In a studio flat, start by checking how much space you have before choosing between a table-top fridge and a single-door model. For a house share where you regularly store frozen food, compare the separate capacities of a fridge freezer instead. A family may want to consider a multi-door fridge if the extra capacity suits its weekly shop and the appliance fits the available space, access route and energy requirements. Whatever you choose, check how the doors open and follow the model’s installation instructions.
If space is very limited and you don’t buy much at a time, start by looking at a table-top fridge or a single-door model. Check how much room you’ll need to open the appliance and install it according to its instructions.
When several people share the same supplies of fresh and frozen food, a fridge freezer lets you compare the capacity of each compartment separately. Choose the balance that suits your shared shopping, rather than looking only at the total capacity.
If you do a big weekly shop, extra capacity can be useful, provided you check the space in your kitchen and the delivery route. A multi-door model may not be necessary if a fridge freezer already offers the storage split you need.
First, choose a format that fits in your kitchen. Then compare its compartments with your usual shopping: total capacity alone isn’t enough to distinguish between models.
Consider it: when space is your priority and you don’t store much food between shops.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited, and whether there’s a freezer compartment depends on the model.
Consider it: if you mainly buy fresh food and don’t store much frozen food.
Bear in mind: any freezer compartment may be smaller than the one in a fridge freezer.
Consider it: if your household regularly needs space for both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space than a compact model, and you’ll need to size both compartments to suit your needs.
Consider it: if your big shops justify the extra capacity and your kitchen has enough space.
Bear in mind: it takes up a lot of space; compare the stated energy consumption of the models you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and the delivery route. Check how the doors open and the clearances specified in the instructions. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking access to the cupboards. Around 36% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable litres in each compartment and the type of freezer space. | If frozen food is a regular part of my shopping, I can’t choose based on total capacity alone. For around 29% of consumers, the space for frozen food compared with fresh food comes first. |
| Household size | Choose a capacity to suit the number of people in your household and how often you shop. Also measure how much space a larger model would take up. | When several people do a big shop, I want to be able to put it all away without having to shop more often. This capacity is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level, the energy consumption shown on the energy label and the climate class. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I’ll notice the appliance more, and I also want to check its energy use. Around 14% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may not offer the same amount of space for fresh and frozen food. On a single-door model, the freezer compartment may be small.
Compare the usable litres in each compartment with what you actually store.
A fridge may fit in the space you’ve set aside but still not fit through a doorway, along a corridor or up the stairs. American-style appliances also need careful width checks, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Before ordering, measure the delivery route, the space for the appliance and the clearance needed to open the doors.
Air circulation and the ambient temperature specified for the model are part of its installation requirements. A built-in housing must also be suitable for the appliance you choose.
Check the model’s dimensions, ventilation instructions and climate class. After delivery, follow the instructions on how long to wait before plugging it in.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, you may notice the fridge running more than you would in a separate kitchen.
Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A). UFC-Que Choisir uses less than 40 dB(A) as a guide for the quietest appliances in its guide.
These models include fridge freezers with separate fresh and frozen food compartments, as well as large multi-door models. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs, then check their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. The model name lists a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions, delivery route and clearances specified in the instructions.
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Consider this if your household needs plenty of storage and has a kitchen to suit. The model name lists a total capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the space, delivery route and clearance needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering for a kitchen where available width is important, while still giving you separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. The model name lists 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and installation clearances too; Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
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Consider this if you need space for fresh and frozen food, with a door opening that can be adapted to your kitchen. The model name lists 252 L of fridge space, 103 L of freezer space, a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth, noise level and stated energy consumption to see how they match your priorities.
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Worth considering if total capacity is a priority for your household. The model name lists a capacity of 444 L, frost-free operation, an E energy rating and a noise level of 40 dB. This isn’t below the under-40 dB(A) guide cited by UFC-Que Choisir. Compare the space available in each compartment and measure the appliance before choosing this large model.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food.
A table-top fridge may suit a studio flat if you’re short on space and only store small quantities, according to UFC-Que Choisir. Check the usable capacity and whether it has a freezer compartment if you buy frozen food.
Check the dimensions, how the doors open and the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen. Electrolux France recommends leaving room for air to circulate around the appliance and keeping it away from strong heat sources. The exact clearances and dimensions for any housing depend on the model’s instructions.
Yes. It’s worth comparing noise levels when your kitchen opens onto your living space. UFC-Que Choisir uses appliances rated below 40 dB(A) as a guide to the quietest fridges in its guide; check the stated figure for each model you’re considering.