Households that shop weekly and buy frozen food
You need to divide the space between fresh food and the freezer: the total capacity alone won’t tell you whether each compartment will be big enough.
Who is this guide for?
Small households with limited kitchen space
You’re looking for an appliance that fits a narrow or shallow space, without giving over room unnecessarily to a smaller shop.
Households that store large quantities of food
You’re considering a large model for bigger shops, provided you can get it into position and compare its energy consumption.
Which criteria should you prioritise?
Start by working out how much space you need for your shopping, then check it against your kitchen dimensions and the delivery route.
Table-top fridge
Worth considering: if you live alone, have a small kitchen and do smaller shops.
Bear in mind: storage space is limited, particularly if you regularly buy frozen food.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Worth considering: if fresh food makes up most of your shopping and you only buy frozen food occasionally.
Bear in mind: compare the freezer compartment separately from the fridge capacity.
Fridge freezer
Worth considering: if your regular shop calls for both fresh-food storage and a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: capacity is split differently in each model; an integrated appliance must also fit its housing unit.
Multi-door fridge
Worth considering: if you need a lot of storage and your kitchen and delivery access can accommodate it.
Bear in mind: these models are large, so check the energy label for the specific model’s consumption.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant for |
|---|---|---|
| Balance between fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments separately. | If I shop weekly and keep frozen food, I need enough room in both compartments. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Space for fresh food | Check the fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves and drawers. | When I mainly buy fresh food, I want to be able to store it without giving too much space to freezing. Around 29% of consumers share this priority. |
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the appliance, door clearance and access routes; for an integrated model, check the housing unit and hinges too. | In a narrow kitchen or one with a housing unit, I need to make sure the appliance will fit before choosing its capacity. For around 21% of consumers, this compatibility comes first. |
| Extra-large storage capacity | Compare capacity with annual energy consumption in kWh, noise level and dimensions. | For bigger shops, I’m looking first and foremost for a large usable capacity, without forgetting how much space it will take up. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this need for storage. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
An appliance may offer enough litres overall, but too little space in the freezer or fridge for your shopping.
Compare the capacity of each compartment separately, as shown on the European energy label.
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Forgetting the delivery route for a large model
A multi-door fridge may fit in its intended space but fail to get through a doorway, corridor or lift on the way there.
Measure access points and the clearance needed to open the doors before placing your order.
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Relying on generic housing-unit dimensions
For an integrated appliance, the unit dimensions, hinges and installation instructions vary by model.
Check the diagram and installation instructions for the exact model, rather than relying only on the appliance’s external height.
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Confusing an extended warranty with your statutory rights
A commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity that applies to purchases from professional sellers in France.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its exclusions and what it genuinely adds to your statutory protection, particularly for repairs and replacement.
Brands to consider for the type of model you want
Beko
Beko’s fridge freezer range includes models with different layouts and food-preservation features.
- If you’re interested in a feature such as AeroFlow or Freezer Guard, check that it’s included on the specific model.
- The benefits associated with these features are claims made by Beko; they don’t apply to all its fridges.
Bosch
Some Bosch integrated fridge freezers let you compare fresh and frozen capacity before checking whether the appliance will fit your kitchen units.
- Bosch lists the KIN86SDD0 as having 184 L of fridge capacity and 76 L of freezer capacity.
- These figures apply to this model: also check the housing unit, hinges and instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
Electrolux
When considering Electrolux integrated fridge freezers, start with the housing-unit dimensions and the specifications of each model.
- Electrolux specifies a housing-unit height of 1 780 mm for the ENC8MC18S.
- This dimension won’t necessarily suit another model or an existing kitchen unit: check the installation instructions.
Samsung
A Samsung multi-door fridge may be worth considering if your household needs plenty of capacity and has suitable access.
- Samsung lists the RF65A977FSR/EF as having a capacity of 637 L and a width of 912 mm.
- These dimensions apply to this model: measure the delivery route and also compare usable capacity and the energy label.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge freezers, including an integrated model, and multi-door fridges for households looking to store both fresh and frozen food. First choose a format that suits your kitchen, then compare the specifications of each model.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS 4-door multi-door fridge freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you do larger shops and have enough room for a multi-door fridge.
The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the delivery route and the clearance needed to open all four doors.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB bottom-freezer fridge freezer, 282 L
A fridge freezer to consider if your shopping needs call for separate fridge and freezer compartments.
This model is listed with an E energy rating. Before choosing it, compare the usable capacity of each compartment and check its installation dimensions.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door fridge, 495 L
This large model is designed for households with plenty of food to store and enough space to accommodate it.
This model is listed with an E energy rating. Measure access points, check that the doors can open fully and confirm any connection requirements before installation.
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CHiQ JR227LSE fridge freezer, 227 L
Worth considering if width is limited but a separate freezer is still useful.
The product name lists 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity and a width of 54 cm. It specifies Low Frost, not No Frost; check the defrosting instructions as well as the full dimensions.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC integrated fridge freezer, 252 L
An integrated fridge freezer to consider if your kitchen has a housing unit for this type of appliance.
The model name indicates No Frost and a C energy rating. Before choosing it, check the instructions to confirm that the housing unit and hinges are compatible.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a fridge’s energy label?
For a household fridge covered by the European energy label, compare the energy rating from A to G, annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission says the label’s QR code links to further information about the model in EPREL.
Are the external dimensions enough to choose an integrated fridge?
No: an integrated fridge must also fit the housing unit and match the hinges and installation instructions for that exact model. Product specifications for Electrolux and Bosch integrated models vary by model; check the installation instructions before ordering.
What should I measure before buying a multi-door fridge?
Measure the space where it will go, the clearance needed to open the doors and the entire delivery route, including doorways, corridors and lifts. As a guide for one specific model, Samsung lists a width of 912 mm for the RF65A977FSR/EF.
When should I plug in a fridge after it has been transported?
Follow the appliance instructions before switching it on. For appliances covered by its transport guidance, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours after transport before plugging them in.
Does an extended warranty replace your statutory rights in France?
No: a commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, this legal guarantee can be used for two years for new or second-hand goods bought from a professional seller. Check what an extended warranty genuinely adds before taking one out.