First, choose a fridge that fits the available space, taking account of how the door opens and the ventilation instructions in the manual. Then consider how much room you need for fresh and frozen food: a model without a freezer gives you more space for fresh food, while a small freezer compartment or a fridge freezer suits different freezing needs.
You’re furnishing a small space and mainly want to keep your food fresh without getting in the way, while also considering noise near your living area. Que Choisir Ensemble describes the sizes and capacities to consider, while SOS Accessoire highlights the importance of space when furnishing student accommodation.
You share the shopping or regularly keep frozen food, so the balance between fresh and frozen capacity may matter more than the total capacity alone. Que Choisir Ensemble and Beko France’s product specifications cover these factors for specific sizes and models.
You need the appliance to fit an existing space. Check the dimensions, ventilation and door opening direction for the model you’re considering, particularly in its installation instructions.
First, check that the fridge will fit and work in your kitchen. Then compare fresh and frozen capacity separately, and consider noise and energy consumption when choosing between suitable appliances.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who pays most attention to it |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width, depth and door clearance. Also check the delivery route and the ventilation instructions in the manual. | If I have a narrow space or a specific alcove, I want to make sure the appliance will fit and that I can open the door easily. Around 28 % of consumers prioritise fitting the appliance into the available space. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity separately from the freezer capacity, taking account of the size of your household and your shopping habits. Que Choisir Ensemble gives a guideline of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. | If I mainly store fresh food, I’d rather assess how much room it actually gets than rely on the appliance’s total capacity. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise space for fresh shopping. |
| Freezing | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity in litres and its star rating. If you regularly stock up, also look at the freezer’s size and capacity. | If I freeze food or regularly keep frozen food, I need a compartment that suits this purpose, not just a high total capacity. Around 22 % of consumers prioritise storing frozen food. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the declared noise level in dB(A) across models that already meet your kitchen space and storage needs. | If I sleep or work near the fridge, its declared noise level helps me compare appliances that will fit my space, although it can’t guarantee how noisy it will seem in my home. Around 17 % of consumers prioritise a quiet studio flat. |
| Energy consumption | Check the model’s annual consumption in kWh and the energy class on its label. Compare appliances with similar capacities and that suit similar needs. | If several appliances already meet my storage and installation needs, I can compare their annual consumption to help make my final choice. Around 11 % of consumers prioritise running costs. |
An appliance may seem to fit by width and height, but still not leave enough room to open the door or meet the ventilation requirements.
Measure the space and door clearance, then check the manual for the exact model. Don’t assume a freestanding model can be fitted like a built-in appliance.
Total capacity can hide how much space is taken up by the freezer compartment. For example, Bosch lists 134 l of fridge capacity without a freezer for the KTR15NWEB, while Beko lists 101 l of fridge capacity and 13 l of freezer capacity for the TSE1285N.
Assess how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately, then compare the corresponding usable capacities.
The capacity and star rating of the compartment vary by model. A small built-in compartment won’t necessarily meet the same needs as a separate freezer.
Check the capacity, star rating and recommended use for the model you choose. If you regularly store frozen food, also look at the capacity and height of a fridge freezer.
An optional commercial guarantee is separate from the statutory guarantee of conformity, which you claim from the retailer.
Keep your proof of purchase and check who the seller is, as well as the terms of any additional services offered.
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB under-counter models let you compare an appliance without a freezer with one that has an integrated compartment.
The TSE1285N is an example of an under-counter fridge with its fresh and frozen capacities listed separately.
Specifications for under-counter models make it easy to compare appliances with different capacities and compartments.
The RB343D4WDE is an example of a freestanding fridge freezer to consider if you want a separate freezer and have enough height available.
This selection includes options for a small kitchen, from countertop fridges to models with freezers, including freestanding and built-in appliances. Check that the dimensions and installation type suit your space.
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Consider this compact countertop model if you’re looking for a small appliance, once you’ve checked the space needed for installation.
The product title lists a reversible door, removable shelves, interior lighting and an adjustable thermostat.
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This freestanding model may suit you if you want to store both fresh and frozen food and its height works for your kitchen.
The product title lists 115 l for the fridge and 59 l for the freezer, a Low Frost function and a noise level of 39 dB.
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Only consider this if your kitchen has an alcove that’s suitable for a built-in appliance with a sliding door system.
The product title lists a capacity of 188 l and energy class E. The specified housing dimensions are 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm ; the furniture door is not included.
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Consider this fridge freezer if you need separate fresh and frozen food storage and it will fit comfortably in your kitchen.
The product title lists 153 l for the fridge, 74 l for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and a four-star freezer compartment.
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This model has no freezer compartment, so it may suit you if you prioritise fresh food storage and 82 l is enough for your shopping.
Its capacity is below Que Choisir Ensemble’s guideline of 100 to 150 l per person for someone living alone. The product title lists energy class E.
Not necessarily. Bosch Electroménager France says its 82 cm built-in models designed to fit beneath a worktop ventilate through the plinth. For a freestanding appliance, check the manual for the exact model, its ventilation requirements and how the door opens before choosing this location.
Measure the available clearance and check the product details or manual to see whether the door on your chosen model is reversible. This feature is listed for the Beko TSE1285N, for example, but shouldn’t be assumed for every model.
Que Choisir Ensemble gives a guideline of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits and compare the space for fresh food separately from the freezer capacity.
Check the compartment’s capacity and star rating for the model in question. The Beko TSE1285N, for example, is listed with a 13 l four-star compartment; compare these specifications with the amount you want to freeze or store.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge and advises checking it regularly, for example with a thermometer. The temperature shown on the controls doesn’t replace checking the actual temperature.