliance.
Bear in mind: capacity is split between two compartments. Check the height and, for an integrated model, whether it will fit your housing unit.
Consider it: if you need plenty of storage and your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate a wide appliance.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space, so measure carefully; Samsung lists its RF65DG960ESL as 912 mm wide.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Overall dimensions, delivery route and clearances specified in the instruction manual; compatibility with a housing unit if the appliance is integrated. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open its doors once it’s installed. Around 36% of consumers would put installation suitability first. |
| Integrated freezer | Whether there’s a freezer compartment and how much usable capacity it offers. | If I often store frozen food or prepared portions, the space set aside for them matters more than the total capacity shown. This would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Storage capacity | Usable capacity for fresh and frozen food, and whether the interior layout suits your usual shopping. | If I leave longer between shops, I need enough storage to see me through, without choosing an appliance that won’t fit the available space. Around 21% of consumers would make capacity their priority. |
| Energy use and noise | Annual energy consumption on the energy label and the model’s noise level, comparing appliances with similar functions and capacity. | In a kitchen near the living area, I want to consider noise as well as the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 14% of consumers would put this first. |
A fridge also needs to fit through to the kitchen and meet the clearances required for its installation. Samsung recommends measuring doorways, lifts and corridors for its multi-door RF65DG960ESL; ventilation requirements can’t be assumed from the dimensions of another model.
Measure the height, width and depth, check that the packaged appliance will fit through, then consult the instruction manual for door clearance and ventilation requirements.
A large fridge capacity doesn’t guarantee there’ll be room for frozen food. Whirlpool lists 365 L of fridge capacity and 0 L of freezer capacity for the WHMLF 6442 FXP4, while Bosch splits the 305 L usable capacity of its KGN36NWEA fridge freezer between 216 L for fresh food and 89 L for frozen food.
Work out how much storage you need for fresh and frozen food separately, then compare the capacity of each compartment.
If a multi-door model has a water or ice dispenser, its water supply requirements may affect where you can place it.
Check the product page and instruction manual to see whether it needs a mains connection, a water tank or another setup before planning your kitchen.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer. Check what an additional commercial warranty actually covers, and don’t confuse it with this statutory protection.
Ask for the extended warranty terms in writing and compare its duration, exclusions and service arrangements with the protections that already apply.
These examples can help you compare specific configurations; they don’t represent every appliance from each brand.
Bosch’s French product pages feature table-top fridges, as well as freestanding and integrated fridge freezers.
Whirlpool offers compact models for smaller spaces and one-door models that prioritise fresh food storage.
The multi-door RF65DG960ESL is an example of a high-capacity configuration to consider if your space and access allow.
These appliances combine fresh food storage and freezing in one unit: the selection includes a multi-door model and several fridge freezers. Compare their stated capacity with your shopping needs, then check the dimensions and installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your shopping calls for plenty of space for fresh and frozen food, provided you have room for it. The model name lists four doors, 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that it will fit through on delivery, allow for the clearances in the instruction manual and note that the doors are non-reversible.
Image unavailable
An option to consider if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a freestanding appliance, provided your kitchen can accommodate its height. The model name lists 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions needed for delivery access and the clearances specified in the instruction manual.
Image unavailable
This fridge freezer is suited to households looking for plenty of capacity to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name lists 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before opting for this capacity, check the appliance dimensions, delivery route and clearances in the instruction manual against your home.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen is narrow but you still need an integrated freezer. The model name lists a width of 54 cm, 153 L for fresh food and 74 L for frozen food, as well as Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check its height and depth too, along with installation clearances and annual energy consumption on the label.
Image unavailable
A capacity to consider for a small household that also wants to store frozen food, after comparing the compartments with its usual shopping needs. The model name lists 174 L, freestanding installation, Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the energy label for annual consumption and the noise level in dB, and consult the instruction manual for clearance requirements.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then check the doorways, corridors and lifts the appliance will pass through during delivery. Allow for the clearances and door-opening space required in the model’s instruction manual: the 5 cm mentioned by Bosch in its guide for a built-in American-style fridge isn’t a rule that applies to every fridge.
Choose a fridge freezer if you need an integrated freezer for frozen food or extra supplies. A one-door model may suit you if fresh food is the priority and you don’t need a freezer or have one separately; for example, Whirlpool lists 365 L for the fridge and 0 L for the freezer on its WHMLF 6442 FXP4.
Compare appliances with similar functions and capacity by checking their annual energy consumption on the energy label and their stated noise level in dB(A). Your Europe explains that the label lets you compare appliance energy consumption, and that the European EPREL database provides information about models sold in the European Union.
In France, contact the retailer with your order details and evidence of the difference. The Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a consumer; this is separate from any commercial warranty.