First, measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors. Then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A table-top fridge is best for limited storage in a small kitchen; a fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in one appliance, while a multi-door model is worth considering if its extra capacity suits your shopping habits and it fits your kitchen.
In a studio flat or kitchenette, a table-top fridge can free up space. Check its usable capacity and whether it has a freezer compartment if you buy frozen food: a compact size doesn’t guarantee one is included.
A fridge freezer gives you separate compartments for fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare the capacity of each compartment with the amount you bring home each week, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
A multi-door fridge freezer could suit your need for plenty of storage. Before choosing this format, measure the route from the entrance to your home too: space in the kitchen won’t help if the packaged appliance can’t get through.
Consider it: when space is very limited and you mainly buy fresh food.
The trade-off: storage is limited, and some models don’t have a freezer compartment, such as the Bosch KTR15NWEB featured by the brand.
Consider it: if you regularly shop for both fresh and frozen food that you want to keep in one appliance.
The trade-off: a generous total capacity can hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for the amount of frozen food you buy.
Consider it: if you need extra storage for large shops and your kitchen can accommodate this format.
The trade-off: check the dimensions and delivery access for the exact model; Gifam says multi-door models are most often over 90 cm wide.
| What to consider | What to check | How it relates to my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare fridge and freezer capacity in litres separately. Also check whether the compact appliance you’re considering has a proper freezer compartment. | I do a weekly shop: how much space do I need for fresh food, and how much for frozen food? |
| Space and delivery | Measure the height, width, depth, door clearance and packaged dimensions. For a built-in model, check the cabinet space, door fixing and ventilation requirements against the model’s instructions. | My kitchen is narrow or has a fitted space; the appliance also needs to fit through doors, corridors and any lift. |
| Ventilation | Follow the clearances specified for the model. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges; these measurements don’t apply to every appliance. | If space is tight, I need to allow for the required clearance around the fridge as well as its external dimensions. |
| Temperature stability | For models tested using the same method, compare how quickly they cool after food is added and how evenly the cold is distributed. Que Choisir’s fridge freezer tests include a simulated weekly shop. | I add a lot of food after shopping, so how quickly a model returns to temperature matters just as much as its capacity. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level in dB and annual energy consumption in kWh, taking the capacity and format into account. An energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how much a particular model uses. | Noise matters day to day in an open-plan kitchen; I also want to compare the energy use of models that meet the same storage needs. |
An appliance might fit its intended spot but not pass through a doorway or corridor while still packaged. A built-in model also needs to suit the existing cabinet space and door system.
Measure the delivery route, the space for the appliance and the door clearance, then compare your measurements with the dimensions and instructions for the model you’re considering.
Two fridges with a similar total capacity may not offer the same amount of space for fresh and frozen food.
Compare the capacity of both compartments with your usual shopping. If you shop weekly, also check any available cooling and freezing test results for the model.
The space needed around an appliance depends on its design and how it is installed. Whirlpool’s guidance for its freestanding models doesn’t set the requirements for a built-in fridge.
Check the clearances and ventilation openings required in the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
A used fridge needs to be disposed of through an appropriate scheme. ADEME says that, when replacing an appliance, you may be able to hand it over to the retailer or delivery team, depending on the take-back arrangements in place.
Check the take-back service when you place your order and find out how to prepare the appliance. If you’re not using this service, look for a suitable collection point.
These examples illustrate different formats and points to compare. The features listed apply to the specific models mentioned, not every model from each brand.
Compact and built-in models offer useful examples for considering two separate questions: how much space you have and how your kitchen units are configured.
Its guidance on freestanding fridge freezers helps distinguish compartment capacity from installation requirements.
The multi-door RM70F63NER is a practical example of capacity to consider alongside the space available.
This selection includes fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a multi-door model for greater storage needs. Compare their stated capacity with the space you actually have at home.
Image unavailable
For shops that include both fresh and frozen food, this fridge freezer, with a stated capacity of 390 L, is worth checking for space in each compartment. Also check the packaged dimensions and installation clearances before deciding where to put it.
Image unavailable
If kitchen width is limited, compare its stated width of 54 cm with the space available; its stated height is 176 cm. The Low Frost freezer needs to be defrosted manually, so check that you’re happy with this maintenance.
Image unavailable
This 344 L fridge freezer can be compared with other models based on how much fresh and frozen food you store. Before buying, check its depth, packaged dimensions and the clearances needed in your chosen spot.
Image unavailable
If you want to divide your shopping between fresh and frozen food, compare the capacity of each compartment in this model, which has a stated total capacity of 360 L. Its three doors, Wi-Fi and My Zone features are included in the product name; also check the delivery route and installation clearances.
Image unavailable
This four-door model is designed for those looking for more storage, provided its 467 L capacity suits your shopping habits. Check the door layout, the width of the space and the route the packaged appliance will need to take to reach your kitchen.
Compare the packaged appliance dimensions with every access point on the route to the room: doors, corridors, stairs and the lift, if there is one. Samsung specifically advises checking that the packaged RM70F63NER multi-door model will fit through; check the measurements for the model you’re buying.
Follow the instructions for the model you’ve chosen, as requirements vary depending on the installation. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges; Bosch’s installation guidance specifies at least 200 cm² of free space behind and beneath the appliance. Don’t apply this guidance to another model without checking its specifications.
A fridge freezer is an option if you bring home fresh and frozen food each week, as long as both compartments have enough space. Que Choisir recommends considering how often you shop and how much frozen food you need; compare the usable capacity of both compartments rather than just the total.
No. They’re mainly useful for comparing models tested under set conditions. Que Choisir’s test method includes simulating small daily additions and a weekly shop; at home, the location, ventilation and how often you open the door also make a difference.