First, choose a fridge that fits in your kitchen and whose door can open properly. Then work out separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir recommends allowing 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 litres for each additional person. A compact model may suit you if you shop frequently and buy smaller quantities. If several people regularly store frozen food, consider a fridge freezer instead, provided you have enough room for it.
If your kitchen is very compact, measure the available space and check how far the door needs to open before comparing capacities. A compact or tabletop fridge is worth considering if you shop little and often and rarely use the freezer. Que Choisir specifically recommends tabletop models for studio flats.
A fridge freezer lets you compare the space for fresh food with the space for frozen food separately. To estimate the usable capacity you need, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres for one person, then around 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop.
If several people use the same appliance, check that the balance between fridge and freezer space suits everyone’s shopping habits. If the kitchen is already fitted, measure the available space and check the door opening too. For an integrated model, measure the housing unit and check its fixings as well.
First, work out how much space you can actually use, then how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. Whether you choose a freestanding or built-in model is a separate installation decision from choosing a compact fridge, a single-door model or a fridge freezer.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Available space | Measure the width, height and depth, and check how far the door opens. For a built-in model, also compare the housing unit, fixings and ventilation requirements with the model’s instructions. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to fit the appliance and open its drawers without blocking the way. Around 42% of consumers might make this a priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately, taking the number of people in your household and how often you shop into account. | If we share the shopping and often buy frozen food, we need separate space for each. This shared capacity could be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | In a living space, check the stated noise level in dB(A). Also compare the energy consumption information on the energy label. | When the fridge is close to where I live or sleep, its noise and energy use matter in my day-to-day choice. Around 25% of consumers might make this their priority. |
A small freezer compartment in a single-door fridge may not be suitable if you regularly buy frozen food, even if the total capacity looks sufficient.
Compare the usable litres for fresh and frozen food separately. Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres for one person, then around 50 litres for each additional person, should still be adjusted to suit your shopping habits.
A built-in fridge must fit the housing unit and be compatible with its fixing system and the model’s ventilation requirements. The external dimensions alone are not enough.
Before ordering, check the housing unit measurements, hinges or sliding rails, cabinet door and clearances against the installation instructions. Bosch recommends using a professional for built-in installation.
If the housing unit or fixings are incompatible, you may need to adapt the cabinet or pay for installation work.
Ventilation guidance for one appliance is not a universal rule for all fridges, whether freestanding or built in.
Check the instructions for the model you choose and measure the clearances it specifies, including the space needed around the door.
When replacing a fridge, your old refrigerating appliance must go through an appropriate collection scheme, particularly as it may contain refrigerants.
ADEME says you can hand it over to the retailer or delivery driver when your new appliance is delivered, or take it to a recycling centre that accepts electrical and electronic equipment.
Worth considering for a built-in installation: Bosch offers integrated fridges and publishes installation guidance.
Worth considering for integrated fridge freezers, particularly if your cabinet requires a specific fixing mechanism.
Worth considering for both freestanding fridge freezers and built-in models, depending on your kitchen layout.
These models include freestanding fridge freezers, which keep fresh and frozen food separate, as well as a small single-door fridge for kitchens with very limited space. Compare their capacity with your needs, then check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model.
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Worth considering for a small household looking for a fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment.
The product details state a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the other dimensions, ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door.
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Worth comparing if several people share the space for fresh and frozen food and have enough room for an appliance of this capacity.
The model name states a capacity of 344 L and an energy rating of E. Before choosing, check how the capacity is divided, along with all the dimensions, ventilation requirements and door clearance.
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Worth considering for a small household that wants to store frozen food in a separate compartment.
The product name states 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. Also measure the height and depth, check ventilation and allow enough room to open the door.
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Worth comparing for a shared kitchen where people want separate space for fresh and frozen food.
The product name states 211 L for the fridge, 99 L for the freezer, a width of 60 cm and a reversible door. Check the height, depth and clearances before deciding whether this capacity is right for you.
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Best suited to a very small kitchen, frequent shopping and limited freezing needs. Its 92 L capacity is below Que Choisir’s recommended 100 to 150 litres for one person.
The product name mentions a freezer compartment and a footprint of 0.22 m². Check the capacity of this compartment, the full dimensions and the clearances required.
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop, and compare the space for frozen food separately.
No. Check the height and depth too, as well as the ventilation and the space needed to open the door and drawers. Clearances vary by model, so refer to its instructions rather than using measurements for a different appliance.
Measure the housing unit and compare it with the requirements of the new model, particularly for ventilation, fixings and the cabinet door. For example, Whirlpool specifies a 56 cm housing unit and sliding rails for the WHC20D011B1FR. These features don’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Compare the energy ratings and consumption information for appliances that meet your capacity and installation needs. Your Europe explains the EU energy scale from A to G. A rating alone doesn’t replace checking the capacity, noise level or dimensions.
Arrange an appropriate collection rather than abandoning it or putting it in a general waste skip. According to ADEME, you can hand it over to the retailer or delivery driver when your new appliance is delivered, or take it to a recycling centre that accepts electrical and electronic equipment.