Who is this option for?

You’re keeping the housing and door panel

You’re replacing the fridge without refitting the cabinet. The built-in dimensions, door-panel fixing, door opening and ventilation matter more than the stated capacity.

Your household needs more room for frozen food

You want to keep a built-in appliance but need enough freezer space for your shopping, rather than choosing based on total capacity alone. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.

You can change the layout

Renovating gives you the option to alter the cabinet or do away with the integrated door panel if another format better suits your capacity needs. A freestanding model would no longer be a like-for-like replacement.

What should you check before buying?

If you’re keeping the door panel, start by checking the housing dimensions and door system. Then decide how much room you need for frozen food, or consider a different layout if capacity matters more than an integrated finish.

Built-in fridge freezer

Consider this if: you’re keeping the door panel and regularly use a separate freezer.

The trade-off: your existing housing limits the models you can choose from. Check the freezer capacity separately from the total capacity.

Single-door built-in fridge

Consider this if: refrigeration is more important and you already have a separate freezer, or a small freezer compartment will be enough.

The trade-off: don’t expect a small freezer compartment to replace a suitable freezer if you buy a lot of frozen food, as Que Choisir points out.

Freestanding fridge

Consider this only if: your renovation lets you change the layout and do away with the integrated door panel.

The trade-off: this option won’t fit inside the cabinet or line up with its door panel. Capacity will depend on the model and the space available.

What to check What to check before buying Who is this for?
Cabinet and door panel Measure the housing height, width and depth; check the door-panel fixing, opening and ventilation against the model’s instructions. I’m keeping my cabinet and want the new door to work with the existing panel. Around 46% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility.
Room for frozen food Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the type of compartment and its drawers. If I often buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not meet my needs. Freezer capacity would come first for around 36% of consumers.
Capacity and layout Work out whether the cabinet can be altered, then compare the dimensions and capacities of the options available. I can change the layout if gaining space matters more than keeping the door panel. Capacity and flexibility in the choice of format would be priorities for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Comparing only the external dimensions

    The appliance’s dimensions don’t replace the specified housing dimensions. A model may not fit inside the cabinet or may prevent you from fitting the door panel.

    Measure the cabinet in all three dimensions and compare them with the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.

  • Assuming any door panel can be refitted

    Sliding-door and fixed-door hinge systems use different fittings. The same housing height doesn’t mean the two systems are compatible.

    Identify the existing fixing system and check the new model’s instructions to see whether you can keep your door panel and cabinet. Ask a qualified professional to approve any changes to the cabinet.

  • Relying on total capacity alone

    Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.

    Check the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the layout of the compartment.

  • Leaving plans for your old appliance until delivery

    Removing a built-in fridge from its cabinet and arranging for it to be collected are both part of replacing it.

    In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition says retailers must offer to take back your old appliance when you buy a new one, whether in store or online. Agree the practical collection arrangements before delivery.

Brands to consider by model type

These ranges give you options to compare for housing dimensions, door fixings and capacity split. Always check the exact model number before choosing an appliance.

Electrolux

Built-in fridge freezers to consider if you want to keep an integrated door panel and need a separate freezer compartment.

  • Electrolux France’s product details for the KNS3SE18S specify a housing size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm, sliding-door fixing and 70 L of freezer capacity.
  • These specifications apply to the KNS3SE18S only; they don’t guarantee that another model will fit your cabinet.

Bosch

Single-door built-in fridges to consider if fresh food storage is the priority and freezing is less important.

  • Bosch Home Appliances France specifies an appliance height of 874 mm, 104 L of fridge capacity and an integrated freezer compartment for the KIL22NSE0.
  • Check the housing dimensions and installation system in the instructions for your chosen model; the appliance height alone isn’t enough.

Liebherr

A built-in range to consider if the way the door panel is fixed is a key factor.

  • Liebherr product details include models with sliding-door fittings and others with fixed-door hinges.
  • Don’t assume these systems are interchangeable without checking the door panel, cabinet and instructions for the model you’re considering.

Beko

Single-door built-in fridges and fridge freezers to consider, depending on how much fresh and frozen food space you need.

  • Beko France features models with sliding-door fittings and reversible doors.
  • A feature listed across a range doesn’t confirm that a particular model will fit your existing door panel.

A built-in model available from Joybuy

Consider this built-in fridge freezer if you want to keep an integrated appliance and have a freezer compartment. You’ll still need to check that it’s compatible with your cabinet and that it offers enough room for frozen food for your needs.

SMEG S4C122E built-in fridge freezer, 188 L

SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge freezer

Worth considering as a replacement for a built-in appliance, provided the housing and door-panel fittings are compatible with the installation instructions.

Single door, top-mounted freezer and energy rating E. Check separately how much freezer capacity your household needs; the total capacity of 188 L doesn’t tell you this on its own.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Can a fridge of the same height replace my built-in model?

Not on height alone. Compare the specified housing dimensions with your cabinet, then check the door-panel fixing, opening and ventilation in the instructions. For example, Electrolux France’s product details for the KNS3SE18S give a housing size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm; these dimensions don’t apply to every model.

Can I keep my door panel if I switch from sliding-door fittings to fixed-door hinges?

Don’t assume you’ll be able to keep the door panel: Liebherr’s product details distinguish between these two fitting systems. Check the compatibility of your door panel and cabinet in the instructions for the model you’re considering, and ask a qualified professional to approve any changes needed.

When should I choose a built-in fridge freezer instead of a single-door model?

Choose a built-in fridge freezer if you want to keep the integrated finish and need separate freezer space for your frozen food. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food, so compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately.

How should I arrange for my old fridge to be collected?

Agree the collection arrangements with the retailer before delivery, taking into account the need to remove the appliance from the cabinet. In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition says retailers must offer to take back your old appliance when you buy a new one, including for online purchases.

Can the energy label tell me if a fridge will fit my cabinet?

No. It gives information such as the energy rating and consumption, but it doesn’t replace the installation instructions. The European Commission says its QR code links to the EPREL database. For a built-in appliance, check the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation for the exact model.