Anyone replacing a built-in appliance
If you already have a housing unit, measure it and identify the door-fixing system before comparing capacities. Bosch Home Appliances France distinguishes between sliding and fixed-door mounting systems.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone fitting out a narrow kitchen
For a freestanding appliance, width isn’t the only consideration: its depth, the remaining walkway and the door swing all need to suit the space. Beko France lists a reversible door on some models, so check the specifications for the model you’re considering.
Households storing fresh and frozen food
If you need space for both, compare the capacity of each compartment rather than looking only at the total. The specifications from Bosch Home Appliances France and Beko France show how the split varies between models.
What should you check?
Compact freestanding fridge-freezer
Consider this if: there’s no housing unit you need to fit, and the appliance leaves enough room for the walkway and door to open.
Limitation: a narrow appliance isn’t necessarily shallow enough, or guaranteed to have a door that can open fully in your space.
Built-in fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you already have a housing unit and cupboard door, and they’re compatible with the model you choose.
Limitation: the appliance dimensions alone won’t confirm that the housing unit is the right size or that the fittings are compatible, as Bosch Home Appliances France points out.
Separate fridge and freezer
Consider this if: you have two suitable spaces and want to choose the fresh and frozen food capacities separately.
Limitation: the second appliance needs its own space and power supply. An under-counter fridge such as the Electrolux EXB3AE82R won’t replace a fridge-freezer on its own.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting and door opening | Measure the height, width and depth. Check the door swing and, for a built-in model, the housing unit, cupboard door and clearances specified in the installation instructions. | If the walkway is narrow or there’s already a housing unit, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without anything getting in the way. Around 50% of consumers would put this physical fit first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the capacity of each compartment and check how much space you’ll need if you choose two appliances. | If I regularly store fresh and frozen food, the total capacity doesn’t tell me how much I can fit in each compartment. Around 30% of consumers would make this balance their priority. |
| Noise and energy use | For comparable appliances, check the dB(A) rating, noise class and annual consumption in kWh on the energy label or in EPREL. | If my kitchen is close to the living area, I want to take the stated noise level into account while comparing energy use. Around 20% of consumers would make this their main concern. |
According to the European Commission, the energy label for the domestic fridges and freezers covered by the scheme includes information such as storage capacity, energy consumption and airborne acoustical noise emissions. The stated dB(A) level can help you compare models, but it can’t predict exactly how noisy an appliance will seem in your room.
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming the appliance dimensions are the same as the housing unit dimensions
A built-in appliance may look like it will fit based on its external dimensions, but still be incompatible with the available space or the unit’s fittings. Total capacity also doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food.
Compare the installation instructions with the measurements of your housing unit, then check the capacity of each compartment.
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Overlooking the cupboard-door fittings
For a built-in replacement, Bosch Home Appliances France distinguishes between sliding and fixed-door fittings. An existing cupboard door won’t automatically work with both systems.
Make a note of the current fitting system and check the instructions for your chosen model before ordering.
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Choosing a small fridge without making room for frozen food
A compact fridge may offer little freezer space, or you may need a separate freezer. Either way, you’ll need to consider how much room the appliances will take up in your kitchen.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately, and check where each appliance could go.
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Assuming the dB(A) rating reflects how noisy it will sound at home
Stated noise emissions give you a basis for comparison, but how loud an appliance seems also depends on the room and how it’s installed.
Compare the dB(A) ratings and noise classes of models with similar formats and capacities. If noise is a deciding factor, also look for reviews of the exact model you’re considering.
Brands to consider for these formats
Bosch
Bosch Home Appliances France offers built-in fridges with a freezer compartment, including the KIL42NSE0.
- The KIL42NSE0 is listed with 172 L of fridge capacity and a freezer compartment.
- For a replacement, Bosch recommends checking the housing unit dimensions and the type of cupboard-door fitting.
Beko
Beko France features narrow freestanding fridge-freezers as well as built-in models.
- The RCSA270K40SN is listed as 54 cm wide, with 175 L of fridge capacity and 87 L of freezer capacity.
- Although this model has a reversible door, you’ll still need to check how it opens in your space and confirm its full dimensions.
Liebherr
Liebherr France offers built-in appliances for housing units of various heights.
- The ICNSe 5103 specifications list a housing unit size of 177,2–178,8 × 56–57 × 55,0 cm and sliding door mounting.
- These measurements apply to this model only; they’re not suitable for every Liebherr built-in appliance.
Electrolux
Electrolux France features under-counter built-in fridges, which are worth considering if you can fit a separate freezer.
- The EXB3AE82R is listed as 81,9 cm tall, with 134 L of fridge capacity.
- If you need to store frozen food, check the space available for a separate freezer and its specifications.
Models available on Joybuy
These models cover two options for a small kitchen: a compact freestanding fridge-freezer or a built-in appliance. Before choosing a model, compare its dimensions and installation instructions with your space, then check the capacity of each compartment.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L freestanding fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want one freestanding appliance for both fresh and frozen food. The title lists a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Also check that there’s enough room for the door to open.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L freestanding fridge-freezer
A freestanding option if you’d like one appliance for both fresh and frozen food. The title lists a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Check the full dimensions and door swing to make sure it will fit your space.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L freestanding fridge-freezer
Worth comparing if width is a constraint and you need two compartments. The title lists a width of 54 cm, 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity and a reversible door. Also check the height and installation clearances.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge-freezer
Worth looking at if you have a built-in housing unit and want an integrated freezer compartment. The title lists a door and an energy rating of E. Before choosing, compare the housing unit, cupboard-door fitting and freezer capacity with your needs.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L built-in fridge-freezer
Worth comparing if your kitchen is designed for a built-in appliance with fresh and frozen food compartments. The title mentions No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the housing unit dimensions and door system required in the installation instructions.
Frequently asked questions
For a built-in appliance, should I measure the appliance or the housing unit?
Measure both, starting with the available housing unit. Bosch Home Appliances France also recommends checking the cupboard-door fitting. The installation instructions for your chosen model will help you make sure it suits your setup.
How can I compare the noise levels of two fridge-freezers?
Compare their stated noise emissions in dB(A) and their noise class, ideally for appliances with similar formats and capacities. According to the European Commission, this information appears on the energy label for the appliances covered by the scheme. On its own, it can’t predict how noisy an appliance will seem in a room.
Is a reversible door enough for a narrow kitchen?
No. It lets you change which way the door opens, if the model allows it, but doesn’t guarantee that the door will clear a wall or cupboard. Check the door swing and the instructions for your chosen model, even if it’s listed as having a reversible door.
What should I look for on the energy label?
Check the energy rating, annual consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions when comparing appliances that meet similar needs. The European Commission states that the energy label for the domestic fridges and freezers covered by the scheme has used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021.
Can I move a built-in appliance on my own?
Follow the instructions rather than assuming the appliance is easy to move. Electrolux Support France says that heavy appliances need two people to move them and advises unplugging the appliance before carrying out any work.