When kitting out a new kitchen, first measure the space and the delivery route, then work out separately how much room you need for fresh food and frozen food. A table-top fridge is ideal when space is tight, a single-door model focuses on chilled storage, and a fridge freezer combines refrigeration and freezing. Multi-door and American-style models require careful checks to make sure they’ll fit. Then compare compartment capacities, the energy label and the installation requirements for each model.
In a small kitchen, start by checking the dimensions and the space needed for installation, then decide whether you need a freezer compartment. For example, Beko France lists the TSE1504FN as having no freezer, while other table-top models have a compartment at the top.
If you regularly store frozen food, compare the freezer capacity with the fridge capacity instead of relying on the total volume alone. Que Choisir recommends choosing a capacity to suit the number of people in your household and your shopping habits.
A larger model can offer different storage layouts, but installation also depends on the available space, ventilation and delivery route. Haier’s four-door and side-by-side models are examples of sizes to compare with your kitchen measurements.
When choosing a fridge after moving house, start with anything that could prevent it from being installed, then compare storage space and features that are useful day to day.
| What matters | What to check | Who cares most about it ? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the space, doorways and the ventilation clearance specified for the model. For a built-in appliance, distinguish its dimensions from those of the housing unit. | I want to know whether the appliance will fit through the house and can be installed without getting in the way in the kitchen. This is a priority for around 26% of consumers. |
| Fresh-food capacity and storage | Compare the fridge capacity in litres, the shelves and the space available for your containers. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, adjusted to suit your habits. | If I’m storing food for several people, I look at the fridge capacity and the internal layout. Around 26% of consumers prioritise this kind of storage. |
| Freezing and cooling system | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment and its capacity, then look at the cooling system specified for each compartment. | If I keep frozen food, I check that there’s a dedicated compartment that’s suitable for how I use it. This is a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | On the European energy label, compare the energy class, annual consumption in kWh, capacity and stated noise level, making sure the capacity suits your needs. | For an open-plan kitchen or an appliance that runs every day, I compare the stated noise level and energy consumption. Around 16% of consumers put these criteria first. |
| Delivery and installation | Check the package dimensions and the route to the kitchen. Ask for the delivery price and timeframe, as well as any installation costs, in writing. | After moving house, I want to avoid choosing an appliance that can’t get into the kitchen or has unclear delivery arrangements. This is a priority for around 11% of consumers. |
Specifications vary by model: the Beko TSE1504FN has no freezer, while another Beko table-top model has a compartment at the top.
Before choosing, check the product page for details of the freezer compartment on the exact model you’re considering.
In a fridge freezer, some of the capacity is taken up by frozen food. The European energy label lists the capacity of each compartment separately.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately with the amount of food you usually store.
The fridge’s dimensions alone won’t tell you whether it will fit through the entrances to your home or have enough ventilation once installed. Ventilation requirements vary by appliance type, as Electrolux explains.
Measure the delivery route too, and check the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Consider the cooling technology separately from the recommended storage instructions. Gifam recommends covering foods that may dry out.
Check which compartment the advertised technology applies to, and follow the storage advice that’s suitable for your food.
Compare individual models and their instructions rather than assuming that a feature on one model applies to the whole brand.
Worth considering when comparing table-top fridges with or without an integrated freezer.
Its single-door and fridge-freezer models let you compare a fridge-only appliance with one that has an integrated freezer.
The GBBS322APY is an example of a fridge freezer to consider if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Worth comparing if your kitchen can accommodate a large multi-door or side-by-side model.
Worth looking at if your new kitchen has a housing unit designed for a built-in fridge freezer.
This selection includes American-style and multi-door fridges, fridge freezers and a single-door model, so you can compare options for different storage needs.
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Worth considering if you want refrigeration and freezing in a side-by-side design.
Listed capacity: 544 l, with No Frost and a water dispenser. The stated dimensions are 911 × 1786 × 615 mm, so measure the space and delivery route.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a multi-door fridge freezer.
Listed capacity: 606 l, with Total No Frost and an energy class of E. The door isn’t reversible, so check that it can open properly in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one fridge freezer.
Listed capacity: 333 l, with an energy class of C. Leave at least 5 cm of clearance at the back, top and sides, as specified in the installation instructions for this model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with a stated width of 54 cm.
227 l in total, with 153 l of fridge capacity and 74 l of freezer capacity; Low Frost, a reversible door and energy class E. Low Frost means you’ll need to defrost less often, but not that defrosting is no longer necessary.
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Worth considering for storing fresh food in a compact appliance, if you don’t need an integrated freezer.
Listed capacity: 82 l, with energy class E and no freezer compartment.
Think about the food you actually buy and store, and compare fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir suggests an average guide of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your household’s habits.
Measure the housing unit and compare its dimensions with the installation diagram for the model. Don’t confuse the appliance dimensions with those of the housing unit. Also check the fixing method, ventilation and door opening. For the Electrolux KNS3SE18S, the brand specifies an appliance height of 1763 mm for a housing unit measuring 1780 mm high.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C, and storing foods such as raw meat and fish there. Check the temperature regularly and avoid overfilling the appliance so cold air can circulate.
In France, the Ministry of the Economy says that before you buy, the seller must provide the delivery price and timeframe in writing, along with any installation costs. When you buy a new appliance, the DGCCRF says that the seller must offer free take-back of an equivalent used appliance on a “one-for-one” basis. Ask the seller how to arrange this.
For fridges covered by the scheme, the European energy label includes the energy class, annual consumption, storage capacities and noise level. The European Commission recommends comparing these details while taking into account the capacity you need.