Households that do a weekly shop
You want enough room for the week’s fresh food without giving over a large part of the appliance to frozen food unnecessarily.
Who is this guide for?
Households that regularly buy frozen food
Compare the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity, then check whether its drawers can accommodate the food you usually store.
People with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces
Width and depth aren’t the only things to consider: door clearance, ventilation and the stated noise level also matter for your chosen spot.
Which features should you prioritise?
If you mainly buy fresh food and live in a small home, look at compact models or those with limited freezer space. If you also store frozen food, compare how the capacity is split in a fridge-freezer or multi-door model before checking how much room you have.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge compartment’s capacity in litres and check that it has enough storage space for your shopping. | If I do a weekly shop, I want to put away fresh food without cramming the shelves. Around 36 % of consumers would make space for fresh food their priority. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer capacity separately from the total capacity and look at how its drawers are arranged. | If I buy frozen food in bulk, a small compartment may not suit my habits. Around 29 % of consumers would prioritise freezer space. |
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route; check the manual for door clearance and ventilation requirements. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to open the doors and leave the required gaps around the appliance. Around 21 % of consumers would prioritise fitting it into their space. |
| Noise and storage | Compare the noise emissions shown on the label and the layout of the shelves and drawers. | Near a living area, I pay attention to noise and how easy it is to reach my food every day. Around 14 % of consumers would prioritise quiet operation and interior layout. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide the space differently between the fridge and freezer. A small freezer compartment can limit how much frozen food you can store, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres with what you usually buy over a week or two.
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Measuring the space, but not the clearance needed around it
An appliance may fit in its allocated space without leaving enough room to open the doors or meet the ventilation requirements.
Also measure the delivery route and check the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen: clearance requirements vary between models.
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Assuming the decibel rating guarantees quiet operation
The stated noise level helps you compare appliances, but Que Choisir points out that it isn’t enough to predict how noticeable the noise will be, particularly near a place to relax.
Compare the noise ratings and take the intended location of the specific model into account.
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Choosing a dispenser without checking what it involves
A water or ice dispenser may suit a particular need, but it doesn’t replace checking the usable capacity and interior layout.
If you’re interested in this feature, check the requirements for a water supply and any consumables for the model you’ve chosen.
Brands to consider when comparing styles
Bosch
The KUL22VFD0 is a compact built-in model with a freezer compartment worth considering.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists 93 L of fridge capacity for the KUL22VFD0, which measures 820 × 598 × 548 mm.
- Assess your freezer space requirements separately: the specifications for this model don’t represent the whole Bosch range.
LG
LG offers fridge-freezers and multi-door models, which you can compare based on how much space you want for fresh and frozen food.
- LG France’s product information lists a capacity of 340 L and a noise level of 35 dB for the GBF61PZJEN fridge-freezer, compared with 506 L in total, including 220 L of freezer space, for the GML844PZ6F multi-door model.
- These figures are for two different models: check the dimensions, capacity and noise level of the model you’re considering rather than assuming they apply to every style.
Samsung
Samsung multi-door models can be useful for comparison if you’re considering a large appliance and need to plan its installation.
- Samsung France features the RF65DG960ESL multi-door model, with a stated capacity of 646 L.
- Samsung’s general guidance recommends 50 mm of clearance at the sides and rear, and 100 mm above, while noting that these gaps may vary by model. Check the manual before choosing where to put it.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
How much fridge space does my household need?
Que Choisir gives a typical guide of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop, while comparing the space for frozen food separately.
Is it enough to measure the space for the fridge?
No: also check the delivery route, door clearance and ventilation gaps. Samsung France’s general guidance varies by model, so follow the manual for the model you’re considering.
What should I look for on the energy label?
The European energy label includes the efficiency class, annual energy consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise emissions. Compare these details across models whose compartment capacities and dimensions already meet your needs.
What temperature should I aim for in the fridge?
Anses recommends keeping food between 0 °C and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the temperature regularly and avoid overfilling the appliance so that cold air can circulate.