Joybuy Insights

Buying a fridge: how to compare sizes, energy consumption and features

Anyone looking to buy a fridge is faced with a wide range of options: freestanding fridges, fridges without a freezer compartment, mini fridges or spacious models with a freezer section. The key consideration is not the longest list of features, but the right combination of usable capacity, footprint, energy consumption and ease of use.

Common pitfalls when buying a fridge

1. External dimensions are considered without allowing for door movement

A fridge may fit into the available space according to the product specifications and still cause problems in everyday use. Alongside height, width and depth, check the following:

  • Door opening angle
  • Distance from the wall and adjacent furniture
  • Space required to pull out drawers
  • Transport route through doors, hallways and stairwells
  • Ventilation clearances specified in the instruction manual

A fridge with a reversible door offers greater flexibility in smaller kitchens. On some appliances, the door hinge is pre-fitted and must be changed before first use.

2. The energy efficiency class alone is not enough

The EU energy efficiency scale for refrigeration appliances ranges from A to G. A fridge with energy efficiency class D, E or C should therefore always be considered alongside its annual energy consumption in kWh. A large class C appliance may use more electricity than a considerably smaller class E model.

For a fair comparison, look at:

  • Annual consumption in kWh
  • Usable capacity of the fridge and freezer sections
  • Household size
  • Expected period of use
  • Purchase price and features

The consumption figure is a standardised comparison value. Actual electricity consumption depends, among other things, on room temperature, how fully the appliance is loaded, the temperature setting and how often the door is opened.

3. “Quiet” is difficult to assess without a decibel rating

For open-plan kitchens, studio flats, offices or locations close to bedrooms, noise emissions in dB(A) are an important factor. The product data provided lists models with around 35 to 40 dB(A). However, a rating of 39 dB(A) should not be confused with complete silence. Compressor start-up and ambient noise also affect how loud an appliance seems.

The most important criteria when buying a fridge

Choose a usable capacity to suit your household

A fridge without a freezer compartment uses its entire interior for fresh food. This can be a sensible choice for households that use a separate freezer or mainly store fresh produce.

As a general guide:

  • Up to around 100 litres: single-person households, offices, guest rooms or use as an additional appliance
  • Around 130 to 250 litres: smaller households and couples
  • From around 300 litres: families or regular large shops
  • Over 400 litres: high storage needs and separate fridge and freezer zones

The litre figure describes usable capacity, not the external volume. Adjustable glass shelves, door compartments and salad drawers determine how effectively the available space can actually be organised.

Freezer compartment or fridge without a freezer?

A fridge with a freezer compartment is suitable if frozen food is needed regularly and there is no separate appliance. A side-by-side fridge or cross-door model offers plenty of storage space, but also requires a correspondingly larger footprint and may have higher annual energy consumption.

A fridge without a freezer compartment is often easier to organise and designed for fresh food. Before buying, check whether you can genuinely manage without your own freezer section.

Choose features based on your everyday needs

Useful functions are not equally important for every household:

  • LED lighting: clear visibility while taking up very little space
  • Adjustable glass shelves: flexibility for bottles, bowls and tall containers
  • Salad drawer: separate storage for fruit and vegetables
  • No-frost fridge: automatic prevention of ice build-up in the designated sections
  • Inverter compressor: demand-controlled operation, where specified by the manufacturer
  • Door alarm: warning when the door is not fully closed
  • EcoMode: an energy-saving function provided by the manufacturer on selected models

Check whether a function applies to the fridge section, the freezer section or both.

Our selection for different households

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Gorenje G200 freestanding fridge R49DPW

Gorenje G200 freestanding fridge R49DPW

Why this product suits this profile: This freestanding fridge offers 133 litres of usable capacity and is ideal for smaller kitchens, flats or single-person households.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The data lists annual consumption of 72 kWh and energy efficiency class D. This makes ongoing energy use easier to assess than relying on advertising claims alone.

Main benefit & strengths

133 litres, LED interior lighting, adjustable glass shelves, CrispZone salad drawer and reversible door.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
LG GBBS524APY Zero Clearance AI Smart fridge

LG GBBS524APY Zero Clearance AI Smart fridge

Why this product suits this profile: With 375 litres, fridge and freezer sections and app connectivity, this appliance is designed for substantial food stocks and organised use.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data lists annual consumption of 112 kWh, energy efficiency class A and noise emissions of 29 dB. This clearly presents the figures that matter in living-room kitchens.

Main benefit & strengths

No-frost, inverter compressor, LED lighting, 375 litres of usable capacity and a zero-clearance design according to the product description.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
FOHERE 15L mini fridge

FOHERE 15L mini fridge

Why this product suits this profile: This compact appliance is designed for offices, bedrooms, student accommodation, cars or use on the go, and supports 220–240 V AC and 12 V DC.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Cooling performance is stated as a reduction compared with the ambient temperature, rather than as a fixed temperature. This avoids creating unrealistic expectations of a conventional compressor fridge.

Main benefit & strengths

15-litre capacity, cooling and warming function, 12 V connection and low weight of 3.8 kg according to the product details.

Suitable for: Households without freezer needs
SEVERIN VKS 8817 fridge without freezer compartment

SEVERIN VKS 8817, 242 litres

Why this product suits this profile: This large fridge without a freezer compartment offers plenty of space for fresh food, drinks and regular shops.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description explicitly states that this model has no freezer compartment. It also lists annual consumption of 83 kWh and noise emissions of 39 dB.

Main benefit & strengths

242 litres, adjustable glass shelves, large salad drawer, LED interior lighting and reversible door.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Fridge buying FAQ

How much space should there be between a fridge and the wall?

This depends on the model and the instruction manual. Follow the specified clearances for ventilation and heat dissipation. The door should also be able to open fully without hitting the wall or furniture.

How long does a fridge normally last?

Service life depends on use, location, ventilation, cleaning and maintenance. Keeping the appliance level, maintaining a clean door seal and ensuring sufficient air circulation can support proper operation. The energy efficiency class does not provide any specific guarantee of service life.

How much does it cost to run a fridge?

A simple guideline is: Annual consumption in kWh × your electricity price per kWh. The figure on the EU energy label is a standardised comparison value. Actual consumption may vary for a fridge with a freezer compartment, frequent door opening or a high room temperature.