In a small kitchen, a table-top fridge may be enough if you don’t need much storage. For weekly shops that include frozen food, consider a fridge freezer and compare the capacity of its compartments. A multi-door model needs more space and a suitable delivery route. For an integrated fridge, check the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the instructions for your chosen model.
A table-top fridge may suit your needs if you only need to store a small amount of fresh food, as Que Choisir notes for studio flats. Still, measure the space and check the usable capacity, room for frozen food and ventilation requirements in the instructions.
A fridge freezer gives you separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. Compare their capacities individually: the total capacity won’t tell you whether your usual shopping will fit in each compartment.
A multi-door fridge is worth considering if you need plenty of storage. You’ll also need to measure the space, delivery route and door clearance. Some water or ice dispensers require a plumbing connection.
First, work out how much space you have and how much fresh and frozen food you need to store. Then compare models that can actually be installed in your home.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Format and storage | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments. With a table-top or single-door model, check how much space is actually available for frozen food. | In a studio flat, I can opt for a compact appliance if I don’t store much food. If my weekly shop includes frozen food, I need a suitable freezer compartment. |
| Dimensions and access | Measure the appliance, the space it will go in, the delivery route and the door clearance. Que Choisir recommends allowing around 1 m of width for an American-style or side-by-side fridge. Check the exact dimensions of the model you’re considering. | I want to be able to get the appliance into my home and open its doors without obstructing the kitchen. |
| Installation and ventilation | Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions. For an integrated model, also check that the housing dimensions and door-fixing system are suitable for your chosen model. | If I’m keeping my kitchen units, the housing, door and ventilation all need to be compatible with the appliance. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level, energy rating and annual energy consumption on the labels of the models you’re considering. Take their capacity and format into account before drawing any conclusions. | Noise matters particularly to me in an open-plan living space. I’d also like to compare the energy consumption of appliances that meet my storage needs. |
The overall capacity may seem sufficient, but the freezer compartment could be too small for the frozen food you buy.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately, then compare the capacity of each compartment.
Width, depth, door fixing and ventilation are also important for installation.
Measure the inside of the housing and check the door fitting and instructions for the exact model.
You may need to adapt the unit or installation if these details don’t match.
An appliance may fit in its intended space but still be too large for the access route or leave too little room to open its doors.
Measure the delivery route and door clearance. If the model has a dispenser, check whether it needs a water connection.
Two fridges with similar capacities can have different noise levels and annual energy consumption. If you’re replacing an appliance, you’ll also need to decide what to do with the old one.
Compare the details on the energy labels and ask the retailer whether they’ll take away your old fridge.
These brands can help you explore different ranges and features, but compatibility and functions always depend on the individual model.
Bosch’s French range includes integrated fridge freezers, worth considering if you want to keep your existing fitted kitchen.
Liebherr France’s range includes integrated fridge freezers for housings of different heights.
Samsung France’s multi-door models are worth considering if your household needs plenty of capacity and has enough space.
This selection includes freestanding fridge freezers and a multi-door model for households that need to store fresh and frozen food. Compare their capacity with the space you have available. This selection doesn’t include compact models or integrated appliances.
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Worth considering for shops that include fresh and frozen food. The model details list 249 L of fridge capacity and 106 L of freezer capacity. Check that this split works for you, then measure the space and delivery route.
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If you need to split your weekly shop between fresh and frozen food, check the compartments listed for this model: 183 L for refrigeration, 37 L for cooling and 113 L for freezing. Also check that the space meets the installation clearance requirements.
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This three-door model has a stated capacity of 235 L for fresh food and 125 L for frozen food. Before choosing it, check that its dimensions suit your kitchen and that the ventilation clearances meet the requirements in the instructions.
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Worth considering if your household needs more room for both types of food: the stated capacities are 311 L for refrigeration and 129 L for freezing. Check that its height of 203 cm and width of 70 cm suit the space and access routes.
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For larger shops that include frozen food, this four-door model offers 311 L of fridge capacity and 156 L of freezer capacity. Its stated width of 83,3 cm means you’ll need to check access routes, the available space and door clearance.
Think about how much food you store between shops, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. If you buy a lot of frozen food every week, total capacity alone won’t help you choose between two appliances.
Measure the appliance and the route to your kitchen, then check the space it will go in and the door clearance. Que Choisir notes that an American-style or side-by-side fridge may need around 1 m of width, but the dimensions of your chosen model are what matter most.
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your exact model, including for integrated appliances. Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of free space behind and beneath the fridge in its installation guide. This figure doesn’t replace the instructions for another model.
It lets you compare factors such as energy rating, annual energy consumption and noise level across the appliances you’re considering. ADEME says that large household appliances display this label in shops and online. Also compare their capacity and format to find one that suits your needs.
Arrange for it to be collected or take it to an appropriate recycling facility rather than leaving it with ordinary bulky waste. ADEME says you can hand a refrigeration appliance to the retailer or delivery team when it’s replaced, or take it to the dedicated area for electrical equipment at a recycling centre.