In a rented kitchen, a freestanding fridge means you don’t have to rely on a fitted space or matching cabinet door, provided its dimensions, door clearance and ventilation requirements are suitable. A compact model can meet modest storage needs; if you regularly freeze food, compare freestanding fridge-freezers instead. A built-in model needs to be precisely compatible with your kitchen. If installation would alter the rented property or its fixtures, you’ll need the landlord’s written consent, as ANIL advises.
A freestanding model gives you the option of placing it independently of any existing fitted space or cabinet door. Still, check that it will fit through to the kitchen, that there’s enough room to open the door and that you can provide the ventilation specified in the instructions.
A freestanding table-top or under-counter model is worth considering if headroom is limited and its storage capacity will be enough. Remember to measure its depth and the space needed to open the door, too.
A freestanding fridge-freezer combines refrigeration and freezing without needing to be built into the kitchen units. However, make sure it will fit through the access points in your home and can be moved if you relocate.
Start with the available space and your storage needs, then compare models that will genuinely fit, open and operate in your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Freestanding or built-in; the dimensions of the fitted space and door fixings if the appliance is integrated; your tenancy agreement and inventory before altering any rented fixtures. | I want to install the appliance without changing the units. If fitting it requires alterations, I’ll first ask the landlord for written consent, as ANIL advises. |
| Space and access | The appliance’s width, height and depth; doorways, corridors, stairs or lifts; and the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | The fridge needs to fit all the way through to the kitchen, and its door must open without blocking a unit or walkway. |
| Storage | Fridge and freezer capacities; whether there’s a freezer compartment and how large it is; and the available height for a compact model or fridge-freezer. | A small appliance is enough for me if I don’t store much food. If I regularly buy frozen food, I’ll check the freezer capacity rather than just the total capacity. |
| Everyday use | The energy label, annual consumption in kWh and stated noise level; compare appliances that meet the same storage needs. | Noise matters too if the kitchen is close to the living area. ADEME recommends checking the energy label to help you make an informed choice. |
| Delivery and moving home | Access to upper floors, what the delivery service includes, installation and removal of your old appliance; and the model’s transport and restart instructions. | If I plan to take my fridge with me when I move, I need to be able to get it through the access points in my home. I’ll check separately which delivery services are available. |
An appliance might fit in the space you’ve measured but still not have enough room for the door to open or for the required ventilation.
Measure the fitted space, access points and door clearance, then compare them with the installation instructions for the exact model.
The cabinet door, fixings or unit may be part of the property’s fixtures. ANIL advises that altering rented premises or fixtures requires the landlord’s written consent.
Check your tenancy agreement and inventory before dismantling or drilling anything. If your plans involve alterations, ask for written consent.
Delivery services don’t necessarily include taking the appliance into the kitchen, fitting it into a unit, setting it up or removing your old appliance. Darty, for example, distinguishes between delivery and installation of a built-in appliance.
Confirm what service is available at your address for your type of appliance, and ask how to arrange removal if you need it.
A small fridge may suit your space constraints but not have the freezer compartment you need.
Think about how much food you usually keep chilled and frozen, then compare the compartment capacities of models that will fit in your kitchen.
These manufacturers offer examples of different formats and publish information to check for each model. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean that the models listed below are from these brands.
Bosch publishes useful advice on installation and moving home, which can help when considering a freestanding fridge for an existing kitchen.
Whirlpool features built-in models and compares them with freestanding options for kitchens that already have a fitted space.
Candy offers freestanding table-top models, among other options, which are worth considering when headroom is limited.
These freestanding fridge-freezers are worth comparing if you want to store fresh and frozen food without integrating the appliance into your kitchen units. Their capacities and dimensions vary, so check your available space and the instructions before choosing.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer combines refrigeration and freezing for kitchens where a built-in appliance isn’t wanted. The product title lists a 70/30 split, a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology. Check the depth, door clearance and required ventilation space before deciding where to put it.
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This freestanding model is worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer but have room for an appliance no taller than 150 cm, subject to the required installation clearances. The product title lists a 70/30 split, Low Frost, a reversible door, 39 dB and an E energy rating. Remember to measure the space needed with the door open, too.
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Its stated capacity of 360 L is worth considering if you store more fresh and frozen food, provided you’ve checked the available space and access points. The product title lists Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the manual for the dimensions, ventilation requirements and clearance needed to open all three doors.
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This 174 L freestanding fridge-freezer is worth comparing with other sizes if you want a freezer without integrating the appliance into your kitchen. The product title lists Low Frost and a reversible door. Check its full dimensions, door clearance, ventilation requirements and energy label to make sure it suits your space.
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Its stated capacity of 467 L is designed for substantial storage needs, provided your access points and kitchen have room for a four-door appliance. The product title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. The product information says the doors aren’t reversible, so check how they open and the ventilation clearances in your kitchen.
If your plans involve altering the rented property or its fixtures, ask for written consent before starting work. This is the rule ANIL advises for rented homes in France. If you’re placing a freestanding appliance without making any alterations, check the location and the fixtures listed in your tenancy agreement and inventory.
Check your tenancy agreement and inventory before replacing or removing it. The ADIL de la Moselle says that kitchen fixtures may be listed in the tenancy agreement. These documents can help you establish what’s included in the rental and discuss it with your landlord.
Compare the internal dimensions of the fitted space, ventilation requirements and door-fixing system with the instructions for the exact model. Also check which way the door opens and whether there’s enough access to position the appliance. Measuring the cabinet front alone isn’t enough.
In France, the FAQ from the ministries responsible for the ecological transition explains the “one-for-one” take-back scheme when you buy an appliance of the same type. When you place your order, check with the retailer how to hand over or arrange collection of your old fridge.
Follow your fridge’s instructions for transport and restarting it. Bosch recommends emptying and defrosting the appliance, securing any removable parts and transporting it upright where possible. Instructions on when to plug it back in depend on the model and how it was transported.