First, choose a fridge that will fit in your kitchen and can be opened properly. Then compare the space for fresh food with the freezer capacity you need. A table-top or single-door model suits a compact space or a household that mainly needs fresh-food storage. A fridge freezer combines both in one appliance, while a multi-door model needs more room. To choose between suitable models, also check their stated annual energy consumption and noise levels.
A table-top fridge could suit a studio flat, as long as its capacity meets your usual shopping needs. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person. Also check that the door can open fully and that the appliance can be ventilated in its intended position.
Fresh-food capacity matters more when several people use the same storage space. UFC-Que Choisir suggests adding around 50 L for each additional person to its guide for one person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop. If your kitchen is open-plan, compare the stated noise levels too.
Compare the freezer capacity of a fridge freezer with the space available for a separate appliance. If you regularly freeze fresh food, check the freezer compartment’s star rating and the model’s freezing capacity as well, rather than relying on its total volume alone.
Start with the space available and the capacity you’ll actually use. A table-top fridge takes up less room, a single-door model prioritises fresh-food storage, and a fridge freezer adds a freezer compartment in the same appliance. A multi-door model suits households needing plenty of space, provided your kitchen and delivery route can accommodate it. If you need to store a lot of frozen food, compare the option of a separate freezer too.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant consumers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and access | Measure the space and delivery route. Check the model’s instructions for door clearance and ventilation. | In a kitchenette or next to a unit, I need to be able to open the door without blocking the way. Around 36% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge compartment’s capacity in litres and match it to the number of people in your household and how often you shop. | When several people share the food shop, I need enough room to store fresh food. Fresh-food capacity is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Freezer space | Compare freezer capacity. If you freeze fresh food, check the star rating and freezing capacity in kg/24 h too. | If I keep a stock of frozen food, I need to decide whether a fridge freezer’s compartment will be enough or whether I need a separate freezer. Around 21% of consumers put this need for freezer space first. |
| Noise and energy consumption | When comparing similar formats and capacities, check the kWh/year and stated noise level in dB(A). | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider everyday noise without overlooking the appliance’s energy consumption. Around 14% of consumers put these two criteria first. |
A fridge might fit in its space but still not have enough room for the doors to open or for proper ventilation.
Check the model’s installation diagram, especially the door swing and required clearances. Bosch advises taking these requirements into account; the instructions for your chosen appliance are the definitive guide.
Two appliances with the same total capacity can divide their litres differently between the fridge and freezer compartments.
Compare the capacity of each compartment. If you freeze fresh food, also check the freezer compartment’s star rating and the model’s freezing capacity.
The capacity you want doesn’t guarantee that a wide appliance will fit through your home’s doorways or open properly in the kitchen.
Measure the route to the space, then check the appliance’s depth, door clearance and, if it has a dispenser, any specific installation requirements.
The energy rating letter on its own doesn’t tell you the compartment capacities or the annual energy consumption of two different appliances.
For fridges of similar size and capacity, compare their kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and their stated noise levels. You can check an appliance’s declared information in the European EPREL register.
Bosch’s installation advice can help you prepare the space for a freestanding or built-in fridge.
The range includes fridge freezers with capacities and noise levels that should be compared model by model.
For a built-in fridge freezer, compare the capacity of both compartments and check the requirements for the cabinet niche.
Samsung multi-door fridges may suit households looking for a large capacity and with enough room to install one.
These models are for anyone choosing an appliance that combines refrigeration and freezing: fridge freezers in different capacities and multi-door formats. Compare the stated capacities with your needs, then check the chosen model’s full dimensions and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you want fresh-food storage and freezer space in a three-door appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E energy rating and Wi-Fi. Check the instructions for the space needed to open the doors and ventilate the appliance.
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Worth comparing if your household needs plenty of capacity in one appliance and your kitchen can accommodate a multi-door model. The product name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Also measure the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage, provided the appliance can be delivered and installed in your kitchen. The product name lists a capacity of 495 L and an E energy rating. If you’re considering the dispenser, confirm the water-supply requirements for this version.
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Worth comparing if you want one appliance with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food. The product name lists a 182 L fridge compartment, a 71 L freezer compartment, 39 dB, No Frost and a reversible door hinge. Check the full dimensions; if you often freeze fresh food, check the freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
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Worth considering if width is limited but you still need a freezer compartment. The product name lists a width of 54 cm, a 153 L fridge compartment, a 74 L freezer compartment, a four-star rating, Low Frost and a reversible door. Also check the height, depth, door clearance and annual energy consumption.
Measure the space in width, height and depth, as well as the route through to the kitchen. Then check the model’s diagram for door clearance and ventilation space. The dimensions of the appliance with the doors closed aren’t enough.
Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres with the amount you usually keep in stock, regardless of the appliance’s total capacity. If you freeze fresh food, also check its star rating and freezing capacity in kg/24 h. If you need more space, it may be worth comparing separate freezers.
It lets you compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise levels, while taking the capacity of each appliance into account. The European Commission says the QR code on the label can link to the model’s entry in the EPREL register.
Arrange for it to be repaired, reused or collected through a suitable electrical equipment scheme rather than putting it out with household rubbish. The government department responsible for the ecological transition provides information on these routes. Before delivery, also check the collection options offered by the retailer.