If you’re looking to buy household products online, you’ll quickly find a wide range of fridges, freezers, cabinets and bathroom solutions. However, product pages can vary considerably in the information they provide on dimensions, energy consumption, features and installation. A low price alone tells you little about whether an item will suit your home.
Three common mistakes can lead to unnecessary extra costs:
Before you buy a fridge, measure the available space carefully. Check:
A fridge freezer is a practical choice if you need both fridge and freezer space in one appliance. If you already have a separate freezer, a larder fridge lets you make better use of the available space for chilled food. A mini freezer with a modest capacity may be enough for a small kitchen, office or spare room.
Energy efficiency ratings range from A to G. For a meaningful comparison, also check the stated annual consumption in kilowatt-hours. An appliance with a larger capacity may use more electricity than a smaller model, even if they have a similar rating.
The noise level in decibels is also worth considering, particularly in open-plan kitchens or studio flats. Product details for various appliances show figures of around 39 to 41 dB. However, how noisy an appliance seems will depend on the room’s acoustics, the flooring and where it is installed.
Adjustable glass shelves, drawers and door compartments make an appliance easier to use when you store food or household items in different sizes. For furniture, key points to compare include panel thickness, edge sealing and the number of compartments.
A slim shoe cabinet needs to fit in your hallway while still being deep enough for the shoes you plan to store. Adjustable shelves give you more flexibility. A wardrobe with doors needs enough space in front of it for the doors to open fully. For mirrored or glass panels, it’s particularly important to follow the installation instructions and secure the furniture safely to the wall.
The recommendations below match specific products to different living situations. Technical details are based on the relevant product descriptions.
Why it suits this buyer: This compact fridge is ideal for single-person households, offices or rooms where space is limited.
At around 83.5 cm tall and 44.5 cm wide, it’s easier to plan for in a small kitchen. The product details also state that the door can be reversed.
87 litres of capacity, three glass shelves, a salad drawer, LED lighting and annual energy consumption of 85 kWh, according to the product details.
Why it suits this buyer: This model offers plenty of chilled storage for families or households that regularly keep fresh food.
The product description gives specific details on annual energy consumption, noise level, dimensions and door opening direction, rather than relying solely on general marketing claims.
242 litres of capacity, annual energy consumption of 83 kWh, adjustable glass shelves, a large salad drawer and a noise level of 39 dB, according to the product details.
Why it suits this buyer: For households that like to stock up, this separate freezer provides an organised way to store frozen food.
No-Frost technology reduces ice build-up inside the appliance. The reversible door makes it easier to fit the freezer into different kitchen layouts.
161 litres of capacity, three freezer drawers, two compartments, an LED display and an alarm function, according to the product description.
Why it suits this buyer: Measuring 60 × 24 × 104.5 cm, this cabinet is well suited to hallways and narrow entranceways where extra storage is needed.
The adjustable, removable shelves mean you’re not restricted to a fixed interior layout. The included anti-tip kit helps you secure the cabinet to the wall.
Four storage compartments, one drawer, room for up to 12 pairs of shoes according to the product description, and a durable coated chipboard surface.
Bathroom projects have a few extra points to consider. When choosing a glass shower screen, check the glass thickness, safety glass specifications, adjustment range, door mechanism and installation instructions. The SONNI model is listed as having 5 mm toughened safety glass, an adjustment range of 890 to 910 mm, and the option to install it on the left or right. Check the product for damage before installation.
A wooden wall display cabinet can be a good choice for ornaments and collectables. Check the internal dimensions, fastening, wall fixings and the properties of the display panels. Keep small parts and magnets out of the reach of young children.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
As well as the appliance’s dimensions, you’ll need to leave room for ventilation, the door to open and, where relevant, drawers to be removed. Check the installation instructions for the specific clearances required for your model.
It depends on how long you’ll use it, its size and its actual annual energy consumption. Compare the figures in kilowatt-hours per year and consider how often the appliance will be running. For a single-person household, a smaller appliance may be more economical than an oversized model.
Lifespan depends on factors including materials, load, care, location and use. Correct installation, fixing furniture to the wall and distributing the load evenly can help keep it in good condition for longer. Cooling appliances should be installed on a level, dry surface with enough space for ventilation.