Anyone moving into a studio flat or a small kitchen
Measure the space available before deciding between a tabletop and a single-door model. The usable capacity should also suit your shopping habits and any need you may have for frozen food.
Who is each type of fridge for ?
Households that regularly buy frozen food
A fridge freezer gives you a separate freezer compartment. Compare its capacity with your shopping habits, then check that the appliance can be brought all the way into your kitchen.
Anyone with a fitted kitchen and a fridge housing unit
For an integrated model, check the dimensions of both the housing unit and the appliance, as well as the depth, hinges, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the manual. The visible width alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
What should you check before choosing ?
Start with the space you actually have, then compare the capacities and practical features of models that will fit there.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | I often stock up on frozen food, so a separate freezer compartment matters more to me than a small extra freezer section. |
| Dimensions and access | Measure the height, width and depth, then check doorways, corridors and any other parts of the delivery route. For an integrated model, also compare the housing unit, hinges and ventilation requirements with the model’s manual. | My appliance needs to fit through my home, fit in its allocated space and have enough room for the door to open properly. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and the information on the energy label. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says the label provides standardised information for comparing products in the same category. | In an open-plan kitchen or near a bedroom, I want to consider the stated noise level as well as energy use and capacity. |
| Getting it up and running | Check the manual for how long to wait before plugging the appliance in and for the required clearances. Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging in a fridge freezer. Follow the instructions for the model you receive. | I want to plan the delivery and my first food shop without having to fill the appliance as soon as it arrives. |
What installation mistakes should you avoid ?
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Going by the visible width alone
An integrated fridge also needs to fit the height and depth of the housing unit, and be compatible with its hinges and ventilation requirements.
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing unit, then compare them with the model’s installation diagram before ordering.
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Assuming a small compartment is the same as a separate freezer
A small freezer compartment may not be enough if frozen food regularly makes up a large part of your shopping.
Work out how much you want to store in the freezer and compare it with the capacity of this compartment, rather than the total capacity stated.
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Assuming all appliances need the same clearance
Ventilation requirements depend on the installation and the model. Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of ventilation space behind and underneath its appliances, but this isn’t a figure to apply to every brand.
Follow the diagram and clearance requirements in the manual for the fridge you’re buying.
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Plugging the appliance in as soon as it’s delivered
Starting it straight away may go against the manufacturer’s instructions after transport. Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging it in.
Allow for this waiting time when planning your move, and check the instructions for the model you receive.
A few well-known brands
The details below apply to the models mentioned, not to every fridge made by each brand.
Bosch
These two integrated Bosch models illustrate different freezer needs and dimensions.
- According to Bosch, the KIV87NSE0 combines 200 L of fridge capacity and 70 L of freezer capacity in an appliance measuring 1 772 × 541 × 548 mm.
- The KUL22VFD0 is 820 mm high and has an integrated freezer compartment. Check the freezer capacity you need and the housing unit required for the model you choose.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s product details let you compare a larder fridge with a freestanding fridge freezer in different sizes.
- Whirlpool lists a capacity of 322 L for the SW6A2QWF2 larder fridge and 462 L for the WB70E973W fridge freezer.
- According to Whirlpool, the WB70E973W measures 70 × 195,5 × 75,5 cm. Check the space available and the delivery route before choosing this model.
Electrolux
The KFF6DD18S4 is an example of a model whose specifications you’ll need to compare with your fitted kitchen.
- Electrolux lists a built-in height of 1 780 mm, a total capacity of 282 L, a noise level of 29 dB and a D energy rating for this integrated model.
- These figures alone don’t confirm that it will fit. Check the other dimensions and the instructions in the model’s manual too.
Fridge freezers available on Joybuy
These models are fridge freezers with separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. Compare their dimensions and capacities with your home and shopping needs. This list doesn’t replace checking out a compact, single-door or integrated model if that’s what your kitchen requires.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food and have room for a three-door fridge freezer. The model name indicates Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions, clearances and route into your kitchen before choosing.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L black fridge freezer
Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a search for a fridge freezer for a narrow space, provided you also measure the depth and access route. The model is 176 cm high and is described as 70/30 and Low Frost. Check its manual for installation and freezer maintenance instructions.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L white fridge freezer
This freestanding fridge freezer is worth considering if you want two compartments in an appliance that’s 150 cm high. Its name indicates a 70/30 split, Low Frost, a reversible door, an E energy rating and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check that its capacity and dimensions suit your home.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge freezer
Worth comparing if space is limited but you still want a compartment for frozen food. The product name lists a width of 54 cm, 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the model’s height, depth and clearance requirements.
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Heinrich´s, 253 L stainless steel fridge freezer
Its stated capacities of 182 L for the fridge and 71 L for the freezer make it easy to compare your fresh and frozen food needs separately. The product name indicates No Frost and 39 dB. Measure the space and access route before choosing this appliance.
Frequently asked questions
What should you compare on a fridge’s energy label ?
Compare appliances in the same category using their labels, then check their usable capacity and dimensions too. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition says the label provides standardised information that helps you compare factors including energy use and noise.
Should you wait before plugging in a delivered fridge ?
Follow the waiting time stated in the manual for the model you receive. Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging in a fridge freezer to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor. Don’t automatically apply this instruction to another model.
Will an integrated fridge fit any housing unit of the same width ?
No. Check the height and depth of the housing unit, the appliance dimensions, the hinges and the ventilation requirements in its manual. Bosch recommends considering a freestanding model if the housing unit is too small.