First, measure the space, the route into your kitchen and the clearances specified in the manual. Then choose a capacity to suit your household and shopping habits. A table-top or single-door model is a compact storage option; a fridge-freezer gives you separate space for fresh and frozen food, while a multi-door model is worth considering only if its extra capacity justifies the space it takes up.
If space is your main concern and you don’t buy much at a time, consider a table-top or single-door model. Compare the usable capacity with your storage needs: a compact design alone won’t tell you how much room you need.
For weekly shops that include both fresh and frozen food, a fridge-freezer lets you choose how much space you need for each compartment. A small freezer compartment may not offer enough storage if frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop.
If you store a lot of food and have a suitable kitchen, it’s worth comparing a multi-door model with a large fridge-freezer. Check the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors, too. The total capacity won’t tell you how that space is divided between fresh and frozen food.
First rule out any appliances that can’t be installed properly, then choose the balance of fridge and freezer space to suit your shopping habits. If your kitchen opens onto your living space, noise and energy information should also factor into your decision.
Consider it : for a studio flat where space is a priority and you need little freezer space, or have another way to store frozen food.
Bear in mind : storage space is limited, so check the usable capacity in litres before you buy.
Consider it : for a small household that mainly buys fresh food and only occasionally stores frozen items.
Bear in mind : the freezer compartment may prove too small if frozen food is a regular part of your shop.
Consider it : if your household needs space for fresh food and a separate freezer every week.
Bear in mind : you’ll need to divide the total capacity between the two compartments: more freezer space doesn’t mean more room for fresh food.
Consider it : if you need plenty of storage and your kitchen and access route can accommodate it.
Bear in mind : check the dimensions of each model rather than choosing based on the stated capacity alone.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this best for ? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the space and every doorway or passage on the way to the kitchen. Check how far the doors open and the clearances specified in the manual. Ubaldi also recommends checking the width of access doorways. | In a small kitchen or a home with difficult access, I need to be able to get the appliance inside and leave enough room for it once installed. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise these space and access requirements. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge separately from the total capacity. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. | If several people share the home or my shopping includes lots of fresh food, I need enough storage without choosing based only on the appliance’s external size. Around 29 % of consumers prioritise fridge capacity. |
| Frozen food capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres and how often you buy frozen food; distinguish between a freezer compartment and a separate freezer. | If I shop less often or regularly store frozen food, a small freezer compartment may limit what I can keep. Around 24 % of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the energy information on the labels of the models you’re considering. | With an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to the noise from an appliance that runs every day, as well as its energy use. Around 18 % of consumers put these factors ahead of other considerations. |
A fridge that fits the space may still not get through a doorway or could obstruct the room when its doors are open.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check the access route. Check which way the door opens and the installation clearances in the model’s manual.
The small freezer compartment in a single-door model may limit your shopping or the amount of food you can prepare and store in advance.
Think about how much space your frozen food usually takes up. If you need that space regularly, compare the net freezer capacity of fridge-freezers.
A large capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available in each compartment or how easy the appliance will be to install. Que Choisir also notes that large American-style fridges use more energy than conventional models.
Compare the dimensions, fridge and freezer capacities, noise and energy information of a multi-door model with those of a large fridge-freezer that suits your kitchen.
When your kitchen is part of your living space, you may notice the fridge running more than you would in a separate room.
Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class of the models you’re considering, rather than relying on capacity or appearance alone.
These models offer separate capacities for fresh and frozen food, from compact fridge-freezers to multi-door appliances. Before choosing one for your new home, check its dimensions and manual against the requirements of your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a three-door appliance. This model is listed with a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions, the delivery route and the clearances required in the manual.
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Worth comparing if your household needs plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. This model is listed with a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Pay particular attention to the available width, door clearance and route into the kitchen.
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An option to consider for shops that include both fresh and frozen food. The model listing states 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, No Frost and 39 dB. Check its external dimensions and installation clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering for a kitchen with limited width, without giving up two separate compartments. The model is listed with 153 L for fresh food, 74 L for frozen food, a width of 54 cm, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check its height and depth, too, along with the clearances specified in the manual.
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Consider it if your household needs plenty of storage and has room for a side-by-side appliance. The model is listed with 333 L of fridge capacity, 192 L of freezer capacity, No Frost, 37 dB and an E energy rating. Measure the space and access route, then check the clearances specified in the manual.
Yes, follow the clearance requirements in the manual for your chosen model. Electrolux installation instructions recommend allowing air to circulate around the appliance; don’t assume the clearance specified for one model applies to all others.
Check your appliance manual before plugging it in. Electrolux installation instructions recommend waiting at least 4 hours; this is the manufacturer’s guidance, not a universal waiting time for every model.
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and compare freezer capacity separately if you store frozen food.
It lets you compare the energy information for appliances covered by European refrigeration labelling rules, set out in particular by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016. When choosing, weigh this information against usable capacity and dimensions: no single factor is enough to tell you which appliance is right for your home.
No: a large capacity is only useful if the balance of fridge and freezer space suits your household’s shopping habits and the appliance can be brought into your kitchen. Compare its dimensions and energy information with those of a large fridge-freezer before choosing this style.