Housemates who share their food shop
If you regularly share fresh and frozen food shopping, check the capacity in litres of each compartment and consider how to divide the shelves, drawers and crisper drawers between housemates.
Who is each option for?
Housemates with a narrow or open-plan kitchen
In a small kitchen, measure the space and access routes before choosing a size. If the kitchen opens onto your living area, compare the noise levels of the models you’re considering too.
Housemates keeping an eye on energy use
If you’re comparing appliances that will be used for several years, look at their annual energy consumption in kWh, comparing models with a similar size and capacity. The European Commission says the EPREL product information sheet also provides details such as the model’s capacity and dimensions.
Which features should you compare?
Fridge freezer
Consider this if: several housemates share fresh and frozen food but don’t have room for a very wide appliance.
The trade-off: the total capacity can be misleading if the freezer compartment is too small for your household’s needs.
Table-top model with freezer compartment
Consider this if: you live in a very small shared home, don’t do much shared food shopping and don’t store many frozen foods. Que Choisir recommends this size for small spaces such as studio flats.
The trade-off: its capacity gives you less room to store and separate food shopping for several people.
Multi-door or large-capacity model
Consider this if: your shared food shop takes up a lot of space and your kitchen and access routes can accommodate its size.
The trade-off: extra storage comes with a larger footprint. Check the energy consumption of each model rather than assuming it from its size.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity for sharing | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then look at the layout of the drawers and shelves. | When several people’s food shopping fills both compartments, I want everyone to be able to put their food away without running out of space. Around 33% of consumers say shared capacity is their top priority. |
| Size | Measure the space, door clearance and delivery route; check the installation requirements in the manual. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open its doors once it’s installed. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the model’s dB(A) rating and airborne acoustical noise emission class, especially if it’s near living areas or bedrooms. | If the kitchen is open-plan or close to a bedroom, I want to keep everyday noise to a minimum. Around 20% of consumers say a quiet appliance is their main priority. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the energy class and kWh/year for models with a similar size and capacity. | When we share the electricity bill, I want to compare energy consumption before choosing an appliance we’ll use every day. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this feature. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with the same total capacity can have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A freezer that’s too small can make it tricky to put away your shared food shop.
Work out what everyone stores in each compartment, then compare the capacity in litres and the layout of the exact model.
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Ordering a multi-door model without measuring access routes
A large appliance is only useful if it can be delivered, installed and opened properly in your kitchen.
Measure the space, doorways, corridors and stairs, and check the clearances specified in the manual.
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Relying on the energy class alone
The energy class doesn’t replace the annual energy consumption figure when you’re comparing appliances with a similar capacity.
Compare the kWh/year and check the EPREL product information sheet for the exact model using the QR code on its energy label.
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Assuming an appliance’s size tells you how noisy it is
Size alone doesn’t tell you a fridge’s stated noise level, especially if your kitchen is open-plan.
Check the model’s dB(A) rating and noise class on its label, then follow its installation instructions.
Brands to consider for these sizes
Bosch
Bosch offers a range that includes fridge freezers, integrated appliances and No Frost models.
- Bosch recommends checking the dB rating and noise class on the energy label if you’re installing a fridge near a living area.
- An integrated model is only suitable if it’s compatible with your kitchen units, so check the specifications of the model you choose.
Samsung
The range includes standard-width fridge freezers.
- Samsung France’s product information for the RB34C671ESA/EF lists a fridge freezer with a capacity of 344 L. If you’re interested in this model, check how that capacity is split between the fridge and freezer.
- Its energy class and connected features are specific to this model; they don’t apply to every Samsung appliance.
Haier
In France, Haier offers freestanding fridge freezers and multi-door models, including four-door No Frost models.
- Multi-door layouts are worth considering if several housemates want to organise their food shopping across different compartments.
- Size and energy class vary by model, so check the dimensions and label for the one you’re considering.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge freezers and multi-door models to suit the space available, your shared food shopping and how you want to divide fresh and frozen foods.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L black fridge freezer
Worth considering for shared food shopping if you’re looking for a fridge freezer rather than a very wide appliance.
Listed capacity of 344 L and energy class E. Check how the capacity is split between the two compartments and make sure you have enough room to install it.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L silver multi-door fridge freezer
Consider this if your shared food shop needs plenty of space and your kitchen can accommodate a four-door appliance.
Listed capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and energy class E. Measure your access routes and make sure there’s enough room to open the doors where you plan to put it.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’d like to organise your shared food shopping in a three-door fridge freezer.
Listed capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, energy class E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Compare the capacity of each compartment and check the dimensions before choosing this model.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L black multi-door fridge
Consider this for large shared food shops, provided your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate this larger model.
Listed capacity of 495 L and energy class E. Before choosing, check the space needed to open the doors and the model’s installation requirements.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge freezer
Worth considering for a narrow kitchen if 227 L is enough for your housemates’ food shopping.
The title lists 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and energy class E. Check the overall height and kWh/year on the model’s label. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a fridge’s energy label?
Compare the energy class, annual energy consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level of the model you’re interested in. The European Commission says you can scan the QR code on the label to view details in EPREL, including capacity, dimensions and noise level.
Is a multi-door model always better for a shared house?
No. Its extra capacity is only useful if it suits your household’s food shopping and the appliance can be delivered and installed in your kitchen. Before choosing this size, measure the space needed to open its doors too.
How do I choose a fridge for an open-plan kitchen?
Compare the dB(A) rating and noise class listed for each model instead of judging by its size. Bosch recommends checking these details on the energy label. Also make sure the planned installation follows the appliance’s instructions.
What warranty applies to a fridge bought from a trader in France?
According to the DGCCRF, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a private individual in France. It may apply, for example, if the fridge doesn’t match its description. This guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty offered by the seller.