For a shared kitchen, first choose a fridge capacity that suits everyone’s shopping, then check that the shelves and drawers make it easy to divide up the food without piling it all together. A fridge freezer is a good choice if you also need freezer space; a table-top fridge suits more limited needs, while a multi-door model requires more room. If your kitchen has an existing housing unit, only choose an integrated model after checking the dimensions and installation requirements for that specific model.
If everyone stores their own food in the same appliance, adjustable shelves and clearly defined drawers can make it easier to keep things organised. Check the layout: a large overall capacity doesn’t necessarily mean there will be practical spaces for everyone.
If you need to store several days’ worth of fresh food and frozen items for several people, check the capacity of each compartment separately. Also count the shelves available for drinks, ready meals and everyday essentials.
A narrow kitchen, an existing housing unit or difficult access can limit your options before you even consider capacity. Measure the space and the delivery route. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit and door-fitting requirements against the model’s instructions.
Worth considering: if space is limited and you only need to share a small amount of fresh food.
Bear in mind: there’s less room to organise your shopping; also check whether the model has a freezer compartment.
Worth considering: if everyone shares fresh food and you also want to store frozen items.
Bear in mind: the total capacity is split between two compartments, so make sure each one has enough room for your shopping.
Worth considering: if several people need to store a lot of fresh and frozen food, and you have enough space.
Bear in mind: its width and depth could make installation and getting it through to the kitchen more difficult.
Worth considering: if your kitchen has a compatible housing unit and you want the appliance to blend in with your cabinetry.
Bear in mind: the housing unit dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements mean you’ll need to choose a model that suits your existing installation.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity to share | Compare fridge and freezer capacity separately, taking into account the number of people and how often you shop. | When several people bring their shopping home at the same time, I want to be able to put it all away without piling up the food. Space is the top priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Interior layout | Check the adjustable shelves, drawers and door shelves, as well as the areas you could assign to each person. | If everyone keeps their own food in the fridge, I want to find mine easily without getting in anyone else’s way. Keeping food separate comes first for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Installation compatibility | Measure the space and access route. For an integrated model, check the housing unit and door fixing, as well as the model’s climate class. | If there’s a housing unit or narrow access, I first need to be sure the appliance can be installed. This is the main concern for around 20 % of consumers. |
| Energy use, noise and cooling | Check the kWh/year and stated noise level, then plan to check the temperature once the appliance is installed. | In an open-plan or frequently used kitchen, I pay closest attention to noise, energy use and keeping food cold. Around 20 % of consumers prioritise these day-to-day considerations. |
A high figure can hide a fridge compartment that’s too small for the fresh food you share. It also doesn’t tell you how easy it will be for everyone to organise their food.
Compare the capacity of both compartments, then think about where everyone’s shopping will go on the shelves and in the drawers.
The capacity of a multi-door model won’t help if you can’t get it through to the kitchen. An integrated model must also fit the housing unit and the specified door-fixing system.
Measure the doors and access routes, the appliance in its packaging and the final space. For an integrated model, also follow the manufacturer’s ventilation diagram.
The climate class shows the range of room temperatures the model is designed to operate in. It’s particularly important to check this if the room is unheated or very warm.
Compare the room temperature with the stated range for the appliance, and follow its installation instructions rather than assuming there’s a one-size-fits-all ventilation clearance.
The energy consumption figure helps you compare appliances with similar capacities and uses, but it doesn’t replace setting the temperature correctly or arranging food so that air can circulate.
Once installed, check the temperature at the coldest point and avoid packing food too tightly, especially if several people open the door regularly.
These examples highlight features to compare within the ranges in question; they don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The range includes table-top fridges, fridge freezers and multi-door models.
The range of freestanding and integrated fridge freezers lets you compare different splits between fridge and freezer space.
The multi-door range is worth exploring if you need a large capacity and your kitchen and access route can accommodate it.
The range of fridge freezers is worth considering when your kitchen layout requires a precise fit for an integrated appliance.
Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this starting point according to how often you shop and how many drinks and prepared meals you need to store, then compare fridge and freezer capacity separately.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C at the coldest point. Check it regularly, especially if the door is opened often, and leave space between items so air can circulate.
Yes. As Bosch explains, it indicates the range of room temperatures the model is designed for. Check this range in the appliance specifications, particularly if the kitchen gets very warm or the appliance will be installed in an unheated room.
Check the delivery, installation and after-sales service arrangements, as well as the seller’s identity. For purchases from a business in France, Service Public states that the statutory guarantee of conformity covers faults that appear within two years of the product being delivered. Make sure you distinguish this guarantee from any commercial terms offered by the seller.