Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Look at what you store after your biggest shop, rather than basing your choice solely on the number of people in your household. A small fridge may suit you if you shop frequently and keep few frozen foods. A fridge-freezer combines both uses, while a larger frozen-food stock may make a multi-door model or separate freezer worth considering. Before choosing a model, check its capacity, energy consumption and noise level against the space you actually have in your kitchen.
If you need one appliance to hold fresh food for the week and a modest supply of frozen food, look at fridge-freezers and compare the capacity of each compartment in litres. The format alone won’t tell you whether the split will suit your shopping habits.
After a big shop, the freezer capacity and space for bulky packs or meals are what matter. A multi-door fridge-freezer or separate freezer may be worth considering if you have room to install one. Compare the freezer capacity rather than the total capacity.
If you shop often, buy small quantities and store little frozen food, a table-top fridge or a larder fridge is worth considering. Check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and door clearance before choosing a model.
Que Choisir covers formats from table-top fridges to multi-door models, depending on the space available and your shopping habits. First work out what needs to fit in the fridge and freezer compartments, then compare the appliances that suit your kitchen using the energy label.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Balance of fresh and frozen food | Check how much you store at most after shopping, then compare the fridge and freezer capacity of the model separately. | If I shop for the week, I need enough room for fresh food without sacrificing my frozen-food stock; around 31% of consumers put this balance first. |
| Frozen-food storage | Compare the freezer capacity and drawer layout; also consider whether a separate freezer is an option. | When my big shops regularly include lots of frozen food, I need to be able to store it all, including bulky packs. For around 31% of consumers, freezer capacity comes ahead of other considerations. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance. For an integrated model, check the housing and ventilation requirements in its instruction manual. | In a small kitchen or fitted space, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without obstruction; around 23% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Energy consumption and noise | When comparing appliances that meet the same storage needs, check the kWh/year, noise level in dB and noise class on the label. | If my kitchen is close to the living room, I want to keep noise down while comparing the energy use of suitable models. Around 15% of consumers put this combination of factors first. |
A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how many litres are available for frozen food. For example, Bosch states that the KGN36VLED has 237 l of fridge capacity and 89 l of freezer capacity. It’s this model-specific split that you need to compare with your shopping needs.
Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately on the energy label or product specification.
An appliance with the right capacity may not fit in a fitted space, or there may not be enough room to open its doors. Ventilation requirements vary depending on the model and how it is installed.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the installation instructions for your chosen model before ordering.
The energy rating letter on its own won’t tell you whether the capacity is right or how noisy the appliance is. The European Commission says that the label for fridges and freezers also provides information on energy consumption, storage capacity and noise emissions.
For models with the capacity you need, compare the rating, kWh/year, capacity of each compartment and noise level together.
When replacing a fridge, you’ll also need to decide what to do with the old one. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points, recycling centres, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations as possible routes for disposing of electrical equipment.
Before delivery, ask the retailer about the practical arrangements for taking back and removing your old appliance.
A brand to consider when comparing freestanding fridge-freezers and integrated appliances, particularly if capacity split and installation are key factors.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a larder fridge and a fridge-freezer, whether freestanding or integrated.
Worth a look if you’re considering a multi-door fridge-freezer, need plenty of storage and have enough space for one.
Worth comparing if you need space for large dishes or a flexible split between fresh and frozen food.
Another range of freestanding multi-door models to consider if several doors suit the way you organise your shopping.
These fridge-freezers and multi-door models let you compare different splits between fresh and frozen food. Match their format to your shopping habits and available space. A separate freezer is another option if you need more room for frozen food.
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Worth considering if your big shops call for a four-door appliance, provided it fits in your kitchen.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the split between fridge and freezer capacity, as well as the clearance needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering if you want one fridge-freezer for fresh and frozen food to cover your regular shopping.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 440 l and an energy rating of D. Compare the capacity of each compartment with your usual stock, then check the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the KGN497LDF instructions.
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Worth considering if you buy a large amount of food and have a suitable space for a multi-door appliance.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 495 l and an energy rating of E. Check the fridge and freezer capacities, door layout and space needed to open the doors.
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Worth comparing if plenty of freezer space is one of your main priorities and your kitchen can accommodate a side-by-side appliance.
The model name indicates 333 l of fridge capacity, 192 l of freezer capacity, No Frost, 37 dB and an energy rating of E. Before choosing, check its dimensions, installation clearances and kWh/year on the model’s energy label.
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Worth considering for a kitchen where you need a shorter fridge-freezer, provided its compartments can accommodate your frozen-food stock.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 174 l, a height of 150 cm, Low Frost, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the fridge and freezer capacities, kWh/year and the installation clearances required.
First rule out any models that won’t fit in your kitchen or whose compartments don’t meet your storage needs. Then compare the fridge and freezer capacities, annual energy consumption and noise level shown on the energy label for the remaining models. The European Commission confirms that the label brings together this information.
No. Check the kWh/year and usable capacity too. The rating alone won’t help you choose between a small fridge and a much larger appliance if they don’t meet the same storage needs.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, the route into your kitchen, and the room needed to open the doors and remove the drawers. For an integrated model, check the housing and ventilation requirements in its instructions too: installation requirements vary between appliances.
No. It’s worth considering if the capacity of each compartment and the layout suit your shopping habits, and your kitchen has space for it. A fridge-freezer may also meet your needs if its fridge and freezer compartments are large enough. Compare the capacity in litres rather than basing your choice solely on the number of people in your household.
Arrange for it to be disposed of through a suitable route for electrical equipment. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points, recycling centres, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations as options. Ask the retailer what collection and removal arrangements are available for your order.