For an open-plan kitchen, first choose a capacity that suits your shopping habits and a size that fits the space, then consider the noise: the stated dB(A) level alone won’t tell you what you’ll hear in your living area. A fridge-freezer gives you space for both chilled and frozen food, while a single-door or compact fridge may suit a smaller space. Whether you choose a built-in or freestanding model, the installation requirements for that specific appliance are key.
If your kitchen opens onto the living room or dining area, the noise from the fridge’s cycles matters just as much as the figure on the energy label. UFC-Que Choisir advises against relying on decibel ratings alone. Listening tests or reviews that describe the sounds and vibrations in detail can help you build a fuller picture.
If you shop less often and buy frozen food, compare the space available in each compartment of a fridge-freezer. The usable capacity should suit your household’s needs, not just the space the appliance can occupy.
A housing unit, corner or neighbouring cabinet may restrict the size of the appliance and how far its door can open. Measure the space and check the ventilation and installation requirements in the manual before choosing between a built-in and a freestanding model.
Start with your storage habits and kitchen measurements, then compare the stated noise level with information about what the model you’re considering sounds like in use.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived noise | Compare the stated dB(A) levels, then look for assessments of the appliance’s cycles and any unpleasant sounds. UFC-Que Choisir takes these sounds into account in its testing; the decibel rating alone doesn’t tell the whole story. | I want to use the living room without being disturbed by the fridge’s cycles. Detailed reviews of the exact model will be more helpful than a promise that it’s quiet. |
| Capacity and format | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments with how often you shop. As a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. | Do I buy enough frozen food to need a fridge-freezer? If space is the priority and I don’t freeze much, a single-door or compact fridge is also worth considering. |
| Installation | Measure the cabinet or space, check the door clearance and make sure you can access the drawers. For a built-in model, also check the door-fixing system and ventilation. Whatever the format, follow the clearance requirements in the manual. | I need to be able to open the door and pull out the drawers without hitting a cabinet. If I choose a built-in model, the housing must fit the exact appliance, not just its apparent height. |
| Heat and everyday use | Check where the oven, hob and other heat sources are before deciding where to put the fridge. Read the manual for the model’s installation requirements and keep its ventilation openings clear. | Will the appliance be close to a heat source in my kitchen? I also want to be able to open the door easily when putting away shopping or using the drawers. |
Two appliances with similar ratings can make sounds that seem quite different in a living area. Customer reviews of the same model can also vary.
Use the stated figure as a first filter, then look for an independent listening test or reviews describing the cycles, vibrations and installation conditions, as UFC-Que Choisir recommends.
If the door can’t open far enough, you may not be able to remove the drawers. An unsuitable housing unit or blocked ventilation can also make it harder to install a built-in model.
Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the door clearance. For a built-in model, also check the cabinet against the installation diagram and the ventilation instructions for the exact appliance.
A compact model may not have enough room for fresh or frozen food if your household does a big shop less often.
Work out how much fridge and freezer space you need separately. The capacity guide from UFC-Que Choisir is a starting point to adjust based on the number of people in your household and your eating habits.
Replacing your fridge also means arranging for the old one to be collected through an appropriate electrical and electronic equipment recycling scheme.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a retailer, or donating it to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Check the practical arrangements with the service you choose.
These examples relate to specific models or manuals; they are not representative of every appliance made by each brand.
The RB34C602ESA fridge-freezer is one option to consider if you need space for both fresh and frozen food.
The manuals for the KGN series include useful checks when preparing the space for a fridge-freezer covered by these instructions.
The KNS3SE18S built-in fridge is an example of the measurements to compare with your kitchen cabinet plans.
This selection includes freestanding fridge-freezers, a built-in fridge-freezer and a large side-by-side model. Compare their capacities with your shopping needs, then check the space available and how noisy the model you’re interested in sounds.
Image unavailable
Consider this fridge-freezer if your shopping needs call for separate fridge and freezer compartments. It has a stated total capacity of 344 L and an E energy rating. Before choosing it for an open-plan kitchen, also check reviews about noise and the model’s installation requirements.
Image unavailable
This freestanding fridge-freezer is suited to a space that can accommodate a 330 L appliance. Its product description lists No Frost technology and a stated noise level of 35 dB. That figure alone doesn’t tell you how the cycles or vibrations will sound in your living room.
Image unavailable
This model could suit a kitchen project with a compatible cabinet and a need for both fridge and freezer space. Its product description lists a 252 L capacity, No Frost technology and a C energy rating. Before buying, check the manual for the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements.
Image unavailable
If your household stores plenty of fresh and frozen food, compare the stated capacities of 333 L and 192 L with your shopping habits. The product description lists a 37 dB noise level and No Frost technology. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and reviews of how it sounds before choosing this large model.
Image unavailable
This 390 L fridge-freezer is worth comparing with the needs of a household that stores fresh and frozen food after shopping. Its product description lists an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the manual, along with reviews about noise from this specific model.
No. UFC-Que Choisir uses this stated level as a guide, but points out that perceived noise isn’t just about decibels. Its tests also assess the sounds made during the appliance’s cycles. If possible, look for a listening test and reviews describing how the model sounds in a living area.
Follow the manual for the exact model when installing it. As a general guide, UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 5 cm on each side and behind the appliance, and 10 cm above it. Don’t use these figures as a substitute for the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid positioning it close to a heat source if your kitchen layout allows. UFC-Que Choisir advises against placing a fridge near a heat source, and a Bosch KGN series manual says to keep it as far away as possible. Check the requirements for your specific model before deciding where to put it.
Measure the cabinet and check the ventilation, door fixing and clearance needed to access the drawers. For example, Electrolux France lists the housing dimensions for the KNS3SE18S as 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. Check the manual for your chosen model to confirm that it will fit your cabinet.
Take it to a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists options including a collection point or recycling centre, returning it to a retailer, or handing it over to a social and solidarity economy organisation. Check the arrangements at your chosen location.