If you want to keep your existing kitchen doors, choose an integrated fridge only after checking the cabinet’s internal dimensions, the door-panel fixing and ventilation requirements against the model’s installation instructions. An integrated fridge freezer is the right choice if you need a separate freezer compartment; a freestanding appliance means giving up that integrated look and checking its own installation requirements.
You’re keeping the cabinet and its door panel. Measure the cabinet space and identify the door fixing before looking for a replacement: Bosch, for example, distinguishes between sliding-hinge and fixed-door systems.
An integrated fridge freezer lets you keep the built-in look while having separate fridge and freezer compartments. Compare the capacity of each compartment, then check the cabinet space and door-panel fitting for your chosen model.
A low cabinet space or under-counter position limits your options. Start by measuring the space and checking the required air gaps, then choose a capacity that suits your shopping habits.
First decide whether you need to keep the integrated door panel and how much room you need for frozen food. The dimensions and installation requirements will then help you choose between models in the same format.
Consider this if: you’re keeping the door panel and rarely or never store frozen food.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if included, offers less space than a separate freezer.
Consider this if: you want to keep matching kitchen doors while having a separate freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: a similar appliance height doesn’t guarantee that the cabinet space required will be the same or that the door fixing will be compatible.
Consider this if: an integrated door panel is no longer essential for your kitchen.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible, and you’ll need to check its clearances against its own installation instructions.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet space and ventilation | Compare the internal width, height and depth with the model’s installation plan. Check the air gaps and the space needed to open the door and remove the drawers. | I’m keeping my cabinet, so the appliance must fit, have adequate ventilation and be usable without obstructing neighbouring units. |
| Door-panel fixing | Identify whether you have a sliding-hinge or fixed-door system. Check the model’s instructions for the kit, installation method and requirements for your door panel. | My existing door panel must open properly with the new appliance. I shouldn’t assume that the two types of fixing are interchangeable. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, in litres. Consider how often you shop and how much space you really need for frozen food. | If I often store frozen food, a small freezer compartment won’t meet my needs in the same way as a separate freezer. |
| Everyday use and energy consumption | Check the defrosting technology for the relevant compartment, the energy rating, kWh/year and noise level of the exact model. Compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. | I’d rather know about freezer maintenance and everyday features before choosing between two models that fit my kitchen. |
External dimensions alone don’t tell you whether a new fridge will fit the cabinet. Que Choisir recommends measuring the internal dimensions, and the specified cabinet space varies from model to model.
Measure the cabinet’s width, height and depth, then compare them with the new appliance’s installation plan. Don’t forget the ventilation requirements.
With a sliding-hinge system, the door panel and appliance door are connected by a sliding mechanism. With a fixed-door system, the panel is attached directly to the appliance door. Bosch explains that installation requirements vary by model.
Identify the system you have and check the instructions for the fridge you’re considering. Get any changes to the door panel approved before starting work.
According to Whirlpool France, the Whirlpool ARG 7342 FR has 171 L of fridge capacity and 18 L of freezer capacity. Its total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food.
Compare the two compartments separately, based on what you store and how often you shop.
An old fridge should be taken to an appropriate collection point for electrical equipment, as explained by the French ministries responsible for the ecological transition.
Before delivery, ask the retailer what take-back options are available and make sure there’s clear access to the appliance that needs removing.
These range examples can help you compare formats and fittings. Always check the documentation for the specific model to confirm compatibility.
Bosch offers integrated fridges and fridge freezers, as well as guidance on sliding-hinge and fixed-door systems.
Electrolux France offers an under-counter integrated model as well as taller fridge freezers, making cabinet height a useful first check.
The Siemens range includes integrated fridge freezers with sliding hinges, worth considering if your kitchen already uses this type of fixing.
Whirlpool offers an integrated fridge with a small freezer compartment. If you store a lot of frozen food, compare it with a fridge freezer.
These models are designed to sit behind an integrated door panel. Three combine fridge and freezer compartments, while the SMEG S4L120E is listed as a single-door fridge. Check the installation dimensions and door-panel fixing for your kitchen before choosing.
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A way to keep an integrated door panel while having two compartments. The product title lists No Frost, energy rating C and an Inverter compressor. Before buying, check the cabinet dimensions, ventilation and whether the door panel is compatible with the fixed-door system.
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Worth considering if you want a separate freezer compartment behind your kitchen door panel. The product title lists TwinTech No Frost and energy rating E. Check the exact capacity, as the stated total and individual compartment capacities don’t match, then check the cabinet space, ventilation and sliding-hinge fitting.
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Consider this for a low cabinet space if a small freezer compartment is enough for you. The product title lists energy rating E; the freezer compartment is stated as 14 L and requires manual defrosting. Check the air gaps and that the runners are compatible with your door panel; the furniture door is not included.
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A way to keep an integrated door panel if you need fridge space rather than a separate freezer. The product title lists energy rating E, but the capacity needs confirming: it states 188 L, while the description gives 208 L. Also check the cabinet space, ventilation and door-panel fixing.
Measure the cabinet’s internal width, height and depth. Compare them with the installation plan for the exact model, then check the air gaps, which way the door opens and the space needed to open it and remove the drawers. Que Choisir recommends using the internal dimensions rather than judging by the appearance of your old appliance.
No, don’t assume it will be compatible. Bosch distinguishes between sliding-hinge and fixed-door systems. Identify your current system, then check the new model’s instructions for the door-panel fixing and installation requirements.
No. Bosch lists No Frost on the KIN86SFE0 as meaning there’s no need for manual defrosting, while Siemens describes LowFrost on the KI86VNSE0 as reducing ice build-up. Check which technology applies to the model and compartment you’re considering.