Households doing a weekly shop
If you keep several days’ worth of fresh food, prepared meals and perhaps some frozen food, compare the space allocated to each compartment before choosing between a fridge freezer and a larger appliance.
Who are these formats suited to?
Compact kitchens and frequent shopping
If you buy a little at a time, start with the space available and the capacity you actually need. A larger appliance isn’t automatically more practical in a narrow kitchen.
Households that store lots of frozen food
If you stock up between shops, check the freezer compartment’s capacity first: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space you’ll have for frozen food.
Which criteria should you check first?
First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then rule out any formats that won’t fit in your kitchen. Next, compare energy consumption and noise levels between appliances of a similar size and capacity.
Under-counter fridge
Consider this if: your kitchen is very small, you shop frequently and have little to freeze.
Bear in mind: its small footprint means less storage space. Check whether the model has a freezer compartment and, if so, its capacity.
Single-door fridge with ice box
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and only occasionally keep small amounts of frozen food.
Bear in mind: an ice box may not meet the same needs as a separate freezer. Check its capacity and the specifications of your chosen model.
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: you do a bigger shop and need separate space for fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: two fridge freezers with a similar total capacity may have very different amounts of fridge and freezer space.
Multi-door fridge
Consider this if: your household needs a large capacity and you have a suitable space and access route.
Bear in mind: its size means you’ll need to measure the delivery route and door clearance, not just the space where it will stand.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Usable fridge capacity in litres, plus the layout of the shelves and drawers. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | If I do a bigger shop, I need enough space to keep fresh food until my next one. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Space for frozen food | Usable freezer compartment capacity and whether it has a separate freezer rather than just an ice box. | If I stock up on frozen food, I want to know how much space is actually available for it. This would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Size and access | Appliance dimensions, the clearances required for installation and the route the packaged appliance must take to reach the kitchen. | In a small kitchen or where access is restricted, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open its doors without blocking the way. This would be the main concern for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption and noise | kWh/year and dB(A) on the label for the exact model, compared with appliances of a similar format and capacity. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously. | In an open-plan living space, I want to consider everyday noise as well as electricity use. Around 19% of consumers would put these day-to-day factors first. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with the same total capacity may offer very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. An ice box may also be too small if you regularly stock up.
Work out how many litres you need in each compartment and check the separate capacities in the product specifications.
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Comparing energy ratings without checking kWh/year
The appliance’s size and features also matter when choosing: the rating letter alone doesn’t let you compare appliances with different storage needs. ADEME highlights the importance of energy consumption for an appliance that runs continuously.
Compare kWh/year between models of a similar format and capacity, then decide which extra features you’ll actually use.
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Measuring the space but not the delivery route
An appliance may fit in your kitchen but still not get through a doorway, corridor or lift, especially when it’s packaged.
Check the packaged appliance’s dimensions, doorways, corners and the space needed to open the doors once it’s installed.
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Assuming a freshness feature guarantees everything will stay fresh
Storage compartments and features vary by model and by the foods they’re designed for. A manufacturer’s description doesn’t guarantee the same results for everything you buy.
Check which features are included on the exact model and choose one to suit the foods you store regularly.
Brands to consider, model by model
The specifications below apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance from each brand.
Bosch
The range includes freestanding fridge freezers with, depending on the model, dedicated fresh-food compartments and frost-free features.
- Bosch lists 260 L of fridge space, 103 L of freezer space and a noise level of 29 dB(A) for the KGN39AIAU.
- These figures apply to the KGN39AIAU only. Check the capacity and noise level of any other model you’re considering.
Liebherr
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with separate fresh-food zones, depending on the model’s features.
- Liebherr lists a 320 L capacity, 35 dB(A), BioFresh and NoFrost for the CBNsfc 5223.
- Suggested uses for BioFresh zones are the brand’s guidance. Check the compartments on the model you choose.
Samsung
Its multi-door models are worth considering if you need a large capacity and have enough room in your kitchen.
- Samsung lists a 488 L capacity, a width of 833 mm and a depth of 740 mm for the RF48A400EM9/EF.
- Measure the delivery route too. Samsung’s claim that Twin Cooling limits odour transfer applies to this model.
Whirlpool
The brand offers both freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, which require different installation checks.
- Whirlpool lists a total capacity of 394 L for the built-in WH SP70 T121, including 295 L of fridge space and 99 L of freezer space.
- For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions and installation requirements for the exact model.
Beko
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fruit and vegetable compartment with HarvestFresh.
- Beko describes HarvestFresh as three-colour LED lighting in the fruit and vegetable compartment.
- This feature is only available on selected models. The brand’s description doesn’t guarantee that all foods will stay fresh.
Fridge freezers and multi-door models available on Joybuy
These models include fridge freezers with separate space for fresh and frozen food, as well as a multi-door model for those who need more capacity. Compare the compartments and installation requirements of each model to suit your shopping habits.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW white fridge freezer, 333 L
Worth considering if you do a bigger shop but still want separate space for frozen food. This model is listed with a C energy rating. Check how the 333 L is divided and the clearance needed before installation.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS silver 4-door multi-door fridge freezer, 467 L
If your household needs plenty of fridge and freezer space, compare the usable capacity of each compartment. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Also measure the access route and clearance for all four doors.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG 3-door fridge freezer, 360 L
Worth comparing if you leave longer between shops and need separate freezer space. This model is listed with Total No Frost, an E energy rating and My Zone. Check the clearances and that the packaged appliance will fit through your delivery route.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA grey fridge freezer, 390 L
If you do a bigger shop that includes frozen food, compare the capacity of each compartment with what you need. This model is listed with a C energy rating. If you want to avoid manual defrosting, check the defrosting system on the exact product page.
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Samsung RB34C704DB1 black fridge freezer, 344 L
Worth considering if you want a separate freezer compartment for frozen food. The model name indicates a D energy rating. Check the label for kWh/year and noise levels, then confirm the depth and installation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity does a household need?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop, whether you store bulky items and how much frozen food you keep. Check the fridge and freezer compartments separately.
How do you compare the energy consumption of two fridges?
Compare their kWh/year for models of a similar format and capacity, rather than looking only at their energy ratings. The label shown by the European Commission also gives storage capacity and noise levels. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously.
Is No Frost essential?
No. This feature may suit you if you want to reduce the need for defrosting, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. Also compare the separate capacities, kWh/year and noise level of the model you’re interested in.
Should you measure the delivery route?
Yes, especially for a large appliance. Check that the packaged fridge can pass through doorways, corridors and lifts on its way to the kitchen. Then check the installation clearances and the space needed to open the doors.