First, choose a fridge that fits the space available, allowing for the doors to open and any installation requirements. Then work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, based on your shopping habits. A compact model suits more limited storage needs; if you regularly freeze food, consider a fridge-freezer, while a multi-door model needs a spacious kitchen. Check the dimensions, capacity of each compartment and energy consumption before making your choice.
If space is limited, start by checking the appliance dimensions and how the doors open, then consider how much room you need for your food. Que Choisir recommends tabletop models for smaller homes and larger models for kitchens with enough space.
If you store both fresh and frozen food, check the capacity of each compartment separately. A fridge-freezer is worth considering if frozen food is a regular part of your shop.
If you’re replacing an integrated appliance, measure the housing space and check the installation and ventilation requirements in the manual for the model you’re considering. A front panel that looks like it will fit isn’t enough to confirm compatibility.
Consider it: for a smaller home and limited storage needs.
Bear in mind: capacity is limited, and you’ll need to check the freezer space separately.
Consider it: if you often buy fresh food and little frozen food.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you buy a lot of frozen food.
Consider it: if your shopping for several days regularly includes frozen food.
Compare: the space allocated to fresh and frozen food, as well as the appliance’s size in your kitchen.
Consider it: if you need plenty of storage and have a spacious kitchen.
Bear in mind: it takes up a lot of space; compare the annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering, too.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space in the kitchen | Measure the width, height and depth, and allow enough room to open the doors. Check the access route to the space, too. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to install the appliance and reach the storage without obstructing the walkway. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise the appliance’s size. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable capacity and layout of the fridge compartment, not just the total capacity. | If I prepare several meals from the same shop, I need enough room for fresh food. Fresh food storage would be the main priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Frozen food capacity | Check the freezer’s usable capacity and how it compares with the fresh food compartment. | If I regularly buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not meet my needs. Around 19% of consumers would put freezing capacity first. |
| Installation and use | For an integrated model, check the housing space and installation instructions. Also compare the kWh/year rating and noise levels of the models you’re considering. | If I’m replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, I want to confirm it will fit and check its energy consumption before choosing. Installation and use would be the priority for around 19% of consumers. |
A large total capacity can hide a layout that doesn’t suit the amount of fresh and frozen food you buy.
Compare the usable capacity in litres for each compartment in the product details or the European EPREL database.
Depth, door clearance, access to the kitchen and ventilation requirements can all affect whether installation is possible.
Measure the space and access route before ordering. For an integrated model, check the housing space against the model’s installation instructions.
Que Choisir recommends larger models for spacious kitchens. Their capacity doesn’t mean you can skip checking the available space or the energy consumption of the specific model.
Check the appliance dimensions, door clearance and kWh/year rating on the energy label or in EPREL.
In France, the DGCCRF distinguishes between the legal guarantee of conformity, which applies when a professional sells goods to a private individual, and additional commercial warranties.
Before taking out a commercial warranty, read its terms and conditions, particularly those covering repairs, call-out charges and replacement.
These appliances show a range of options for keeping fresh and frozen food: an integrated model, a multi-door model and several fridge-freezers. Compare their configurations with the space you have and your shopping habits.
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Worth considering if your kitchen has a compatible housing space and you mainly want to store fresh food, with some freezer space as well.
An integrated, single-door model with a freezer at the top; stated total capacity of 188 L and energy rating E. Check the installation instructions and housing dimensions; the furniture door is not included.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage and have a kitchen with enough space.
Stated total capacity of 495 L, energy rating E and a black finish. Check the dimensions, access for delivery and door clearance. If your chosen version needs a direct water connection for its dispenser, confirm the installation requirements.
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Worth considering if width is limited but you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Stated width of 54 cm, with 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space; reversible door and energy rating E. Check the height and depth before choosing, too. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
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Worth considering for a smaller home if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate.
Stated total capacity of 174 L; Low Frost technology, adjustable thermostat and reversible door. Check the space available, required clearance and the model’s annual energy consumption on its label.
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Worth considering if your shop for several days regularly includes food you plan to freeze.
Stated total capacity of 282 L and energy rating E. The freezer is at the bottom; check the installation clearance and that the door can open fully in your kitchen.
Start with the space you need for fresh food, then adjust it to how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Work out separately how much room you need for frozen food.
A fridge-freezer is worth considering if frozen food is a regular part of your shop. Compare the usable freezer capacity with what you buy: a small freezer compartment may not meet your needs.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C. Check the temperature and avoid packing food in too tightly, so air can circulate.
Check the dimensions of the housing space, the door fixing and the installation and ventilation instructions for your chosen model. The appliance’s external dimensions alone won’t confirm that it can be installed in your kitchen.
In France, if a professional sells goods to a private individual, the legal guarantee of conformity may apply if the product doesn’t match its description, as explained by the DGCCRF. An additional commercial warranty has its own terms and conditions and doesn’t replace this legal protection.