Which format is right for you?

Households that do a weekly shop

If you plan several meals in advance, check that you’ll have room for both fresh and frozen food after your shop. Que Choisir specifically includes a full weekly shop in its fridge-freezer testing process.

Households with a small kitchen

Capacity isn’t the only factor when choosing an appliance: you’ll also need to measure the space, the route to the kitchen and the clearance needed to open the doors. For an integrated model, the niche dimensions and ventilation requirements are crucial.

Households storing large dishes and frozen food

A multi-door model is worth considering if its compartments suit your shopping habits and it fits your kitchen. Also check the delivery route and the chosen model’s energy consumption information.

What should you look for?

First decide whether your meals call for a proper freezer compartment, then compare the space you need for fresh food with what’s available in your kitchen.

Single-door fridge

Consider this if: your shopping is mostly fresh food and frozen items take up little room in your meal plans.

Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if included, won’t replace the separate freezer compartment of a fridge-freezer if you regularly store frozen food.

Fridge-freezer

Consider this if: your weekly shop includes both fresh and frozen food that needs to be stored in separate compartments.

Bear in mind: two fridge-freezers with a similar total capacity can allocate very different amounts of space to refrigeration and freezing.

Multi-door fridge

Consider this if: you need to store large quantities of food or sizeable dishes and have a kitchen that can accommodate it.

Bear in mind: its size means you’ll need to check both the delivery route and the space around the appliance.

Compact fridge

Consider this if: you live in a studio flat or shop little and often because space is limited.

Bear in mind: a narrower width leaves less room to store ready meals, fresh food and frozen items at the same time.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Space for fresh food Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and the layout of its shelves and drawers. Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. I want to find the ingredients for my meals easily and have room for leftovers. Around 21% of consumers rank fresh-food storage as their top priority.
Fresh-to-frozen capacity Check the usable capacity of each compartment separately and see whether the drawers can hold the food you usually buy. My weekly shop includes fresh and frozen food, and I need enough space in both compartments. This balance is a priority for around 36% of consumers.
Installation and noise Measure the appliance, its location and the access routes; check the manual for ventilation requirements and compare the stated noise level in dB(A). In a small kitchen or one that opens onto the living area, I need to install the appliance without overlooking how noisy it is. For around 29% of consumers, these considerations take priority over other criteria.
Compact size Compare the width, depth and usable capacities, then check which way the door opens. I have limited space and can shop in smaller quantities more often. Compact size is the main priority for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing based on total capacity alone

    A large advertised capacity may still leave too little room in the compartment you use most. Ready meals, fruit and vegetables, and frozen food all need to be stored differently.

    Compare the usable litres in the fridge and freezer separately, then think about where your usual shopping will go in the drawers, shelves and compartments.

  • Measuring the space but not the delivery route

    An appliance may fit in your kitchen but not through a doorway, along a corridor or into a lift. This is especially important for a multi-door model.

    Check the appliance’s dimensions both packaged and unpacked, as well as doorways, passageways and turns. For an integrated model, also check the niche and door system.

    If the appliance won’t fit, you may need to alter your kitchen layout or arrange another delivery.

  • Overlooking installation requirements

    Air needs to circulate around the appliance. Electrolux and Bosch installation guidance also highlights the importance of positioning and ventilation.

    Follow the chosen model’s instructions on clearances, levelling and climate class rather than applying the same spacing to every fridge.

Brands to consider

These examples highlight formats and features of the specific models mentioned; they don’t represent every range from each brand.

Bosch

The range includes freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers worth considering if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.

  • According to Bosch Électroménager France, the freestanding KGN392WCF fridge-freezer offers 260 L of fridge capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity and a stated noise level of 35 dB(A).
  • For this model, check that its height of 203 cm and depth of 66,5 cm suit the space and clearances available.

Liebherr

The brand’s single-door fridges and fridge-freezers offer different ways to divide space between fresh and frozen food.

  • Liebherr France lists a total capacity of 320 L and a stated noise level of 35 dB for the CBNsfc 5223 fridge-freezer.
  • BioFresh and NoFrost are features listed by Liebherr for this model; consider its compartments and settings in light of the food you store.

Samsung

Samsung multi-door models are worth considering if your shopping needs call for a large capacity and your kitchen can accommodate a wide appliance.

  • Samsung France lists a capacity of 674 L for the RF24BB620EB1EF multi-door fridge.
  • According to Samsung France, this model measures 908 × 1 778 × 730 mm. Measure the space and access routes before choosing this format.

Electrolux

The brand’s integrated fridge-freezers are worth considering if you need to fit an existing kitchen niche.

  • Electrolux France lists 198 L of fridge capacity and 73 L of freezer capacity for the ENS3LE18S integrated fridge-freezer.
  • For this model, compare the stated niche dimensions of 1 780 × 560 × 550 mm with your installation and check the door system.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity do I need for several days’ worth of shopping and meals?

Use the usable capacity of each compartment as a starting point, then adjust it to suit your meals and how often you shop. Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Ready meals and frozen food may affect how you need to divide the space.

Is a fridge-freezer useful if I often buy frozen food?

A fridge-freezer is worth considering if frozen food regularly features in your shopping, as it gives it a separate compartment. Que Choisir notes that a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food, so compare the usable capacity and freezer drawers.

What should I measure before installation?

Measure the space, the door clearance and the entire delivery route. Then check the model’s manual for ventilation clearances. If the fridge is integrated, also check the niche and door system.

How can I organise food better to reduce waste?

Check what you already have before shopping and arrange food so you can see what needs using soon. ADEME recommends checking your stocks before making a shopping list to avoid buying duplicates, so choose drawers and shelves that make everyday storage easier.

Does an extended warranty replace the statutory guarantee?

No. In France, a commercial extended warranty doesn’t replace the statutory guarantee of conformity. The Ministry of the Economy explains that this guarantee applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual. Check what the extended warranty actually adds before choosing it.