Someone living in a studio flat without frozen-food storage
If your kitchen is narrow or open-plan, check that a compact appliance has enough room for your fresh food, fits the space available and is quiet enough for you.
Who are these formats for?
Households that shop weekly
If you need to store several days’ worth of fresh food as well as frozen food, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, while also considering how much space the appliance will take up in your kitchen.
People with a fitted kitchen and an appliance space
When replacing an integrated appliance, check that the new model is compatible with the internal dimensions of the cabinet space, the door fixing and the ventilation requirements before comparing its capacity.
Which features should you compare?
First rule out any appliances that can’t be installed, then work out how much space you need for fresh food and, separately, for frozen food. Noise levels and the energy label can then help you choose between models that meet your needs.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route and door clearance. For an integrated model, also check the cabinet space, door fixing and clearances specified in the manual. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in and install it without blocking a door or ventilation. Around 36% of consumers put these installation constraints first. |
| Fridge capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge compartment alone. Que Choisir suggests an average guide of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits. | If I shop less frequently, I need enough space to keep fresh food until my next shop. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there is a freezer and its separate usable capacity. A large total capacity on its own doesn’t tell you how much space there is for frozen food. | If I regularly store frozen food between shops, an appliance without a suitable freezer compartment won’t meet my needs. Around 21% of consumers put freezer space first. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A), then check the energy class and annual consumption in kWh on the energy label for the models you’re considering. | In a living area, I pay attention to noise. I also want to compare the energy use of appliances that fit my kitchen. For around 14% of consumers, this everyday comfort is the main consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Looking only at the total capacity
An under-counter fridge may have enough room for fresh food but no freezer. On the other hand, households that shop less frequently may find there isn’t enough room for frozen food, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately, based on the food you usually store.
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Measuring only the available width
The depth, door clearance or delivery route could prevent installation. Ventilation requirements also depend on the appliance and how it is fitted.
Measure everything and check the manual before ordering. Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of ventilation space behind and beneath the fridge in its installation advice; always follow the requirements for the model you choose.
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Assuming all integrated models are interchangeable
Appliances of a similar height may need different cabinet spaces or door-fixing systems. The height of the door panel alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
Measure the inside of the cabinet space, identify the existing door-fitting system and check these details against the new appliance’s manual.
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Choosing a feature before the right format
Frost-free cooling or a particular energy class can’t make up for a lack of food storage space or an appliance that can’t be installed.
First shortlist models that fit the available space and offer the capacity you need. Then compare their cooling systems, noise levels and energy label details.
Brands to consider by model
These ranges include useful formats to compare, but you should check capacity and installation requirements for the specific model, not assume they apply across a whole brand.
Bosch
Bosch offers under-counter fridges, freestanding fridge freezers and integrated fridge freezers.
- According to Bosch Electroménager France’s product specifications, the KTR15NWEB has 134 l of fridge space and no freezer, while the KGN392XCF has 260 l of fridge space and 103 l of freezer space.
- These capacities apply to these models only. For an integrated model such as the KIV875SE0, also check the cabinet space and sliding hinges.
Liebherr
Liebherr offers fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment, worth considering if frozen food is an important part of your decision.
- Liebherr’s product specifications for the CNsfd 5704 state a total capacity of 359 l and a noise level of 35 dB.
- Its dimensions of 201.5 × 59.7 × 67.5 cm need to be checked against the available space and delivery route.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers both freestanding and integrated fridge freezers. Make sure you know which type you need before comparing their capacities.
- Whirlpool France’s product specifications state that the freestanding WFNF82EOXFR has 223 l of fridge space and 97 l of freezer space, compared with 182 l and 68 l respectively for the integrated WHC18T132FR.
- For an integrated model, check the cabinet dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements.
Beko
Beko lists fridge freezers with fan-assisted cooling, a feature to consider once you’ve worked out the format and capacity you need.
- The Beko France catalogue lets you find fridge freezer models listed with fan-assisted cooling.
- Check the separate capacities, dimensions, noise levels and energy use for each model rather than assuming these details from its cooling system.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
These models include freestanding fridge freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, including one format worth considering for a small kitchen, as well as integrated models designed for a compatible cabinet space. Compare their capacities and installation requirements before choosing.
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Samsung RL38C602CSA, 390 l grey fridge freezer
Worth considering if you shop less frequently and also want to store frozen food. It has a stated energy class of C. At 203 cm tall, check the available space, delivery route and clearances specified in the manual.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 l integrated fridge freezer
For a fitted kitchen, consider this model only if it’s compatible with your cabinet space and door fixing. It is listed with No Frost and an energy class of C. Check the internal dimensions and ventilation requirements before buying.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 l black fridge freezer
Consider this freestanding fridge freezer if you need space for both fresh and frozen food. It has an energy class of E. At 185.3 cm tall and 65.8 cm deep, it’s important to check the available space, delivery route and clearances specified in the manual.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 l white fridge freezer
Worth considering for a small kitchen if you also want a freezer, provided its capacity suits how much frozen food you buy. The model name lists a height of 150 cm, a noise level of 39 dB, Low Frost and an energy class of E. Also compare its annual energy consumption on the label.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 l integrated fridge freezer
If you’re replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, first check the cabinet space and sliding door-fitting system. This white model is listed with TwinTech No Frost and an energy class of E. Check the manual for ventilation clearances too.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person or a couple look for?
Que Choisir suggests an average guide of 100 to 150 l of usable fridge space for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop. If you store frozen food, compare the freezer capacity separately.
Is an under-counter fridge suitable for a studio flat?
Yes, if it has enough capacity for your fresh food and you don’t need a freezer. For example, Bosch states that the KTR15NWEB has 134 l of fridge space and no freezer compartment. Also measure the space and check the ventilation requirements for your chosen model.
Can you replace an integrated model with any other integrated fridge freezer?
No. The new fridge freezer must be compatible with the cabinet space, door-fitting system and installation requirements. For example, Bosch’s product specifications for the KIV875SE0 state that it has sliding hinges and measures 1,772 × 541 × 548 mm. These dimensions alone don’t confirm that it will fit your kitchen unit.
How can you use the energy label to choose between two models?
Compare their energy classes and annual consumption in kWh once you’ve confirmed that their capacities and features suit your needs. ADEME describes the energy label as a useful guide when choosing an appliance, but it doesn’t replace checking the dimensions, noise level and compartments.