For a small kitchen, first choose a fridge that allows the door to open and meets the manufacturer's installation requirements. A table-top or single-door model may suit you if you mainly store fresh food. If your weekly shop regularly includes frozen food, look instead at the separate freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer. Then compare the compartment capacities and stated energy consumption in kWh/year across appliances of a similar size and capacity.
If you have limited height and mainly use the fridge compartment for food, compare a table-top fridge with a single-door model. Check the capacity of each rather than estimating it from the external dimensions.
If your shopping regularly includes frozen food, a fridge-freezer lets you compare the space set aside for fresh and frozen food separately. Its full dimensions must also fit the space available.
To replace an integrated appliance, measure the housing unit and check the door-panel fixing, ventilation and door opening requirements in the manual for the model you're considering.
Consider it: if height is limited and you store few frozen foods.
Keep in mind: its compact height doesn't guarantee enough room for a week's shopping or a suitable freezer compartment.
Consider it: if you prioritise fridge capacity and have more height available than for a table-top model.
Keep in mind: if you buy frozen food every week, check the type and capacity of any freezer compartment.
Consider it: if your weekly shop regularly includes both fresh and frozen food.
Keep in mind: its height, depth and door opening must all work in your kitchen.
Consider it: if an existing housing unit and kitchen door panel mean you need this type of installation.
Keep in mind: the housing unit, fixings and specified ventilation must all be suitable for the exact model.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the height, width and depth. Check the door opening and clearances specified in the manual. For an integrated model, also check the housing unit and fixings. | I want to be able to open the door without blocking the walkway or getting in the way of nearby furniture. |
| Fridge capacity | Check the capacity of the fridge compartment, then look at the internal layout to make sure it suits your containers. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. | My fresh food and meals need to fit between shops, and I don't want to choose capacity based on appearance alone. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer compartment's capacity separately from the total capacity. Check its stated specifications if you regularly store frozen food. | I do a weekly shop that includes frozen food, so I need to know how much space is actually set aside for it. |
| Electricity use | Compare the stated kWh/year for appliances of a similar type and capacity, taking their capacities into account. The European Commission gives an energy label scale from A to G; ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously. | I want to assess energy use alongside the capacity I need, rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone. |
| Everyday use | Check which way the door opens, whether it can be reversed on the specific model, and its stated noise level in dB. | In a narrow or open-plan kitchen, access to storage and noise matter once the appliance is installed. |
An appliance may fit in the space but still prevent the door from opening or fail to meet the specified clearance requirements.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check the door swing and the installation instructions for the exact model.
Two fridges with a similar total capacity may divide their space differently between the fridge and freezer compartments.
Compare the separate capacities with what you usually store between shops.
The rating letter doesn't replace the stated annual energy use or a check of the compartments' capacities. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously.
Check the kWh/year and compare appliances of a similar type and capacity.
Dimensions and fixing methods vary by model: a 88 cm housing unit won't fit an appliance that's 177.2 cm tall.
Before choosing, compare the housing unit measurements, door panel and opening side with the installation instructions.
These two models let you compare a table-top fridge with a single-door model without confusing height and capacity.
The freestanding KGN33NWEB fridge-freezer is a useful example of how space is divided between the fridge and freezer.
The integrated range shows why it's important to start with the size of the housing unit and the capacity you need.
The KRF6DD18S1 is another useful point of comparison when looking at a tall integrated fridge.
These fridge-freezers are worth considering if your weekly shop includes fresh and frozen food. Compare the space in each compartment with your needs, then check the installation dimensions and energy label for the model you choose.
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Worth considering if you're looking for a 54 cm-wide fridge-freezer for your weekly shop. The model name indicates a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Check the capacity of each compartment, the depth and the required clearances before choosing.
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Its total capacity of 174 L is worth comparing with the amount of fresh and frozen food you store between shops. This freestanding model features Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat and a reversible door. Check its dimensions, door opening and kWh/year on the energy label.
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Its total capacity of 316 L may suit a household that stores more of its weekly shop; check how much of that space is in the freezer. The model is listed with Double No Frost and a D energy rating. Check its full dimensions, door opening and kWh/year to assess whether it will fit your kitchen and how much energy it uses.
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Its listed width of 54 cm may catch your eye if your kitchen is narrow, but that alone doesn't confirm it'll fit. The model has 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity, plus Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth, clearances and kWh/year before comparing it with other appliances.
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This fridge-freezer has 120 L for fresh food and 50 L for frozen food, so compare this split with your weekly shop. Its name indicates an E energy rating and a stated noise level of 40 dB. Check its dimensions, clearances and kWh/year before deciding whether it will suit your kitchen.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then check how much room you'll need to open the door and access the storage. Check the clearances and ventilation requirements in the manual for the exact model. For an integrated appliance, also check the housing unit dimensions and door-panel fixings.
Check their stated annual energy use in kWh and compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. The European Commission gives an energy label scale from A to G. The letter alone tells you neither how much storage is available nor how much energy the models you're considering use in comparison with each other.
Not necessarily if you regularly store a lot of frozen food: Que Choisir distinguishes this need from what a simple freezer compartment can accommodate. Check the capacity and specifications of the model's freezer compartment separately from its total capacity.
Only if the model has a reversible door. Check whether it's reversible and how to do this in the product information and manual, then make sure the door will open far enough on the side you choose.