Start by choosing a fridge that fits in your kitchen, can be installed correctly and has enough capacity for your shopping. A compact or single-door model may suit you if you shop frequently and rarely buy frozen food. If you shop less often and regularly stock up on frozen food, compare the separate capacities of fridge freezers. Larger models also call for checks on width, delivery access and annual energy consumption.
In a studio flat or a narrow kitchen, available space, door clearance and ventilation matter more than finding the largest capacity. A compact appliance is worth considering if you don’t store much food between shops.
If you want to keep more fresh food between shops, look at the fridge capacity in litres rather than just the total capacity. The space for frozen food should match your habits.
A small freezer compartment and a dedicated freezer compartment don’t offer the same storage capacity. Check the freezer capacity before choosing between a single-door appliance and a fridge freezer.
Measure the space and delivery route before comparing capacity in litres. Then work out how much fridge and freezer space you need, and compare the energy consumption and noise levels of models with similar capacities and intended uses.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, access routes and door clearance; compare them with the model’s dimensions and ventilation requirements. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to bring in, install and open the appliance without obstructing the way. Around 25% of consumers would put this compatibility first. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the fridge capacity in litres and the space available for your containers. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, adjusted to suit your shopping habits. | If I shop for the week, I need enough room for fresh food until my next shop, without choosing an oversized appliance. This would be the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer compartment capacity separately from the total capacity, and distinguish a small freezer compartment from space designed for regular frozen food shopping. | If I regularly store frozen food, a large total capacity won’t help if the freezer compartment is too small. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Energy use and noise | For models with similar capacities and intended uses, compare kWh/year and the stated noise level in dB(A), not just the energy rating. | For an appliance that runs continuously, I want to take its electricity consumption into account; if it’s near a living area, noise matters too. Around 19% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
Two appliances with the same total capacity may divide the space between fresh and frozen food differently. A small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly store frozen food.
Estimate how much space you need in each compartment, then check their individual capacities in the model specifications.
An appliance may fit in the space but not have enough clearance, or it may not fit through a doorway or up a staircase during delivery.
Measure the kitchen and delivery route, then check the installation instructions and the door opening direction for the model you’ve chosen.
The European Union energy label uses a scale from A to G, but the letter alone doesn’t tell you how much the appliance can store or how much energy it uses each year. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
For models with similar capacities and intended uses, also check the kWh/year, capacity in litres for each compartment and stated noise level.
An American-style fridge freezer may offer more space, but Que Choisir also highlights its size and energy consumption compared with conventional models. Don’t assume these characteristics apply to every multi-door model without checking.
Make sure you’ll use the extra capacity, then compare the dimensions, access requirements and kWh/year of the models you’re considering.
Bosch offers freestanding fridges, built-in models and fridge freezers, among other options. Its range is worth exploring if the type of installation is an important factor in your choice.
The range includes freestanding models, built-in models and fridge freezers. Compare them according to how much space you need for chilled and frozen food.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in fridges, two options to consider depending on your kitchen layout.
These models let you compare fridge freezers, a single-door fridge with a freezer compartment and larger models. Total capacity doesn’t remove the need to check each compartment’s capacity, installation requirements and energy label.
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Worth considering if your shopping calls for plenty of capacity and your kitchen can accommodate a four-door appliance.
The product name states 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Before choosing, check the capacity of each compartment, ventilation, door clearance and the delivery route.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food between less frequent shops, provided the capacity split suits your needs.
The product name states 360 L, Total No Frost, an E rating and Wi-Fi. Check the capacity of each compartment, as well as the clearance and door opening space needed for installation.
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This large model is worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food and have a suitable location and access route.
The title states 583 L and an E rating. Before comparing its features, confirm the RS57DG410EB4 model number in the technical specifications and on the energy label; also check the kWh/year and whether it will fit through your doors.
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Worth comparing if space is limited but you’d still like a freezer compartment; make sure the fresh food capacity suits your shopping needs.
The product name states 174 L, Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the model specifications for individual compartment capacities, kWh/year, stated noise level and installation clearances.
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Worth considering if you mainly shop for fresh food and need only a small amount of space for frozen food.
The title states a total capacity of 179 L and a freezer compartment. Check the capacity of this compartment and how it needs to be maintained; before measuring a potential housing unit, also confirm the installation method in the instructions.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the doors, corridors and other access routes used for delivery. For a built-in model, also measure the housing unit; in every case, compare your measurements with the installation diagram and the door clearance required for the exact model.
No: follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for the model you choose. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges, but refers customers to the specifications for its built-in models. These measurements don’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Compare the kWh/year and noise level in dB(A) for appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. The European Union energy label uses a scale from A to G; consider it alongside fridge and freezer capacities, rather than choosing between two models based on the letter alone.
No: the usable capacity you need depends on how much food you store and how often you shop, not just on the number of people in your household. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to your shopping habits and check separately how much space you need for frozen food.
When buying a similar type of appliance, the French ministry responsible for the environment says that the ‘one-for-one’ take-back service applies to the old appliance. Ask the retailer how the service works before delivery, including how to prepare the fridge and make it accessible for collection.