One person in a studio or small flat
If your kitchen has limited space and you shop frequently, compare the usable capacity with the space you’ve measured. Check separately how much room there is for frozen food if you buy it.
Which configuration is right for you?
A small household that keeps frozen food
If you want to store both fresh food and frozen supplies, check the capacity of each compartment, not just the total capacity listed.
A renter or first-time homeowner with a fitted kitchen
Check whether the kitchen unit requires a built-in appliance or can accommodate a freestanding model. Then measure the housing or space, the door clearance and the delivery route.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the space available and how much food you need to store. Then check the model’s features to make sure it’s the right choice.
Table-top
Consider it: for a studio or a space under a worktop, if its capacity suits your shopping habits.
The trade-off: its compact size limits the space available for food. Check the freezer compartment if you need one.
Single-door
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food and keep little frozen food.
The trade-off: don’t assume it has a freezer compartment that’s big enough for your needs; check its configuration.
Fridge freezer
Consider it: if a separate freezer compartment is something you regularly need.
The trade-off: check the overall dimensions, the space in each compartment and the route to your kitchen.
| What to consider | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge capacity with the number of people in your household and how often you shop. UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then around 50 litres for each additional person. | I do a big shop less often, so I need enough room to last until the next one. If I buy a little but shop frequently, I could consider a smaller capacity. |
| Space and access | Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check doors, hallways, stairs and lifts along the delivery route, as recommended by Darty. For a built-in model, also check the housing and fixing. | The fridge needs to fit through to my kitchen, fit in its space and have enough room for the door to open without catching on other units. |
| Freezing | Check whether it has a separate freezer and its usable capacity, rather than looking only at the total capacity. Check the configuration of a table-top or single-door model before relying on its freezer compartment. | I regularly keep frozen food in stock, so the space set aside for it matters as much as the space for fresh food. |
| Energy, noise and ventilation | Compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise level in dB(A) of appliances with a similar type and capacity. Follow the clearance requirements for the model: Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges. | In a studio or open-plan kitchen, I want to compare the stated noise level and energy consumption without overlooking the space needed for installation. |
What mistakes should you avoid before buying?
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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, hallway or stairwell. Darty also recommends measuring the lift if it’s part of the route.
Measure every point along the route and compare it with the appliance dimensions, as well as the packaged dimensions if available. Check with the retailer how far the delivery service covers and whether installation is included in the service you’ve chosen.
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Relying on a small freezer for all your frozen food
The presence of a freezer compartment alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for the frozen food you usually keep.
Think about how much frozen food you buy, then compare the type and usable capacity of the freezer compartments in the models you’re considering.
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Forgetting about ventilation or the built-in housing
A freestanding model needs the clearance specified for installation; a built-in model must fit the unit and its fixing system.
Follow the model’s instructions. As a guide for its freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind. For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions, fixing, door clearance and ventilation requirements for that specific model.
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Looking only at the energy rating letter
The letter doesn’t tell you whether the capacity, the split between compartments or the noise level will suit your home.
Compare appliances of a similar type and capacity, and check their stated annual energy consumption and noise level too. The energy label and the European EPREL database can help you look up details for a specific model.
A guide to the brands
The range below includes CHiQ models, a built-in SMEG option, a freestanding Comfee' by Midea model and a Heinrich´s model. Compare each appliance’s usable fridge and freezer capacity, installation type, dimensions, stated energy use and noise level. The brand name alone won’t tell you whether it’s right for your kitchen.
Fridge freezers available on Joybuy
These models combine refrigeration and freezing. Compare the space available for each use and check how each one is installed. The selection includes a built-in model, which needs compatible housing.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L Low Frost fridge freezer, black
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance that’s 54 cm wide.
The title lists a height of 176 cm and a 70/30 split. Also measure the depth, required clearance and delivery route before choosing this size.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L Low Frost fridge freezer, silver
The listed split lets you compare the space for fresh food and frozen food separately, which is useful for a small kitchen.
The title lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, a 4-star freezer rating and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and delivery access.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge freezer
Consider this model for a fitted kitchen only if the housing and fixing system are compatible.
The title lists a single door, a top-mounted freezer and an E energy rating. Before buying, confirm the housing dimensions, ventilation requirements and which way the door can open on this model.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L fridge freezer, black
This freestanding model may be worth considering if you’re looking for both fridge and freezer space in your first home.
The title lists Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat, LED lighting and a reversible door. Check its dimensions, installation clearances, annual energy consumption and stated noise level to see how it compares with your space and other models.
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Heinrich´s, 170 L fridge freezer, black
The listed capacity split can help you decide whether the freezer space suits your usual shopping habits.
The title lists 120 L for the fridge, 50 L for the freezer, 40 dB and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, delivery route and annual energy consumption before comparing this model with another.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity should one person allow for?
UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then allowing around 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check the freezer capacity separately.
Can a table-top fridge be enough for a first home?
Yes, if its usable capacity suits your shopping habits and its dimensions fit the space available. If you keep frozen food, check the type and capacity of its freezer compartment before choosing this compact style.
What should you measure before your fridge is delivered?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then check the whole route to the kitchen: doorways, hallways, stairs and lifts. Darty recommends these checks for large items. Also compare the packaged dimensions if available, and confirm the delivery arrangements with your chosen retailer.
How much space should you leave around a fridge for ventilation?
Follow the clearance requirements for the model and its installation type. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges. For a built-in model, check the ventilation requirements for the housing and appliance.
How do you use the energy label to compare two models?
First compare appliances of a similar type and capacity, then check their energy rating and stated annual consumption. The European energy label and EPREL database let you look up information for a specific model. Check usable capacity and noise level separately to decide whether it’s right for your home.