First, choose a fridge that will fit in your available space and whose door can open fully. Then compare the capacity for fresh and frozen food against how often you shop. A table-top fridge is best suited to smaller spaces and frequent shopping trips, while a fridge-freezer gives you two separate compartments. Consider a larger model if you’ll genuinely use the extra capacity and it will fit in your kitchen.
If you shop frequently, a table-top fridge can provide space for fresh food without taking up the height of a fridge-freezer. Que Choisir recommends this size for studio flats. Be sure to measure the depth, the space needed to open the door and the clearance required for installation.
The balance between fridge and freezer capacity matters just as much as the total capacity. Que Choisir also tests how appliances respond when a full weekly shop is added. If this is a deciding factor for you, look for a test of the specific model you’re considering.
A small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you freeze food regularly. Compare the compartment’s capacity and star rating, as well as the model’s stated freezing capacity if you freeze food yourself.
Consider this if: space is limited and you often buy small quantities.
The trade-off: capacity, particularly for frozen food, may not be enough if you shop less often.
Consider this if: you do a weekly shop and need two separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
The trade-off: you’ll need space to accommodate its height, and should check the capacity of each compartment.
Consider this if: a smaller fridge-freezer doesn’t offer enough storage for your needs.
The trade-off: take particular care to check the width and depth, as well as the route into your kitchen.
Once you’ve chosen a size, check the exact model’s dimensions and capacity against your kitchen and shopping habits. Other factors become important depending on the room and how you use the appliance.
| Factor | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and fit | Model dimensions, clearance and door opening; for a built-in model, check the niche dimensions and hinges too. | In a studio flat, I need to be able to install the fridge and open its door without blocking the way. Available space comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Freezing | Freezer capacity, star rating and freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you freeze food. | If I regularly keep frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not give me enough space. Freezing is the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Capacity for your shopping | Capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food, followed by the layout of shelves and drawers. | When I do a big shop to last several days, I need to be able to store fresh food without relying on the total capacity alone. Capacity is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Cooling, noise and energy use | Climate class suited to the room, noise level in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh/year; model tests if temperature recovery is particularly important. | In an open-plan kitchen or one where food is added frequently, I pay attention to noise and how well the temperature is maintained, as well as energy use. These factors are a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may have very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. The presence of a freezer compartment doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for regularly buying frozen food.
Make a note of how much space you need in each compartment, then compare their capacities and the type of freezer compartment in the model specifications.
An appliance may fit in its space but leave too little room to open the door or meet installation clearance requirements. You’ll also need to consider the delivery route and, for a built-in model, the niche and hinges.
Measure the space and the route into your kitchen, then check them against the model’s installation instructions. Before ordering, check the delivery arrangements and whether your old appliance can be taken away.
Size and brand are no substitute for the figures declared for a specific model, particularly if the fridge will be in a living area.
Compare the noise level in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh/year on the specifications for the models you’re considering.
A fast-cooling or defrost function describes a feature of the model. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how the appliance responds to a full shop or how well it keeps food overall.
Check the other features that matter for your needs and, if temperature recovery is a deciding factor, look for independent tests of the specific model.
Bosch offers table-top fridges and built-in fridge-freezers, among other options. Compare these sizes based on the space available and how much freezer capacity you need.
Electrolux built-in fridge-freezers are worth considering if the installation niche and the balance between fridge and freezer capacity are key factors in your choice.
Liebherr’s freestanding fridge-freezer range lets you search for models by width, total capacity and noise level.
Some Whirlpool built-in fridge-freezers offer plenty of capacity, but should only be considered if you have a compatible niche.
Compare the capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food separately, then check the dimensions of each appliance. A table-top fridge may suit a studio flat if you shop frequently. If you regularly store frozen food and do a big shop, check that a fridge-freezer offers enough space in each compartment.
The climate class indicates the range of room temperatures the appliance is designed for. Check the model’s climate class if the room may get particularly hot or cold, rather than assuming that a fridge will suit any location.
No. This feature alone doesn’t guarantee how the fridge will perform after you add food. Que Choisir tests adding food daily and loading a full weekly shop as separate scenarios. If temperature recovery matters to you, check the results for the specific model.
Compare the energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption in kWh, stated capacities and noise level for the exact model. ADEME describes the energy label as a tool to help you choose: it lets you compare the stated specifications, but can’t predict your actual energy use in every situation.