First, measure the space, check the ventilation requirements and make sure the door can open fully. A fridge-freezer is a practical choice for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance. If you mainly need space for fresh food, consider a fridge or one with a small freezer compartment. A separate freezer is worth considering if you regularly store lots of frozen food and have room for a second appliance.
If the appliance needs to fit into an alcove or sit next to a door or units, measure its height, width and depth. Check the ventilation requirements and door clearance too. For an integrated model, also check the fitting instructions for the specified fixing method.
If you regularly use both compartments, compare the capacity in litres of each one rather than looking only at the total volume. The European Commission also says that the energy label for relevant appliances shows annual energy consumption and noise levels.
If you freeze home-cooked food or regularly buy in bulk, work out how much freezer space you need. A separate appliance does, however, need extra room and runs continuously.
First rule out any models that won’t fit in your space. Then choose the right balance of capacity for the fresh and frozen food you buy.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and door clearance | Measure the space in height, width and depth. Check the door clearance and ventilation requirements; for an integrated model, check the fitting instructions for the specified fixing method. | If I have a narrow kitchen or an existing alcove, I need to be able to fit the appliance and open it without obstruction. Around 31% of consumers put this practical fit first. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment: a fridge prioritises fresh food, a small freezer compartment suits occasional frozen food, and a fridge-freezer caters for both. | If I regularly buy both fresh and frozen food, having enough space for each matters more than the total volume. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Freezer capacity | Work out how much you want to store and how much freezer space you need. Also check where a separate freezer could go. | If I want to store home-cooked food or bulk purchases, dedicated freezer capacity is my main priority. Around 19% of consumers feel the same. |
| Energy use, noise and maintenance | Compare the annual kWh consumption and noise levels on the energy labels of similar appliances with similar capacities. Check how the model defrosts, too. | If I live in a small home or have an open-plan kitchen, the fact that the appliance runs continuously, along with its noise and maintenance, influences my choice. Around 19% of consumers make this their main concern. |
Two appliances can allocate different amounts of space to fresh and frozen food. So even if the total capacity looks right, there may not be enough room in the compartment you use most.
Compare the capacity in litres for each compartment on the energy label and the exact model’s product details.
Depth, height, ventilation and door fixing can all affect whether it will fit. The measurements Bosch or Beko provide for one model won’t necessarily apply to every kitchen unit.
Measure the space and check the fitting instructions for installation details and clearance requirements before ordering.
An alcove that isn’t the right size may mean adapting the kitchen unit.
A separate appliance takes up extra space and runs continuously, even if you don’t store much in it.
Keep track of how much you store over several weeks before choosing a capacity.
The defrosting system doesn’t remove the need to check the temperature or allow air to circulate inside the fridge. Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part.
Check the temperature and avoid overfilling the appliance, whatever type of cooling system it uses.
Worth considering if you’re looking for an integrated, under-counter or tall model that needs to fit a particular space.
Worth considering for a separate freezer or an integrated fridge-freezer, depending on the capacity you need and the space available.
Worth considering if you’re comparing the capacity split of a freestanding or integrated fridge-freezer.
Worth considering if dimensions, capacity and stated noise levels help you choose between different configurations.
These freestanding appliances combine refrigeration and freezing. Compare their overall dimensions and the space allocated to each use before choosing a model for your home.
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A handy way to keep fresh and frozen food in one 54 cm-wide appliance. The product details show a 70/30 split and a height of 176 cm. The Low Frost freezer needs manual defrosting; check the instructions for the clearance required around the appliance.
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Keep fresh and frozen food in one three-door appliance. The product details list a 360 L capacity, an energy rating of E and Total No Frost. Measure the space and check the instructions for ventilation and door clearance.
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For storing fresh and frozen food in a four-door appliance. The product details list a 467 L capacity, an energy rating of E and Total No Frost. The doors aren’t listed as reversible, so check their clearance and the ventilation space required before buying.
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A good option for a kitchen with limited width: the product details list a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. Its 227 L capacity is split between 153 L of refrigeration and 74 L of freezer space, and it has an energy rating of E. Check the height, depth, annual energy consumption and required clearances in the product details and instructions, too.
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Keep fresh and frozen food in one four-door appliance. The product details list a total capacity of 474 L and an energy rating of E. Before choosing this model, check the capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption and the space needed for the doors to open and for ventilation.
For relevant fridges and freezers, the European Commission says the energy label shows the energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption, storage volumes and noise levels. Focus on comparing the kWh per year for appliances of the same type and similar capacity, then check that each compartment meets your needs.
Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the temperature there after installation, and avoid overfilling the appliance so air can circulate.
No. Measure the height, width and depth of the alcove, then check the model’s instructions for ventilation, door fixing and the space needed to open the door. Bosch’s published installation guidance applies to the configurations specified by the manufacturer, not to every kitchen unit or appliance.