Refrigerators

How to choose a refrigerator

A fridge runs around the clock for ten years, so energy class and noise level matter more here than in any other kitchen appliance.

• Type. A combi (fridge plus freezer in one cabinet) is the most common; a larder has no freezer and holds more fresh food; side by side gives 400–500 l across two vertical doors; a mini fridge suits an office, bedroom or cosmetics.
• Capacity. 150–200 l is enough for one person, 200–300 l for two, 300–400 l for a family, 450 l and more for a large household.
• No Frost. The freezer never ices up and needs no defrosting; without it you defrost a couple of times a year.
• Energy class. Classes A–E: the gap between E and C is tens of euros a year. Check the annual consumption in kWh.
• Noise level. 37–39 dB is quiet (fine for an open-plan kitchen), 42 dB and above is audible.
• Doors and installation. Reversible doors let you pick the opening side; a free-standing model goes straight into the kitchen, a built-in one hides behind a furniture panel.

Popular refrigerator brands

LG and Bosch offer quiet inverter compressors and precise temperature control, Gorenje and Beko give good capacity for the money, Candy, Midea, TCL and Indesit cover the budget class, and Xiaomi adds smart control.

Delivery

A refrigerator is oversized cargo and arrives by oversized courier (€24.90) at your front door. After transport, let the fridge stand upright for a few hours before switching it on so the compressor oil settles.

Related categories

See also washing machines, coffee machines and kettles.

Frequently asked questions

What capacity does a family need? A family of four fits a 300–400 l combi, of which 90–120 l is freezer space.

Does No Frost dry out food? Circulating air dries uncovered food faster — keep food in closed containers and there is no difference.

Can the door be rehung? Most models have reversible doors; the product specification says whether yours does.