Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then choose a size that fits your kitchen. A table-top fridge can meet more modest needs in a small space; a fridge-freezer is better suited to regular shopping that includes frozen food, while a larger model is only worth considering if your household needs the extra capacity and you have room for it. Then compare the litres in each compartment, annual energy consumption in kWh, noise levels and the installation instructions for the model.
If space is limited, compare a table-top fridge, a single-door model and a small fridge-freezer, taking into account your shopping habits and how much freezer space you need. Measure the space available, too, including room to open the door. UFC-Que Choisir and Gifam distinguish between these formats based on their footprint and compartments.
Check the capacity for fresh food and the freezer separately. A small ice box may not meet the same needs as a separate freezer compartment.
Find out whether the space is designed for an integrated or freestanding appliance. For an integrated model, the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation must all match the instructions for the model you choose.
Start with your usual shopping habits, then check that the capacity and format you have in mind will fit your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge in litres, not just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person as a starting point, adjusted to suit your habits. | I do smaller shops, or need enough room to last until my next shop: the right capacity depends on how much food I actually keep chilled. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer compartment capacity separately and distinguish a small ice box from a freezer. A single-door model may be enough if you freeze very little or have another appliance; a fridge-freezer offers two separate compartments. | Frozen food is a regular part of my shopping: I want to know how much space is available for it before choosing a format. |
| Dimensions | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors. For an integrated model, check the housing, door fixing and ventilation against the diagram for the exact model; Electrolux provides specific housing dimensions and fitting instructions for each appliance. | My kitchen needs to accommodate the fridge for installation and everyday use, not just fit its front panel. |
| Energy and noise | The European energy label shows the energy class, annual consumption in kWh, capacities and noise levels. Compare appliances with capacities suited to your needs; ADEME points out that an appliance that is too large can increase energy consumption. | In an open-plan kitchen or studio flat, I consider the stated noise level as well as annual energy consumption. |
| Cooling system | Understand the differences between static, fan-assisted and fan cooling. Gifam explains how they circulate cold air differently; also check the guidance on food storage and defrosting for the model you are considering. | I’d rather know how to store food and what maintenance to expect than choose based on the name of a technology alone. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. A small ice box can be restrictive if you regularly store frozen food.
Compare the capacity of each compartment on the energy label or product details.
The housing, door fixing and ventilation requirements vary by appliance. A compatible front-panel width alone doesn’t mean the fridge will fit correctly.
Measure the housing and check the installation diagram for the exact model before ordering.
Depending on your kitchen, you may need to adapt the unit or bring in a professional; Bosch recommends using a professional to install an integrated appliance.
The energy class on its own doesn’t tell you how much an appliance uses each year or how much it can hold. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, so choosing the right size matters.
Compare annual consumption in kWh and usable capacity across formats that meet your shopping needs.
A fridge near your living or sleeping area may be noticeable in everyday life.
Check the stated noise emissions in dB and the noise class on the European energy label.
These models cover several of the needs discussed here: separate fresh-food and freezer compartments for regular shopping, larger capacities, an integrated format and a more compact single-door model. Check that each one’s capacity suits your available space before making your choice.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check the capacity of each compartment, the overall dimensions and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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This multi-door model is worth considering if your shopping calls for plenty of fresh and frozen storage. The product name lists a capacity of 467 L, four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy class. Check the capacity of each compartment, the delivery route, door clearance and required ventilation gaps.
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This larger model is worth comparing if your household needs plenty of storage and your kitchen has room for it. The product name lists a capacity of 495 L and an E energy class. Check the fresh-food and freezer capacities, door clearance and delivery route before choosing.
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This model is designed for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing and a need for fresh and frozen storage. The product name lists a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy class. Check the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation in the instructions, then consult the energy label for annual consumption in kWh.
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This single-door model may suit a small household whose shopping is mainly fresh food. The product name lists a total capacity of 179 L; check how much space is reserved for freezing if you regularly buy frozen food, as well as the room available in your kitchen.
Compare the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise levels. The European Commission requires this information on the labels of refrigeration appliances; in particular, compare annual consumption in kWh with the capacity your household needs.
Not necessarily: check how many litres are actually available for freezing. If frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, compare fridge-freezers with a separate freezer compartment, too.
Yes, but only if the unit has a housing that matches the model’s dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements. Check the installation diagram before you buy; Bosch recommends having an integrated appliance fitted by a professional.
Follow the instructions for the appliance you’ve bought. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging in a fridge as part of its installation guidance; check the instructions for your model in case they differ.