First, measure the space, check how the doors will open and allow for the ventilation clearances specified. Then compare the space for fresh food and frozen food separately. A compact or one-door fridge may suit you if you only need a small freezer; a fridge freezer combines both in one appliance, while a multi-door model needs more room. Then compare energy consumption and noise, without assuming that the stated noise level guarantees a quiet experience.
When choosing an appliance for your home, the right format depends as much on your kitchen as on how you shop.
In a studio flat or a narrow kitchen, check that the appliance will fit in its space, that the doors can open and that the ventilation clearances remain unobstructed. UFC-Que Choisir specifically highlights compact fridges as an option for studio flats.
The number of people in your household and how often you shop both matter, but so does how the capacity is divided. Check the space for fresh food and frozen food separately.
If your fridge is close to your living or sleeping area, it’s worth paying particular attention to its noise. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the same stated decibel level doesn’t fully explain how an appliance will sound in practice.
Start by choosing a format that suits how you use your freezer and the space you have available. The features to check next depend on the specific model, even when two appliances share the same format name.
Worth considering: for a studio flat where storage needs are limited.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited. If you buy frozen food, check whether there’s a freezer compartment and what it offers.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need a large integrated freezer.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment may be small or, depending on the model, not included at all. An integrated version must also fit its housing exactly.
Worth considering: if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance, with separate compartments.
Bear in mind: check how the capacity is divided carefully. The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is available in the freezer.
Worth considering: when you need plenty of storage for your shopping and your kitchen has room for the appliance.
Bear in mind: check the overall size and access, including how much room the doors need when open, before settling on the stated capacity.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the litres allocated to the fridge and freezer, then consider how they match your usual shopping. | If I store fresh and frozen food for several days, I want enough room in both compartments. Around 33% of consumers rank this balance as their top priority. |
| Space and installation | Check the dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances against the model’s diagram. For an integrated appliance, check the housing too. | In a small kitchen, an appliance that fits between two units may still be difficult to open or ventilate. The ability to install it comes before other criteria for around 27% of consumers. |
| Cooling system | Check the technology listed for each compartment, and whether the No Frost feature applies to the area you’re interested in. | If I want to limit frost in the freezer, I check which area the stated technology covers. For around 20% of consumers, maintenance and the cooling system are top priorities. |
| Noise and electricity | Check the annual energy consumption in kWh and the noise level in dB(A) on the energy label. Compare appliances with similar capacities. | Near a living area, an appliance’s noise matters every day, as does its energy use over the year. These are top priorities for around 20% of consumers. |
According to the European Commission, the energy label for fridges and freezers provides information including capacity, energy consumption and noise emissions. It helps you compare models, but doesn’t replace checking their installation diagrams and compartments.
Two appliances with similar total capacities may offer different amounts of space for frozen food. A small freezer compartment may not meet your needs if you regularly buy frozen food.
Make a note of what you store in each area, then compare their usable capacities separately on the energy label or the model’s product information.
Depth, door clearance, hinges and ventilation can make an appliance impractical, even if it fits in the measured space.
Compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model, allowing for the doors to open, and follow the clearances specified by its manufacturer.
If the appliance isn’t suitable for the space, you may need to modify the cabinetry or choose another model.
UFC-Que Choisir notes that appliances with the same stated noise level can sound different, particularly because of variations in vibration and sound frequency.
Use the noise level and noise class to narrow down your options. If your kitchen is open-plan, also look for an independent test or listen to the appliance in person if possible.
Whether the door can be reversed, which areas are covered by No Frost and the installation requirements all depend on the specific model.
Check the technical information and instruction manual for the exact appliance, rather than relying on the features of another model from the same brand.
These examples of ranges and models can help you identify useful information. The features listed don’t apply to every appliance from a brand.
Worth considering for an integrated installation or a kitchen where fitting requirements influence your choice.
Compare its integrated fridge freezers and multi-door models if space, compartments and door clearance are guiding your purchase.
Worth considering among freestanding fridge freezers if you’re looking for an appliance around 60 cm wide.
Worth considering for an integrated one-door fridge when the housing and door opening direction need to meet specific requirements.
These Joybuy appliances include fridge freezers, multi-door models and a side-by-side option for homes where fresh and frozen food need to be stored together. Compare their compartments and installation requirements before choosing a format.
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Worth considering if your shopping calls for plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The stated total capacity is 591 L; compare the space allocated to each compartment before choosing.
Also measure the route into your kitchen, the space where it will go and the clearance needed to open the doors.
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This fridge freezer with a bottom freezer lets you store fresh and frozen food for everyday use in one appliance. Its stated total capacity is 282 L; check how the space is divided between the two compartments.
Before placing it near a living area, check the model’s noise level on its energy label and compare its dimensions with your kitchen.
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This 467 L four-door model is designed for households that want to divide a large shop between chilled and frozen food. Its name indicates Total No Frost; check the product information for the usable capacity of each area.
The doors are listed as non-reversible, so make sure they’ll open properly and that there’s enough clearance for the appliance’s location.
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Worth comparing if you need separate space for chilled and frozen shopping: the model name lists 333 L of fridge capacity and 192 L of freezer capacity, as well as No Frost.
The stated noise level is 37 dB, but that alone doesn’t tell you how it will sound in an open-plan room. Check the full dimensions and clearances before choosing this format.
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This 488 L model is worth considering if you plan to store a large amount of fresh and frozen food. Compare the capacity of each compartment, then check the access route, clearances and door opening.
If a water dispenser or ice maker is important to you, check the instructions for this model to find out what plumbing is required. Also check its cooling technology before making it one of your selection criteria.
No. It lets you compare useful information, but it doesn’t cover every practical consideration. According to the European Commission, it includes details such as the energy efficiency class, annual consumption, capacity and noise. Compare appliances with similar formats and capacities, then check their dimensions. For open-plan kitchens, UFC-Que Choisir advises against judging acoustic comfort by the decibel rating alone.
Follow the installation diagram for your chosen model rather than allowing for a standard clearance. In its guide to American-style fridge freezers, Bosch recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and above the appliance. Its guidance for some integrated models specifies different ventilation requirements. These recommendations don’t replace the instructions for your appliance.
No, it depends on the model. Beko lists a reversible door for the BCHA275K41SN, as does Electrolux for the KFF6DD18S4. Check the product information and instructions for the model you’re considering, as well as the space available after reversing the door.
Not necessarily; it depends on the appliance. Bosch says that some water or ice dispensers need a water supply, while a model with a reservoir may not. Check the instructions for your chosen model before deciding where to put it.