Households with limited kitchen space
If your appliance needs to fit under a worktop, into an alcove or between two units, check its dimensions, ventilation requirements and door clearance before deciding how much capacity you need.
Who is this guide for?
Households that buy frozen food every week
If you want to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
Households that do a big food shop
A larger capacity may suit households that shop less often or have several people to feed, provided the width, depth and door clearance work in your kitchen.
What should you look for?
Choose a format based on the space you actually have and how much of your shopping needs to go in the freezer—not just the total capacity. Bosch models illustrate the differences between formats: its KTR15NWEB table-top fridge offers 134 L of refrigeration with no freezer, while its KGV36VLEAS fridge freezer provides 214 L of fridge capacity and 94 L of freezer capacity.
Under-counter or table-top
Consider it if: you have limited height and shop frequently.
Be prepared for: limited storage; the Bosch KTR15NWEB mentioned here has no freezer compartment.
Fridge with no freezer compartment
Consider it if: fresh food capacity matters more and you store frozen food elsewhere or rarely buy it.
Be prepared for: no built-in freezer, as with a model such as the Bosch KSV33VLEP.
Fridge freezer
Consider it if: you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, especially between weekly shops.
Be prepared for: a height that may rule out under-worktop installation; compartment capacities vary by model.
Multi-door
Consider it if: you need lots of space for fresh and frozen food, and your kitchen can accommodate it.
Be prepared for: a substantial width and depth; according to LG, the LG GMZ765SBHJ also needs a water connection for its internal dispenser.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the available width, height and depth. Check the model’s instructions for ventilation, any required alcove and door clearance. | When every centimetre counts in my kitchen, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its door without obstructing neighbouring units. Around 36% of consumers in this group would put this compatibility first. |
| Space for frozen food | Compare the freezer capacity and check whether there is a proper compartment suited to the frozen food you buy, separately from the fresh food capacity. | If I regularly buy frozen food, I need to be able to store it in my main appliance rather than rely on its total capacity. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers in this group. |
| Fresh food capacity | Match the fridge capacity to the number of people in your household and the time between shops. Avoid filling the appliance so much that it restricts air circulation. | With several meals to prepare between shops, I want enough space for fresh food without taking up more room in the kitchen. Nearly 21% of consumers in this group would make this their priority. |
| Energy consumption | Check the energy rating and annual kWh figure on the label for the exact model. Compare appliances with similar capacities, installation types and features. | As the fridge runs continuously, I want to compare its energy consumption without choosing a size that doesn’t suit my shopping habits. Around 14% of consumers in this group would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity
Fridges with different total capacities do not necessarily divide that space in the same way between fresh and frozen food. Bosch’s product information states, for example, that the KTR15NWEB and KSV33VLEP have no freezer compartment.
Make a note of what you usually store in each compartment, then compare their individual capacities before settling on a format.
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Measuring only the visible space
The appliance’s dimensions alone don’t tell you whether it will fit in an alcove and still be usable. Ventilation, door fixings for an integrated model and door clearance all depend on the model.
Compare your measurements with the installation plan for the exact model, remembering to allow for the plinth, neighbouring units and doorways.
An appliance that isn’t a good fit may require changes to your kitchen units before it can be installed.
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Comparing only the energy rating
A small fridge and a large multi-door model serve different storage needs, so their energy ratings alone won’t tell you which format to choose.
Once you’ve found a capacity that suits your shopping habits, compare the annual kWh figures and other label details across similar models. The European Commission also lets you check model specifications in EPREL.
Brands to consider by format
These models illustrate different configurations. A brand name is no substitute for checking the dimensions and instructions for the model you choose.
Bosch
Bosch offers, among other options, a table-top fridge, a fridge with no freezer compartment and a fridge freezer. These are useful for comparing how different formats divide space between fresh and frozen food.
- The product information for the KTR15NWEB, KSV33VLEP and KGV36VLEAS gives their dimensions and compartment capacities.
- Check Bosch’s guidance on alcoves and ventilation in the instructions for your chosen model; it doesn’t apply to every fridge.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers an integrated ARG94312FR under-counter fridge and a WFNF82EOXFR fridge freezer. These are two configurations to consider based on the space available and your freezer needs.
- Whirlpool specifies an 88 cm alcove for the ARG94312FR and, for the WFNF82EOXFR, 223 L of fridge capacity and 97 L of freezer capacity.
- An alcove that suits the under-counter fridge doesn’t mean the fridge freezer will fit in the same space; check the installation plan for your chosen model.
LG
The LG GMZ765SBHJ multi-door fridge freezer is a high-capacity option to weigh up against the limitations of a small kitchen.
- LG lists 504 L of fridge capacity and 246 L of freezer capacity for this model.
- Its stated dimensions are 908 × 1 785 × 802 mm, and its internal dispenser needs a water connection. These specifications apply to this model, not the whole LG range.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
These models include fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as fridges with no freezer compartment for those who want a compact format or more fresh food storage. For a small kitchen, always check the installation dimensions before choosing based on capacity.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge freezer
Worth considering if space is tight and your shopping needs separate fridge and freezer compartments.
The model name indicates 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E rating. Check the height, depth, clearances and energy label for the exact model.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering if you have an alcove for an integrated appliance and want to combine fridge and freezer storage.
The model name indicates a top-mounted freezer and an E rating. Before choosing, check the alcove, door fixing system and freezer capacity against your frozen food needs.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Worth comparing if your household needs more storage in an appliance that combines fridge and freezer space.
The model name indicates Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an E rating. Check the height and depth required, door clearance and how the 360 L is divided between compartments.
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SMEG S4L120E, integrated one-door fridge
Worth considering if you want to prioritise fresh food storage in an integrated alcove and keep frozen food elsewhere.
The model name indicates an E rating. Check the usable capacity for the exact model, along with its dimensions and installation instructions, to make sure it suits your shopping habits.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L one-door fridge
Worth considering if you want a small amount of storage and shop with that capacity in mind.
The model name indicates a small freezer compartment and an E rating. Check the full dimensions and the capacity of this compartment before relying on it for your frozen food.
Frequently asked questions
Is an energy label required for a new fridge sold in France, including online?
Yes. The French Ministry of the Economy states that energy labelling is required for new fridges sold both in shops and online. When comparing two models that suit your kitchen, check their energy ratings and annual consumption in kWh.
How can I tell if an integrated fridge will fit in my alcove?
Compare your alcove measurements with the installation plan for the exact model, then check the ventilation, fixing system and door clearance. The alcove dimensions listed by Bosch vary between models and don’t replace the instructions for the appliance you’re buying.
What temperature should I aim for in the fridge after installation?
Anses recommends monitoring the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge and keeping it at 4 °C. It also advises against overfilling the fridge, so that air can circulate between the food.
What protection do I have if a fridge bought from a trader doesn’t match its description?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a trader to a consumer, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. It is separate from any commercial guarantee. Keep the product description and proof of purchase so you can report any discrepancy to the seller.
How can EPREL help when choosing between two fridges?
EPREL lets you check key details for models covered by energy labelling, according to the European Commission. Search for the exact model, then compare appliances that both suit your kitchen in terms of capacity and installation type.