When choosing an integrated fridge, first check the internal dimensions of the cabinet space and how the cabinet door attaches: the same stated height does not guarantee a compatible fit. If you need a freezer in the same appliance, compare the capacity of each compartment, energy consumption, noise level and cooling technology across fridge freezers. If you already have a separate freezer, a larder fridge could give you the fresh-food storage space you need.
Which configuration is right for you?
Households replacing an appliance in an existing cabinet space
If you’re keeping your kitchen unit and cabinet door, measure the space and identify the door attachment system before comparing appliances. The available depth matters just as much as the height shown in the model name.
Households needing an integrated freezer
A fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food behind the kitchen cabinet door. Compare the capacity of each compartment separately, then check the noise level, energy consumption, defrosting requirements and stated storage time in the event of a power cut if these matter to you.
Households that already have a separate freezer
A single-door integrated fridge lets you use the appliance solely for storing fresh food. This configuration is best if your separate freezer has enough space for all your frozen food.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the kitchen unit and cabinet door requirements, then compare the compartments and everyday features of compatible models.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
| Cabinet space and door |
Measure the internal height, width and depth. Compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model, then check how the cabinet door attaches and which way it needs to open. |
I’m keeping my kitchen units and cabinet door: the appliance needs to fit without assuming that a reversible door or the same stated height will be enough. |
| Capacity |
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the drawer layout. Check whether you’re looking at a single-door fridge or a fridge freezer. |
If all my frozen food needs to fit in the same appliance, the total capacity won’t tell me how much space is set aside for it. If I have a separate freezer, I can prioritise the fridge compartment. |
| Energy consumption and noise |
According to the European Commission, the energy label shows details including the energy class, kWh/year, capacity and airborne noise emissions. Compare appliances with similar formats and capacities. |
In an open-plan kitchen, I also check the noise level in dB. The energy class alone doesn’t tell me the available capacity or the stated annual energy consumption. |
| Cooling technology and storage time |
Check the freezer compartment’s technology: LowFrost and No Frost don’t mean the same thing. If it matters to your choice, check the stated storage time in the event of a power cut. |
I want to know whether manual defrosting is still required and what storage time is stated for the freezer, rather than relying on the technology name alone. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Relying only on a height of “177 cm” or “178 cm”
The height of the appliance and the dimensions of the cabinet space are two different measurements. For example, the specifications for several Electrolux France models give a required cabinet space of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. This won’t apply to every kitchen unit.
Measure the internal height, width and depth of your cabinet space, then compare them with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
-
Assuming your existing cabinet door will fit
The type of connection between the appliance door and cabinet door determines how they’re fitted together. A reversible door on its own doesn’t confirm that the connection is compatible.
Identify the current attachment system, including whether it uses sliding rails, then check the new appliance’s instructions.
-
Choosing based on the energy class alone
Two appliances won’t necessarily offer the same fridge and freezer capacities. The European Commission says the label also provides information about energy consumption, capacity and noise.
Compare kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and dB levels between models that meet the same needs.
-
Thinking LowFrost means No Frost
Bosch describes LowFrost as a way to reduce frost build-up and how often you need to defrost manually. It doesn’t mean the freezer is No Frost.
If this distinction matters to you, check the technology specified for the freezer compartment on the exact model you’re considering.
A guide to the brands
These examples from French product ranges show configurations worth comparing. Compatibility always depends on the specific model and kitchen unit.
Electrolux
Electrolux France offers single-door integrated fridges and 177.2 cm fridge freezers, with specifications that include details such as capacity and energy consumption.
- According to Electrolux France’s specifications, the single-door ERD6DD18S has a capacity of 310 L, uses 91 kWh/year and produces 32 dB of noise. The ENV9GB18S fridge freezer has a capacity of 250 L, uses 125 kWh/year and has a No Frost freezer. They’re designed for different freezing needs.
- Check the cabinet space and cabinet-door attachment for each model. These figures alone aren’t enough to confirm that an appliance will fit an existing kitchen unit.
Bosch
The Bosch France range includes integrated fridge freezers, such as the KIV875SE0, which uses a sliding-door attachment system.
- Bosch Electroménager France’s specifications give the KIV875SE0 a fridge capacity of 200 L, a freezer capacity of 70 L and a noise level of 35 dB.
- Its sliding-rail system needs to be compatible with your cabinet door. Bosch describes LowFrost as reducing frost build-up, not as making the freezer No Frost.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool France offers, among other options, compact under-counter integrated models and fridge freezers.
- Whirlpool France’s specifications for the WHSS2131B4 give a required cabinet height of 88 cm, a total capacity of 110 L and a sliding-rail attachment system.
- A model designed for an 88 cm cabinet space won’t automatically replace an appliance made for a taller space. Also check that the freezer capacity meets your needs.
Integrated fridges on Joybuy
This selection includes two fridge freezers for keeping fresh and frozen food in one appliance, plus a single-door fridge for households with another way to store frozen food. Check the cabinet space and cabinet-door attachment for each model before choosing.
Image unavailable
SMEG S4C122E, 188 L integrated fridge freezer, energy class E
This fridge freezer combines a fridge and freezer compartment, with the freezer at the top. Check that the 56 × 122.5 × 55 cm cavity and rail-mounted fitting are right for your kitchen unit. The freezer needs to be defrosted manually.
View on Joybuy
Image unavailable
AEG NSC6M18FES, integrated TwinTech No Frost fridge freezer, energy class E
This fridge freezer is a good option for households looking to combine both compartments and wanting to check for a No Frost freezer. Confirm the capacity of each compartment, the cabinet-space dimensions and whether the sliding-door fitting works with your cabinet door.
View on Joybuy
Image unavailable
SMEG S4L120E, single-door integrated fridge, energy class E
This configuration prioritises fresh food if you have a separate freezer; it won’t meet your needs if you want to freeze food in the same appliance. Check the capacity, cabinet-space dimensions and cabinet-door attachment for this model.
View on Joybuy
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering an integrated fridge?
Measure the height, width and depth inside the cabinet space, then identify the cabinet-door attachment system. Some models shown by Electrolux France require a space measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm, but only the instructions for the exact model you choose will tell you whether it will fit your kitchen unit.
What can I compare on a fridge’s energy label?
According to the European Commission, the label for fridges and freezers shows details including the energy class from A to G, annual energy consumption, capacity and airborne noise emissions. Compare these details between appliances with configurations and capacities that suit the way you use them.
Do LowFrost and No Frost mean the same thing?
No. Bosch describes LowFrost as reducing frost build-up and how often you need to defrost manually. The Electrolux ENV9GB18S fridge freezer, meanwhile, is listed as having a No Frost freezer. Always check which compartment the technology applies to in the specifications for the model you’re considering.