How to choose a fridge: size, capacity and cooling
This category includes freestanding and built-in refrigerators: fridge freezers, side-by-side and mini fridges from Berk, LG, Candy, Gorenje, Samsung, Sharp, Indesit, Bosch and Haier. Some models are in our warehouse in Riga and available right away, others we order from the supplier. Below we sum up what to check before you buy, so the fridge fits your kitchen, suits your household and uses less electricity.
Types of refrigerators
Bottom freezer
The most popular format: the fridge compartment is at eye level and the freezer with drawers is at the bottom.
Top freezer
Usually lower models with a small freezer on top, suitable for a smaller household.
Side-by-side
Two vertical doors next to each other and a large capacity. You need a space about 91 cm wide and room to open the doors.
Without freezer
All the capacity is for chilling. A good choice if you already have a separate freezer.
Mini fridges
Under the worktop, for an office, a summer house or drinks.
Built-in refrigerators
Installed in a kitchen cabinet behind furniture doors, so the dimensions must match the niche.
No Frost refrigerators
The freezer never needs manual defrosting. The list is based on manufacturer data in the EPREL database.
Brand pages: LG refrigerators and Samsung refrigerators.
Dimensions: will the fridge fit
- Width. Most models are 55-60 cm wide, so most fridge freezers fit a 60 cm space. The roomiest are 70-80 cm, side-by-side about 91 cm, mini fridges from 44 cm.
- Height. Freestanding fridge freezers are usually 150-205 cm tall, mini fridges from 64 cm.
- Depth. Usually 55-70 cm. Handles and the connection at the back take a few more centimetres.
- Ventilation. The manufacturer states the gaps to the wall and above the fridge in the manual. Without them the compressor runs more often.
- Doors. Check which way they open and whether they open wide enough next to a wall to pull out the drawers.
- The way to the kitchen. Measure door openings, the staircase and the lift: a 185 cm tall fridge needs even more room in its packaging, and side-by-side models are also wide.
The exact dimensions of each model are listed in its specifications.
Capacity and freezer
The total capacity of our refrigerators ranges from about 70 l for mini models to more than 600 l for side-by-side fridges. Family bottom-freezer models usually have 270-380 l. Look at the fridge and freezer volumes separately in the specifications: if you freeze a lot, the freezer litres matter more than the total.
A four-star freezer compartment keeps -18 °C and can freeze fresh food. This is set by the EU energy labelling regulation 2019/2016.
No Frost, Low Frost or static cooling
In a No Frost fridge a fan spreads cold air and the appliance prevents ice from building up, so the freezer never needs manual defrosting. In static and Low Frost models ice does form, more slowly with Low Frost, so the freezer has to be defrosted from time to time.
We mark a model as No Frost in the filter and in the list No Frost refrigerators based on the manufacturer's data in the EPREL database: the freezer compartment must be listed with automatic defrosting. More in our guide No Frost, Low Frost or static?.
Energy class, consumption and noise
Since 1 March 2021 refrigerators carry the EU energy label with classes from A to G. It shows the annual electricity consumption in kWh, the fridge and freezer volumes, the noise level in dB(A) and the noise class from A to D, plus a QR code linking to the model's record in the EPREL database.
When comparing models, look not only at the letter but also at kWh per year: a larger fridge in the same class usually uses more. Most of our refrigerators are class E, some are C and D. For an open kitchen or a studio flat choose a quiet fridge: compare the noise level in dB(A) on the product information sheet. On each model page there is a link to the product information sheet with all this data next to the price.
Climate class: for a summer house or an unheated room
If the fridge will stand in a cool or unheated room, such as a summer house, check the climate class in the specifications. Under the EU regulation class SN is designed for ambient temperatures of 10-32 °C, class N 16-32 °C, class ST 16-38 °C and class T 16-43 °C. For a room that gets cool in winter, a model with class SN is the better fit.
Delivery, installation and warranty
- Delivery with carry-in in Riga and the nearby area, terms on the Delivery page.
- Free recycling of the old fridge.
- Door rehanging when you buy with delivery: from 20 €, see Installation and connection.
- Pickup from our warehouse in Riga, Rēzeknes iela 3A, on working days 11:00-18:00.
- Official manufacturer warranty.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait after delivery before switching the fridge on?
The waiting time is set by the manufacturer and stated in the user manual. It matters especially if the fridge was transported lying down: the oil in the compressor has to flow back.
Can a freestanding fridge go into a niche between cabinets?
Yes, if the ventilation gaps at the sides, back and top stated by the manufacturer are kept. If the niche is closed and the fridge should hide behind furniture doors, choose a built-in refrigerator.
Can the doors be moved to the other side?
On most single-door models, yes, and the specifications show it. Side-by-side and multi-door refrigerators cannot be rehung. When you buy with delivery, we rehang the doors from 20 €.
How do I compare the electricity use of two fridges?
Compare the annual consumption in kWh from the energy label or the product information sheet. Multiply it by your electricity price per kWh to get the approximate cost per year.
What happens to my old fridge?
When you buy a new fridge with delivery, we take the old one for recycling free of charge.
