First, choose a format that fits in your kitchen and leaves enough room for both fresh and frozen food. A small fridge suits modest storage needs, a single-door model prioritises fresh food, while a fridge-freezer keeps the two separate. A multi-door model offers plenty of capacity if your kitchen and access routes can accommodate it. Next, compare the capacity of each compartment, the noise level and the energy consumption of the specific model, then check its installation instructions.
If the space is low or narrow and you don't store much food, an under-counter model is worth considering. For example, Liebherr lists its KTe551 as 85 cm tall with a capacity of 111 L. However, check that its dimensions and capacity suit your kitchen and shopping habits.
If you fill both the fridge and freezer, consider a fridge-freezer and compare the capacity of each compartment in litres. The total capacity alone won't tell you how much frozen food you can store.
If you need plenty of storage space, a multi-door model could be an option. Measure your kitchen and the entire delivery route too: UFC-Que Choisir points out that larger models need suitable access routes.
Whether you're moving home or replacing an appliance, the right format depends first on the space you actually have and what you store most often.
Consider it: if height is limited and you don't need much storage.
The trade-off: there is less room available; check whether the model has a freezer compartment that suits your needs.
Consider it: if you mainly need space for fresh food, particularly if you have a separate freezer.
The trade-off: a generous total capacity doesn't guarantee enough freezer space.
Consider it: if your regular shopping includes both fresh and frozen food.
The trade-off: the capacity is split between two compartments, with the proportions varying by model.
Consider it: if you have a large household that needs plenty of storage and a kitchen with enough space.
The trade-off: its size means you need to check the available space and access routes. Also compare the energy consumption of the model you choose.
| Criteria | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and door clearance | Appliance or housing dimensions; access route to the kitchen, door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its doors before looking for more capacity; around 25 % of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Space for fresh food | Usable fridge capacity in litres and the interior layout, considered separately from the freezer. | If I leave longer between shops, I want to store my fresh groceries without relying on the total capacity shown; around 31 % of consumers would put this need first. |
| Space for frozen food | Freezer compartment capacity and the type of compartment included in the model. | If I regularly store frozen food, a small compartment can limit how much I can keep; around 25 % of consumers would make freezer capacity their priority. |
| Very large capacity | Capacity of each compartment, dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption listed for the exact model. | For big shops, I need plenty of storage while also considering the space the appliance takes up and how I'll use it day to day; around 19 % of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
A large appliance also needs to fit through doorways, corridors and any lifts. Samsung recommends checking whether its RF65DG960ESL multi-door model will fit through access routes while still in its packaging.
Measure the delivery route, then check that the doors can open and that you can leave the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
Two fridges with a similar total capacity can offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
Start with your usual shopping habits and compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately.
Electrolux reminds customers that air needs to circulate around the appliance and that its position must suit the ambient temperature range specified for the model.
Follow the instructions for clearances, ventilation and climate class rather than using a distance intended for a different fridge.
UFC-Que Choisir highlights how much space larger models take up. Their extra capacity is only useful if it suits your storage habits.
Compare a multi-door model with a fridge-freezer that offers enough capacity, looking at dimensions, capacity per compartment, noise and the energy label.
Under-counter and single-door models to consider when available space or the amount of room for fresh food influences your choice.
Built-in fridge-freezers to consider if your kitchen has a suitable housing unit.
Single-door fridges to consider if space for fresh food is your main priority.
Multi-door models to consider if your household needs a large capacity and you have enough space.
These models let you compare different fridge and freezer configurations: two freestanding appliances with different capacities and one built-in model. Choose according to the space you have and how much frozen food you need to store.
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Worth considering if you need separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
Listed total capacity: 360 L; three doors, Total No Frost and energy rating E.
Before ordering, check the capacity of each compartment, the route into your kitchen and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Worth considering if ceiling height is limited but you still need freezer space.
Listed height: 150 cm; 4-star freezer, Low Frost, reversible door and energy rating E.
Compare the capacity of both compartments with your shopping needs and check the installation instructions. If noise or annual energy consumption will determine your choice, check the model specifications before ordering.
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Worth considering if your kitchen is designed for a built-in appliance and most of your food is fresh.
Single door, freezer compartment at the top, listed total capacity of 188 L and energy rating E.
Check the freezer capacity against your frozen food needs, and make sure the housing and fixings are compatible with your kitchen unit. Also bear in mind that the freezer needs to be defrosted manually.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each extra person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and compare fridge and freezer capacities separately.
No. A fridge also needs to fit through your home's access routes, have enough room for its doors to open and meet the installation requirements in its instructions. For a built-in appliance, check that the housing and kitchen unit fixings are suitable too.
Compare the specifications for the exact models, including the noise level and annual energy consumption shown on the energy label. ADEME describes the label as a useful comparison tool. If you have an open-plan kitchen, pay particular attention to the stated noise level.
Check the instructions for the appliance you've bought before plugging it in. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours for appliances covered by its installation guidance; this doesn't replace the instructions for your specific model.
When you buy a new appliance in France, the retailer must offer to take back your old one on a «1 for 1» basis, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Ask about the practical arrangements before confirming your order.