Who is this choice for?

Households buying fresh and frozen food

If your shopping includes both, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Whirlpool’s fridge-freezer specifications show that the split varies from model to model.

Households with a small kitchen or restricted access

The appliance needs to fit its space and make it through doors, hallways and lifts. Bosch also advises allowing for the ventilation requirements of the model you choose.

Households mindful of energy use

A fridge runs continuously, as ADEME points out. Compare the stated annual energy consumption with the usable capacity, and don’t assume that a larger appliance or one with extra features will reduce your bills.

Which factors should you prioritise?

Before choosing a new type of appliance, check whether your current one still meets your needs. If you do need a replacement, start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the installation requirements and energy consumption.

Fridge-freezer

Worth considering: if you regularly store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.

Bear in mind: the space allocated to each compartment varies by model, so total capacity alone isn’t enough to make your choice.

Fridge without a freezer

Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food or already have a separate freezer.

Bear in mind: without another appliance, you won’t be able to store frozen food at home.

Separate fridge and freezer

Worth considering: if you need to choose the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately.

Bear in mind: you’ll need space for two appliances and should check their combined annual energy consumption.

Factor What to check Who this matters to
Fresh and frozen food capacity Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the food you buy, rather than looking only at the total capacity. If my shopping regularly includes fresh and frozen food, I want enough space for both without making either compartment larger than I need; around 36% of consumers put this balance first.
Delivery and installation Check the packaged dimensions for the delivery route, then check the appliance dimensions and the clearances specified in its instructions for installation. If I have a small kitchen or a home with difficult access, I want to be sure the appliance can be brought in and installed; around 29% of consumers put this compatibility ahead of other factors.
Annual energy consumption Compare the stated kWh/an for appliances of the same type and with similar usable capacities, as well as their energy ratings. As the appliance will be running all the time, I’d rather avoid paying to run a capacity I don’t need; around 21% of consumers prioritise energy consumption.
Whether you need to replace it Work out whether your current appliance has a problem with capacity, layout or performance. If you replace it, find out about taking the old one away. If my appliance still works and is big enough for my shopping, I want to know what replacing it would actually solve; around 14% of consumers put this decision first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a fridge-freezer based on total capacity alone

    Whirlpool lists 182 L for fresh food and 68 L for frozen food in the WHC18T132FR, compared with 340 L and 150 L in the WHK2 6493 X4E. These models offer different capacities for each type of food, so they won’t suit the same needs.

    Note down how much space you need for your usual shopping, then compare the two compartments separately on the models you’re considering.

  • Assuming a larger appliance will reduce your bills

    ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that a larger size or too many features can increase energy consumption.

    Compare the kWh/an of models with a format and capacity that suit your needs. Only choose extra features if you expect to use them.

  • Measuring your kitchen, but not the delivery route

    An appliance may fit its space but still be difficult to get into your home. Samsung recommends measuring doors, hallways and lifts to check that the packaged appliance will fit through.

    Check the dimensions of the packaged appliance along the whole route, then check the dimensions of the unpacked appliance in its final position.

  • Allowing the same clearance for every model

    Bosch says its fridge-freezers need space around them for ventilation, but this doesn’t mean the same clearance applies to every appliance.

    Check the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen before confirming where it will go.

Brands to consider, model by model

Bosch

A brand to consider for freestanding or integrated fridge-freezers. Compare the specifications of the specific model you’re interested in.

  • Its installation information highlights the need to allow space for ventilation.
  • Check the instructions for your chosen fridge-freezer to find out what clearance it needs.

Whirlpool

A range of integrated and freestanding fridge-freezers to compare, depending on the capacity you need in each compartment.

  • Whirlpool lists 182 L of fridge capacity and 68 L of freezer capacity for the integrated WHC18T132FR, compared with 340 L and 150 L for the freestanding WHK2 6493 X4E.
  • Capacity and defrosting systems vary by model, so check the exact specifications of the one you’re considering.

Samsung

Integrated and freestanding fridge-freezers to consider if their dimensions and layout suit your kitchen.

  • Samsung’s product specifications let you compare details such as the dimensions of the BRB2G600FWW and RB38C7B6AS9 models.
  • According to Samsung, the savings from AI Energy mode depend on your settings and habits. Compare the stated kWh/an too, without assuming it will reflect your actual energy consumption.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I compare two fridges beyond their energy ratings?

Compare their stated annual energy consumption in kWh/an, choosing a format and usable capacity that suit your shopping. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously; your actual energy consumption will also depend on how you use it.

Should I measure the box or the fridge before delivery?

Measure both: the packaged appliance needs to fit through the access route, while the unpacked appliance needs to fit in its space. Samsung recommends checking doors, hallways and lifts in particular to make sure the packaged appliance can get through.

Is the same ventilation clearance suitable for every fridge?

No. Follow the clearances specified in the instructions for the model you plan to install. Bosch highlights the need to ventilate its fridge-freezers, but you should check how much space your specific appliance needs.

What should I do if a new fridge doesn’t match the seller’s description?

In France, a fridge sold by a business to an individual may be covered by the statutory guarantee of conformity if it doesn’t match the description provided. The Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control points out that this guarantee is mandatory. Contact the seller and explain the difference you’ve found.

What should I do with my old fridge if I replace it?

Plan how to get it out of your home and arrange for it to be taken back, reused or collected appropriately. In France, old household appliances are covered by the waste electrical and electronic equipment scheme; confirm the practical arrangements before your new appliance is delivered.