Households that shop for several days at a time
If your shopping includes fresh and frozen food, look at the capacity of each compartment rather than just the total volume.
Who is this choice for?
Households with a small kitchen or an existing space
Choosing between an under-counter fridge, a single-door model and a fridge freezer also depends on the space available, how the doors open and the ventilation requirements.
Households mindful of noise and energy use
In an open-plan kitchen or one close to a living area, compare the kWh/an and noise emissions stated for the models you are considering.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by working out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. Then rule out any sizes that won’t fit your kitchen before comparing energy labels.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Consider a fridge freezer if you use the freezer regularly, an under-counter fridge if height is the deciding factor, or a single-door model if you mainly store fresh food. With a multi-door model, measure the access route too. | I shop for several days at a time: do I need a separate freezer compartment, or mainly more room for fresh food? |
| Usable capacity | Check the litres available for fresh and frozen food separately. Que Choisir Ensemble suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L per additional person; adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | I want to fit in my usual shopping without choosing a larger capacity than I need, especially for the freezer. |
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as doorways, access routes and door clearance. For a built-in model, check the niche dimensions and ventilation requirements in the manual. | Is there enough room in my kitchen to install the appliance and open its doors once the units are in place? |
| Energy use | For the European label described by the European Commission, consider the efficiency rating alongside the kWh/an and capacity. Prioritise comparisons between appliances with similar storage capacities. | I want to keep track of the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, rather than relying on its rating letter alone. |
| Noise | Check the noise emissions in dB and the noise class for the exact model. According to the European Commission, both details appear on the European label. | Noise matters more to me in an open-plan kitchen than in a separate kitchen. |
| Cooling and location | Check which compartments have No Frost and what maintenance the manual recommends. Also compare the model’s climate class with the temperature of the room where it will be installed. | I want to know whether the freezer’s maintenance requirements suit me and whether the appliance is suitable for my kitchen or utility room. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food. The freezer compartment may not suit the way you usually shop.
Make a note of what you usually store in the fridge and freezer, then compare the usable capacity of both compartments in the model specifications.
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Forgetting the route to the installation space
A large fridge may fit in your kitchen but not through the doors or corridors on the way there. Gifam says multi-door models are usually more than 90 cm wide.
Before choosing a style, measure access routes, the installation space, door clearance and the clearances specified in the manual.
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Relying on the energy rating alone
The rating letter doesn’t replace the kWh/an or capacity shown on the European label described by the European Commission. On its own, it isn’t enough to compare appliances with different capacities.
Compare the stated annual energy use of models whose capacity and compartments meet your needs.
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Overlooking ventilation space
A fridge must be installed with the clearances specified for that model. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind the appliance.
Check the manual first: always follow the installation instructions for the appliance you choose.
A few brands and models to consider
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a freestanding fridge freezer and a built-in model.
- Bosch lists the freestanding KGN367ICT fridge freezer as having 218 L of fridge space, 103 L of freezer space and a noise level of 35 dB(A).
- For the built-in KIV875SE0, Bosch gives appliance dimensions of 1,772 × 541 × 548 mm: check separately that it will fit your niche.
Liebherr
Worth considering if you’re looking for a high-capacity fridge freezer and have enough width available.
- Liebherr lists the CNsfa 7723 Plus NoFrost as having a capacity of 485 L and a noise level of 34 dB.
- According to Liebherr, this model is 74.7 cm wide. Check the installation space and access route rather than relying on capacity alone.
Whirlpool
A brand to look at if the layout of a multi-door fridge suits the way you shop.
- The WQ9B1L featured by Whirlpool is an example of a multi-door model.
- Whirlpool lists this model as 90.9 cm wide, 187.4 cm high, 69.8 cm deep and weighing 118 kg. Measure the route to your kitchen too.
Electrolux
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in fridge freezer to fit a specific niche.
- Electrolux lists the ENT6MD18S4 as having 186 L of fridge space, 62 L of freezer space and an energy use of 173 kWh/an.
- These figures are for the ENT6MD18S4. Check the niche dimensions and installation instructions for the model you’re considering.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge freezers, a built-in model and large four-door or side-by-side designs. Compare them based on the space available and how much fresh and frozen storage you need.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door multi-door fridge freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you do a large shop and need room for both fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an energy efficiency class of E. Before choosing it, check there’s enough room to open all four doors and confirm the installation dimensions.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW, 333 L fridge freezer, white
This fridge freezer is worth comparing if you shop for a mix of fresh and frozen food. The model name indicates an energy efficiency class of C. Check how the 333 L is divided between the compartments, as well as the space needed for installation.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L fridge freezer, black
Another fridge freezer to compare with your fresh and frozen storage needs. The model name indicates an energy efficiency class of E. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/an and the ventilation requirements for your space.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 L side-by-side fridge freezer
Worth considering if your shopping needs lots of room in both compartments: the product name lists 333 L of fridge space and 192 L of freezer space, as well as No Frost, 37 dB and an energy efficiency class of E. Measure the access route and installation space, then check the model’s kWh/an and climate class.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L built-in fridge freezer
This built-in model is designed for a fitted kitchen with a compatible niche. The model name indicates TwinTech No Frost and an energy efficiency class of E. Before comparing it with other fridge freezers, confirm the niche dimensions, net capacity of each compartment and kWh/an.
Frequently asked questions
How do you read a fridge’s energy label?
Compare the kWh/an while taking into account the capacity you need, rather than looking only at the efficiency rating. The European Commission says the fridge label also shows storage capacity and noise emissions.
Which climate class should you check for a warm kitchen or utility room?
Choose a model whose climate class covers the ambient temperature range of the room where it will be used. Measure or estimate the possible temperatures in that space, then check them against the model specifications.
Should No Frost influence your choice of a large fridge?
No Frost is worth considering if you want to reduce the need to defrost the compartment it covers, but it doesn’t replace choosing the right capacity. Check which compartment it applies to, and compare the noise level and kWh/an for the exact model too.
How much space should you leave around a fridge?
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your chosen model. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends leaving at least 10 cm above and behind the appliance for air circulation. Also check that the doors can open in the space you have planned.