Start by choosing a format that fits the measured space, available depth, door opening and installation requirements. A freestanding fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance, while an integrated model requires a suitable housing unit and door-fitting system. Compact models or fridges without a freezer are only suitable if their capacity genuinely matches your habits. Then compare the capacity of each compartment, kWh/year, noise level, climate class and stated storage time during a power cut.
Start by matching the width, height, depth, door opening and net capacity to the space available in your kitchen. A table-top fridge or slimline fridge freezer may be enough, depending on how much fresh and frozen food you buy.
If your kitchen unit requires an integrated appliance, the housing dimensions, door-fitting system and installation instructions are more important than the fridge’s advertised dimensions alone.
Compare annual consumption in kWh, the energy-efficiency class, noise emission and the capacity of each compartment. Then check that the climate class is suitable for the room where the appliance will be installed.
Measure the space before comparing capacities, then check the information for the exact model on the label, product page and instruction manual.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen compatibility | Compare the height, width and depth with the measured space, allowing for the recommended clearances. For an integrated model, also check the housing dimensions, ventilation, door fixing and opening direction. | I want to install the appliance without obstructing the walkway or the opening of neighbouring cupboards. A standard width does not guarantee compatible depth or door clearance. |
| Capacity distribution | Look at the net litres of the fridge and freezer separately. If you want to freeze fresh food, check that it has a 4-star compartment. | My shopping includes fresh and frozen food in specific proportions; the total capacity alone does not tell me whether each compartment will be suitable. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh/year, the noise level in dB(A), the energy-efficiency class and the capacities of appliances in a similar format. European energy-labelling regulations require a label and product information sheet for each appliance covered. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I want to compare noise comfort and energy use using consistent data, rather than relying only on the brand or size. |
| Storage conditions | Check the climate class against the room temperature, as well as the stated storage time during a power cut. Compare cooling technologies with the documented specifications of the model. | If the appliance is installed in a cellar, garage or warm kitchen, I want to confirm that it is designed for these conditions and understand its stated storage time during a power cut. |
Two fridge freezers of a similar size can distribute their capacity very differently. Bosch, for example, lists 216 L of fridge space and 89 L of freezer space for the KGN36NWEA: the total does not tell you whether the freezer will suit your habits.
Compare the net litres of both compartments and check for a 4-star compartment if you want to freeze fresh food.
An integrated model must fit the housing unit and door-fitting system. The Liebherr ICBSd 5122 requires specific housing dimensions and a sliding-hinge installation; a seemingly suitable door panel is not enough.
Before ordering, take the internal housing dimensions, usable depth, type of door fixing, opening direction and the clearances specified in the manual.
The label and product information sheet distinguish between energy-efficiency class, annual consumption, noise and capacity. UFC-Que Choisir also assesses cooling distribution, settings and storage time during a power cut separately.
Compare kWh/year, dB(A), net capacities, stated storage time during a power cut and climate class across models with a similar capacity and format.
The specified ambient temperature range depends on the climate class; operating outside the stated conditions may affect performance and energy consumption.
For a garage, cellar or warm room, check the climate class and operating temperatures in the manual for the exact model.
A range of freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, including 60 cm-wide models, No Frost variants and product sheets detailing dimensions, separate capacities, noise and energy-efficiency class.
Offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, including models with BioFresh, SmartFrost or NoFrost compartments, making it useful for comparing housing requirements, noise and capacity.
A range of standard-width fridge freezers featuring technologies including SpaceMax and Multi-Flow, along with selected SmartThings connected features.
A useful range for comparing compact formats, table-top fridges with 4-star compartments and integrated fridges without a freezer.
These Joybuy options include freestanding and integrated fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in your first home. Always check the installation measurements and specifications for the exact model before ordering.
Image unavailable
For a kitchen with enough space for a tall freestanding fridge freezer, combining fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance.
276 L of fridge space and 114 L of freezer space; 59,5 × 203 × 65,8 cm; 169 kWh/year; 35 dB; SN-T climate class; stated storage time during a power cut of 9 h.
Check the required ventilation clearances and whether the stated storage time during a power cut suits your needs.
Image unavailable
A freestanding option for organising everyday shopping between fresh and frozen compartments.
210 L of fridge space and 106 L of 4-star freezer space; 186,5 × 59,5 × 66,3 cm; 198 kWh/year; stated storage time during a power cut of 11 h.
Allow at least 5 cm of clearance at the back and sides. Confirm the noise level and climate class before buying.
Image unavailable
For a fitted kitchen requiring an integrated fridge freezer with separate fresh and frozen compartments.
176 L of fridge space and 76 L of 4-star freezer space; 150 kWh/year; 34 dB; stated storage time during a power cut of 14 h; SN/N/ST/T climate class.
The housing dimensions, ventilation clearances and compatibility with the kitchen unit must be confirmed in the manual.
Image unavailable
For a fitted kitchen compatible with sliding-hinge installation and requiring both fresh and frozen food storage.
186 L of fridge space and 62 L of freezer space; 37 dB(A); TwinTech Total No Frost; separate compartment controls.
The housing dimensions, ventilation, annual consumption, climate class and storage time during a power cut must be checked for this model.
Image unavailable
A high-capacity freestanding fridge freezer for a home with sufficient height and depth.
Total capacity of 375 L; 59,5 × 67,5 × 203 cm; SN-T climate class; Total No Frost.
Allow 50 mm at the sides and 100 mm at the back. Check the capacity distribution, noise level, kWh/year and storage time during a power cut before buying.
At a minimum, check the energy-efficiency class, annual consumption, the capacity of each compartment and the model’s noise level. European regulations covering refrigeration appliances require a printed label and product information sheet.
No: confirm the climate class on the rating plate, in the manual or on the model’s product page. It indicates the ambient temperatures the appliance is designed to operate in; do not apply the range specified for one appliance to another model.
Do not estimate it based on capacity or the presence of No Frost: look for the stated storage time during a power cut in the technical specifications or manual. UFC-Que Choisir treats storage time during a power cut as a separate criterion from cooling distribution, settings and energy consumption.
ADEME states that an appliance can be handed to the retailer or delivery driver when it is replaced, or taken to the EEE area of a recycling centre. Do not leave it on the public highway: refrigeration appliances contain polluting gases or coolants.
Do not assume that a comparable durability index will be displayed for every fridge. Instead, check the warranty terms, availability of spare parts and after-sales service for the model you choose.