First, choose a fridge that can be installed and opened properly in your kitchen, then compare the space for fresh and frozen food. A compact or single-door model suits lighter storage needs; a fridge-freezer keeps both types of food separate without going for a large model; and a multi-door fridge suits households that store a lot, provided you have enough space and suitable access. Check the installation requirements in the manual and the compartment volumes, annual energy consumption and noise level on the energy label.
The number of people in your household isn’t the only factor when choosing a fridge. The space available and how much room you need for frozen food also make a difference.
If space is limited and you don’t buy much at a time, check the external dimensions before looking at the stated capacity. UFC-Que Choisir recommends table-top fridges in particular for studio flats. However, make sure there’s enough room to open the door and access the shelves.
A fridge-freezer lets you assess the fridge and freezer space separately in a single appliance. Compare the compartment sizes with your usual shopping, then check the height, depth and clearance needed to open the drawers in your kitchen.
A multi-door fridge is worth considering if you’ll make good use of its large compartments and the appliance can be delivered to and fit in its intended spot. UFC-Que Choisir associates this size with larger families, while also highlighting the space and energy-use considerations of larger models.
Start by working out how much space you have and how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. These two factors will help you choose a size; the specifications of individual models will help you make your final decision.
Consider it: for a studio flat or kitchenette, if you don’t buy much at a time.
Bear in mind: there’ll be less room for larger shops and, depending on the model, limited freezer space.
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need a large freezer compartment built in.
Bear in mind: if there’s a small freezer compartment, check that its type and capacity suit your needs.
Consider it: if you regularly store both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: its height and depth may make it harder to install or access the compartments in a narrow kitchen.
Consider it: if your household stores a lot and uses several storage zones.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space. UFC-Que Choisir also notes that larger models generally use more energy than standard fridges.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and space | Measure the space and delivery route. Check the model’s manual for ventilation, installation type and the clearance needed to open the doors. | In a small kitchen, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its doors without blocking the way. Around 25% of consumers put this installation requirement first. |
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Compare the volume of each compartment on the energy label, then check the layout of the drawers and shelves. | If I keep fresh and frozen food all week, I need enough room in both areas, not just a large total capacity. This is the main priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Capacity and family-friendly storage | Look at the available compartments, the appliance’s dimensions and its annual energy consumption in kWh. Also check what’s required if it has a water dispenser. | When I do a big shop, I want easy-to-reach compartments without choosing an appliance that’s too large for my kitchen. Around 33% of consumers prioritise storage capacity and layout above all else. |
Two fridges with a similar total capacity may have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. According to the European Commission, the energy label shows the volume of each compartment. These figures are more useful than the total alone when comparing how the space is divided.
Think about what you store in each area, then check whether the drawers, shelves and bins will fit the food you usually buy.
An appliance designed to fit into a cabinet and a freestanding fridge don’t necessarily have the same installation requirements. Bosch Électroménager France distinguishes between these two types of installation and highlights the importance of ventilation.
Before putting a freestanding fridge in an alcove, check the manual for the dimensions, clearances and door-opening space required for that specific model.
A large appliance needs to fit through doors and hallways before it can even be placed in the kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir highlights how much space large American-style and multi-door fridges take up.
Check the delivery dimensions, access route and final position, as well as the space needed to open the doors and pull out the drawers. If the model has a water dispenser, check how it’s supplied too.
A commercial guarantee doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity that applies to eligible purchases from a professional seller in France. The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that consumers have two years to seek cover under this legal guarantee for new and second-hand goods.
Read the terms and conditions of any additional guarantee carefully to see exactly what it covers beyond your legal protection.
These brands illustrate different sizes. Always compare the specifications and installation requirements of the model you’re interested in.
Worth a look for compact models. For example, Liebherr France lists a capacity of 111 l and dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm for its KTe 551 table-top fridge.
Worth a look for fridge-freezers and for understanding the difference between freestanding and built-in installation requirements. Bosch Électroménager France lists 218 l of fridge space and 103 l of freezer space for the KGN36VXCT fridge-freezer.
Worth a look if you need plenty of capacity and several compartments to suit the way you store food. Samsung France lists a capacity of 674 l and a width of 908 mm for its RF24BB620EB1EF multi-door fridge.
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers that keep fresh and frozen food separate, a multi-door fridge for greater storage capacity and a compact single-door fridge for smaller spaces. Compare their specifications with your kitchen rather than choosing based on total capacity alone.
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For a household looking to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance with three doors. The model name indicates a capacity of 360 l, Total No Frost, energy class E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the doors.
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For keeping fresh and frozen food in two compartments in one appliance. The model name indicates a total capacity of 344 l and energy class D. Compare the capacity of each compartment in the product details, then check the clearances and door-opening space in the manual.
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Worth considering if kitchen width is limited but you need two compartments. The model name indicates a width of 54 cm, 153 l of fridge space and 74 l of freezer space, as well as a reversible door, Low Frost and energy class E. Also measure the height and depth, and check the clearances required in the manual. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
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For a household that needs more storage and has room for a multi-door appliance. The model name indicates a capacity of 467 l, four doors, Total No Frost and energy class E. Before choosing it, measure the delivery route and check the manual for the space and position required with the doors open.
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Worth considering for a small space and mainly chilled storage. The model name indicates a capacity of 92 l, a compact freezer compartment and energy class E. If you plan to store frozen food in it, check the compartment’s specifications and capacity. Also measure the height and depth, and check the installation clearances.
Compare the annual energy consumption, compartment volumes and noise level for the specific model. The European Commission states that this information appears on the energy labels of applicable fridges. The separate compartment volumes are particularly useful if you’re choosing between a compact fridge and a fridge-freezer.
Only if the model’s manual allows it and you can meet its ventilation and door-opening requirements. Bosch Électroménager France distinguishes between a freestanding fridge placed in an alcove and a built-in appliance designed to fit into a cabinet. So check the instructions for the fridge you choose rather than using the clearances for another model.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check the appliance’s actual temperature, using a thermometer in particular if it’s an older model.
No. For eligible purchases from a professional seller in France, a commercial guarantee doesn’t replace the legal guarantee of conformity. The Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that consumers have two years to seek cover under this legal guarantee for new and second-hand goods. Check separately what any additional guarantee covers.
Not necessarily; it depends on the model. Bosch Électroménager France also describes appliances with a built-in water tank. If this feature matters to you, check the product details and manual to see whether your chosen model needs a water supply or uses a tank.