In a narrow kitchen, first choose a fridge that can be delivered, installed and opened without obstructing the walkway: width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit. A table-top fridge is mainly suited to a height restriction, while a fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen storage in one space. An integrated model, meanwhile, needs a compatible housing unit and door panel. If you can put a freezer elsewhere, a fridge-only model also lets you choose the two capacities separately. Then compare the energy consumption and noise information for the appliances you’re considering.
You’ll need to leave enough room to move around once the fridge is installed. Measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route and the space needed to open the door and pull out the drawers.
If there’s no room for two appliances, a fridge-freezer brings both functions together. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check that the drawers can be accessed in your planned layout.
An existing housing unit and door panel point towards an integrated model, provided the dimensions, door fixing and ventilation match the installation instructions. The appliance width on its own won’t confirm that it’s compatible.
Start with the space available and how much freezer capacity you need. Next, decide whether the appliance needs to fit into an existing cabinet, then compare the energy label information for models that meet these requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and door clearance | Measure the space and delivery route; check the door swing and ventilation clearances against the model’s instructions. | I need to be able to get the appliance into the kitchen, open the door and pull out the drawers without blocking the walkway. This access is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Freezer space | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, and check whether the drawers can open in the space available. | My frozen food needs to fit alongside fresh food in one space. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this balance above all else. |
| Compatibility with your cabinet | For an integrated model, check the housing unit dimensions, door panel, fixing type and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | I want to keep my existing cabinet and door panel rather than change my kitchen layout. This compatibility comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the annual kWh consumption, compartment capacities and stated noise level on the energy label for the exact model. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to everyday noise while comparing appliances that suit my needs. These two factors are the top priority for around 17% of consumers. |
These considerations point to different options. A table-top fridge may suit a space with limited height, but check whether it offers enough storage and the freezer compartment you need. A narrow fridge-freezer avoids having to find a separate space for a freezer, but it doesn’t automatically mean the drawers will be easy to access. A fridge-only model paired with a freezer elsewhere lets you choose the capacities separately, but you’ll need to find space for both appliances.
An appliance may fit into the space but still prevent the door from opening fully or a drawer from being removed. It also needs to fit through the delivery route, with enough room for air to circulate as specified in the instructions.
Measure the space, delivery route and clearance in front of the appliance, then compare your measurements with the installation plan for the model you’ve chosen.
The housing unit, door panel and fixing system must all be compatible with the model. The appliance dimensions alone don’t tell you what’s required for installation.
Before replacing an integrated appliance, check the installation plan, hinges or sliding fittings, and ventilation requirements. Also confirm what’s included in the installation service.
If the cabinet needs adapting, fitting the door panel or carrying out carpentry work may require a separate service from the appliance installation.
Total capacity doesn’t show how much space is reserved for fresh and frozen food. An unsuitable split will still be restrictive, even if the appliance fits in your kitchen.
Think about what you usually store in each compartment, then check their individual capacities on the energy label or product information sheet.
ADEME points out that fridges run continuously, and that both size and unnecessary extra features affect energy use. A narrow width alone isn’t enough to compare appliances.
For similar storage needs, compare the annual energy consumption in kWh and usable capacities. If you choose a separate fridge and freezer, consider the information for both appliances.
These product ranges and models can help you identify what to check. Compatibility always depends on the exact model and your kitchen.
Worth a look if you’re after a small freestanding fridge.
Integrated larder fridges to consider depending on how much freezer space you need.
Integrated larder fridges and fridge-freezers to compare with your cabinet dimensions.
Browse its freestanding range to compare dimensions, capacities and noise levels.
These models show two possible layouts: freestanding fridge-freezers that combine fresh and frozen storage in one space, and an integrated fridge-freezer to consider only if you have a compatible housing unit. Compare their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one freestanding appliance.
Its product information lists a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, a four-star freezer and a noise level of 39 dB. The model is rated energy class E.
Before ordering, check the delivery route, door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions. Check the energy label for annual consumption in kWh.
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Consider this model if you need fresh and frozen food to fit in one space and its stated width of 54 cm works for your kitchen.
The model lists 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity, along with a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Check the other dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions; the energy label shows its annual consumption in kWh.
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Consider this for a fitted kitchen only if your cabinet can accommodate this integrated fridge-freezer.
The model features TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment if the split matters for your shopping needs.
Before ordering, check the instructions against the internal dimensions of the housing unit, the door panel and its fixing, and the ventilation requirements. The energy label shows annual consumption in kWh.
Measure the space in width, height and depth, as well as the route the appliance will need to take during delivery. Allow room to open the door and pull out the drawers; for ventilation, follow the clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
Not based on width alone: an integrated model needs a compatible housing unit, door panel and fixing system. For example, Whirlpool France specifies a 56 cm niche for its 54 cm-wide WHC20D011B1 FR fridge-freezer. Check the installation plan for the model you’re considering before replacing your appliance.
Look at their annual consumption in kWh alongside the fridge and freezer capacities, then compare appliances that meet similar storage needs. According to the European Commission, the energy label also shows the energy class and noise level. The energy class alone doesn’t tell you an appliance’s annual energy consumption.
Arrange for it to be taken to an appropriate collection point rather than leaving it with ordinary rubbish. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including a household waste recycling centre, a collection point or a retailer. Check the retailer’s take-back arrangements before delivery.