One person in a studio flat or small flat
If your kitchen is small, compare usable capacity, depth and noise level before choosing a compact model. If you buy frozen food, check the type of freezer compartment too.
Who are these sizes for?
A couple or small household doing a weekly shop
A fridge-freezer lets you compare the space for fresh food and the freezer compartment separately. Measure the available space in your kitchen before deciding on capacity.
A family with substantial storage needs
A large fridge-freezer or multi-door model may suit bigger shops. Capacity isn’t the only thing to consider, though: check delivery access, depth, noise level and the energy consumption of the model you choose.
What should you compare?
Start with the space available and your shopping habits, then compare the compartments and energy label of models that are genuinely suitable.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person; Beko also recommends considering freezer capacity. | Do I shop little and often, or store food for several days? If frozen food takes up a lot of space, I’ll check that a small freezer compartment is suitable. |
| Dimensions and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery access. If you’re replacing an integrated appliance, Bosch recommends checking the housing and whether it uses sliding or fixed hinges. | The appliance needs to fit in my kitchen without obstructing movement. If I’m keeping the existing door panel, its fixing system matters just as much as the fridge dimensions. |
| Noise | Check the dB rating and noise class on the model’s European energy label. Que Choisir cites less than 40 dBA as a guide to the quietest fridges, not as a mandatory limit. | My fridge will be close to where I sleep or the living room, so I’ll compare the stated noise level of each model I’m considering. |
| Energy consumption | Compare kWh/year alongside capacity and appliance type, rather than focusing on the energy class alone. According to the European Commission, the label for household fridges shows an A to G scale, capacity and noise level. | I want to take running costs into account while still having enough space for my food. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing capacity based only on the number of people
How often you shop and how much frozen food you buy both affect how much space you need. A small freezer compartment may not meet the same needs as a separate freezer.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately. Beko’s published capacity guidelines are a starting point, which you can adjust to suit your habits.
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Measuring only the height and width of an integrated fridge
An appliance that’s close in size to your old one may still be incompatible with the housing or the way its door panel is fixed.
Measure the depth too, and identify the hinge type before buying, as Bosch recommends when checking compatibility.
An incompatible door panel or fixing system may need adapting when you replace the appliance.
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Assuming a large multi-door fridge will suit your household
The capacity needs to work with your kitchen and access to your home. For example, LG lists its GML8031ST as 90,8 cm wide, 79,2 cm deep and using 426 kWh/year; these figures apply to this specific model.
Check access, the space available, the capacity you need and the kWh/year listed for each model you’re considering.
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Forgetting what to do with your old fridge
The ministry responsible for ecological transition reminds consumers that electrical and electronic equipment must go through a suitable collection and treatment scheme.
Before delivery, check the collection and disconnection options offered for your old appliance, or arrange to take it to a suitable collection point.
A few brands to compare
These examples highlight features to check on the exact model; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
Bosch
Worth considering, particularly when replacing an integrated appliance. Pay close attention to the housing dimensions and hinges.
- Bosch lists the KIL22NSE0 with 104 L of fridge capacity, a noise level of 35 dB(A), an E energy class and dimensions of 874 × 541 × 548 mm.
- These specifications apply to the KIL22NSE0; they don’t guarantee that another model will fit your existing kitchen.
Beko
The brand publishes capacity guidelines based on household size, which can help you start comparing compact models and fridge-freezers.
- Beko recommends 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity for one person, and more than 350 L for five or more people.
- These are the brand’s recommendations; adjust them to suit your shopping habits and household freezer needs.
LG
An example to consider if you’re looking at a large-capacity multi-door fridge and need to check how its size fits your available space.
- LG lists the GML8031ST with a capacity of 616 L, a width of 90,8 cm and a depth of 79,2 cm.
- Its product details list 426 kWh/year, an F energy class and a D noise class. These figures apply to the GML8031ST only, not to other LG models.
Fridge options on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge-freezers, an integrated model and large-capacity appliances. Before choosing, compare their size with your available space and freezer needs.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four-door, 467 L, silver
This large model may suit a household with substantial storage needs. It’s listed with Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check the dimensions and delivery access before deciding if it’s right for you.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC integrated, 252 L
This integrated fridge-freezer is listed with No Frost and a C energy class. If you’re replacing an existing appliance, check the housing dimensions and hinge compatibility before buying.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, three-door, 360 L
This fridge-freezer may suit you if you want to divide your shopping between chilled and frozen food. It’s listed with Total No Frost, an E energy class, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Measure the space and delivery access before choosing this size.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L, Low Frost, black
At 54 cm wide, this fridge-freezer is worth considering if you have limited space. It has a stated 70/30 split, but its Low Frost freezer still needs to be defrosted manually from time to time.
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CHiQ JR525WSE side-by-side, 525 L, stainless steel finish
For substantial storage needs, this model offers 333 L of fridge capacity and 192 L of freezer capacity, with No Frost, an E energy class and a noise level of 37 dB. Check its dimensions, delivery access and kWh/year consumption before comparing it with other large models.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare on a fridge’s energy label?
Compare the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level. According to the European Commission, these details appear on the energy label for household fridges. Where possible, compare appliances of a similar type and capacity.
Should I choose a fridge under 40 dBA for a studio flat?
It’s not a requirement: Que Choisir uses under 40 dBA as a guide to the quietest fridges. If the appliance will be close to where you sleep or the living room, compare the dB rating and noise class of the exact model.
Is a similar size enough when replacing an integrated fridge?
No. Bosch recommends checking the housing dimensions and hinge type, whether sliding or fixed, to make sure the appliance is compatible with the existing door panel.
What statutory guarantee applies to a new fridge bought in France?
The statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to a new product sold by a business to an individual in France. According to economie.gouv.fr, it covers defects in the product and in its installation when installation is included in the contract. If you find a fault, contact the seller.
What should I do with my old fridge?
Take it to a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment rather than putting it in general waste. The ministry responsible for ecological transition reminds consumers that this scheme provides for the equipment to be treated appropriately. Also check whether collection of your old appliance is offered when your new one is delivered.