To choose a fridge, first measure the space available, then work out how much capacity you need for fresh and frozen food based on your shopping habits. A compact model is a good fit if space is limited and you don’t need much freezer capacity; a fridge-freezer gives you two separate compartments, while a multi-door model needs more room and a suitable delivery route. Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 l of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 l for each additional person. Use this as a guide and adjust it to suit your habits.
A table-top fridge can be a good solution when space is tight, as Que Choisir points out. However, check that its usable capacity is enough for your everyday shopping and that any freezer compartment it has suits the frozen food you buy.
A fridge-freezer lets you compare how much space is set aside for each type of food. If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, the split between compartments matters more than the total capacity alone.
A multi-door fridge-freezer may offer the capacity you need, provided you check its width, depth and route into the kitchen. Samsung specifically advises measuring access points to ensure its RF65DG960ESL can be delivered in its packaging.
Worth considering : if your kitchen is compact and you rarely buy frozen food.
Bear in mind : capacity is more limited and, depending on the model, there may be little or no freezer space.
Worth considering : if your shopping regularly includes fresh and frozen food.
Compare : how the capacity is split between compartments, as this varies by model.
Worth considering : if your household stores large quantities and you have enough space.
Bear in mind : its larger size may also make delivery access more challenging.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity to suit your household | Compare usable capacity with the number of people in your household and how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person, then around 50 l for each additional person. | In a small kitchen, I want room for my usual shopping without having an oversized appliance. Around 27 % of consumers would put this everyday capacity requirement first. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen storage | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately; confirm the cooling system specified for the exact model. | If I often shop for both types of food, each needs a suitable compartment. This balance would be the top priority for around 33 % of consumers. |
| Plenty of storage | Check the capacity of each compartment, the space available and whether the packaged appliance can be brought through to the kitchen. | When I shop less often and store a lot, I first look for enough capacity, even if the appliance takes up more room. Around 27 % of consumers would prioritise this larger capacity. |
| Fitting and noise | For an integrated model, check the housing, door fitting and ventilation requirements in the instructions. Also compare the dB(A) figures for each model. | With an existing housing unit or an open-plan kitchen, I mainly want an appliance that fits properly and whose stated noise level suits me. Around 13 % of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food. How often you shop and how the space is split between fresh and frozen food can affect which format is right for you.
Make a note of how much space you need in each compartment, then compare their usable capacities separately.
The appliance must fit through doors, corridors and any lifts before it can reach its final position. For example, Samsung states that the RF65DG960ESL is 912 mm wide, but this measurement doesn’t include its packaging.
Measure the narrowest access point and ask for the packaged dimensions of the model you’re considering before placing your order.
Required dimensions, door fitting and ventilation vary by model. The fact that an appliance fits in the cabinet doesn’t necessarily mean it can be installed correctly.
For an integrated model, check the cabinet and ventilation requirements against the installation guide for the exact model.
The European Commission says the label also shows energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions. These details help you compare appliances with similar capacities.
Compare the kWh/year, usable capacities and dB(A) figures for models that suit your space.
Freestanding fridge-freezers and single-door models to compare individually.
Freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers; check their dimensions against the space you have available.
Multi-door models to consider if you have the storage space you need and suitable access to your home.
Fridge-freezer, single-door and integrated configurations to suit different kitchen layouts.
These models cover large-capacity storage, integrated installation and fridge-freezers for shopping that includes fresh and frozen food. Compare their compartments and installation requirements against your kitchen; this selection doesn’t include every format mentioned above.
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Worth considering if you buy large amounts of fresh and frozen food and have space for a multi-door model.
Its title lists four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating.
Check the dimensions of the appliance and its packaging against the space available and the delivery route.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Its title lists No Frost and a C energy rating.
Before choosing this integrated model, confirm the housing dimensions, ventilation requirements and the door-fitting system supplied.
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Worth comparing if you need separate space for fresh and frozen food.
The title splits the 253 l into 182 l of fridge capacity and 71 l of freezer capacity; it also lists No Frost and 39 dB.
Check the full dimensions and kWh/year for the model before assessing how it will fit and how much energy it uses.
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Worth considering if width is limited but you still want two compartments for your shopping.
The title lists a width of 54 cm, 153 l of fridge capacity, 74 l of freezer capacity, Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Low Frost isn’t the same as No Frost. Check the manual for maintenance advice, and confirm the height, depth and kWh/year before buying.
Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 l of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop and compare the capacities for fresh and frozen food separately.
Compare the dB(A) figures and noise classes on the energy labels for the exact models. Que Choisir describes models rated below 40 dB(A) as quiet; also check that their format and capacities suit your needs.
Check the dimensions of the housing unit, door fitting and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model. As an example for this particular model, Liebherr specifies a housing unit measuring 203,2 to 207,2 × 76,2 × 63,5 cm for the ECBNe 7870.
Compare the energy efficiency rating, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise emissions for the model. The European Commission says this information appears on the labels of relevant fridges and freezers; compare it with the capacity your household needs.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual, as the Ministry of the Economy points out. Keep your order and delivery documents so you can explain the fault to the seller; this legal guarantee is separate from any commercial returns policy.