Use opened tofu within two days. Your existing fridge should usually be enough, provided there’s room for sealed portions and you can check that the temperature is 4 °C. If you want to store fresh portions for longer, choose a genuine four-star freezer compartment. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing tofu in the freezer for up to three months, but this doesn’t guarantee that its quality will remain unchanged. If you’re considering an extra appliance, compare the specific model’s external dimensions, annual energy consumption and noise level too.
You’re storing small leftover portions and want to know whether sealed containers will fit in your available fridge space. Also check that the fridge, along with the required ventilation space, will fit where you plan to put it.
You won’t use opened tofu within the recommended fridge storage time and want to freeze fresh portions for later. Look for a genuine four-star freezer compartment and check how much space it offers.
You’re looking for extra fridge space, but also want to consider the stated energy consumption and noise level of a second appliance. First, check whether your existing fridge has enough room and can provide suitable cooling.
When: if sealed portions fit and you can check that the storage area is at 4 °C.
Trade-off: you won’t need another appliance, but you won’t gain any extra fridge space either.
When: if you want extra fridge space and don’t plan to freeze fresh tofu.
Trade-off: the fridge capacity isn’t shared with a freezer compartment, but a second fridge will still use electricity.
When: if you want to freeze fresh portions for later.
Trade-off: the freezer compartment takes up space alongside the fridge section, so compare the capacities of both compartments for the specific model.
The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping opened tofu refrigerated for two days. The European Commission says that the energy label includes information such as annual energy consumption and noise emissions.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who is this most important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and temperature | Measure the space and your sealed containers; check the external dimensions and clearance required. Once the fridge is in place, measure the temperature on the bottom shelf. | I need room for small portions and want to be sure the storage area is cold enough. Around 45% of consumers prioritise space and reliably checkable cooling. |
| Freezing portions | Check for a four-star rating and the separate freezer capacity. A low-temperature compartment isn’t automatically suitable for freezing fresh portions. | If I won’t use the tofu within the recommended fridge storage time, I want to freeze fresh portions for later. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this option. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise level for the specific model; also check the separate fridge and freezer capacities. | If I’m buying a second fridge for small quantities, I want to take energy use and noise into account. Around 22% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
Set the fridge section you’re using to 4 °C and use a fridge thermometer to check whether the bottom shelf reaches that temperature. The set temperature or product specifications alone can’t confirm the temperature in the storage area.
A second appliance adds to your energy use, even though small leftover portions don’t always need extra fridge capacity.
First, measure the available space and check the temperature in your existing fridge. Then compare the stated annual energy consumption of any extra model you’re considering.
A low-temperature compartment isn’t automatically suitable for freezing fresh tofu.
Check whether the specific model has a four-star freezer compartment and look at its separate freezer capacity.
A fridge may physically fit in an alcove but still not be suitable for installation according to the instructions.
Check the manual, the required ventilation space, the door opening and the climate class for the room where you plan to put the appliance. For example, the Inventum KK470 manual specifies 10 cm of clearance all around; don’t assume the same measurement applies to other models.
The Re 1000 Pure is a low under-counter fridge without a freezer compartment, worth considering if you have limited headroom.
The KKV956WIT and KVV856WIT offer two different layouts to compare: one without a stated freezer compartment and one with a separate freezer compartment.
The KV550 is an under-counter fridge with a freezer compartment; the KK470 has a low-temperature compartment, which isn’t the same as a freezer for freezing fresh food.
The KTR15NWEB is an under-counter fridge without a built-in freezer compartment, worth considering if fridge capacity and a door-open alarm matter to you.
This selection ranges from very compact mini fridges to under-counter models, with and without a freezer compartment. If you’re storing tofu, always check that the fridge section you choose can reach 4 °C where you plan to store it.
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A very small option to consider if you’re looking for just a little extra fridge space; check that it’s large enough for your sealed portions.
The product name lists a capacity of 6 litres, space for 8 cans and a 220–240 V AC/DC power supply. Set the fridge section you’re using to 4 °C and check the bottom shelf with a thermometer; the listed details don’t confirm that temperature.
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A compact option to compare if you’re short on space; don’t choose a place to store tofu based on size alone.
The product name lists a capacity of 10 litres, AC/DC power and a noise level of 38 dB. Set the fridge section to 4 °C and check the bottom shelf with a thermometer; the listed details don’t confirm that temperature.
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Only compare this model if its cooling mode suits your intended use; separately check that the tofu will stay cold enough where you plan to store it.
The product name lists a capacity of 15 litres, cooling and heating functions, and AC/DC power. Use a thermometer to check whether the bottom shelf reaches 4 °C; the listed functions don’t confirm that it will.
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An under-counter model to compare if you’re looking for more fridge space than a mini fridge can offer.
The product name lists a capacity of 88 litres and energy label E. Check the exact layout, required installation space and the temperature on the bottom shelf using a thermometer.
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An under-counter fridge with a freezer compartment to consider if you want fridge space and a separate freezer in one appliance.
The product name lists a capacity of 109 litres and energy label C. Check the separate freezer capacity and whether the compartment has a four-star rating before freezing fresh portions of tofu. Also check the temperature where you plan to store it.
The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping opened tofu in the fridge for two days. Store leftovers in a well-sealed container, don’t leave them out of the fridge for more than two hours, and set your fridge to 4 °C. Check the temperature with a thermometer.
No. You need a four-star freezer compartment to freeze fresh food. A low-temperature compartment without a genuine freezer isn’t a suitable alternative. The Voedingscentrum recommends storing opened tofu in the freezer for up to three months.
Check the external dimensions, the ventilation space specified in the manual, and whether the climate class is suitable for the temperature of the room you’ve chosen. For example, the Inventum KK470 manual specifies 10 cm of clearance all around; this distance doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
If your complaint is valid, the retailer must provide a solution because you’re entitled to a product that works properly. The Dutch government says there is no fixed statutory guarantee period of two years in the Netherlands; what you can expect also depends on the product.
For a private purchase in the Netherlands, the old-for-new scheme applies: the retailer must take back a similar old appliance free of charge, including for online purchases. The Dutch government outlines alternatives, such as collection or free postage, if it can’t be taken back at the time of delivery.
