Single person or studio flat
An under-counter fridge or a tall larder fridge may suit a compact kitchen and smaller shops. Check the usable capacity and the actual size of the freezer compartment if you keep frozen food.
Which size is right for you?
The number of people in your household is a useful starting point, but how often you shop and how much freezer space you need can affect which size is right for you.
Couple, house share or small household
If you do a weekly shop, compare the space available for fresh and frozen food rather than looking at the total capacity alone. A fridge-freezer lets you assess the two compartments separately. Que Choisir’s test protocol also takes into account the addition of a full shop.
Family with a larger weekly shop
A large fridge-freezer or a multi-door model may be worth considering if its fresh and frozen food capacities suit your household’s shopping habits. With a multi-door model, check access too: Que Choisir points out that these appliances can be large and heavy.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with your shopping habits and the space available, then compare capacity, installation requirements and the energy label information for the models you’re considering.
| What to consider | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Type and capacity | Compare the usable capacity with the size of your household and how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, then 50 litres for each additional person, as a starting point. Look at the internal layout, not just the external dimensions. | “I do small shops and have a compact kitchen” points towards an under-counter or single-door fridge. For larger shops, I’d check that a fridge-freezer or multi-door model offers enough room where I need it. |
| Freezer space | Check whether there’s a separate freezer compartment and how much usable space it offers. If you do a large shop, tests that assess cooling and freezing performance in these conditions may help you compare models; Que Choisir includes this in its test protocol. | If I regularly keep frozen food, I’ll look at the freezer capacity as well as the fridge capacity. I’d assess a small freezer compartment based on how much I want to store in it. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance. For an integrated model, check that the housing, door panel, fixings and ventilation match the exact model’s manual. Bosch notes that housing heights vary between its models. | My fitted kitchen has a dedicated housing, so I’ll look for a model that fits without forcing it into place. For a freestanding model, I’ll leave the clearances specified by the manufacturer, even if the appliance physically fits in the space. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the noise and energy consumption information, then compare appliances with the right type and capacity for your needs. The ADEME notes that large appliances in the relevant categories display an energy label in shops and online. | Noise matters to me in a studio flat or open-plan kitchen. I’ll also compare energy consumption, without choosing an appliance whose capacity doesn’t suit my shopping habits. |
| Delivery and set-up | Check the package dimensions and access before delivery. After transport, follow the positioning instructions and wait the specified amount of time before plugging the appliance in, as set out in the model’s manual. | If my home has stairs or a narrow entrance, I’ll check the entire route before ordering, especially for a large appliance. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Relying on total capacity to work out freezer space
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide the space between fresh and frozen food differently. The total capacity therefore doesn’t tell you how much frozen food you’ll be able to store.
Work out what your household needs, then compare the usable capacity and layout of each compartment separately.
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Ordering an integrated model before measuring the housing
The housing, door panel and ventilation clearances must suit the model you choose. Bosch’s installation guidance varies depending on the model number.
Measure the width, height, depth, door clearance and delivery access, then compare them with the exact model’s manual.
If the fit isn’t right, you may need to modify the units or choose a different appliance.
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Choosing a multi-door model without checking access
Que Choisir notes that a multi-door model can be as large and heavy as an American-style fridge-freezer. You’ll also need room in front of the doors once it’s installed.
Measure doorways, corridors, lifts and the final installation space. If your chosen model has a water dispenser, check its connection requirements.
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Plugging the appliance in without following the instructions after delivery
Instructions on transport and how long to wait before plugging in are part of the set-up process. Electrolux recommends transporting its relevant appliances upright and waiting at least 4 hours before plugging them in.
Plan delivery and installation according to the manual for the model you’ve bought, especially if its instructions differ from this example.
A guide to the brands
These installation details can help you prepare your kitchen, but they don’t replace the manual for the specific model you’re considering.
Bosch
A brand to consider when replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, where the housing dimensions determine your choice.
- Bosch lists different housing heights for different models.
- A dimension given for one model won’t necessarily apply to every model: check the manual and fixings for the one you choose.
Whirlpool
A useful reference when comparing the ventilation requirements of a freestanding appliance with those of an integrated model.
- Whirlpool specifies 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges.
- These measurements aren’t universal. The space needed for an integrated model is listed in the specifications for that product.
Electrolux
A brand whose transport and set-up instructions are worth considering when planning your delivery.
- Electrolux recommends transporting its refrigeration appliances upright and waiting at least 4 hours before plugging them in.
- If the manual for your chosen model gives different instructions, follow those instead.
Fridge-freezers and multi-door fridges available on Joybuy
These models are designed for storing fresh and frozen food in a fridge-freezer or multi-door fridge. Compare their stated capacities with your shopping habits, then check the dimensions and installation requirements for the model you choose.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA, 390 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if your shopping calls for plenty of room for fresh and frozen food. The product name lists a capacity of 390 L and energy rating C. Check how the compartments are divided, as well as the delivery route and installation clearances.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door multi-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
This model is for households that need plenty of storage space, provided there’s room for it. The product name lists Total No Frost and energy rating E. Measure the delivery route, installation space and door clearance.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
This three-door fridge-freezer is worth considering if your shopping includes fresh and frozen food. The product name lists Total No Frost, energy rating E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the space needed for installation.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW, 333 L fridge-freezer
Before choosing this fridge-freezer, check that the space for fresh and frozen food suits your shopping habits. The product name lists energy rating C and NatureFRESH, DoorCooling+ and LinearCooling features. Also make sure its dimensions suit your kitchen.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L fridge-freezer, 54 cm wide
Its stated width of 54 cm may be worth considering for a narrow kitchen that also needs freezer space. The product name lists a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the depth and the ventilation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
How much capacity should you allow for per person?
Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 litres for one person, then adding 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop and how much freezer space you need, then compare the usable capacities of the compartments.
Is a small freezer compartment suitable if I often buy frozen food?
Check its capacity before choosing it for this purpose: the fridge’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is actually available for frozen food. If you store frozen food regularly, compare it with the separate freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer.
How do you choose between a freestanding and an integrated model?
Choose an integrated model if its manual confirms that it’s compatible with your housing, door panel, fixings and ventilation set-up. Bosch notes that housing dimensions vary by model. If your space isn’t suitable, consider a different model or a freestanding appliance that fits the space available.
How much space should you leave around a fridge for ventilation?
Follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model. As an example that applies only to its freestanding fridges, Whirlpool specifies 5 cm above and 10 cm behind. These measurements don’t automatically apply to other models or integrated appliances.
Can you plug in your fridge as soon as it’s delivered?
Follow the waiting time specified in the manual before plugging it in. Electrolux recommends transporting its refrigeration appliances upright and waiting at least 4 hours before plugging them in. If the instructions for the model you’ve bought differ, follow those instead.