Households with an existing tall unit
Your kitchen has a dedicated housing and door front. Before choosing a fridge freezer, make sure the usable dimensions, door fixing and ventilation meet the model’s requirements.
Who is this option for?
Households that store lots of frozen food
Ready meals or bulk-bought food regularly fill your freezer. Check the capacity and layout of the freezer compartment rather than looking at the appliance’s total capacity alone. It’s also worth considering two separate appliances if your kitchen has room for them.
Households mindful of noise and everyday use
In an open-plan kitchen, you’ll also want to compare noise levels, annual energy consumption and the cooling system. ADEME recommends using the energy label to compare appliances; check each product listing for its features.
Which criteria should you compare?
If you already have a tall unit, first look at models that can be installed in it. If freezer capacity matters more than an integrated door front, consider the other two configurations as well.
Integrated fridge freezer
Consider this if: you need a single tall unit to house both the fridge and freezer behind a door front.
Bear in mind: the housing and door-fitting system limit which models will fit; you’ll need to check the freezer capacity separately.
Freestanding fridge freezer
Consider this if: you can make room outside the tall unit and are happy not to have an integrated door front.
Bear in mind: the appliance will be visible, and choosing a freestanding model does not automatically mean you’ll get a larger freezer.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: your kitchen design can accommodate a dedicated freezer as well as a fridge.
Bear in mind: each appliance needs its own space and, if integrated, a compatible installation.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility with the tall unit | Full housing dimensions and ventilation diagram; type of door-front fixing. | If my tall unit and door front are already in place, I need an appliance that fits without assuming every model listed at the same height will work. Around 42% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Freezer capacity | Capacity of the freezer compartment in litres, separate from the total capacity; drawer layout. | If I regularly store ready meals or bulk-bought food, I need enough freezer space, even if that means rethinking my kitchen layout. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Everyday use | Annual energy consumption in kWh and noise level shown on the label; cooling system if defrosting matters to you. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to take noise and energy consumption into account, while choosing a level of maintenance that suits me. These are the top considerations for around 16% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the stated height alone
Two appliances designed for tall units of a similar height may require different housing size ranges or door-front fixings. Electrolux and Liebherr product information, for example, describes both sliding-door and fixed-hinge fitting systems.
Compare the three usable dimensions of your housing and the door system with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
If the appliance is incompatible, you may need a different door front or modifications to the cabinet.
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Confusing total capacity with freezer capacity
The overall figure combines spaces intended for different uses. Electrolux lists a 70 L freezer compartment for its KNS3SE18S fridge freezer, while Liebherr gives a total capacity of 213 L for its dedicated SIFNdi 5188 integrated freezer. These appliances are suited to different installation plans.
Work out how much freezer space you need, then check whether the drawers and the space required for the model suit your kitchen.
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Overlooking ventilation for an integrated appliance
Electrolux states that an integrated fridge needs a ventilated housing, with an air intake at the bottom and an outlet at the top. So matching dimensions alone does not guarantee that it will fit.
Check the airflow route provided by the cabinet and follow the installation requirements for the specific model, making sure not to block its ventilation openings.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Integrated fridge freezers, freestanding models and dedicated freezers give you several configurations to consider.
- Product information for relevant models includes details such as dimensions, capacity and hinge type.
- Door-front fitting varies by model, so check that it’s compatible with your tall unit.
Electrolux
Integrated fridge freezers to consider if your kitchen has a fitted tall unit.
- Information for specific models distinguishes between compartment capacities and describes the installation requirements.
- Check the housing dimensions and door fitting for the model you choose.
Liebherr
Fridge freezers and integrated freezers to consider if a separate configuration is an option.
- Some product listings specify the housing size range and door-fitting method.
- Sliding-door and fixed-hinge systems are used on different models; don’t assume they’re interchangeable.
Whirlpool
Integrated fridge freezers to compare when the space available in your tall unit is a key consideration.
- Product listings for some models include dimensions, capacities and sliding-door fittings.
- Cooling features and installation requirements vary by exact model.
Models to suit your space
This selection includes freestanding options and one integrated model. Before considering the LG GBBS312CEV for a tall unit or a freestanding space, confirm how it needs to be installed. For all models, compare the freezer capacity with your needs.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1 multi-door fridge freezer, 495 L, black
Worth considering if you can make space for a freestanding appliance rather than keeping an integrated door front.
The stated total capacity is 495 L and the energy rating is E. Check the freezer capacity, overall dimensions and clearance required for your chosen spot.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG three-door fridge freezer, 360 L
This freestanding fridge freezer is worth considering if an integrated door front isn’t essential.
Its product title states a total capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity separately and make sure there’s enough clearance for installation.
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Bosch KGN497LDF, 440 L, grey
This freestanding model is suited to kitchens where a visible appliance can take the place of an integrated door-front design.
Its product title states a total capacity of 440 L and a D energy rating. Check the freezer capacity, as well as the dimensions and ventilation clearance required.
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LG GBBS312CEV, 333 L, black
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer, once you’ve confirmed that its installation type suits the space you have in mind.
Its product title states a total capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating. Confirm how it needs to be installed, then compare the freezer capacity with other models.
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AEG NSC6M18FES integrated fridge freezer, 249 L
This fridge freezer is suited to a tall-unit installation only if the housing, ventilation and door-front fixing meet its installation requirements.
Its product title states a total capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the freezer capacity before choosing it if you need to store a lot of frozen food.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying an integrated fridge freezer?
Measure the usable height, width and depth of the housing. Then compare them with the range specified for the model, taking the door fitting and ventilation into account too. A stated standard height of 178 cm isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
How can I tell if the freezer will be big enough?
Compare the capacity in litres of the freezer compartment, not just the total capacity, and look at the drawer layout. If the compartment doesn’t suit your storage habits, you could consider a separate freezer, provided you have enough room for it.
What should I compare on the energy label?
When comparing fridge freezers that fit your kitchen, check their energy rating, annual energy consumption and noise level. ADEME presents the energy label as a useful guide when choosing an appliance; check the model’s product information too for the capacity of each compartment.
Does a commercial warranty replace the statutory warranty in France?
No. For an appliance sold by a professional to a consumer in France, any commercial warranty is in addition to the statutory warranty of conformity, not a replacement for it. The French Consumer Code, as presented by Légifrance, states that the seller is responsible for conformity defects that appear within two years of the goods being delivered. Check the terms of any commercial warranty offered separately.