Who is this option for?

Housemates who shop together

When several adults share a fridge, there needs to be enough room for everyone’s fresh food, prepared meals and frozen food. How the compartments are divided matters just as much as the total capacity.

Small households with limited kitchen space

Shopping for several days at a time doesn’t mean you can skip measuring the available width, depth and height. If you’re choosing a built-in appliance, you’ll also need to check the housing and door-fixing system.

Households that plan meals and buy frozen food

If you shop less often, the space set aside for frozen food can be just as important as the space for fresh food. Annual energy consumption and noise levels also come into the decision, especially if your kitchen opens onto your living space.

Which features should you compare?

Table-top fridge

Consider it: in a very small home, if you have limited shopping to store and don’t need much freezer space.

Bear in mind: capacity is limited and, depending on the model, there may be little or no space for frozen food. Que Choisir particularly recommends this type for studio flats.

Single-door fridge

Consider it: if fresh food makes up most of your shop and freezing is a secondary concern.

Bear in mind: if there is a freezer compartment, it may be too small for regular frozen food shops.

Fridge-freezer

Consider it: if several people need to store both fresh and frozen food between weekly shops.

Bear in mind: the space allocated to each compartment varies by model, and the dimensions may rule out some locations.

Multi-door fridge-freezer

Consider it: for a large household or bulk shopping that calls for plenty of easily accessible storage.

Bear in mind: check its footprint against the available space in your kitchen, door clearance and the delivery access route.

Feature What to check Who is it for?
Fridge capacity Compare the usable capacity for fresh food and the shelf layout. Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 L for one person, then adding 50 L for each additional person, adjusting this to suit your shopping habits. When several people share the shelves, I want to be able to keep fresh food until the next shop. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise this capacity.
Space in the kitchen Measure the space, access route and clearance for the doors. For a built-in model, also check the housing and door fixing against the appliance manual. If my kitchen is narrow or already has a housing, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the way. This would be a priority for around 27% of consumers.
Freezer capacity Check its usable capacity separately from the fridge and make sure the drawers suit the frozen food you usually buy. If I’m planning the week’s meals around frozen food, I can’t rely on the total capacity alone. Around 27% of consumers would put freezer capacity first.
Energy consumption and noise On the energy label, compare kWh/year and the stated noise level in dB(A) across models of a similar type and capacity. Also check the availability of parts and servicing for the model. In an open-plan kitchen, I want to take account of everyday noise and the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. These would be priorities for around 13% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Looking only at the total capacity

    Two fridges with a similar total capacity can divide the space for fresh and frozen food very differently. A small freezer compartment may not be big enough for the food you plan to buy for the whole week.

    Work out how much fresh and frozen food you buy separately, then compare the usable capacity of each compartment.

  • Measuring a built-in model like a freestanding appliance

    The external dimensions alone won’t confirm that a model will fit in a housing and can be installed there. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for its ENV9GB18S; these dimensions apply to this model only.

    Measure the housing and check the ventilation requirements and door-fixing system in the manual.

    If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the cabinetry or delay installation.

  • Comparing only the energy rating

    The rating letter alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption of appliances with different capacities and formats. The European energy label also shows capacity and noise emissions.

    Compare kWh/year and the stated noise level between models that offer similar storage capacity.

  • Assuming every model from a brand has the same features

    Dedicated zones, humidity control and No Frost features vary by model. Just because one model has them doesn’t mean another from the same brand will.

    Check the exact model number and confirm its features in the product details and documentation. Don’t treat the manufacturer’s food-preservation claims as guaranteed results.

Brands to consider

Bosch

Worth considering for a freestanding fridge-freezer with separate capacities listed for the fridge and freezer.

  • Bosch lists a 260 L fridge capacity, 103 L freezer capacity, a noise level of 35 dB(A) and No Frost for the KGN39EXCF.
  • These specifications apply to the KGN39EXCF, not the whole range. Its stated dimensions of 2030 × 600 × 665 mm must also suit your space.

Liebherr

Worth considering if you need plenty of space for less frequent shops, provided you have a suitable spot for it.

  • Liebherr lists a total capacity of 473 L, a noise level of 33 dB and BioFresh and NoFrost features for the CBNsda 775i.
  • According to Liebherr, this model is 74,7 cm wide and 201,5 cm high. Its specifications don’t apply to other models.

Beko

Worth considering if you want to compare fridge-freezers with different compartment and air-circulation options.

  • Beko offers features including AeroFlow and EverFresh+, as well as a Multizone compartment on some models.
  • Check the features, usable capacities, energy consumption and noise level of the specific model. The brand’s food-preservation claims don’t apply to the whole range.

Electrolux

Worth considering if your fridge-freezer needs to fit into existing cabinetry.

  • For the built-in ENV9GB18S, Electrolux specifies a housing measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm.
  • The housing, ventilation and door installation must match the instructions for the model you choose. The ENV9GB18S dimensions don’t apply to other models.

Joybuy products related to this choice

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity do two, three or four people need for a weekly shop?

Start with Que Choisir’s guide: 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to the amount of fresh food and prepared meals you keep between shops, and work out separately how much room you need for frozen food.

How can I check whether a built-in fridge will fit my kitchen?

Compare your measurements of the housing with the dimensions specified in the model’s manual, then check the ventilation and door fixing. The dimensions of your old appliance aren’t enough: for example, Electrolux specifies a housing measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENV9GB18S only.

What should I look for on a fridge’s energy label?

For appliances covered by the European energy label, compare the efficiency class, annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and stated noise level. The European Commission lists these as details shown on the label. Above all, compare appliances with a similar format and capacity that meet the same needs.

How can I check repairability before buying?

Read the model’s documentation and ask how to get hold of commonly needed parts, including door seals, hinges, handles, drawers and baskets. Also check the ordering and servicing arrangements for the model you’re considering.