Households that shop weekly
If your shopping needs to last several days, a fridge freezer lets you set aside separate space for fresh and frozen food. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment rather than looking only at the total capacity.
Who are these styles suited to?
People living in a studio flat or with a small open-plan kitchen
A table-top or small, single-door fridge may suit you if you store modest quantities and only freeze food occasionally. In a living space, it’s also worth comparing the noise levels listed for the models you’re considering.
Families who store lots of frozen food
A multi-door or American-style fridge may offer the layout you’re looking for, provided its freezer compartment suits your usual shopping. Check the appliance dimensions and the route into your kitchen before choosing a larger model.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with how much food you need to store, then compare the different styles based on freezer space and the constraints of your kitchen.
| Criterion | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable litres with the number of people in your household and how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, as a starting point. | If I do a big weekly shop, I need enough room to put everything away without choosing an appliance that’s too large for my kitchen. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Check the capacity of each compartment separately. If you only need a little freezer space, look at the compartment in a single-door model; for regular storage, compare the freezers in fridge freezers and larger models. Que Choisir distinguishes a basic freezer compartment from a freezer suited to storing larger quantities of frozen food. | I want to put away my frozen shopping without sacrificing the space I need for fresh food. |
| Style and access | Measure the space, check the clearances required for the model and measure the delivery route. For a multi-door or American-style fridge, also check that the doors can open fully and that the compartments are laid out to suit you. | A large capacity won’t help if the appliance won’t fit through the door or gets in the way in the kitchen. |
| Noise | Compare the stated dB(A) levels of appliances you’re considering for the same space. The ADEME says the energy label also lets you compare noise information. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I’d rather factor in noise before deciding where to put the fridge. |
| Energy use | Check the energy rating and annual energy consumption of the exact model. For a fair comparison, choose models with similar styles and capacities rather than judging energy use by appliance size alone. | I want to compare appliances that genuinely meet the same storage needs. |
What should you watch out for when buying?
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Choosing a large model before measuring the route in
A fridge that fits your kitchen layout may still cause problems during delivery or need more clearance once it’s installed.
Measure the space, doors, corridors and stairs. Compare those measurements with the dimensions of the exact model, including its packaging, and check its installation instructions.
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Relying on total capacity to judge freezer space
A large fridge compartment doesn’t guarantee enough room for frozen food. Que Choisir points out that a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately against what you usually buy.
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Forgetting about noise in an open-plan room
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how noisy the appliance will be next to your living space.
Check the dB(A) figures and noise information on the labels of the models you’re comparing, taking their intended location into account.
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Assuming a dispenser works without a water supply
Connection requirements vary by model. For example, the Joybuy listing for the Samsung RF65DG960ESL says a water connection is required.
Before choosing a water or ice feature, check the installation requirements on the listing for the exact model and consider whether you’ll use it.
A few brands to consider
These examples show why you should check capacity and dimensions for each specific model, rather than making assumptions based on the brand name.
Bosch
The brand’s documented models include freestanding and integrated fridge freezers.
- Bosch lists the freestanding KGN33NWDA fridge freezer as having 189 L of fridge space, 90 L of freezer space and a noise level of 40 dB(A).
- These figures apply to the KGN33NWDA. Check the capacity and noise level of any other model you’re considering.
Whirlpool
The documented models include freestanding and integrated fridge freezers with different capacities.
- Whirlpool lists the WHK22372X5EA1 as having a capacity of 370 L and a noise level of 37 dB; the integrated WHC18T132FR fridge freezer is listed with 182 L of fridge space and 68 L of freezer space.
- These models differ in capacity and installation type, so check the listing for the specific model you choose.
Samsung
The multi-door RF65DG960ESL shows what to check with a high-capacity appliance.
- Samsung lists this model with a capacity of 646 L and dimensions of 912 mm wide, 1 830 mm high and 723 mm deep.
- The Joybuy listing for the RF65DG960ESL says a water connection is required. Check the installation requirements, delivery route and clearances before choosing this model.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
These models include fridge freezers for separating fresh and frozen food, as well as a three-door fridge freezer. Compare their stated capacities with your shopping needs and check the available space before choosing.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L black fridge freezer, class E
Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer that gives you separate space for chilled and frozen shopping. Its stated total capacity is 344 L. Check how much room it will take up in your kitchen and along the delivery route.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA, 390 L grey fridge freezer, class C
This 390 L fridge freezer is worth considering if your big shop calls for more overall capacity. Check how the space is divided between the fridge and freezer, then make sure the dimensions and clearances will work in your home.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer, class E
The three doors offer the option of organising fresh and frozen food separately. The model name indicates a capacity of 360 L and Total No Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the required clearances and the delivery route.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L black fridge freezer, 54 cm wide
Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a narrow space. Also measure the available height, as the model is listed as 176 cm tall. This Low Frost fridge freezer has a total capacity of 262 L. Check the defrosting instructions and how much space is available for frozen food.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW, 333 L white fridge freezer, class C
This 333 L fridge freezer is an option for keeping fresh and frozen food together. If you’re choosing it for a tight space, confirm the required side clearances for this version, as the product description contains conflicting information.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate the usable capacity my household needs?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, as a starting point. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check how much space you’ll need for frozen food separately.
Is a freezer compartment enough if I buy frozen food?
A small compartment may suit occasional use, but Que Choisir says a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. If you store it regularly, compare the freezer compartments in the models you’re considering.
What should I check for an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) of models that suit your space and shopping needs. The ADEME says the energy label also includes information to help you compare noise levels.
How can I use the energy label to help me choose?
Use it to compare energy consumption and noise information, as explained by the ADEME. To make the comparison useful, look at appliances with a style and capacity that meet the same needs.
Does a fridge with a dispenser need a water supply?
Check the connection requirements for the exact model before planning its installation. For example, the Joybuy listing for the Samsung RF65DG960ESL says a water connection is required; don’t assume the same applies to every dispenser.