Households fitting out a new kitchen
If there’s already a housing unit and cabinet door planned, measure the inside of the space and check the hinges and ventilation clearances before choosing a capacity.
Who are these sizes best suited to?
Households that do a weekly shop
A fridge-freezer gives you separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment with what you usually store.
People living in a studio or with a small kitchen
An under-counter or compact fridge can free up room if you don’t need much storage space. Make sure its capacity will still be enough between shops.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the space and access routes, then compare storage capacity and the features of models that will actually fit.
| Criteria | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the height, width and depth. Check that the doors can open and that there’s the ventilation clearance specified in the instructions. For a built-in model, also check the housing, cabinet door and hinges. | “I want to fit the appliance into a cabinet” points to a compatible built-in model. If you don’t need to fit a cabinet door, a freestanding model gives you more configurations to consider. |
| Capacity and size | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, then around 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits. | If I don’t store much, an under-counter or compact model is worth considering. For regular frozen food storage, I’d look at fridge-freezers; for larger shops, I’d check whether I’d actually use a higher-capacity model. |
| Access and doors | Measure the route into the kitchen and the clearance needed to open the doors and pull out the drawers. Check these details against the dimensions of the model you’re considering. | In a narrow kitchen or where access is tricky, I wouldn’t choose a large model based on its advertised capacity alone. |
| Energy use and noise | The European energy label shows details including the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, capacity and noise level. Compare kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar type and capacity, rather than looking at the rating letter alone. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters as much to me as the space available. I’d also compare energy use with the capacity I actually need. |
| Maintenance | Check the cooling system and the defrosting instructions for the model. Read the documentation for maintenance advice and installation requirements. | If I want to cut down on manual defrosting, I’d compare the features listed without assuming that every compartment is maintained in the same way. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing a built-in model based only on its external dimensions
An appliance may fit inside the housing but still not be compatible with the cabinet door, its hinges or the ventilation openings.
Measure the inside of the cabinet for height, width and depth, identify the hinge type, then check these details against the installation diagram for the exact model.
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Choosing a large-capacity model before checking access
Storage capacity won’t tell you whether the appliance will fit through your home’s doorways or whether its doors will open far enough in your kitchen.
Measure the delivery route, the space where the appliance will go and the clearance needed for its doors to open. Then check the ventilation clearances in the instructions.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
The rating letter alone doesn’t show you the annual energy consumption or the capacity of each compartment.
On the energy label, compare the rating with the kWh/year, capacity in litres and noise level for appliances of a similar type and capacity.
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Assuming delivery, installation and removal are all included
Bringing the fridge into your home, putting it in place and taking away your old appliance are separate services.
Before ordering, confirm what’s included in delivery to your floor, installation and removal, as well as any access requirements for your home.
Which brands should you compare?
These brands offer models worth considering for different sizes and styles. Check the compatibility and features of each individual model.
Bosch
Bosch offers integrated fridges for fitted kitchens.
- Its buying guide explains the different cabinet-door fittings, including sliding and fixed hinges.
- If you’re replacing an appliance, compare the dimensions and hinge type with the instructions for the model you’re considering.
Liebherr
The Liebherr range includes built-in fridges in different housing heights and capacities.
- Housing dimensions and capacity can help you shortlist models to look into further.
- A matching housing height isn’t enough to confirm that the cabinet, ventilation and door are compatible.
Whirlpool
The Whirlpool range includes, among other options, single-door fridges and fridge-freezers, both built-in and freestanding.
- These formats let you compare different kitchen layouts and storage options.
- Check the dimensions, capacities and energy label for the specific model rather than assuming a feature applies to the whole brand.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes freestanding fridge-freezers, a built-in model and large-capacity appliances for your kitchen. Compare each configuration with your available space and shopping habits.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l silver fridge-freezer
This 54 cm-wide fridge-freezer is worth considering if space is limited and you want separate areas for fresh and frozen food. It has a listed capacity of 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer, with Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the installation clearances and the model’s annual energy consumption on the label.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 l four-door fridge-freezer
This large-capacity model is worth considering if your shopping needs plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists four doors, 467 l capacity, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Measure the route into your home, the space available and the clearance needed to open the doors before choosing it.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 l built-in fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer is designed for a kitchen with a space for a built-in appliance. The product title lists a 252 l capacity, No Frost, an Inverter compressor and a C energy rating. Before choosing it, compare the housing, ventilation clearances and cabinet-door fitting with the model’s installation diagram.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 l three-door fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you need more space for your regular shop. The product title lists a 360 l capacity, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions, clearances and door opening space against your kitchen layout.
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CHiQ JR525WSE, 525 l American-style fridge-freezer
This American-style model is worth considering for larger shops, provided you have enough space and suitable access routes. The product title lists 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer, No Frost, a noise level of 37 dB and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions and the specified clearances, then look at its annual energy consumption before comparing its capacity with other styles.
Frequently asked questions
What should you measure when choosing a built-in fridge?
Measure the internal height, width and depth of the housing, then check the ventilation clearances and that the door can open. If you want to keep an existing cabinet door, check its fitting system, including the hinge type, in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
How much space should you leave around a freestanding fridge for ventilation?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 5 cm at the sides and behind, and 10 cm above a freestanding model. Always follow the clearances specified in your appliance’s instructions. A built-in model has its own installation diagram and cabinet ventilation requirements to check.
What should you compare on the energy label?
Compare the energy rating with the annual consumption in kWh, the capacity of each compartment and the noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge energy labels. Comparing appliances of a similar type and capacity makes their listed energy consumption more meaningful.
How should you prepare for delivery and installation?
Measure doorways, access to upper floors and the space where the appliance will go, especially if you’re choosing a large model. Before ordering, check what’s included in delivery, installation and removal of your old appliance, as you shouldn’t assume these services are bundled together.