Cook who eats leftovers soon
You keep a few sealed portions of cooked pasta to eat within two days. A fridge compartment with a temperature you can check and a well-organised layout matter more than a built-in freezer compartment.
Which fridge is right for you?
Meal-prepper who freezes portions
You cook more pasta than you can eat within two days and want to freeze small portions separately. The freezer rating and available freezer space will help you choose the right model.
Cook with limited kitchen space
You need fridge space for portion containers and have to consider the appliance’s external dimensions, the door opening and the required clearance around it.
What should you look for when choosing?
Fridge without a freezer compartment
Suitable if: you’ll eat the pasta within two days or already have a suitable freezer.
Trade-off: all the stated capacity is fridge space, but you can’t freeze portions in this appliance.
Table-top fridge with a four-star freezer compartment
Suitable if: you sometimes want to store small portions for longer than two days and the freezer space is sufficient.
Trade-off: the freezer compartment takes up space that would otherwise be available for chilled food.
Fridge with a separate freezer
Suitable if: you regularly freeze more portions than a small table-top freezer compartment can hold and have room for two appliances.
Trade-off: you’ll need extra space; compare the stated annual energy consumption of both appliances combined.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping food chilled and checking the temperature | Check whether you can adjust the fridge compartment and whether a sealed container will fit on a shelf. Measure the temperature after installation; Voedingscentrum recommends 4 °C. | I want to chill leftovers quickly and know whether my fridge is cold enough. Around 40% of consumers say reliable temperature control is their top priority. |
| Storing portions for longer | Check for a four-star rating and look at the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. | I want to store portions I won’t eat within two days and need suitable freezer space. Around 30% of consumers say longer-term freezing is their top priority. |
| Making sure containers and appliance fit | Measure the available space and your containers; check the external dimensions, shelf layout, door opening direction and installation requirements. | I have limited space and want both the appliance and my portion containers to fit. Around 20% of consumers say getting the right fit is their top priority. |
| Comparing energy consumption | Compare the stated annual consumption in kWh for models that meet your space and feature requirements. If you have two appliances, add their annual consumption together. | I want to factor in energy use once I know which appliances suit my storage needs and kitchen. Around 10% of consumers say energy consumption is their top priority. |
Common buying mistakes
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Mistaking total capacity for fridge space
The Inventum KV550’s stated 113 litres comprises 97 litres of fridge space and 16 litres of freezer space. So you can’t use all of its capacity for chilled portions.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, and check whether your sealed containers will fit on the shelves.
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Assuming every small freezer compartment can freeze fresh leftovers
According to Consumentenbond, a four-star freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh food.
Check the star rating of the exact model and make sure your portions will physically fit in the compartment.
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Assuming a cold setting proves the storage temperature
According to Voedingscentrum, the temperature isn’t the same throughout a fridge.
After installation, use a fridge thermometer on the bottom shelf and adjust the fridge if needed.
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Comparing a second fridge on purchase price alone
The EU energy label shows an appliance’s annual energy consumption. A second appliance will have its own energy consumption too.
Compare the stated kWh per year for the complete set-up with that of a single appliance that meets your needs.
Brands to consider
Inventum
Inventum offers table-top models with and without a freezer compartment, so you can compare how much space is given to chilling or freezing.
- According to Inventum, the KK550 has 131 litres of fridge space. The KV550 has 97 litres of fridge space and 16 litres of freezer space.
- These stated capacities aren’t based on a practical test and don’t tell you how many portion containers will actually fit.
ETNA
ETNA offers a table-top model with a freezer compartment and one with fridge space only, giving you different ways to divide the available capacity.
- According to ETNA, the KVV956WIT has 107 litres of fridge space and 13 litres of freezer space. The KKV956WIT has 133 litres of fridge space.
- Check the layout with your own containers; the stated capacity doesn’t tell you how many portions will fit.
Liebherr
The Re 1000 Pure is a low table-top model for spaces where height is a consideration.
- Liebherr lists external dimensions of 68 × 55 × 60,7 cm, a total capacity of 92 litres and a noise level of 35 dB for this model.
- Allow for the clearance the model needs; the stated noise level doesn’t tell you how the appliance will sound in every room.
Beko
The TSE1285N is a freestanding table-top model to compare if external dimensions, fridge capacity and energy rating matter to you.
- Beko lists 101 litres of fridge space, dimensions of 84 × 54 × 59 cm and energy class D.
- If you need freezer space, check the full specifications of the model you choose.
Fridges at Joybuy
These product picks are designed for keeping portions chilled, and also include models with a freezer compartment. If you want to freeze fresh leftovers, check that the freezer space is suitable for this.
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Bella BKK090.1BE table-top fridge, black
A good fit for chilled portions if you’re looking for a compact table-top model with adjustable shelves.
88 litres of fridge space; three adjustable glass shelves; 85 × 48 × 45 cm; energy label E. According to the product information, this model has no freezer compartment.
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Bella BKV555-040CW table-top fridge with freezer compartment
Suitable for chilled portions, with a separate freezer compartment as well.
95 litres of fridge space and 14 litres of freezer space; total capacity 109 litres; two glass shelves, a salad drawer and three door shelves; 85 × 55 × 58 cm; energy label C. Check the star rating if you want to freeze fresh leftovers.
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Exquisit KS16-4-051CW table-top fridge with freezer compartment
A good fit for chilled portions if you also want a separate freezer compartment.
107 litres of fridge space and 13 litres of freezer space; 84,50 × 54,90 × 55,70 cm; energy label C; temperature control. Check the star rating if you want to freeze fresh leftovers.
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TCL RF338BSE0 fridge-freezer
A good fit for chilled portions if you also need more freezer space than a small freezer compartment can offer.
187 litres of fridge space and 73 litres of freezer space; total capacity 260 litres; 55 cm wide; adjustable shelves and reversible door; energy label E. Check the star rating if you want to freeze fresh leftovers.
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Wiggo WL-BTT88E(W) table-top fridge
A good fit for chilled portions if you’re looking for a table-top model with adjustable shelves.
129 litres capacity; 54 × 54 × 88 cm; two glass shelves with an adjustable layout; energy label E.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you keep cooked pasta in the fridge?
Voedingscentrum recommends keeping cooked pasta in the fridge for no more than two days. Cool leftovers quickly, store them in a well-sealed container and don’t leave them out of the fridge for more than two hours.
How can you check that your fridge is cold enough after installation?
Voedingscentrum recommends a fridge temperature of 4 °C. Place a fridge thermometer in the middle of the bottom shelf and leave it there for half a day or overnight. Adjust the fridge if needed; the thermostat setting alone won’t confirm the measured temperature.
Can you freeze fresh leftover pasta in any small freezer compartment?
No. According to Consumentenbond, a four-star freezer compartment is suitable for freezing fresh food. Also check that the portions fit in the compartment.
What information is on a fridge energy label?
According to the European Commission, the EU energy label for household fridges uses the A–G scale. The label includes information such as annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level. Compare the details for the exact models that suit your available space and storage needs.
What are your rights if your fridge is faulty, and what happens to your old appliance?
According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works as it should, and the retailer is your point of contact if there’s a fault. There’s no fixed statutory warranty period in the Netherlands. If you buy a new, similar fridge as a private individual, the shop must take your old appliance free of charge under the old-for-new scheme, including for online purchases.