Holidaymaker with a fridge provided
Wants to check that the fridge in the cottage reaches the required temperature before buying an extra appliance. The Voedingscentrum recommends setting your fridge to 4 °C.
Who is this guide for?
Guest who needs extra chilled storage
Is looking for an under-counter fridge that fits the available space and has enough room for hummus and other chilled groceries.
Holidaymaker taking cooling on the go
Wants to keep things chilled while travelling or between stays, so needs to consider the power supply and the temperature the appliance reaches in use.
What should you look for when choosing?
The cottage fridge
Choose this if: there is enough space and you can use a thermometer to check whether the fridge reaches 4 °C.
What to consider: the setting on a dial does not tell you the actual temperature inside the fridge.
Freestanding under-counter fridge
Choose this if: you need extra space in one place for hummus and other chilled groceries.
What to consider: compare the external dimensions and net fridge capacity; the climate class also matters if the fridge will be kept in an unheated space.
Portable compressor cool box
Choose this if: you want to take your cooling with you and have a suitable power supply where you plan to use it.
What to consider: capacity and temperature range vary by model; use a thermometer to check the actual temperature the box reaches.
Thermoelectric cool box
Choose this if: you can check that the contents stay sufficiently cold in the conditions you expect to use it in.
What to consider: cooling performance may depend on the ambient temperature, so it does not necessarily maintain a fixed fridge temperature.
The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping opened hummus chilled and setting your fridge to 4 °C. If you’re choosing a cooling solution for this situation, these are the main things to consider.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage temperature | Set the fridge to 4 °C and use a thermometer to check that it reaches this temperature. | If I’m storing opened hummus, I want to be able to check that the fridge is cold enough. Around 36% of consumers say temperature confidence is their main concern when buying. |
| Dimensions and fridge capacity | Measure the available space and compare the external dimensions, net fridge capacity and layout. | If I want to chill other groceries too, the appliance needs to fit and have enough usable space. Around 29% of consumers prioritise suitable dimensions and fridge capacity. |
| Portability | Check the capacity, weight, connections and temperature during intended use. | If I need to take the cooling between the car and my accommodation, I want to know where I can plug the appliance in. Around 21% of consumers say portability is their main concern when buying. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh and the stated noise level of the exact models. | If the appliance is close to where I sleep or spend time, energy use and noise matter once I’ve found one that provides the cooling I need. Around 14% of consumers cite one of these as their main concern when buying. |
Common pitfalls
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Assuming a low fridge setting will automatically give you 4 °C
The setting you choose does not tell you what temperature the fridge reaches where the hummus is stored.
Once the temperature has had time to stabilise, take a reading with a fridge thermometer on the bottom shelf and adjust the setting if needed.
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Treating a thermoelectric cool box like a fridge with a fixed temperature
With a cool box that cools relative to the ambient temperature, the temperature it reaches depends in part on the conditions in which you use it.
Compare the cooling technology and measure the temperature during use, including at the ambient temperature you expect.
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Looking only at the energy rating or the size
The energy rating and annual consumption in kWh are separate details; the available fridge space also needs to suit how you plan to use it.
First choose a suitable size, then compare the annual energy consumption of the exact models.
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Putting a fridge in an unheated space without checking the climate class
Not every model is designed to be used at low ambient temperatures.
Check the climate class and specifications of the exact model for the place where you intend to use it.
Brands to consider
Inventum
The KK550 is a freestanding under-counter fridge with no stated freezer compartment, designed to provide extra chilled storage.
- Inventum says the KK550 has a capacity of 131 litres, is 55 cm wide and has a digital thermostat.
- The stated noise level is 39 dB. Check that the dimensions and capacity suit the space available; these are manufacturer specifications.
Beko
The TS190340N is an under-counter fridge for a narrower space.
- Beko lists this model as 47,5 cm wide and with an energy rating of E.
- The stated fridge capacity is 73 litres; compare this with how much you want to store alongside your hummus.
Liebherr
The Rc 1400 Pure is an under-counter fridge whose stated capacity and noise level can be compared with its external dimensions.
- Liebherr lists this model with a total volume of 125 litres and a noise level of 34 dB.
- These are model specifications; they don’t tell you what temperature or noise level you’ll experience in your holiday cottage.
Bosch
The KTR15NWEB is a freestanding under-counter fridge without a freezer compartment.
- Bosch lists this model with 134 litres of fridge capacity, an energy rating of E and a noise level of 39 dB.
- Compare the dimensions, annual energy consumption and stated noise level with the conditions in the place where you intend to use it.
Dometic
The CFF 12 is a portable compressor cool box for situations where you need to take your cooling with you.
- Dometic lists this model with a capacity of 13 litres and a temperature setting range of +20 to −18 °C.
- The temperature range is a manufacturer specification, not a measurement of your food’s temperature. Also check that the capacity and connection suit your needs.
Cooling solutions at Joybuy
This selection includes compact fridges for a fixed spot and portable compressor cool boxes that let you take your cooling with you.
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Bella BKK090.1BE under-counter fridge, 88 litres
A fixed cooling solution for anyone who wants to store hummus alongside other chilled groceries.
88 litres of net fridge capacity, mechanical temperature control and an energy rating of E.
The product description states that it needs to be defrosted manually.
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EUHOMY 40L compressor cool box
A portable option for anyone who wants to take cooling between the car and their accommodation.
40 litres of capacity, two zones and a stated temperature range of −20 °C to +20 °C.
The product description lists 12/24 V DC and 100–240 V AC power; check the temperature during use.
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EUHOMY 21L compressor cool box
A portable option for anyone who needs cooling on the go and wants a more compact capacity.
21 litres of capacity and a stated temperature range of −20 °C to +20 °C.
The product description lists 12/24 V DC and 220–240 V AC power, plus app control; measure the temperature during use.
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TCL RF60DWE0 compact fridge
A compact fridge for anyone looking for a fixed place to chill hummus and other groceries.
42 litres of fridge space, three glass shelves and a stated cooling range of 0–10 °C.
The stated dimensions are 449 × 485 × 512 mm; use a thermometer to check the actual temperature the appliance reaches.
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CHiQ JR92DSE compact fridge, 92 litres
A fixed option for anyone who wants to store other chilled groceries alongside hummus.
92 litres of capacity, a separate chill drawer and seven temperature settings.
The stated width is 47 cm; the product description says the door is reversible.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check the holiday cottage fridge before putting hummus in it?
Set the fridge to 4 °C and check the temperature with a fridge thermometer. The Voedingscentrum recommends 4 °C. Read the thermometer once the fridge has had time to reach that temperature, and adjust the setting if needed.
How long can you keep opened plain hummus?
The Voedingscentrum says plain hummus will keep in the fridge for 1–3 days if homemade and 5–10 days if shop-bought and ready to eat. Also follow the storage instructions on the packaging of the specific product.
What’s a good way to keep hummus chilled while travelling?
For travelling, the Voedingscentrum recommends a cool box with ice packs or an electric cool box with a battery. When you arrive, also check whether the holiday cottage fridge reaches the recommended temperature.
How do I compare the energy consumption of fridges?
Compare the stated annual energy consumption in kWh for the exact models. You can multiply this by your electricity rate per kWh to estimate the annual cost; energy use during a short stay won’t necessarily be a proportional share of that annual total.
What energy labelling and warranty rules apply to a fridge?
The European Commission says that fridges are subject to energy labelling and ecodesign requirements. The Dutch government says that if a product is faulty, the seller is your point of contact for a solution; your statutory guarantee is not solely the manufacturer’s responsibility.