Households sensitive to noise in the living area
If you eat, work or watch TV in the same room as your fridge freezer, check its stated dB(A) level and noise class before weighing up the finish or extra features.
Who should consider these factors?
Households with an existing space to fit
If you’re replacing an appliance under a worktop, in an alcove or next to a wall, check the dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements for your chosen model. An integrated model also needs fixings that are compatible with the cabinetry.
Households that store plenty of food every day
If you store both fresh food and frozen food, compare the usable capacity of each compartment. The total capacity alone won’t tell you how much space you’ll have where you need it.
What should you check before buying?
Choose between a freestanding and an integrated model based on your space, then compare compatible appliances for noise, capacity and energy consumption.
Freestanding
Consider this if: you don’t have suitable integrated cabinetry and want more flexibility when choosing the appliance dimensions.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be on show, and its position must also allow the doors to open and provide the ventilation specified by the manufacturer.
Integrated
Consider this if: you want to conceal the appliance behind a cabinet door and have compatible cabinetry, or can have it adapted.
Bear in mind: the cabinet space, fixings and airflow requirements make installation more restrictive. Bosch recommends using a professional for installation.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in the living area | The stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class for the exact model. These ratings don’t guarantee that you won’t hear it running. | If I work or relax near the kitchen, I want to be able to factor the appliance’s noise into my decision; around 28% of consumers prioritise this level of acoustic comfort. |
| Space and ventilation | The full dimensions, door clearance and clearances specified in the installation instructions; for an integrated model, the cabinet dimensions and fixings too. | When I’m replacing an appliance in a cabinet space, the door needs to open and the installation must comply with the instructions; around 28% of consumers prioritise making sure the appliance fits the space. |
| Energy consumption | The kWh/year figure and energy rating, comparing appliances of a similar size and capacity. | I want to compare appliances that already suit my kitchen without overlooking their continuous running costs; annual energy consumption is the top priority for around 22% of consumers. |
| Food storage space | The usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, based on your shopping and storage habits. | If I regularly store fresh and frozen food, I don’t want a generous total capacity to disguise a compartment that’s too small; around 22% of consumers prioritise this split above all else. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at total capacity
Two appliances with the same total capacity can divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. The compartment you use most could end up being too small.
Think about your storage habits, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment in the product details for the models you’re considering.
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Using ventilation measurements from another model
Airflow requirements vary depending on the appliance and how it’s installed. The Electrolux ENT6MD18S4 instructions specify 200 cm² ventilation openings at the top and bottom of its cabinet space; these measurements aren’t a rule for all fridges.
Check the installation instructions for your chosen model before confirming the cabinetry, door and ventilation openings.
An incompatible cabinet space may need adapting, or you may need to arrange professional installation.
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Assuming the energy rating tells you the annual consumption
The energy rating doesn’t replace the kWh/year figure when assessing the consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. Capacity and size also matter when choosing which models to compare.
Compare the stated annual energy consumption of appliances that suit your space and capacity needs.
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Forgetting to arrange collection of your old appliance
Fridges contain components and fluids that need to be collected and handled appropriately.
When replacing your appliance, arrange for it to be taken back by the retailer or delivery team, or find out where your nearest suitable collection point is. ADEME explains the options for disposing of fridges.
Brands to consider for your project
Bosch
Worth considering for an integrated installation where dimensions, hinges and installation documents are key.
- Bosch’s product details for the KUL22VFD0 list dimensions of 820 × 598 × 548 mm and a stated noise level of 35 dB(A) for this model.
- These figures don’t apply to other models. Bosch recommends using a professional for installation; check the cabinetry and ventilation requirements too.
Electrolux
Worth considering if installation instructions and noise data are important when choosing an integrated appliance.
- The Electrolux ENT6MD18S4 instructions specify the ventilation openings for its cabinet space. The product details for the KFD6DE18S1 integrated fridge list 31 dB and 166 kWh/year.
- The installation requirements and specifications for these models don’t apply across the whole range; check the details for the fridge freezer you choose.
LG
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large-capacity freestanding fridge freezer and have room for its dimensions.
- LG’s product details for the GBV22NCDPY list a capacity of 387 L, a noise level of 35 dB, annual energy consumption of 217 kWh and dimensions of 595 × 2 030 × 682 mm for this model.
- Before choosing this size, check that it will fit on the route to your kitchen, that there’s room for the doors to open and that the installation meets the ventilation requirements in the instructions.
Beko
Worth considering when looking for an integrated fridge freezer. The brand’s French category page lets you filter by noise level, among other options.
- This filter can help you find models to compare for an open-plan kitchen.
- For each model, check the cabinet space, door fixings, energy label and ventilation requirements in the product documents.
Joybuy models to compare
These freestanding and integrated models offer a range of capacities for an open-plan kitchen. Check that each one will fit your space, then review the noise, energy and installation details for the exact model before choosing.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3 doors, 360 L
A freestanding model worth considering if you’d like to organise your food across three doors. The product title lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the instructions for the space needed for ventilation and for the doors to open.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4 doors, 467 L
This freestanding, four-door model is suited to households looking for a large capacity and with enough space to accommodate it. The product title specifies Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the door clearance and the dimensions of the space before buying.
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SMEG S4C122E integrated, 188 L
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a compatible cabinet space and if you don’t need much freezer capacity. This single-door model has a freezer compartment at the top and an E energy rating. Check the instructions for the fixings and ventilation, and make sure the freezer compartment has enough room for you.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L, 54 cm wide
A freestanding model worth considering for a narrow space, as long as you check all its dimensions. The product title splits the 227 L capacity into 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing, and lists a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the noise and annual energy consumption figures for this model before comparing it with others.
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AEG NSC6M18FES integrated, 249 L
Worth considering if you want an integrated fridge freezer with more capacity than smaller models. The product title lists TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the cabinet dimensions, ventilation requirements and annual energy consumption for this exact model.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare the noise levels of two models for an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the stated dB(A) levels and noise classes for each model, rather than relying on the word ‘quiet’ alone. How noisy an appliance seems in your room can also depend on its installation and how it runs.
Can I replace a freestanding fridge with an integrated model?
Yes, provided you have compatible cabinetry that meets the dimensions, door-fixing and ventilation requirements specified for the integrated model. Check the instructions before modifying your cabinets. Bosch recommends using a professional for this type of installation.
What should I look for on the energy label?
Check the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh, as well as the model’s noise information. To make the energy comparison useful, start with appliances of a similar size and capacity that meet similar needs.
What should I do with my old fridge when replacing it?
Arrange for it to be collected appropriately rather than leaving it with your ordinary rubbish. According to ADEME, you can give it to the retailer or delivery team when your replacement is delivered, or take it to a suitable collection point.