People who share a fridge
If you only want to store sliced cucumber, you mainly need a clean, sealed space in the fridge. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises keeping pre-cut vegetables in a sealed container and not freezing raw cucumber.
Who is this relevant for?
Housemates replacing a fridge-freezer
For households that want to freeze other food as well as store fresh produce, the separate fridge and freezer capacities and energy consumption are important. Milieu Centraal advises choosing a size that suits your needs.
People with a fixed built-in space
When replacing an appliance in an existing kitchen, the niche dimensions and installation type will help determine which models will fit. The Consumers’ Association explains the difference between freestanding and built-in models; also check the dimensions of the specific model.
What should you consider when choosing?
Keep using the shared fridge
Choose this when: there’s room for a sealed container and the fridge is set to around 4 °C.
The trade-off: you won’t need another appliance, but you’ll share the available space and temperature with your housemates.
A freestanding fridge-freezer
Choose this when: the kitchen really needs extra fridge and freezer space, and there’s room for a freestanding appliance.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment is for other food, not for storing raw cucumber.
A built-in fridge-freezer
Choose this when: there’s already a suitable built-in space and your housemates also need freezer space.
The trade-off: the niche and cabinetry limit your options, so compare the installation dimensions for each model.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who should pay extra attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Storing cucumber | Check that the fridge is set to 4 °C and that there’s room for a clean, sealable container. | I want to store the slices in a clean, sealed container in the fridge we already share, without buying another appliance just for this one item. Around 42% of consumers put storing the slices first. |
| Fridge and freezer space | Compare the separate capacities in litres with the shopping needs of everyone using the appliance; don’t count freezer space as a reason to freeze raw cucumber. | If we store groceries and frozen food together, I want enough fridge and freezer space without more capacity than we need. Around 25% of consumers put shared fridge and freezer space first. |
| Size and installation | Measure the available space and check the appliance’s external dimensions, installation type and required clearance. | If the kitchen has a fixed space for an appliance, I want to know whether a freestanding or built-in model will fit and whether the dimensions are right. Getting the fit right is the main concern for around 17% of consumers. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare annual energy consumption in kWh and the noise information on the EU energy label; also check the model’s freezing and defrosting system. | I want to compare the energy use of suitable models and find out what maintenance the freezer compartment needs. Running costs and freezer maintenance come first for around 16% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Buying a freezer compartment to store raw cucumber
According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, raw cucumber isn’t suitable for freezing. For cucumber slices, what matters is having fridge space where they can be kept in a sealed container.
Use the fridge space you already have first, and only buy a fridge-freezer if you also need freezer space for other food.
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Looking only at total capacity or the energy rating
The EU energy label lists fridge and freezer capacities separately and shows annual energy consumption in kWh. An appliance that’s larger than you need may use unnecessary energy, according to Milieu Centraal.
First compare the fridge and freezer space you need, then look at the annual energy consumption of models that fit.
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Treating Low Frost and No Frost as the same maintenance feature
According to Inventum, the Inventum KV1500B has Low Frost; Bosch specifies No Frost for the KGN36NWCK. The terms therefore don’t refer to the same feature.
Check the freezing and defrosting system of the exact model so your housemates know what maintenance may be needed.
A Low Frost model may still need to be defrosted periodically.
Brands to consider
Inventum
The KV1500B and KV1850B are freestanding examples with different fridge and freezer capacities.
- According to Inventum’s official specifications, the KV1500B has 115 l of fridge space, 59 l of freezer space and Low Frost. The KV1850B has 216 l of fridge space, 122 l of freezer space and No Frost.
- These are specifications for these models, not the result of an independent performance test or a feature of the entire brand range.
Bosch
The KGN36NWCK is a freestanding model to consider if a shared kitchen needs more fridge and freezer space.
- Bosch specifies 232 l of fridge space, 115 l of freezer space, No Frost and 35 dB(A) for this model.
- The stated dimensions are 1862 × 595 × 663 mm; check that the appliance and the clearance it needs will fit in your kitchen. These are manufacturer’s figures, not comparative test results.
Beko
The BCSA240K4SN is an integrated fridge-freezer to consider for an existing built-in space.
- Beko lists this model as 54 cm wide and 144 cm high, with a static cooling system.
- A built-in model isn’t necessarily interchangeable with a freestanding appliance. Compare the full installation diagram and check what maintenance the freezer compartment needs.
Fridge-freezers at Joybuy
These models are fridge-freezers for households that need freezer space for other food as well as refrigeration. For cucumber slices alone, a suitable space in an existing fridge is enough.
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Dreame FizzFreshCube 90 Four-Door, DRC560WMXEEUP
Suited to a household that needs plenty of freezer space as well as fridge space; not needed for cucumber slices alone.
524 l total capacity: 308 l of fridge space and 203 l of freezer space. No Frost; FreshFlex zone. Approx. 321 kWh annual energy consumption. Dimensions: 91,1 × 69,3 × 183 cm; also allow for the stated ventilation and access clearances.
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Sonlu CD-350RW, 310 l
A freestanding model for housemates who need a freezer compartment for other food as well as fridge space.
211 l of fridge space and 99 l of freezer space; 60 cm wide. Features an inverter compressor, reversible door and electronic temperature control. Energy rating E; the product information states that it has a frost-free system.
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TCL RF338BSE0
An option to consider if space is limited but your housemates still need a fridge-freezer.
187 l of fridge space and 73 l of freezer space; 55 cm wide. Features a Fresh Zone, reversible door and adjustable feet. Energy rating E; the product information states that it requires manual defrosting.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 l, Low Frost
Worth considering if you need a freezer compartment for other food as well as fridge space.
262 l total capacity; 4-star freezer function, Low Frost, 39 dB and a reversible door.
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CHiQ FBM260L, 262 l
A freestanding model to consider if your kitchen needs a fridge-freezer for shared use.
262 l total capacity, 39 dB and Low Frost. Finished in dark stainless steel.
Frequently asked questions
Should cucumber slices go in the freezer?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises storing pre-cut vegetables in a sealed container in the fridge and specifically states that raw cucumber isn’t suitable for freezing.
How can you check whether the shared fridge is cold enough?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends 4 °C. Place a fridge thermometer in the middle of the bottom shelf, leave it there for half a day or overnight, and adjust the fridge if the temperature is higher.
Which running costs can you compare before buying?
For models with enough capacity, compare the annual energy consumption in kWh shown on the EU energy label. To work out the cost in euros, you’ll also need to multiply the consumption by an applicable electricity tariff.
What warranty applies to purchases in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch government, you’re entitled to a product that works properly, and the seller must provide a solution if there’s a fault. There isn’t a fixed two-year statutory warranty period for every product in the Netherlands; a manufacturer’s warranty is in addition to your statutory rights.