Infrequent shared shops
You stock the fridge for several people and want to make sure there’s enough room after a big shop. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends assessing usable capacity in light of your household and its shopping habits.
Who is this type of fridge for?
Regular stocks of frozen food
You need to divide your shopping between fresh and frozen food. Compare the capacity of each compartment rather than relying on the total volume alone.
Shared living and a compact kitchen
You’re looking for storage that works in a small kitchen. The space the fridge takes up, whether it can be built in and how easily you can access the drawers all matter just as much as capacity.
What to look for before you buy
Que Choisir Ensemble suggests an average of 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to the food you actually store.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you regularly buy both fresh and frozen food. Compare the capacity of each compartment separately.
Check: a total capacity that looks sufficient may still leave too little fridge space for your shopping.
One-door fridge with freezer compartment
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and store little frozen food.
Check: the freezer capacity and, for a built-in model, whether it’s compatible with your cabinet and fixing system.
Multi-door fridge
Consider this if: your shared shops need more storage space and your kitchen has room for the doors to open and the drawers to slide out.
Check: the width, depth and door clearance in the space where the fridge will go.
Table-top fridge
Consider this if: space is limited and frequent shopping keeps your food stocks modest.
Check: that a compact model has enough room for several people’s shopping and meets the installation requirements.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the usable fridge capacity, not just the total capacity. Que Choisir Ensemble’s average guide is 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. | After a big shop, you want to put away your fresh food without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance. Around 28% of consumers put fridge capacity at the heart of their decision. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and compare it with the packaging and portions you usually keep. | If you shop less often, space for your frozen food stocks may matter more than total capacity. Around 22% of consumers prioritise frozen-food storage. |
| Dimensions and door clearance | Measure the space where the fridge will go and the delivery route, then check the model’s dimensions and installation instructions. Boulanger’s listing for the Haier HFR5719ENMG notes that the doors protrude and that the fridge needs to sit away from the wall so you can access the drawers and shelves. | In a small kitchen, you need to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without blocking the way. Around 22% of consumers make installation their top priority. |
| Layout and food storage | Check the arrangement of the shelves, drawers and door racks to make sure they suit your containers. Anses recommends an ideal storage temperature of 0 to +4 °C. | When sharing food shopping, you want to find items easily and organise meals without compromising on food storage. Around 17% of consumers prioritise how shared food is organised. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the energy labels and stated noise levels of the models you’re considering. An energy rating alone can’t guarantee a precise energy bill. | Once you’ve settled on the capacity and location, you can give more weight to energy use and noise levels. Around 11% of consumers put these criteria first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing total capacity with space for fresh food
Total capacity combines several compartments, so it doesn’t tell you on its own whether the fridge space is right for your shopping.
Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately before you choose.
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Measuring only with the doors shut
The doors and drawers may need extra clearance. Boulanger’s listing for the Haier HFR5719ENMG notes that the doors protrude; a built-in appliance must also fit the cabinet and its fixing system.
Check the available space, door clearance and installation instructions for the exact model.
If the fridge doesn’t fit, you may have to change its position or alter your kitchen layout.
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Treating a litres-per-person guide as a guarantee of comfort
Que Choisir Ensemble’s average guide may not account for your biggest shops, your containers or the proportion of frozen food you store.
Use it as a starting point, then estimate how much room you need for your usual shopping and your biggest shop.
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Confusing a commercial warranty with your legal rights
An extended commercial warranty doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity. Service Public says that, for eligible goods, the fault must appear within two years of delivery.
Check the legal rights that apply to your purchase before deciding whether the extra cover in a commercial warranty is useful to you.
Brands to consider for these styles
Samsung
Documented fridge-freezer models can provide a useful comparison if you want to distinguish the space for fresh food from the space for frozen food.
- Samsung describes the RB34C605CS9/EF as a 344 L, C-rated fridge-freezer. Boulanger lists 230 L of fridge capacity and an SN-T climate class for this model.
- These specifications apply to the RB34C605CS9/EF and don’t demonstrate greater reliability or better food preservation across the brand as a whole.
Haier
The FD 70 Series 5 multi-door format, represented by the HFR5719ENMG, lets you explore a layout with several doors and drawers.
- Haier lists four doors and dimensions of 700 × 675 × 1900 mm for the HFR5719ENMG. Boulanger gives a fridge capacity of 306 L and a freezer capacity of 140 L.
- Boulanger notes that the doors protrude and that the fridge needs space from the wall to access the drawers and shelves. Check the clearance in your kitchen.
Bosch
The KIL42NSE0 is an example of a built-in, one-door fridge with a freezer compartment, for when your kitchen layout guides your choice.
- Bosch lists 172 L of fridge capacity, an integrated freezer compartment and sliding hinges for this model.
- The appliance dimensions alone don’t confirm that it will fit a housing unit. Check the cabinet, fixings and model instructions.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes multi-door fridges and fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food separately.
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Samsung RF48A401EB4 American-style fridge, 488 L, E-rated, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a large total capacity for shared shopping.
The title lists a total capacity of 488 L and an energy rating of E.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS multi-door fridge, 467 L, E-rated, silver
Consider this model if you’re looking for a multi-door layout to organise fresh and frozen food.
The title lists 467 L, No Frost technology and dimensions of 83,3 × 65 × 181,5 cm.
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Sonlu CC-520WE fridge-freezer, 444 L, E-rated
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding side-by-side appliance for shared food shopping.
The title lists a total capacity of 444 L, a Frost Free function and an energy rating of E.
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Sonlu CD‑350RW fridge-freezer, 310 L, 60 cm wide
This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want separate fresh and frozen food storage in an appliance listed as 60 cm wide.
The title lists 211 L for the fridge, 99 L for the freezer, a reversible door and an energy rating of E.
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Sonlu CD‑400RW fridge-freezer, 355 L, 60 cm wide
Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer with separate stated capacities for fresh and frozen food.
The title lists 252 L for the fridge, 103 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm and an energy rating of E.
Frequently asked questions
Can you give each person their own shelf?
Yes, you can organise the storage by person, taking the appliance’s temperature zones into account. In a static-cooling fridge, temperatures vary from one area to another. Anses also recommends covering prepared food in suitable containers to help prevent cross-contamination.
Does the climate class tell you what temperature to set the fridge to?
No. Boulanger lists an ambient temperature range of 10 °C to 43 °C for the Samsung RB34C605CS9 and Haier HFR5719ENMG models, which are rated SN-T. For food storage inside the fridge, Anses recommends an ideal temperature of between 0 and +4 °C.
How long should you wait before refrigerating a cooked dish?
Anses recommends refrigerating the dish as soon as it’s no longer hot, and not waiting more than two hours before putting it in the fridge.
Do you need an extended warranty to have rights if a fault develops?
No, the legal guarantee of conformity applies independently of any extended commercial warranty. Service Public says that, for eligible goods, the fault must appear within two years of delivery, whether the item is new, second-hand or refurbished.
What should you do with your old fridge in France?
When you buy an equivalent appliance, the “one-for-one” take-back scheme requires the retailer to take back your old appliance free of charge, up to the quantity and type of product being replaced. Agree the arrangements before delivery. Service Public provides details, including the conditions for collection from your home when the new appliance is delivered there.