A compact model may suit a studio flat if you shop frequently and don’t need much freezer space. If you want to keep fresh food and frozen goods for several days, compare the usable capacities of both compartments in a fridge freezer. A fridge with a single door is best if you buy few frozen foods or already have a separate freezer, while a multi-door model needs more room. Before choosing, measure the depth, access route and clearances specified in the manual.
Available space matters just as much as how much room you need between shops. UFC-Que Choisir recommends under-counter models for studio flats, among other options. Still, check that there’s enough room for fresh food and frozen goods.
You’ll need to allow separate space for fresh food and frozen goods. The appliance’s height or total capacity alone won’t tell you how that storage is divided.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise levels of the models you’re considering. The European Commission also notes that the energy label shows energy use and storage volumes.
First decide how much room you need for fresh and frozen food, then check which format fits the space you actually have.
Consider it: for a studio flat, if you shop frequently and freezer space is a lower priority.
Bear in mind: storage space is limited. Check what the model’s freezer compartment can actually hold.
Consider it: if most of your shopping is fresh food and you already have a separate freezer, or rarely buy frozen food.
Bear in mind: this option won’t provide enough freezer capacity if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider it: if you shop for several days at a time and buy both fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: some of the total capacity is taken up by the freezer, so compare the capacity in litres of each compartment.
Consider it: if your household needs lots of storage and your kitchen and access route are spacious enough.
Bear in mind: its size may rule it out for a small kitchen, even if its capacity suits your needs.
| Consideration | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | Measure the width, height and depth, check the doors can open fully, and measure the delivery route. Check the manual for ventilation clearances. | In a small kitchen, I first need to make sure I can get the appliance in and open its doors. Around 36% of consumers would make its size their top priority. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity in litres separately from the freezer, based on the number of people in your household and how often you shop. | If I want to keep fresh food for several days, I need enough space without having to shop more often. This would be the main requirement for around 29% of consumers. |
| Freezer space | Check the usable freezer capacity in litres and the type of compartment. Don’t assume you can tell its capacity from the total volume. | If I regularly buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment might not meet my needs. Around 21% of consumers would put freezer capacity first. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the stated noise level and annual energy use in kWh on the energy label, taking the capacities being compared into account. | In an open-plan living space, I pay attention to noise as well as the appliance’s energy use. This would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Different splits between fridge and freezer space suit different shopping habits. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly buy frozen food.
Note down how many litres you need for each use, then compare the compartments separately.
The depth, door opening and route through your home can prevent you from installing an appliance that otherwise fits the space you had in mind.
Measure doorways, corridors and any lift, too. Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the appliance and its packaging.
The European Commission says the energy label also provides information about energy use, storage volumes and noise emissions. The rating alone doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about using the appliance.
Compare the annual energy use in kWh and noise levels of models with storage capacities that suit your needs.
Installation requirements vary by model. The Bosch manual we consulted, for example, says not to block the external ventilation openings.
Check the manual for the exact fridge you’re considering before confirming its location and the required clearances.
These examples show different formats; their specifications don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The freestanding KGN33NWEB fridge freezer is an example of clearly stated storage capacities: Bosch France lists 193 L for the fridge and 89 L for the freezer, in an appliance measuring 1760 × 600 × 660 mm.
The WHMLF6442XP4 fridge with a single door prioritises fresh food storage. Whirlpool France lists a capacity of 365 L and a noise level of 35 dB for this model.
The RF50C530ES9/EF multi-door fridge freezer is a useful point of comparison for larger capacities: Samsung France lists 495 L and dimensions of 817 × 1776 × 715 mm.
These models are mostly fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, including a more compact option, as well as a multi-door model for households needing more space. Compare their internal layout and overall dimensions with your shopping needs.
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Worth considering if you shop for several days at a time and want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. The product title states a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment before choosing.
Also measure the delivery route and check the ventilation clearances in the model’s manual.
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Compare this model if your shop includes both fresh and frozen food, especially if energy use is an important consideration. The product title states a total capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating. Check the energy label for annual energy use and the separate compartment capacities.
Make sure its depth and ventilation requirements suit the space you have in mind.
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Consider this model if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food to last several days. The product title states a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check the separate capacities to see if they meet your needs.
Before choosing this format, measure the available width and depth, as well as the delivery route.
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Worth considering if you do a large shop and have room for a multi-door fridge freezer. The product title states a total capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check how much space is allocated to fresh and frozen food.
Before choosing this format, check the width, the route for moving the packaged appliance and the required clearances.
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Compare this model if you live in a small home but still need an integrated freezer compartment. The product title states a capacity of 174 L, a height of 150 cm, Low Frost technology, a four-star freezer, 39 dB and an E energy rating.
Check the usable capacity of each compartment, the annual energy use on the label and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests a usable capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check separately how much room you need for frozen food.
Not necessarily: UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. Compare the stated freezer capacity of a fridge freezer, or factor in a separate freezer if you already have one.
Compare the energy rating with the model’s annual energy use, storage capacities and noise level. The European Commission explains that this information appears on the labels for relevant fridges and freezers. Check it against the capacity you need.
Check the model’s installation instructions before deciding where to put it. Bosch’s guidance, for example, says not to block the external ventilation openings. Make sure you check the required clearances for the specific appliance.
Only if its dimensions and door opening leave enough room for you to use it comfortably. UFC-Que Choisir recommends larger models for spacious kitchens. Measure the delivery access route, too, before choosing a model.