You usually don’t need a separate fridge for a few cucumber slices if your existing fridge has enough space and is set to the recommended 4 °C. Store the slices in a sealed container; the Voedingscentrum recommends keeping raw, firm vegetables without dressing in the fridge for no more than 2 days. If you’re looking for a main fridge, choose one based on the space you need for your usual shopping, the room available and whether you also need a freezer compartment.
If you store small portions of sliced cucumber, first check that your existing fridge is cooling properly and has room for a sealed container. The Voedingscentrum offers advice on storing food chilled and in sealed containers.
If you’re looking for a main fridge, you’ll also need room for the rest of your chilled shopping. Check the layout, the space available and the stated energy consumption; Milieu Centraal recommends considering whether one suitable appliance will be enough.
If space is limited or you live in an open-plan home, consider the external dimensions, required ventilation space and stated noise level. Compare these details for the exact models you’re considering.
Choose this if: there’s room for a sealed container and you can check the temperature.
The trade-off: you won’t need to buy a second appliance, but you’ll need to check that your fridge is cold enough.
Choose this if: you’re looking for a main fridge and don’t need freezer space in the same appliance.
The trade-off: all the available space is for chilling, so you won’t be able to store frozen food in it.
Choose this if: you want to store frozen food in the same appliance as your chilled shopping.
The trade-off: cucumber slices don’t need a freezer compartment, so consider the separate fridge and freezer space when choosing.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge temperature | The Voedingscentrum recommends 4 °C. Check the temperature with a fridge thermometer; the setting on the dial doesn’t automatically tell you the temperature on the shelf. | I want to know that my sealed portion is being kept properly chilled, rather than relying only on the setting. Around 36% of consumers consider reliable cooling their main priority. |
| Size and layout | Measure the space available and check that a container and your other shopping will fit inside. The stated capacity isn’t always the same as the space you can practically use. | I’m looking for a fridge that fits in my kitchen and has enough room for my everyday shopping. The right size is a top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Annual energy consumption | For models that meet your needs, compare the stated consumption in kWh per year on the energy label. The European Commission lists energy consumption and energy class as information shown on the current EU label. | I want to consider the stated annual energy consumption of a fridge that stays on all the time. Around 21% of consumers focus mainly on energy use. |
| Noise and placement | Compare the stated dB(A) rating and the placement requirements for the exact models. The rating won’t tell you precisely how intrusive the noise will sound in your room. | I live in a studio or have an open-plan kitchen, so I want to consider noise as well as fridge space. Around 14% of consumers put noise at the top of their list. |
Your existing fridge may already be suitable. A second appliance that’s left on all the time uses extra electricity; Milieu Centraal recommends checking whether one suitable appliance will be enough.
First, check the temperature and available space in the fridge you already have.
A second fridge will keep using electricity, even after you’ve eaten the cucumber slices.
The Bosch KTR15NWEB has a stated fridge volume of 134 litres, compared with a usable fridge volume of 107 litres according to the Consumentenbond. This difference applies to this specific model and doesn’t automatically tell you anything about other fridges.
Check the layout and make sure your container, bottles and other shopping will actually fit inside.
The Voedingscentrum advises against freezing raw cucumber. A freezer compartment is mainly useful if you’ll also use it for other products.
Choose a freezer compartment based on your other shopping, and compare the fridge and freezer space separately.
A freezer compartment takes up space inside the appliance that can’t be used for chilled shopping.
The KK550 is a freestanding under-counter model with no stated freezer compartment, a stated capacity of 131 litres and a width of 55 cm.
The KTR15NWEB is a freestanding under-counter model without a freezer compartment; Bosch states a fridge volume of 134 litres.
The Rd 1400 Pure is an under-counter model with a stated total volume of 125 litres.
The TSE1285N is a freestanding under-counter model with a stated fridge capacity of 101 litres and a freezer compartment.
This selection includes compact fridges for chilled shopping, with models both with and without a freezer compartment. Decide in advance whether you only need fridge space or also want to store frozen food.
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A compact option if you’re looking for a main fridge without a freezer compartment.
88 litres; energy label E; manual defrost.
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An option if you want to store frozen food in the same appliance as your chilled shopping.
109 litres total capacity; energy label C.
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An under-counter model to consider if you also need a freezer compartment; check whether the available fridge space suits your everyday shopping.
107 litres; energy label C; with freezer compartment.
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An under-counter model to compare if the available width is an important consideration.
54 cm wide; energy label E.
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A compact fridge to compare if you also want a freezer compartment in the appliance.
120 litres total capacity; energy label E; adjustable shelves and reversible door.
Not necessarily: the Voedingscentrum recommends keeping a whole cucumber out of the fridge, as it can quickly lose its flavour and become limp in there. Keep a cut cucumber in the fridge, though, and store slices in a sealed container.
For raw, firm vegetables without dressing, the Voedingscentrum recommends 2 days in the fridge and advises using a well-sealed container. This is advice for that category, not a separately measured shelf life for every container of cucumber; also look out for signs of spoilage.
The Voedingscentrum 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 reading is higher. Also follow your model’s manual for placement and use.
According to the European Commission, the current EU energy label includes details such as the energy class and consumption in kWh per year. Use the annual consumption to compare suitable models; you’ll also need your own electricity tariff to estimate your personal costs.
Energy labelling rules apply to domestic fridges covered by EU regulations. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that suppliers must produce the label and retailers must display it clearly. Check the label for the exact model when you buy.
