First, choose a fridge that will fit through to the kitchen and can be installed there in line with the instructions. Then work out separately how much space you need for fresh food and frozen food. A compact model is suitable if space and storage needs are limited; a fridge freezer combines both uses, while a multi-door model needs to justify its larger footprint with a genuine need for extra capacity, and you should check its energy consumption.
In a studio flat or small kitchen, getting the appliance through the door, finding a suitable spot and making sure the door can open all matter just as much as capacity. Que Choisir recommends considering an under-counter fridge when space and storage needs are limited.
If you store both fresh and frozen food, compare the usable capacity of each compartment with the size of your household and how often you shop, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
Shopping less often or keeping a large stock of frozen food may call for a large fridge freezer or a multi-door model. However, make sure the access route, kitchen and energy consumption suit your needs; Que Choisir also highlights the larger footprint of bigger models.
When kitting out a new home, choose a size that suits the food you need to store. But first rule out any appliance that cannot be delivered, installed or opened properly in your kitchen.
Consider it: for a studio flat with limited space and storage needs.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited, and the space for frozen food varies by model.
Consider it: if you prioritise fresh food and rarely use frozen food, or have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you regularly store frozen food.
Consider it: if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the amount of space given to the freezer varies between models and should suit your shopping habits.
Consider it: if you need plenty of storage and have enough room to get it in and install it.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space. Que Choisir also notes that American-style fridges generally use more energy than standard models.
| Factor | What to check | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Access and installation | Measure the route to the kitchen, the space available and the door swing. Check the ventilation clearances specified for the model. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to get the appliance in and open its doors without blocking the way. Around 34% of consumers prioritise access and installation. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment separately, based on the size of your household and how often you shop. | If I shop less often or regularly store frozen food, a large total capacity is not enough: the split needs to work for me. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this balance. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh, energy rating and noise level in dB(A) of similarly sized appliances. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to the noise and electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these considerations. |
| Extra-large storage | Compare usable capacity with the width and depth, and, if the appliance has one, check how its water or ice dispenser is supplied. | For a big shop or lots of frozen food, I may need more space despite the larger footprint. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this extra storage. |
According to ADEME, refrigeration appliances run continuously, and their size or extra features can affect energy consumption. As a guide to capacity, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person, adjusted to suit the household’s habits.
A fridge freezer may have enough overall capacity but still leave too little room for the frozen or fresh food you usually store.
Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment with the size of your household and how often you shop.
A fridge that fits the space is not necessarily easy to get in on delivery, and its doors may not open properly. The ventilation clearance required also depends on the model and how it is installed.
Measure the route to the kitchen and the space available with the doors open, then check the installation diagram for the model you have chosen.
ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; their size and extra features can increase energy consumption.
Compare the annual energy use in kWh of similarly sized appliances before choosing a capacity or features you do not need.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, the stated noise level may matter more in everyday use. Que Choisir classifies models below 40 dB(A) as quieter.
Compare the dB(A) ratings of the models you are considering, taking into account where you plan to put the appliance.
The features below apply to the models mentioned, not to every appliance made by each brand.
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, as well as multi-door models.
The specifications for its freestanding and built-in fridge freezers make it easy to distinguish between external dimensions and the required niche size.
The BCHA306E4SN built-in fridge freezer is a good example of the features to check against your fitted kitchen.
These models include fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, including a built-in option, as well as two multi-door models to consider if you need more storage. Compare their configuration with the access route and available space in your new home.
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A fridge freezer worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance. The product title lists a capacity of 344 l and an energy rating of E. Check how the capacity is split, the annual energy use and the clearance needed for installation.
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For a fitted kitchen, consider this fridge freezer only if your cabinetry can accommodate it. The product title lists a capacity of 252 l, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the niche size, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions.
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This four-door model is designed for households that need plenty of storage, provided they have a suitable access route and enough kitchen space. The product title lists a capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the width, door clearance and annual energy use.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a capacity of 495 l and an energy rating of E. Measure the access route and the space needed with the doors open, then check the annual energy use and any connection requirements for the model’s features.
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This compact fridge freezer may suit you if space is limited but you need both compartments. The product title lists a capacity of 174 l, a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the annual energy use and installation clearances.
No. Also compare the annual energy use in kWh and the capacity of similarly sized appliances. The EU energy label rates applicable appliances from A to G and, according to the European Union, must also be displayed when they are sold online.
Measure the delivery route to the kitchen, then check the space for the appliance and to open its doors. Look at the model’s installation diagram for the required ventilation clearances; measurements taken for another appliance are not enough.
Not necessarily. Your choice depends on factors such as the space available, usable capacity and how much defrosting you are prepared to do. Check which part of the appliance benefits from the advertised technology, as configurations vary by model.
Not always. The supply method depends on the model and whether it has a reservoir. If this feature matters to you, check how it is supplied and read the installation instructions before buying.