First, measure the space and the delivery route, then compare the capacity for fresh food and frozen food separately. A compact model may suit a tight space, while a fridge freezer or a multi-door model could work for several people, provided its overall size, door clearance and noise level suit your home.
If space is limited and you mainly store fresh food, check the appliance’s footprint and usable capacity rather than relying on its total capacity alone. Que Choisir and Liebherr France provide information on these factors when choosing a fridge, including table-top models.
You want to divide up everyone’s groceries and keep a clearly identified shared area. 123loger’s guide to sharing a fridge explains the benefits of having designated areas and a communal space.
If you shop less often or keep frozen meals, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with that of the fridge. Que Choisir and the European Commission list compartment capacities as separate criteria.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Compare the height, width and depth with the available space and access route. Check the door swing and clearances specified in the manual; ask for delivery costs and any installation charges in writing. | When I need to get the appliance through doorways or fit it into a narrow kitchen, I check every measurement before choosing. Around 36% of consumers prioritise installation. |
| Fresh-food capacity and shared storage | Compare the capacity for fresh food and the layout of the shelves and drawers. Estimate how much shopping you’ll need to store at any one time, rather than mechanically multiplying capacity by the number of people. | If we’re sharing our shopping, I want to be able to separate personal items and keep a shared area without overcrowding the shelves. Around 29% of consumers prioritise storing fresh food when sharing with others. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments separately. If you want to freeze food, check the specifications for the compartment on the exact model’s product sheet. | When I store frozen food or freeze meals, the space actually available matters more than the total capacity shown. Around 21% of consumers prioritise frozen-food storage. |
| Noise and electricity consumption | Compare the decibel rating for the exact model, especially if your sleeping area is nearby. Also check the kWh/year and compartment capacities on the EU energy label, not just the energy class. | In a studio flat where you live close to the fridge, I take its stated noise level and energy consumption into account. Around 14% of consumers put quiet operation and energy use first. |
Two appliances may divide their capacity differently between fresh and frozen food. Total capacity alone therefore won’t tell you whether an appliance suits your storage habits.
Check the capacity of each compartment separately and compare it with the food you actually store.
The terms ‘table top’ and ‘top’ don’t tell you enough about the door layout or what the freezer compartment can do.
Check the door layout, capacities and specifications for the exact model before deciding.
An appliance may fit in its intended space but still be difficult to get through the access route or open once installed.
Measure the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says the delivery price must be provided in writing before purchase; also ask for a breakdown of any proposed installation service.
The TS190340N is an example of a table-top model with a freezer compartment at the top, worth considering for a small kitchen.
The table-top KTe501 and Rsdci 1620 Plus models offer different capacities and widths to compare.
The KGN36NLEA is an example of a fridge freezer with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
The HCR3818EWMM is a four-door, multi-door model to consider if your kitchen has room for a wide appliance.
This selection includes single-door fridges and fridge freezers with separate fresh and frozen compartments, so you can compare options for a compact kitchen or shared home.
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Its fresh and frozen compartments are listed separately, making it easier to compare the two storage needs.
115 l fridge capacity and 59 l freezer capacity; Low Frost; 39 dB; energy class E.
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Its separate fresh and frozen capacities can help you compare options for a shared home; check the available height and access route.
224 l fridge capacity and 86 l freezer capacity; stated height of 188 cm; No Frost; energy class E.
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The two capacities are listed separately so you can assess the space available for fresh and frozen food.
210 l fridge capacity and 106 l freezer capacity; Dual No Frost; stated dimensions of 186.5 × 59.5 × 66.3 cm; energy class D.
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Compare its stated width of 54 cm and separate compartments with your available space and freezer needs.
153 l fridge capacity and 74 l freezer capacity; Low Frost; reversible door; energy class E.
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It may be worth considering if you’re looking for a compact appliance for fresh food and don’t need a freezer compartment.
82 l; no freezer compartment; energy class E.
Measure the space, doorways, access routes and clearance needed to open the doors, then compare these with the dimensions and manual for your chosen model. Required clearances vary by appliance, so its external dimensions alone won’t tell you how much room installation needs.
Agree on personal areas and a shared area, and date prepared food. For food storage, Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and advises checking it regularly.
In France, the seller must provide the delivery price in writing before purchase and state the price of any optional paid installation or set-up service, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Ask what’s included in the service offered for your address.
When a private individual buys from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory and applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods, according to the Ministry of the Economy. The DGCCRF says that when a new appliance is sold, the free ‘one-for-one’ take-back of an equivalent used appliance applies; ask for details of how this works in practice.
For household fridges covered by EU regulations, the label shows details including annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise level. The A to G scale has applied since 1 March 2021, according to the European Commission. It’s useful for comparing models, but it doesn’t mean every purchase has to meet a minimum energy class.