Someone in a studio flat
You need to fit a fridge into a small kitchen and balance frequent shopping trips against limited storage. The sizes and uses described by UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France can help you compare your options.
Which fridge size is right for you ?
Housemates who share their shopping
You need to divide fresh and, possibly, frozen food between several people. Compare the layout and capacity of each compartment, not just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France also highlight these factors.
A family stocking up for the week
You shop for several meals and need to balance space for fresh food and frozen supplies with dimensions that suit your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir and Samsung France recommend considering both the size of your household and your shopping habits.
What should you compare before choosing ?
Table-top fridge
Worth considering : if you live in a studio flat, shop frequently and have limited space. Check separately whether it has a frozen food compartment and how much it holds.
The trade-off : a compact design leaves less room for supplies and doesn’t guarantee enough freezer capacity.
Single-door fridge
Worth considering : if you mostly buy fresh food or already have a separate freezer, compare usable fridge capacity and the internal layout.
The trade-off : a small internal compartment may not provide the freezer capacity you need.
Fridge freezer
Worth considering : if several people share fresh and frozen shopping, compare the capacity of the two compartments separately.
The trade-off : the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for fresh and frozen food. Check the overall dimensions and kWh/year too.
Multi-door fridge freezer
Worth considering : if your household or house share needs to store a variety of supplies, and your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate a large appliance.
The trade-off : measure the route in and the space needed to open the doors. Dimensions and features also matter when comparing energy consumption.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 litres for one person, then 50 litres for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to suit your shopping habits and the balance of fresh and frozen food you store.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space for fresh food | Fridge capacity in litres and the layout of the shelves and drawers, compared with your usual shopping. | If I cook for several days at a time, I want enough room for fresh food without having to work it out from the total capacity shown. Around 28% of consumers prioritise storage space. |
| Getting it in and positioning it | Appliance dimensions including handles, the delivery route and clearance for opening the doors. | In a small kitchen, I need to check that the appliance will fit through to its intended spot and that its doors can open. Around 22% of consumers put access and positioning first. |
| Space for frozen food | Whether there is a freezer compartment and its capacity in litres, listed separately. | If I regularly buy frozen food, I check the freezer capacity rather than relying on the total capacity. Around 22% of consumers prioritise freezer space. |
| Energy consumption | Energy rating and annual consumption in kWh/year on the label, taking the capacities and compartments into account. | As a fridge runs continuously, I compare its annual energy consumption with that of appliances that offer the same storage capacity. Around 17% of consumers make energy consumption their priority. |
| Noise near a living area | Noise level in dB shown on the label, considered alongside capacity and positioning. | If the appliance is near where I rest or work, I check its stated noise level before choosing. Around 11% of consumers prioritise noise levels. |
What mistakes should you avoid when buying ?
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Choosing by total capacity alone
Total capacity doesn’t show how space is divided between fresh and frozen food, or how easy the storage areas are to access.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres and picture how your usual shopping will fit, especially if several people share the food.
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Measuring the space but not the route or door clearance
An appliance might not fit through a doorway, or there may not be enough clearance to open its doors once it’s in place. Bosch Électroménager France points out that the appliance needs to be level and its doors must close properly.
Measure doorways and corridors, and the lift if needed. Ask the retailer for the packaged dimensions, then check the manual for ventilation and door-opening clearances.
A difficult delivery or installation may involve extra arrangements or services. Before buying, get the delivery cost and the cost of any paid installation service in writing, as recommended by the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance.
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Assuming a large model uses as much energy as a small one
Size and features can affect energy consumption. ADEME recommends taking the appliance size and features into account.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of appliances that can store your shopping, rather than relying on their total capacity alone.
Brands to consider for the sizes covered
There are no brands to display in this section.
Fridges to explore on Joybuy
This selection includes a built-in single-door fridge, fridge freezers and a multi-door model, so you can compare fresh and frozen food storage options to suit your available space and shopping habits.
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Hisense RB440N4CCB, 336 L fridge freezer
For dividing your shopping between separate fridge and freezer compartments, with their capacities listed individually.
238 L fridge capacity and 98 L freezer capacity; energy rating B; 35 dB. Total No Frost and Multi Air Flow are listed in the product name. The description mentions five shelves, four door balconies and three freezer drawers.
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Hisense RQ5P470SETE, 483 L four-door fridge freezer
For comparing several storage zones when you need plenty of capacity and a flexible layout.
304 L fridge capacity and 179 L combined freezer/variable zone capacity; energy rating E; 37 dB. The My Fresh Choice zone can be set from +5 °C to -18 °C. The door isn’t reversible, so check that it suits your kitchen layout.
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Comfee RCB169WH2(E), 174 L fridge freezer
For a small household looking for separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
115 L fridge capacity and 59 L freezer capacity; energy rating E; 39 dB. The description lists Low Frost technology, adjustable shelves, a reversible door and three freezer drawers. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
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SMEG S4L120E, 188 L built-in single-door fridge
For prioritising fresh food storage in a fitted kitchen with a suitable housing unit.
188 L; energy rating E. The description lists LED lighting and automatic defrosting. This appliance is designed to store fresh food and won’t replace a freezer if you need to keep frozen food. Follow the manufacturer’s dimensions and installation instructions.
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Comfee RCB310WH2EU(E), 188 cm fridge freezer
For storing fresh and frozen food in two separate compartments, particularly when shopping is shared.
224 L fridge capacity and 86 L freezer capacity; energy rating E. The product name lists No Frost technology, LED lighting and the Super Cooling function.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a fridge
What should you measure before arranging delivery ?
Measure the space for the appliance and every part of the route to the kitchen, including doorways, corridors and, where relevant, the lift. Ask the retailer for the packaged dimensions, then check the dimensions including handles, the door swing and the ventilation clearances specified for your chosen model.
How can you tell how much space there is for fresh and frozen food ?
The energy label lists the capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments separately in litres. Compare each with your shopping habits: two appliances with the same total capacity may divide the space between fresh and frozen food differently.
Can delivery and installation costs be given after you place an order ?
For a purchase in France, the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance says the retailer must provide the delivery cost and the cost of any paid installation service in writing before you buy. Also check what your chosen service includes, particularly access to your home and installation.
What rights should you check when buying a fridge in France ?
When an individual buys from a professional retailer, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods. For distance sales, the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that you have at least 14 days to withdraw from the purchase, subject to legal exceptions.
How should you store food and look after your fridge after installation ?
Anses recommends checking the temperature regularly, keeping it between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part, putting the most perishable food there, avoiding overfilling the appliance and cleaning it regularly. This food safety advice doesn’t set a minimum fridge capacity you must buy.