Short-stay guest with leftovers
If you mainly need chilled storage for cooked lentils that you’ll eat within a few days, look for a fridge with a temperature you can set and check. The Voedingscentrum recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C.
Which type of cooling is right for you?
Batch cook who freezes portions
If you cook more lentils than you’ll use within two days, freezing them can be a good option. The Consumentenbond says you need a four-star freezer compartment to freeze fresh leftovers.
Traveller with limited space
If you want to move your cooling appliance or don’t have much permanent space, compare its external dimensions and power connections. Also check the temperature in the conditions in which you plan to use it.
What should you look for when choosing?
For cooked lentils, choosing a fridge with a temperature you can check is important: the Voedingscentrum recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Checkable temperature | Check whether you can set and measure the temperature. The Voedingscentrum recommends setting the fridge to 4 °C and placing a thermometer in the middle of the bottom shelf. | If I’m storing leftovers in a holiday cottage, I want to know they’re actually cold enough; around 36% of consumers prioritise temperature control. |
| Freezing portions | If you want to freeze fresh leftovers, check the freezer compartment’s star rating. The Consumentenbond says a four-star freezer compartment is suitable for this. | If you want to save cooked portions for later, the freezer compartment’s suitability matters; around 29% of consumers prioritise the ability to freeze food. |
| Size and location | Measure the space available and the doorway. Also check the climate class and compare the stated energy consumption in kWh per year on a like-for-like basis. | If the fridge needs to fit in a specific spot, I also want to know whether the ambient temperature is within its stated operating range; around 21% of consumers prioritise a suitable size and permanent installation. |
| Portability and power | Check which connections the exact model has and measure the internal temperature while it’s in use. A stated cooling performance relative to the ambient temperature does not, by itself, guarantee a temperature of 4 °C. | If I want to move the cooling appliance between the vehicle and the cottage, suitable connections and checking the temperature are important; around 14% of consumers prioritise portability. |
Common buying mistakes
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Choosing a cool box just because it’s electric
A stated cooling performance relative to the ambient temperature doesn’t tell you how cold the contents will get in a warm holiday cottage.
Measure the temperature with a thermometer and assess the result in the conditions in which you plan to use the cool box.
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Assuming any freezer compartment can freeze fresh leftovers
Not every freezer compartment is suitable for freezing freshly cooked portions. The Consumentenbond says you need a four-star freezer compartment for this.
If freezing is part of how you’ll use it, check the star rating of the exact model.
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Choosing based only on the energy rating or capacity
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how much electricity an appliance uses in absolute terms. Its external dimensions and permitted ambient temperature range also determine whether the fridge is suitable for the spot you have in mind.
Compare the stated kWh per year, external dimensions and climate class of the models you’re considering.
Relevant brands
Bosch
Among the tabletop models mentioned, Bosch offers one version without a freezer compartment and one with a freezer compartment.
- Bosch lists the KTL15NWEB as having 106 l of fridge space and a freezer compartment.
- If you want to freeze fresh leftovers, check the freezer compartment’s star rating.
Beko
According to Beko, the Beko TSE1285N is a 54 cm-wide tabletop model with a capacity of 101 l.
- Its stated width and capacity make it easier to compare models for a limited space.
- The manufacturer’s dimensions don’t tell you what temperature the appliance will reach in your holiday cottage; check this after installation.
Liebherr
The Liebherr Rd 1400 Pure is a tabletop fridge with a capacity of 125 l.
- Liebherr states external dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm and a noise level of 34 dB.
- This model is a fridge, not a solution for freezing portions. The stated figures aren’t measurements taken where you’ll use it.
Dometic
According to Dometic, the Dometic CFX5 25 is a portable compressor cool box that can be used with AC or 12/24 V DC.
- Dometic lists a capacity of 25 l and a temperature range of +20 to −22 °C.
- The ability to set the temperature doesn’t guarantee a particular internal temperature in all conditions; check the temperature while it’s in use.
Products on Joybuy
This selection includes tabletop fridges for permanent chilled storage and a portable compressor cool box for anyone who wants to move their cooling appliance around.
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Exquisit KS16-4-051CW
A freestanding tabletop fridge for storing chilled food in your holiday cottage.
Capacity: 107 l; with freezer compartment; energy rating C.
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EUHOMY 40L Compressor Cooler Box
A portable option if you want to use your cool box on the move and have suitable power connections.
40 l; temperature range −20 to +20 °C; 12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC.
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Severin TKS 8847
A tabletop model that combines permanent chilled storage with a freezer compartment; check whether the freezer section is suitable for fresh leftovers.
Capacity: 120 l; with freezer compartment; energy rating C.
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Coocaa 83 L Single-Door Refrigerator
A compact fridge for anyone looking for permanent chilled storage; measure the available space before choosing a model.
83 l; temperature control listed; energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR92DSE
A compact fridge to consider if the available width is a key constraint.
92 l; 47 cm wide; 7 temperature settings; reversible door; energy rating E.
Frequently asked questions
How should I store cooked lentils once they’re ready?
Cool leftovers quickly, put them in airtight containers and place them in the fridge or freezer within two hours. The Voedingscentrum recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C and keeping food in the fridge for no more than two days.
How can I check the fridge in an unfamiliar holiday cottage?
Place a fridge thermometer in the middle of the bottom shelf and leave it there for half a day or overnight. This is the Voedingscentrum’s recommended way to take a measurement; adjust the fridge if the reading is above 4 °C.
Can any small freezer compartment freeze my freshly cooked lentils?
No. Don’t rely on the words ‘freezer compartment’ alone. According to the Consumentenbond, you need a four-star freezer compartment to freeze fresh leftovers; check the rating of the exact model.
What running costs and warranty rights should I consider when buying a fridge?
Compare the stated electricity consumption in kWh per year and work out the running costs using your own electricity tariff and length of use. If an appliance breaks down too soon despite normal use, ACM ConsuWijzer says the retailer is your point of contact for your statutory guarantee; there is no single fixed statutory guarantee period for every fridge.
Should I also be able to see the energy label online?
For household fridges covered by EU energy-labelling rules, retailers must also display the label online. The European Union sets out this requirement for the products and retailers concerned.