Studio flat or small kitchen
A table-top or single-door fridge is worth considering if space is limited and you don’t need to store much. Measure the route to the kitchen too, and check how much room there is for frozen food.
Which style is right for you?
The number of people in your household matters, but so do the space available and how much frozen food you store.
One person or a couple who buy frozen food
A fridge freezer gives you two separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. Compare the capacity of each compartment separately rather than choosing by total capacity alone.
Households that do big food shops
A large fridge freezer or multi-door model could provide the storage you need. Make sure you’ll use all that space, and that the depth, doors and delivery route are suitable for your home.
What should you compare?
Start with the space available and the food you usually buy, then compare appliances that meet both needs.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Style and capacity | Measure the space. Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer, and distinguish between table-top, single-door, fridge-freezer and multi-door models. | In a small kitchen, I want a model that genuinely fits the space available and still has room for my usual food shop. |
| Freezing | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, how much it holds and how the specific model is defrosted. A small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you regularly buy frozen food. | If I often buy frozen food, I want to know how much space is set aside for it, not just the appliance’s total capacity. |
| Energy use | Compare kWh/year and energy ratings between appliances with a similar style and capacity. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously, and that size and unnecessary extra features can affect energy use. | I want a capacity that suits my needs, without paying for extra features I don’t need. |
| Noise and cooling | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and the cooling system. Que Choisir describes models rated below 40 dB(A) as the quietest. Anses recommends checking that the temperature is between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point to keep food safely. | My kitchen is open-plan or part of my studio flat, so the stated noise level matters, as does being able to set and check the temperature. |
| Installation and collection | Check the appliance’s dimensions against your doors, corridors and stairs. Check which way the door opens, the clearances specified in the manual, and the delivery and collection options available when you order. | I need to be able to get the fridge into my home, open its doors once it’s installed and arrange for my old appliance to be collected if I’m replacing it. |
What should you watch out for?
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Measuring the kitchen but not the delivery route
An appliance may fit in its intended space but not through a doorway, corridor or stairwell. You may also need extra room to open its doors.
Measure the route and check the installation instructions for the exact model, then confirm access arrangements with the seller before you order.
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Relying on the energy rating alone
Appliances with different capacities won’t meet the same needs. ADEME also notes that size and unnecessary extra features can affect the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
Compare kWh/year, usable capacity and noise levels between similar-sized models. Choose extra features based on how useful they’ll be to you.
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Expecting a small freezer compartment to hold all your frozen food
The freezer compartment in a compact fridge may be too small for regular frozen-food shops, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
Think about what you usually keep in the freezer and check the capacity of the relevant compartment.
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Leaving arrangements for your old appliance until delivery day
How you can hand over your old fridge depends on the delivery option you choose and the arrangements offered when you order.
Check how to request collection and where it will take place. If it’s due to be collected at delivery, make sure there’s clear access to your old appliance.
Brands and models to know
These models show some of the configurations you can compare. The features listed don’t apply to every model in each brand’s range.
Bosch
The freestanding KGN36VXCT fridge freezer is an example of a product listing that gives the capacity of each compartment separately.
- For this model, Bosch lists 218 L of fridge space, 103 L of freezer space, a noise level of 35 dB(A), a C energy rating and No Frost.
- Check its dimensions and installation requirements for your kitchen. These figures don’t apply to other Bosch fridge freezers.
Liebherr
The CBNsda 572i Plus is a fridge freezer to consider if you’re looking for a large total capacity in this style.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 360 L and a noise level of 34 dB for this model.
- Its stated dimensions of 201,5 × 59,7 × 67,5 cm mean you’ll need to check the space available and all access routes.
Samsung
The RF24BB620EB1EF is an example of a multi-door model designed for households that need plenty of space.
- Samsung France lists a capacity of 674 L and an E energy rating for this model.
- Make sure its capacity, dimensions and features suit your habits and the space available.
Beko
The B3RCNA345HW1 is a model to consider for door clearance and layout in a kitchen with limited space.
- Beko lists a reversible door and a zero-clearance door opening for this model.
- Check the clearances in its manual: this feature may not be available on other Beko models.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes a multi-door model and several fridge freezers, including a built-in model. Compare their styles with your available space and freezer needs.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L multi-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if your household needs plenty of room for fresh and frozen food. This four-door model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that its width and door opening suit your kitchen.
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LG GBBSJ1CCSW, 333 L fridge freezer
A fridge freezer to consider if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. It’s listed with a capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearance needed for installation.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L Low Frost fridge freezer
This fridge freezer may suit a kitchen with limited width where you still need freezer space. It’s listed as 54 cm wide and 176 cm high. Check the freezer capacity and how it needs to be defrosted.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge freezer
This single-door model with a top freezer is designed for a kitchen fitted for a built-in appliance. It’s listed with a capacity of 188 L and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions of the housing unit, how the cabinet door is fitted and how much space is available for frozen food.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L fridge freezer
Consider this fridge freezer if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. It’s listed with a total capacity of 344 L and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment and measure the delivery route.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the capacity of a fridge?
Start with the number of people in your household and your usual shopping habits, then check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment you use most.
What should I compare besides the energy rating?
Compare the annual energy use in kWh and the usable capacity of appliances with a similar style. The European Commission says the revised energy label for fridges has been in use since 1 March 2021, so an old A+++ rating doesn’t translate directly to a current A rating.
How do I arrange collection of my old fridge?
When you place your order, check the collection option offered with your new appliance. Confirm where and when it will be collected, then make sure there’s access to your old fridge if it’s due to be collected at delivery.
What temperature should I check after installation?
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Check it after installation, and avoid blocking the circulation of cold air by overfilling the appliance.
Can the repairability index help me choose between these appliances?
Don’t rely on the index to compare fridges: the list of relevant product categories published by the ministry responsible for ecology in January 2026 doesn’t include them. Instead, find out about after-sales service and the availability of spare parts for the model you’re considering.