Which fridge should I buy?

What to know when buying a fridge? The first fork in the road is choosing between a freestanding and a built-in fridge. Which refrigerator size? Unless you're putting in a new kitchen, look at your current fridge to determine the type and size. Keep food fresher for longer thanks to VitaFresh. Opt for a NoFrost freezer and say goodbye to the hassle of defrosting the freezer.

Below you'll find our refrigerator buying guide. It provides a clear overview of all key information you need, so you can make a well-informed decision.

Silver freestanding Bosch fridge-freezer in a white kitchen.
Built-in Bosch fridge with open door showing fresh food and drinks inside.

1. Do you need a freestanding or built-in refrigerator?

The first decision to make when buying a new refrigerator: do you need a freestanding fridge or a built-in fridge? Each has its advantages:

Freestanding fridge for greater flexibility.
A freestanding fridge is separate from the rest of your kitchen, meaning it's not integrated or built in to a cabinet. This gives you the flexibility to take the appliance with you to a new home. A range of exterior finishes to choose from lets you match other kitchen appliances or set a certain visual accent.

Built-in fridge for a seamless look.
On a built-in fridge, also known as an integrated fridge, the door's exterior is unfinished upon delivery. When installed in your kitchen, a panel matching your kitchen cabinets covers it, creating a seamless look.

Built-in Bosch fridge freezer with open door to show food and drinks inside.
Silver freestanding Bosch fridge between small stool at left and kitchen countertop at right.

2. A fridge freezer, side-by-side refrigerator, just a fridge: which type of appliance suits you best?

Have you always dreamed of a side-by-side refrigerator with plenty of space to store fresh and frozen food? Or maybe practicality tops your list and you want a new high-quality fridge freezer to replace one after a long service life. Take a moment to weigh your options:

Fridge freezer
Keeps food either chilled or frozen. Comes in a wide variety of sizes and dimensions – available as freestanding and built-in, also known as integrated.

Fridge
Store fresh food in an efficient and organised way. Comes in different sizes and dimensions – available as freestanding and built-in.

Freezer
Effectively preserve food for a later date. Comes in different sizes and dimensions – available as freestanding and built-in.

3. Which refrigerator size fits your kitchen?

Refrigerator sizes, refrigerator dimensions: knowing the available fridge sizes as well as the fridge dimensions required for your kitchen is crucial to selecting a new fridge. This is especially true if you have an appliance niche to fill or are replacing a built-in fridge.

To select the right fridge size:

  • Properly measure the height, width and depth of your niche and choose a fridge accordingly.
  • Replacing a built-in fridge? Refer to the refrigerator dimensions of your current fridge.

Another aspect to consider is the width. Here's some general guidance:

Standard fridge size is 60 cm wide

A 60 cm Bosch fridge and two people symbolising a two person household.


Suits small households of 1-2 people.
An XL fridge is 70 cm or wider

A 70 cm Bosch fridge and three people symbolising a small family household.


For homes with 3 to 4 people.
A double door fridge is over 90 cm wide

A 90 cm+ Bosch fridge and four people symbolising a family household.


Great for big families or those who like to entertain.
Bosch glass door wine cooler shows wine collection. Modern light-flooded dining area to the left.
A wine fridge is perfect for wine connoisseurs

4. Which finishes and trends reflect my tastes?

Placed at the heart of your kitchen, you'll be using, and looking, at your fridge for years to come. That's why it's worth selecting one that truly suits your preferences. Here is some inspiration:

New energy label for appliances showing the efficiency rating B. 
The new energy label for easier comparison of energy consumption

5. How important is an energy efficient fridge?

How much energy does a fridge use? Your fridge accounts for up to 20 per cent of your total home electricity consumption. All the more reason to select an energy-efficient fridge.

In March 2021, a new simplified energy label was introduced in the European Union. The rescaled energy ratings now range from A (most energy efficient) to G (least energy efficient), helping you to compare the energy consumption of home appliances such as refrigerators.

Example: A fridge with a C rating under the new label corresponds to a A+++ rating under the old label.

Choosing an energy efficient fridge significantly cuts your energy costs and decrease your carbon footprint.

Close up of Bosch drawer with two ice cube trays in NoFrost freezer.
Close up of shelves on fridge's interior. Arrow show how to remove shelves to clean.

6. How do you want to clean and defrost?

It’s important to choose a fridge that's easy to clean. Look for models with removable drawers and glass shelves. Also, some fridges are engineered to keep the fridge's interior smelling fresh.

When it comes to defrosting, many fridge-freezers these days are equipped with convenient NoFrost technology. It reliably stops ice from forming, so you never have to defrost the freezer again. This saves you time and hassle.

Large VitaFresh pro drawer full of fresh produce and the zero-degree drawer with meat and fish.
Bosch VitaFresh zero-degree drawer with fresh salmon inside.
Close up of a Bosch freezer full of meat and vegetables. BigBox shows large freezer capacity.
A beverage rack with a bottle of milk in a Bosch fridge.

7. Which fridge storage solutions suit your groceries?

Think about a typical trip to the grocery store. What perishables do you usually buy? The items in your bag influence the interior layout, shelves and VitaFresh drawers you'll want in a fridge.

Fruits and vegetables: Opt for a large produce storage compartment to keep your favourites fresher for longer.

Fresh fish and meat: A zero-degree drawer is the perfect spot for highly perishable cuts of meat and just-caught fish.

Frozen foods: A fridge-freezer with a large freezer capacity is a must.

Beverages: Opt for a beverage rack, available as an accessory.

Hands holding smartphone in a supermarket. On the screen is smart fridge's interior.
Stay in control with Home Connect

8. Which refrigerator innovations make life easier?

The latest fridges on the market can do much more than just cool food and beverages. While you don't necessarily need one with all the bells and whistles, it's worth exploring the latest innovations, then deciding which ones would improve your daily life.

Here are some leading fridge innovations to consider:

A smart fridge with Home Connect – control it with your voice, access it anywhere via your smartphone.

Modern white kitchen with Bosch fridge, hood, hob and Europe's Brand Nr. 1 award.

What are the most reliable refrigerator brands?

Although the best refrigerator for you depends on your personal preferences and needs, you can always count on our high-quality fridges and freezers. Numerous accolades from independent test institutes are testament to their outstanding reliability and performance. Which is the best refrigerator brand? For us the answer is clear. You can be confident that a Bosch refrigerator will run well day after day, year after year.

A high-quality and reliable black Bosch fridge freezer in a modern white kitchen.
A high-quality Bosch fridge lasts for many years

How long should a refrigerator last?

How long does a refrigerator last? In general, the lifespan of a fridge is around 10 years. In particular, our high quality fridges with German engineering are designed to serve you for at least that long or even longer. We check all appliances that leave our factories to ensure they meet our high quality standard. Every Bosch fridge also comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

A world map with search icon stands for the dealer finder

Where is the best place to buy a refrigerator?

Use the online dealer finder to locate where to buy a Bosch fridge in your area. At your visit you can see the products in real life, get personalised advice, make your purchase and more.

Our service

Outstanding service – before and after the purchase.

2546 4123

Experience Bosch

Discover quality, perfection, and reliability.

Where to buy

Take a look at the Oxford House home appliances Showroom!