In a shared house, first work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that everyone can easily access their own storage. A fridge-freezer combines both functions in one appliance; a multi-door model offers more shared storage, as long as it can be delivered to the kitchen and installed in line with its instructions. If you only need more freezer space, a separate freezer can complement your existing fridge, but it will need a second space.
If you share some food but buy other items individually, consider how the shelves, drawers and door storage can be divided up. A fridge-freezer is worth considering if its fridge and freezer capacities suit your shopping habits.
When several people's shopping, meals and drinks need to fit in the same appliance, look at the capacity of each compartment and how easy it is to access different areas. Before choosing a large model, measure its delivery route as well as the space where it will go.
If batch-cooked meals or frozen food are already filling the freezer, a separate appliance can provide extra space. You’ll still need a fridge for fresh food, though, and a suitable second spot for the freezer.
The right type of appliance mainly depends on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, and what your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate.
Consider it if: you need fresh and frozen storage in one appliance and don’t need a particularly large freezer.
Trade-off: even a good overall capacity can hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for everyone’s shopping.
Consider it if: several people regularly store large amounts of shopping and want separate, easy-to-access areas.
Trade-off: its size can make delivery and installation more complicated. Depending on the model, some features may also need a water connection.
Consider it if: your fridge already has enough room for fresh food, but you need more freezer space.
Trade-off: you’ll need a second space for it, and it will add to your energy use.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Compare fridge and freezer capacity separately, in litres. Check the number and layout of the shelves, drawers and door storage. If a compartment is convertible, check which settings are available on that model. | We shop together, so I want clearly identifiable space for fresh food, meals and frozen food, rather than relying on the total capacity alone. |
| Access and installation | Measure the appliance, its packaging, the space where it will go and the route to the kitchen. Check that the doors can open fully, allow for the recommended ventilation and confirm whether any connections are needed. | The kitchen or access route is narrow, so I need to know whether the appliance can be delivered, installed and opened without unexpected alterations. |
| Energy use | For appliances with a similar configuration, check the energy label and the stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year. Also take the capacity of each compartment into account. | We’ll all be using this appliance, so I want to compare its stated energy consumption with that of models offering the same kind of storage. |
| Noise | Check the model’s stated noise level in dB(A) and its airborne acoustical noise emission class, rather than guessing how noisy it will be from its size or energy efficiency class. | If the kitchen opens onto a living area, the stated noise level matters as much to me as the internal layout. |
A large total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space there is for fresh or frozen food. A separate freezer, for example, doesn’t add any fridge space.
Work out how much space you need in each compartment, then check which areas can be allocated to different housemates.
Samsung specifically advises checking whether its RF65DG960ESL multi-door fridge can fit through the route while still packaged. Doorways, corners, stairs and lifts can all affect whether delivery is possible.
Measure the entire route before ordering, and let the seller or delivery company know about any access restrictions.
Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance, keeping it away from heat sources and maintaining the specified ambient temperature range.
Check the instructions for your chosen model to find out how much clearance it needs and whether your chosen spot is suitable.
The Bosch KBN96SFE0 is an integrated fridge-freezer to consider if your kitchen has a compatible housing unit. Bosch lists a 285 L fridge, a 98 L freezer and appliance dimensions of 1 935 × 708 × 548 mm.
The Samsung RF65DG960ESL is a freestanding multi-door fridge with a capacity of 646 L. Samsung lists it as 912 mm wide, 1 830 mm high and 723 mm deep.
The Whirlpool WHMFF6312W5E is a freestanding upright freezer with a capacity of 286 L. It can complement a fridge, but it won’t store fresh food in its place.
These Joybuy options include a fridge-freezer that combines fresh and frozen storage in one appliance, plus two four-door models to consider if you need more space for shared shopping. For each one, compare the stated capacity with the space you actually have and the route to your kitchen.
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Worth considering if several housemates need a four-door appliance for their shared shopping. The model name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy efficiency class of E. Before choosing it, check the capacity of each compartment, the route for the packaged appliance and the ventilation requirements.
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This fridge-freezer could suit a narrow space and shared shopping that fits within its 262 L capacity. The model name lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and a Low Frost freezer. Also check the space needed to open the doors and the installation instructions.
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Its four doors could make it easier to organise access to food in a shared kitchen. The model name lists a capacity of 474 L, an energy efficiency class of E, a Vario Box compartment and a three-temperature crisper drawer. Check the separate fridge and freezer capacities, as well as whether it will fit through the delivery route.
Measure the space where it will go and the entire delivery route, including doorways, corridors, stairs and lifts. Samsung recommends checking that the packaged RF65DG960ESL can fit through. You should also tell the seller or delivery company about any access difficulties.
No. Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance and keeping it within its specified ambient temperature range. The clearances you need will depend on how it is installed.
For appliances with a similar configuration, compare their stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise levels in dB(A), as well as their displayed classes. ADEME describes the energy label as a useful guide when choosing an appliance. A class letter alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it is or how much space is available for each use.