Households that shop once a week
You need room to store fresh food for several days. The capacity you need depends on the number of people in your household and how much space your usual shop takes up.
Who is this option for?
People who regularly buy frozen food
Freezer capacity matters just as much as fridge capacity. Electrolux notes that the freezer compartments built into its fridges are generally smaller than those in fridge freezers.
Households with a small kitchen
The stated capacity isn’t the only thing to consider. You also need to be able to get the appliance into your home, open its doors and meet the ventilation requirements set out in the manual.
What should you look for?
When choosing a fridge for your weekly shop, work out separately how much room you need for fresh and frozen food before measuring the space available. A compact model limits how much you can store, while a fridge freezer or larger appliance will need more space, depending on the model.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge in litres. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | If I need fresh food to last until my next shop, enough storage becomes my priority; around 37% of shoppers put this need first. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres separately, along with its star rating. A small built-in compartment and the freezer section of a fridge freezer may not meet the same needs. | If I stock up on frozen food to last several days, a small freezer limits what I can buy; around 27% of shoppers put this need first. |
| Space needed | Measure the space where the appliance will go and the delivery route. Also check that the doors can open fully and allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual. | In a narrow kitchen or where access is difficult, I need to make sure I can install and use the appliance before looking for extra capacity; around 18% of shoppers prioritise this constraint. |
| Energy use, noise and maintenance | Check the energy rating, kWh/year and noise level, preferably against models of a similar size and capacity. Check the defrosting system if you want to avoid defrosting it by hand. | For an appliance that runs every day, I prioritise energy use, noise or maintenance over maximum capacity; around 18% of shoppers put these criteria first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Total capacity combines the fridge and freezer sections. It may look sufficient even when one compartment is too small for your shop.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and check how the storage space is divided.
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Ordering a large appliance without checking access
A multi-door model may have enough room for your household’s supplies but still not fit through a doorway, along a corridor or up a staircase. It also needs room for the doors to open and for ventilation.
Measure the route to your kitchen, then check the appliance dimensions, door clearance and installation guidance in the manual.
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Assuming a small compartment is the same as a large freezer
Electrolux says that an integrated freezer compartment is generally smaller than the freezer section in a fridge freezer. Its star rating alone won’t tell you how much frozen food you can store.
Work out how much freezer capacity you need for your shop, then check the litres and compartment specifications on the product page.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
Two appliances with very different capacities won’t meet the same storage needs. The energy rating alone doesn’t replace checking their annual energy consumption.
Compare kWh/year, noise levels and usable capacity across fridges of a similar size and capacity.
Fridge brands to consider
Bosch
The range includes fridge freezers and multi-door models to consider if you want separate fresh and frozen food compartments.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 405 L for the fridge and 200 L for the freezer in its KFN96AXEA multi-door model.
- This model measures 183 × 90,5 × 73,1 cm, so its capacity doesn’t mean you can skip measuring your kitchen and the access route.
Electrolux
Its ranges let you compare a fridge freezer with a fridge that has a more compact freezer compartment.
- Electrolux presents an integrated freezer compartment as an option for smaller kitchens and for freezing small quantities.
- If you regularly stock up on frozen food, check the model’s freezer capacity in litres rather than relying on the format name alone.
LG
The multi-door range includes high-capacity appliances to compare when your shop calls for more room for fresh and frozen food.
- LG offers multi-door models with a capacity of 646 L, among others; features vary by model.
- Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before choosing a model for its specific features.
Samsung
The range includes fridge freezers and wider formats, which you can compare to find the capacity you need.
- Samsung’s range lets you compare different ways of organising fresh and frozen food.
- On its range page, Samsung lists models over 600 L as wider than 90 cm. Always measure the specific model you choose.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge freezers that keep fresh and frozen food separate, as well as larger appliances to consider if your household needs more capacity. Compare their stated capacity with the space you actually have at home.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA, grey fridge freezer
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food separately after your shop. Stated total capacity: 390 L; energy class C. Check the clearances needed for installation.
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Bosch KGN497LDF, grey fridge freezer
A fridge freezer to consider for shopping that needs to last several days, with a separate freezer section. Stated total capacity: 440 L; energy class D. Measure access to your home and the space available.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, silver 4-door multi-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if your shop calls for a higher-capacity appliance and your kitchen can accommodate four doors. Stated total capacity: 467 L; energy class E; Total No Frost function indicated in the model name. Check the space needed for the doors to open and for ventilation.
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Indesit IT70 832 S, stainless steel fridge freezer
A fridge freezer to compare if your shop includes both fresh and frozen food. Stated total capacity: 437 L; energy class E. Bear in mind that the freezer needs defrosting by hand, and check that it can be brought through to your kitchen.
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LG GSXE90BSAD, stainless steel American-style fridge freezer
Worth considering if your storage needs justify a large appliance and you have space to install it. Stated total capacity: 628 L; energy class D. Check access and clearances, and make sure a water connection is available if you want to use the dispenser.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity do I need for a weekly shop?
Start with the usable capacity you need for fresh food, then adjust it to suit your household size and shopping habits. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person and around 50 L for each additional person. If you buy a lot of fresh food for the week, compare the internal layout of the models you’re considering too.
When should I choose a fridge freezer over a fridge with a small freezer compartment?
Consider a fridge freezer if frozen food makes up a large part of your shop. Electrolux says that an integrated freezer compartment is generally smaller. In every case, check the capacity in litres and the star rating of the specific model.
What should I check before ordering a fridge online?
Check the capacity of each compartment, the appliance dimensions and access route, ventilation requirements, energy label and noise level. ADEME states that the energy label for large household appliances must be displayed online as well as in store. Also compare annual energy consumption between models that offer similar storage capacity.
What should I do with my old fridge in France?
Find out about having it taken away or arranging a suitable collection for electrical and electronic equipment. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points and recycling centres, among other options. Before your new appliance is delivered, confirm with the retailer whether they offer take-back and disconnection services.