When moving into a new home, first measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors. Then choose a capacity to suit your habits. A fridge-freezer is a good choice if you regularly store frozen food and need a separate freezer; if you rarely freeze food, consider a fridge or table-top model, but check its compartments first. For a fitted kitchen, only choose an integrated model after checking its instructions against the dimensions and ventilation requirements of the housing unit.
A table-top fridge or a slimline fridge-freezer may be worth considering, depending on the space available and your need for a freezer. Remember to measure with the door open, too: an appliance that fits its space could still block access to a cupboard.
If you keep frozen food or prepare meals in advance, check the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. A fridge-freezer gives you two separate compartments; with a multi-door model, you’ll need to check the space available more carefully.
For an integrated model, compare the housing unit, ventilation and door system with the instructions for that specific model. If you’re happy for the appliance to be on show, a freestanding model avoids the need for a housing unit, but still needs suitable clearance.
Start with your kitchen measurements and food-storage habits, then compare the product-label information for appliances that meet the same needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the clearance needed for the doors to open. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind the appliance for ventilation; always check the instructions for your specific model, especially if it’s integrated. | My appliance needs to fit in my kitchen, have enough ventilation and open without hitting a wall or cupboard. |
| Capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your habits. | I shop less often or freeze meals, so freezer space matters just as much as the total capacity advertised. |
| Energy | The European Commission uses an A to G energy-efficiency scale for fridges and freezers. Also compare the kWh/year and capacities shown in the European product information, ideally between similar formats. | I want to compare the stated energy consumption without treating the energy rating alone as a measure of electricity used per year. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the noise level in dB(A) in the European product information. Check the product details for the cooling system and any defrosting required. | In an open-plan living space, noise matters to me. I also want to know what maintenance the freezer will need. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can have very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. This can make a difference to everyday use if you freeze food regularly.
Note down both capacities separately. Use UFC-Que Choisir’s capacity guide as a starting point, then adjust it to suit the size of your household and how often you shop.
An installation may leave too little room for ventilation or prevent the door from opening fully. Bosch recommends checking the dimensions with the doors both open and closed.
Compare your measurements with the installation diagram for the exact model, including ventilation, door opening direction and clearance. Don’t assume the clearance for one appliance will work for another.
The A to G rating doesn’t tell you, on its own, the capacity of each compartment or the stated annual energy consumption.
When comparing appliances that meet the same needs, look at the rating, kWh/year, capacities and noise level together in the European product information.
How you set up your fridge depends on the instructions supplied with it. If you’re replacing an old appliance, you’ll also need to arrange for it to be taken away.
Check the manufacturer’s connection and installation instructions. For its appliances, Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging them in. Also ask the retailer or an electrical and electronic equipment collection scheme about having your old fridge taken away.
These examples highlight format and installation requirements to check for each model; they aren’t a brand ranking.
The freestanding KGN492IAF fridge-freezer is an example of a format to consider if your household wants separate compartments and has enough space.
Whirlpool’s descriptions of different formats help you distinguish between choosing a freezer compartment and planning the installation.
The integrated ETS3LE16S shows why the dimensions of the housing unit matter in a fitted kitchen.
This selection includes multi-door models, freestanding fridge-freezers and integrated fridge-freezers. They suit different needs, so check each one against your kitchen measurements and the space you need for fresh and frozen food.
Image unavailable
If you’re considering a multi-door model, measure the space needed to open all four doors. This model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating; check its ventilation clearance in the instructions.
Image unavailable
For a fitted kitchen, check the housing-unit dimensions and ventilation requirements before choosing this integrated fridge-freezer. Its name indicates No Frost and a C energy rating; check the door fitting in the instructions, too.
Image unavailable
The stated width of 54 cm can help you assess whether this model might suit a compact kitchen, but you’ll still need to measure the door clearance and ventilation space. This fridge-freezer is 176 cm tall and described as Low Frost; check the instructions for freezer maintenance.
Image unavailable
This bottom-freezer fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want two separate storage areas. Its name indicates an E energy rating; check the capacity of each compartment, the noise level and the space needed with the door open in the model details.
Image unavailable
For this integrated fridge-freezer, make sure the housing unit, ventilation and door fitting match the installation instructions. Its name indicates TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating; check the energy label to compare its annual consumption.
Measure the delivery route and the space available for the appliance in height, width and depth, then check the manufacturer’s diagram with the doors open. Check the door opening direction and ventilation, too: Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind the appliance, while an integrated model must fit the dimensions and ventilation requirements of its housing unit.
A fridge-freezer is worth considering if you regularly store frozen food or prepare meals in advance: as Whirlpool explains, the fridge and freezer sections have separate doors. Compare their capacities separately; if you rarely freeze food, consider the actual capacity of a more compact format instead.
Compare the A to G rating, as well as the annual consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level of appliances that meet your needs. The European Commission sets out the A to G efficiency scale, and its EPREL database lets you check other product information for the model.
Follow the instructions for setting up, ventilating and plugging in your model. Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging in its appliances; check the guidance for the fridge you’ve bought.
Arrange for it to be collected or taken to a suitable electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme rather than leaving it with your general waste. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a collection and recycling scheme for household appliances; ask the retailer what collection options are available with your delivery.