Measure the available space and the entire delivery route, then choose a capacity to suit the number of people in your household and how much frozen food you need to store. A table-top fridge suits limited storage needs in a small kitchen; a fridge freezer gives you space for both fresh and frozen food, while a fridge-only model prioritises fresh food. Consider a multi-door model if its capacity would be useful and its dimensions work for both your kitchen and the access route.
When moving into a new home, the size of your household matters just as much as the space you need for fresh and frozen food.
A table-top fridge can meet modest storage needs in a studio flat. To get an initial idea of the capacity you need, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits and the space you need for frozen food.
A fridge freezer gives you separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. Check the capacity of each compartment rather than just the total, especially if you shop less frequently.
A multi-door fridge freezer may be worth considering if you need plenty of storage, provided it fits in your kitchen and can be brought in at delivery. Darty recommends measuring the doors, lift, stairs and hallway along the planned route.
First work out what you need to store and how much space the appliance can take up. Then compare the features of models with similar styles and capacities.
| What to consider | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Style and capacity | Compare the usable litres allocated to fresh food and freezing. A table-top fridge suits limited storage needs; a fridge-only model prioritises fresh food, while a fridge freezer gives you more separation between the two. Check the capacities of any multi-door model you’re considering rather than judging it by the number of doors. | I shop less often or regularly store frozen food, so I need enough space in each compartment. As a starting point for choosing a capacity, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. |
| Space and delivery | Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the clearance needed to open the doors. Check the access route from the delivery entrance too; Darty highlights doors, the lift, stairs and hallway. | My kitchen can fit the appliance, but it also needs to get through every access point. If I choose a larger model, I’ll check the route before ordering. |
| Energy and noise | Compare the A to G energy rating and stated annual consumption in kWh for appliances of similar size and capacity. Check the stated noise level in dB separately: the energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how noisy an appliance is. ADEME notes that the new A to G scale replaced the old ratings with ‘+’ symbols. | In a small room or open-plan kitchen, I want to consider the stated noise level as well as electricity consumption. I compare models that offer the capacity I need. |
| Cooling and maintenance | Check the cooling technology listed for each compartment and the model’s defrosting instructions. If you’re interested in a particular drawer or storage zone, check that it’s included in the version you’ve chosen. | I’d like to cut down on defrosting, or have storage suited to the food I keep most often. I check these features on the specific model rather than assuming they’re included across an entire range. |
A large fresh-food compartment won’t necessarily meet your regular freezing needs. A small freezer compartment may also be too limited if you store a lot of frozen food.
Work out separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the capacity and type of freezer compartment.
An appliance may fit in its intended space but still get stuck in a doorway, on the stairs, in the lift or in the hallway.
Measure the entire route and compare it with the appliance dimensions, including the packaging where these are provided. Tell the retailer about any access restrictions before choosing a delivery service.
Difficult access can affect the practical arrangements for delivery, so check what service is available at your address.
The rating letter alone isn’t enough to compare appliances of different sizes and styles accurately.
Also check the stated annual consumption in kWh and the usable capacity. ADEME explains that the current A to G scale applies to fridges; ideally, compare models that meet the same storage needs.
Like-for-like collection of an appliance and the arrangements for collecting it during a delivery are two separate things. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that like-for-like collection of household appliances applies without a minimum threshold.
Before ordering, check with the retailer how to request collection and where you’ll need to leave your old fridge.
These examples show features to compare on specific models; they don’t represent every appliance made by each brand.
Worth a look if you’re after a fridge freezer and want to compare cooling features and stated noise levels.
A useful point of comparison for a fridge freezer whose capacity, dimensions and stated noise level need to suit your room.
One to consider if you’re looking for a multi-door model and have enough room for it, with a suitable access route.
An example of a fridge-only model to consider when fresh-food storage is your priority.
These appliances are fridge freezers designed to divide storage between fresh and frozen food. Compare their capacities and overall size with your needs before choosing; the other styles covered in this article suit different situations.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its stated total capacity is 390 L; check how much space is allocated to each compartment, as well as its dimensions and the route into your kitchen.
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For a household that stores both fresh and frozen food, this model lists 182 L of fridge space and 71 L of freezer space. Its name indicates No Frost and 39 dB; check its dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door before ordering.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth considering if space is tight in your kitchen. The model is 176 cm high and labelled Low Frost; check the defrosting instructions and the clearance needed to open the door.
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If width is a key consideration in your kitchen, this model is listed as 54 cm wide, with 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. It’s described as Low Frost, with a reversible door and an E energy rating; also check its depth and defrosting instructions.
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This three-door model is worth considering if you need a total capacity of 360 L split between fresh and frozen food. Its name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone; check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before choosing.
As a starting point, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop, how much space you need for leftovers and how much frozen food you want to store.
A fridge freezer is worth considering if you want a freezer compartment without installing a separate freezer. Compare its freezer capacity with your needs: Que Choisir notes that a small freezer compartment won’t be enough if frozen food takes up a lot of space.
Measure the space where the appliance will go, then the entire route to your kitchen. Darty recommends checking the doors, lift, stairs and hallway in particular; compare these access points with the appliance dimensions, including the packaging if this measurement is provided.
In France, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition states that like-for-like collection of a household appliance applies when you buy a new one, with no minimum threshold for this category. Check the arrangements with the retailer, particularly if you want your old appliance collected from your home at the time of delivery.
Compare the stated annual consumption in kWh and the A to G rating of fridges with similar styles and capacities, then check their noise levels in dB separately. ADEME explains that the current A to G scale replaced the old ratings with ‘+’ symbols.