First, measure the space and the delivery route, then compare the capacity for fresh food and frozen food separately. A table-top fridge is best suited to the space constraints of a studio flat, while a fridge-freezer gives you a separate freezer for larger shops. A multi-door model needs more room, and its annual energy consumption is worth checking carefully.
If space is limited, make sure the fresh-food capacity suits your shopping habits before choosing a small appliance. Que Choisir describes table-top fridges as a format suited to studio flats in particular.
Having separate space for fresh and frozen food matters when several people share an appliance. A fridge-freezer has a separate freezer compartment, but its dimensions still need to work in your kitchen.
A larger capacity can make it easier to put your shopping away, as long as the appliance can be brought into the kitchen and fits once it’s there. Que Choisir recommends American-style models for larger kitchens; ADEME also advises taking the energy consumption of large or feature-packed appliances into account.
Start by choosing a size that fits in your kitchen, then match the usable capacity to the amount of fresh and frozen food you buy. When comparing models, the energy label shows details including compartment volumes, annual energy consumption and noise levels, as the European Commission explains.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space in a small kitchen | Measure the available width, height and depth, then compare them with the model’s dimensions. | In a studio flat, I need a fridge that fits without choosing a capacity that’s excessive for my shopping needs. Around 31% of consumers would put the appliance’s size first. |
| Balance of fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacity of both compartments and check whether the freezer is separate. | In a shared home or small household, I want to avoid a freezer compartment that’s too small for our shared shopping. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Capacity between shops | Match the usable capacity and internal layout to your usual shopping, rather than judging by the number of doors alone. | If I shop less often, I need enough room to keep food fresh until my next shop. Nearly 23% of consumers would put capacity first. |
| Large capacity for a family | Check the dimensions, delivery access, compartment volumes and energy consumption in kWh/year. | To store the family shop, I might look for a larger appliance, but I need to be able to fit it in my kitchen. Around 15% of consumers would make a large capacity their priority. |
Two fridges with a similar total capacity won’t necessarily offer the same amount of space for fresh and frozen food. A small integrated freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly buy frozen food.
Compare the capacity in litres for each compartment with what you usually keep between shops.
A wide or deep appliance might fit its intended space but still be difficult to get through a doorway, corridor or stairwell. Que Choisir notes that some American-style fridges need around 1 m of width and 75 to 80 cm of depth.
Before ordering, check the delivery route, the appliance’s dimensions and the space needed to open its doors.
A difficult route can also make delivery and installation more complicated.
ADEME points out that an appliance’s size and extra features can affect its energy consumption. A larger capacity or additional functions are no substitute for comparing models.
Check the kWh/year, noise level and usable capacities on the energy label. Only choose water or ice functions if you expect to use them.
Replacing your fridge is easier if you arrange for the old one to be taken away before the new one arrives.
Ask the retailer about the « 1 for 1 » take-back scheme for an appliance of the same type. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes this scheme for replacement purchases.
Bosch fridge-freezers include both freestanding and built-in models, so installation type is a good place to start when narrowing down your options.
Beko’s range of fridge-freezers lets you compare different layouts for fresh and frozen food, making it a good option for a household that wants both in one appliance.
Liebherr offers table-top fridges and fridge-freezers, two sizes to consider depending on the space available and whether you need a separate freezer.
Samsung multi-door fridges are worth considering if your household needs a large capacity and has enough space to install one.
This selection includes a multi-door model for a kitchen that can accommodate a large appliance, as well as fridge-freezers for households looking to combine refrigeration with a separate freezer. Compare their full dimensions and usable capacities with your available space and shopping habits.
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Worth considering for a household looking for a large capacity, provided you check the space in your kitchen and the delivery route.
Listed total capacity: 495 L. Energy rating shown: E.
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This fridge-freezer suits a household that wants separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. Check how the capacity is divided before choosing.
Listed total capacity: 333 L. Energy rating shown: C.
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Consider comparing this fridge-freezer if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. In particular, check its depth against the space you have available.
Listed total capacity: 344 L. Energy rating shown: D; compare annual energy consumption in kWh as well.
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Its listed width of 54 cm may appeal to a small household looking for a separate freezer. Check the height and depth before ordering, too.
Listed capacities: 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing. Reversible door, Low Frost and energy rating E.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you do larger shops and want a separate freezer compartment. Check its height and depth before installation.
Listed capacities: 252 L for refrigeration and 103 L for freezing. Listed width: 60 cm; reversible door and energy rating E.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this according to how often you shop, and check the space for fresh and frozen food separately.
It may be enough if you buy very little frozen food, but it could limit your options if you shop for it regularly. Que Choisir recommends taking this habit into account. If frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop, compare fridge-freezers with a separate freezer compartment.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise levels, as well as the energy rating. The European Commission says this information is shown on fridge and freezer energy labels. Compare appliances with capacities that suit similar needs.
Choose based on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then consider the room you actually have available. A fridge-freezer combines both spaces in one appliance. If you’re considering a wider multi-door model, measure the delivery route too and compare annual energy consumption. Don’t assume that more doors will automatically suit your needs.
Before finalising your purchase or arranging delivery of the new appliance, ask the retailer how to have your old appliance of the same type taken away. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes the « 1 for 1 » take-back scheme for this situation; agree the practical arrangements with the retailer.