Households that buy frozen food every week
If your shopping needs to last until the following week, consider freezer capacity separately from fridge capacity. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide links usable capacity to your storage habits and household size.
Who is this option for?
Households with a set space for their appliance
Width, height, depth and door clearance all matter in a small kitchen. For an integrated appliance, also check that the housing unit’s dimensions and ventilation match the model’s manual. Bosch recommends choosing a freestanding model if the housing unit is too small.
People who are mindful of noise and energy use
In an open-plan kitchen or one close to a living area, compare the noise levels and annual energy consumption of appliances with similar capacities. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, while the European Commission says this information is shown on the energy label.
What should you compare?
Freestanding fridge-freezer
Choose this if : you regularly store frozen food and have room for an appliance that combines a fridge and a separate freezer.
Remember to : measure the depth, door clearance and the space required around the appliance as specified in the manual.
Integrated fridge-freezer
Choose this if : your existing housing unit matches the dimensions, ventilation requirements and door system of the model you want.
Keep in mind : a housing unit designed for one appliance may not suit another.
Small fridge
Consider this if : available height is your main concern and you store very little frozen food or already have a separate freezer.
Limitation : some table-top models have no freezer compartment at all. According to its product information, the Bosch KTR15NWEB is one example.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the space and the delivery route. Check the door clearance and the space required around the appliance as specified in the manual. For an integrated model, check the housing unit and door system. | If my kitchen is narrow, I want to be able to open the appliance without blocking the way through. Around 39% of consumers put installation compatibility first. |
| Fridge and freezer capacity | Compare the usable litres in each compartment and the space available for frozen food, rather than looking at total capacity alone. | If I shop once a week, I need enough room to keep fresh and frozen food until my next shop. This is the top priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | For models with similar capacities, compare the kWh/year and dB(A) figures on the energy label. | With an open-plan kitchen, I want to keep everyday noise and the energy use of an appliance that runs all the time to a minimum. Around 23% of consumers prioritise these running costs and noise levels. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at total capacity
A fridge-freezer may seem to offer enough overall capacity, but the split between fridge and freezer space might not suit your needs.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately with what you need to store between shops.
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Measuring only the front of the housing unit before ordering an integrated model
Depth, ventilation and the door system also affect whether the appliance will fit. The housing-unit dimensions listed by Liebherr and Whirlpool apply to specific models.
Measure all three dimensions of the housing unit and check the manual for your chosen model, including its door system.
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Assuming a table-top fridge has a freezer
The Bosch KTR15NWEB offers 134 l of fridge space, but its product information confirms that it has no integrated freezer compartment.
Check whether there is a freezer compartment and how much space it offers. If there isn’t one, you’ll need another appliance for frozen food.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The energy rating doesn’t replace the model’s annual energy consumption figure. The label described by the European Commission also shows capacity and noise emissions.
Compare kWh/year and dB(A) figures for appliances with similar capacities, while keeping their dimensions in mind.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
Bosch
Worth considering for both freestanding and compact models, depending on your available space and how much room you need for frozen food.
- For the KGN36VXCT fridge-freezer, Bosch lists 218 l of fridge space, 103 l of freezer space and a width of 60 cm.
- The Bosch KTR15NWEB table-top model has no freezer compartment, so size alone doesn’t tell you what an appliance is suitable for.
Whirlpool
Its freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers let you compare two types of installation, but don’t assume they’re interchangeable.
- Whirlpool lists 223 l of fridge space and 97 l of freezer space for the WFNF82EOXFR. The ART65141 is designed for a 178 cm housing unit.
- On its French website, Whirlpool distinguishes between standard delivery to the entrance of the home and delivery to the room of your choice with installation. Check what’s included in the offer you choose.
Beko
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer.
- Beko’s product information for the B1RCNA344W lists 209 l of fridge space and 92 l of freezer space.
- These capacities apply to this model. Check the figures for the specific appliance you’re considering.
Liebherr
Worth considering when compatibility with an existing housing unit is a key factor in choosing an integrated appliance.
- Liebherr lists housing-unit dimensions for individual models, including a width of 56 to 57 cm for some models.
- These dimensions don’t apply to all its appliances. Check the product details and manual for your chosen model against your kitchen unit.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These fridge-freezers are worth considering for a kitchen where space is limited and your shopping includes frozen food. Compare their stated capacities with your storage habits, then check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model.
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Samsung RB38C600EWW, white 390 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer for your weekly shop, with a separate freezer compartment. The product name lists a capacity of 390 l and an energy rating of E. Check how the capacity is split, as well as the space needed for the door to open and for ventilation.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, silver 227 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if width is limited, but check that the freezer has enough space for your needs between shops. The product name lists a width of 54 cm, 153 l of fridge space, 74 l of freezer space, Low Frost and an energy rating of E. Also check the height and clearances in the manual.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW, white 333 l fridge-freezer
An option to compare if you want a fridge-freezer with separate space for frozen food. The product name lists a capacity of 333 l and an energy rating of C. Check the capacity of each compartment, as well as the height and depth you’ll need in your kitchen.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want a bottom freezer and need to check that you have enough room for the appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 282 l and an energy rating of E. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the dimensions and ventilation requirements for this model.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), white 174 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a shorter fridge-freezer, provided its freezer compartment suits your storage habits. The product name lists a height of 150 cm, total capacity of 174 l, Low Frost, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer capacity and annual energy consumption before choosing.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity do one or two people need?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests an average of 100 to 150 l of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. If you shop weekly and buy frozen food, also check how much space is set aside for freezing. The total capacity doesn’t show how the litres are divided.
Is a table-top fridge enough for storing frozen food?
Not necessarily. According to its product information, the Bosch KTR15NWEB, for example, has no integrated freezer compartment. If you need to store frozen food between shops, check that the appliance has a freezer compartment and how much space it offers, or plan for a separate freezer.
What should I check before choosing an integrated model?
Measure the housing unit and check its dimensions, ventilation and door system against the manual for the exact model. Bosch recommends choosing a freestanding model if the housing unit is too small for the integrated appliance you’re considering.
How can I compare energy use and noise?
Compare the kWh/year and noise emissions in dB(A) for models with similar capacities. The European Commission says the energy label also shows the rating and storage capacities. The rating alone doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
Does delivery include taking the appliance upstairs and installation?
Check what’s included in your chosen offer before you order. On its French website, Whirlpool says its standard delivery is to the entrance of the building or home, while delivery to the room of your choice and installation are offered separately. Also check that the appliance will fit through doorways and that there’s access to the upper floor.