If you want to space your shopping out by one or two weeks, first work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. Then choose a size that will fit through the access points and open comfortably in your kitchen. A fridge-freezer is worth considering if you need both compartments but don’t have room for a wider model. A multi-door fridge needs more space and is best suited to those who need greater storage capacity. Also compare the stated energy use and noise levels of appliances with similar capacities.
If you keep fresh food and ready meals between shopping trips, look at the fridge’s usable capacity and how its storage is arranged. Que Choisir links the capacity you need to the number of people in your household and how often you shop.
If you buy frozen food or freeze meals, check the freezer capacity separately from the total capacity. Que Choisir advises against relying on a small freezer compartment if you eat a lot of frozen food.
If your choice is limited by the space available, doorways or a lift, measure the delivery route and the room needed to open the doors. Samsung France recommends checking that the packaged appliance will fit through; installation clearances depend on the model’s instructions.
To make your food last between shopping trips, first divide the space you need between fresh and frozen food. Then check that the appliance will fit in your kitchen and that its noise level suits you.
Consider it : if you regularly store fresh and frozen food but don’t have room for a multi-door model.
Bear in mind : the split between the two compartments and the dimensions vary by model.
Consider it : if space is very limited and you only need to store a modest amount of shopping.
Bear in mind : its limited capacity may not be practical for storing a week or two of provisions.
Consider it : if most of your shopping is fresh food and you rarely buy frozen food.
Bear in mind : Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment isn’t suitable if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Consider it : if you regularly do a big shop and your kitchen and access points can accommodate a wide appliance.
Bear in mind : Que Choisir notes that American-style fridges use more energy in everyday use than conventional models. Compare models with a capacity that suits your needs.
| Feature | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Compare the fridge capacity, separately from the total capacity, with your shopping habits. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. | If my shopping needs to last up to two weeks, I want enough room to store fresh food and meals without overcrowding the shelves. Around 31% of consumers make fresh-food capacity a priority. |
| Frozen food storage | Check the freezer capacity in litres separately. If you store a lot of frozen food, don’t rely on a small freezer compartment. | If I freeze portions and buy frozen food on every big shop, freezer space matters more than total capacity. Around 31% of consumers consider this a priority. |
| Access and installation | Measure the space available and the delivery route, including for the packaged appliance. Check that the doors can open and allow for the clearances stated in the instructions. | In a small kitchen or a home with difficult access, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open its doors once it’s installed. Around 23% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Noise and energy use | For similar sizes and capacities, check the kWh/year and noise levels shown on the EU energy label. | If my fridge is near a living area, I want to keep noise down while keeping an eye on the energy use of an appliance that runs all the time. Around 15% of consumers put these features at the top of their list. |
Fridge and freezer capacity are used for different types of food. A generous total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for frozen food.
Compare the capacity of both compartments on the energy label or product page.
An appliance that fits its intended space may not get through a doorway, hallway or lift when it’s packaged.
Check the packaged and unpackaged dimensions, then make sure there’s enough room to open the doors and drawers. Samsung France specifically highlights the need to check access for its larger models.
The space needed for ventilation depends on the appliance and how it’s installed.
Follow the clearances in the instructions for the fridge you choose rather than relying on a general guideline.
An energy rating letter doesn’t tell you how much food the appliance can hold or its annual energy use on its own.
For models with similar capacities and formats, also compare the kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise levels shown on the EU energy label.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer and care about its stated capacity and noise level.
Worth comparing if you’re choosing between a fridge-freezer and a larger multi-door appliance.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer and the available width is a key factor.
These models include multi-door and large-capacity appliances, as well as fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food between less frequent shopping trips. Compare the capacity of each compartment where it’s specified in the title, then check the dimensions and installation requirements of the model you’re interested in.
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Worth considering if you need a multi-door appliance for fresh and frozen food. The title lists a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the space in each compartment, the delivery route and the installation clearances.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space in both compartments. The title lists 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer, No Frost and a noise level of 37 dB. Measure the space and access points before choosing this format.
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Worth considering for a big shop if a multi-door model will fit in your kitchen. The title lists a total capacity of 495 L and an energy rating of E. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the access route and door clearance.
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Worth comparing if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in a fridge-freezer. The title lists a total capacity of 333 L and an energy rating of C. Check the split between the compartments and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with separate capacities listed for fresh and frozen food. The title lists 252 L for the fridge and 103 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm and an energy rating of E. Also check the other dimensions, noise level and annual energy use.
Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to the amount of meals and fresh food you keep between shopping trips, and check the freezer capacity separately.
For household fridges covered by EU rules, the European Commission says the label shows details including the energy rating, energy use, storage capacities and noise level. Compare the kWh/year and capacities of appliances that meet similar storage needs.
Yes. Measure the space where the appliance will go, as well as any doorways, hallways and lifts it will need to pass through, allowing for its packaging. Then check that the doors can open and that you can leave the clearances required in the instructions for your chosen model.
No. NoFrost is designed to limit frost build-up in the relevant compartment. Always follow the model’s instructions for cleaning, ventilation and keeping the doors closed, and don’t assume that all its compartments work in the same way.