Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, based on the size of your household and how often you shop. A tabletop or single-door fridge may suit you if you mainly store fresh food; a fridge freezer gives you both compartments if frozen food matters too. A multi-door model offers more storage, provided its dimensions, door clearance and installation requirements work for your kitchen.
If you live alone or in a small household and regularly buy fresh food, a tabletop or single-door fridge can help save space. Check its capacity, though, and make sure it has a suitable freezer compartment if you also buy frozen food.
A fridge freezer gives you space for both fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The balance of capacity between the two compartments matters just as much as the total: it should suit what you usually bring home from your weekly shop.
A large fridge freezer or multi-door model can hold more food and offer several storage zones. Before choosing one, measure the delivery route, the space needed to open the doors and the intended position in your kitchen.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the capacity you have in mind with the space actually available. Que Choisir suggests a useful capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person; how often you shop can affect how much space you need.
Consider it if: space is tight and you buy modest amounts of fresh food frequently.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited, so check whether the model has a freezer compartment. For example, the Bosch KTR15NWEB does not, according to Bosch Electroménager France.
Consider it if: fresh food makes up most of your shopping and you buy few frozen items, or you already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: depending on the model, there may be no freezer, or the freezer compartment may not offer enough space for your frozen food.
Consider it if: you regularly buy fresh and frozen food and want both compartments in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity does not tell you how much space is in the freezer; compare the capacity of each compartment separately.
Consider it if: you store a lot of food and have enough width available.
Bear in mind: it will take up more space, so check the route into your kitchen and allow room for the doors to open fully.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, access route and door clearance; check the model’s ventilation clearances. | In a small kitchen or an existing alcove, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without blocking the way. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of the two compartments separately, rather than looking only at the total. | If I regularly buy frozen food, I need enough space for it without compromising fresh-food storage. This balance is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Less frequent shopping | Match the usable capacity to the amount of food you store and check the internal layout. | If I shop less often, I want to store more food between trips without choosing an appliance that is too large for my kitchen. Capacity comes first for around 23% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the noise level in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh/year; compare models with similar formats and capacities. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to noise and energy use in everyday life. Around 15% of consumers say these are their main concerns. |
A spacious appliance may still have too little room for frozen food. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment is not enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Compare the stated capacity in litres for the fridge and freezer, then consider how each matches your usual shopping habits.
A fridge may fit into its space but still not leave enough room to open the doors or allow for ventilation. You’ll also need to check the route into your kitchen.
Measure access routes and door clearance, then check the installation diagram for your chosen model.
Depending on your kitchen layout, installation may require a professional or changes to your kitchen.
An integrated model must fit the dimensions of the housing unit and meet the requirements for door fixing and ventilation. Whirlpool France says installation is often more complex than for a freestanding model.
Check these details in the specific model’s instructions. If integrating it with your kitchen furniture isn’t essential, compare the dimensions of freestanding models too.
A small tabletop fridge and a large multi-door model do not offer the same storage capacity, so one letter is not enough to compare appliances designed for different needs.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh/year, capacity by compartment and noise levels between models that meet the same needs. The European Commission makes their details available in EPREL.
Bosch offers tabletop and single-door fridges, among other models. Its product information lists the KTR15NWEB as offering 134 L of fridge capacity, with dimensions of 85 × 56 × 58 cm.
Whirlpool offers both freestanding and integrated fridge freezers. The brand lists its freestanding WFNF82EOXFR as having 223 L of fridge capacity and 97 L of freezer capacity.
LG features large-capacity multi-door fridges. The brand lists the GMG960MBJE at 638 L and the GMZ765SBHJ at 908 mm wide.
These fridge freezers and multi-door models offer both refrigeration and freezer compartments. Compare their stated capacity with your shopping needs, then check their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you store a lot of fresh and frozen food and have space for a wide appliance. This four-door model is listed with Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Its stated width of 83.3 cm and non-reversible doors make it particularly important to measure the space and delivery route. Check the manual for the required clearances too.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food in a freestanding appliance. Its name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. The hinge is on the right, so check that the door opens the right way for your kitchen, as well as checking the delivery route and the clearances specified in the manual.
Image unavailable
This fridge freezer may suit regular shops that include both fresh and frozen food, provided it fits the available height. It is listed with a C energy rating and a stated height of 203 cm. Measure the delivery route too, and check the manual for ventilation clearances.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if your shopping includes fresh and frozen food and you want separate compartments. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Its stated net weight of 76 kg makes it important to check the delivery route and handling arrangements. Measure the space too, and check the installation instructions.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer for fresh and frozen food and are looking at noise levels for an open-plan kitchen. This model is listed with a C energy rating, and its product information states 34 dB. Check whether it is freestanding or integrated, and review the clearances in the manual before deciding if it suits your kitchen.
As a guide, Que Choisir recommends a usable capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food.
Yes. Noise levels deserve particular attention when your kitchen opens onto your living space. Que Choisir classifies the quietest fridges as those rated below 40 dB(A). Compare the figures for the models you’re considering, but bear in mind that noise may not be perceived in the same way in every room.
Measure the space, the route into your kitchen and the clearance needed to open the doors, then check the ventilation requirements for the exact model. Bosch Electroménager France recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and above in its guide to an American-style fridge; don’t assume this measurement applies to other appliances.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment for appliances of a similar format. The European Commission says its EPREL database provides access to key details for models covered by the energy label in the European Union.
A used fridge is classed as waste electrical and electronic equipment. The Ministry for Ecological Transition says that France has a collection and recycling scheme for this household waste. Ask your retailer or local authority about collection or drop-off options near you.