Only storing portions of cucumber?
If you only want to chill slices and have space in your existing fridge, an airtight container may be all you need. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends storing cut vegetables covered in the fridge.
Which option is right for you?
Looking for extra cooling in a narrow kitchen?
If your current fridge is full and width is the main constraint, compare the external dimensions of compact models with the space where you plan to put one.
Chilling other food too?
If you want to store everyday groceries as well as cucumber slices, useful fridge capacity, shelf layout and annual energy consumption are important points to compare.
What should you look for when choosing?
Airtight container in your existing fridge
Choose this if: your portions fit in your existing fridge and you don't want to make room for another appliance.
Bear in mind: the container takes up shelf space; check that your fridge reaches 4 °C.
Narrow under-counter fridge without a freezer compartment
Choose this if: your existing fridge is too full and the available width is the main factor in your choice.
Bear in mind: a second appliance takes up space and uses electricity; check the temperature after installation.
Roomier under-counter fridge without a freezer compartment
Choose this if: you want to chill other groceries as well as cucumber and have more width available.
Bear in mind: compare the external dimensions, shelves and energy consumption in kWh per year. Milieu Centraal points out that two cooling appliances use more electricity together than one suitable appliance.
Portable thermoelectric cool box
Consider this if: you want to be able to move the appliance and can check the temperature while it is in use.
Bear in mind: Dometic specifies that the TropiCool TCX 14 cools to a maximum of 27 °C below the ambient temperature; this does not guarantee a constant 4 °C.
| What to consider | What to look for | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage without an extra appliance | Check that the container and portions fit, and measure whether the fridge reaches 4 °C. | If I only need to store portions of cucumber, I don't want another appliance; around 36% of consumers prioritise storage without an extra appliance. |
| Width of an extra fridge | Measure the space and check the exact model's external dimensions, door swing and required ventilation clearance. | If the available space is narrow, I want to know first whether a fridge will physically fit; around 29% of consumers prioritise a small installation width. |
| Cooling capacity and energy consumption | Compare the usable layout, whether it has a freezer compartment and its energy consumption in kWh per year. | If I also want to chill everyday groceries, extra usable capacity matters more than a small external size alone; around 21% of consumers prioritise extra cooling space. |
| Portability and temperature | Check how it cools and measure the internal temperature in the conditions in which you plan to use the appliance. | If I want to move the cooling appliance around, I want to know whether the contents will stay cold enough while it's in use; around 14% of consumers prioritise portability. |
Common buying mistakes
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Buying a fridge when a container will fit in your existing one
Cut vegetables need to be kept chilled, but that doesn't automatically mean you need a separate cooling appliance. An extra fridge takes up space and uses electricity.
First check whether you can fit the portions in your existing fridge, and measure whether it reaches the recommended 4 °C.
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Expecting a thermoelectric cool box to hold a constant fridge temperature
The stated cooling performance can depend on the ambient temperature and doesn't prove that the contents will stay at 4 °C all the time.
Check how it cools and measure the internal temperature during the intended use before storing food in it.
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Choosing based only on litres or the energy label rating
Capacity doesn't tell you whether an appliance will fit in the available space or whether its layout will work for you. Energy consumption can also vary between models.
Measure the space and compare the exact model's external dimensions, shelves and energy consumption in kWh per year.
Brands and models to compare
These models illustrate different sizes and cooling solutions. Check the dimensions and specifications of the exact version before you choose.
Inventum
The KK471W and KK550 show the difference between a narrower model and a roomier fridge without a freezer compartment.
- Inventum lists the KK471W as having a capacity of 94 litres and the KK550 131 litres; the stated width of the KK550 is 55 cm.
- The KK471W product information gives two widths: 47.2 and 47.5 cm. Check the technical specification sheet and the space required for installation.
Bosch
The KTR15NWEB is an under-counter fridge without a freezer compartment, for anyone considering a wider model with extra cooling capacity.
- Bosch lists this model as having 134 litres of fridge capacity, dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm and a stated noise level of 39 dB.
- Check that the external dimensions will fit and that the layout suits what you want to store.
Liebherr
The Rd 1400 Pure is an under-counter model to compare for external dimensions, capacity and stated noise level.
- For this specific model, Liebherr lists a capacity of 125 litres and a noise level of 34 dB.
- The stated dimensions are 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm. In particular, check that the depth will fit the available space.
Dometic
The TropiCool TCX 14 is a portable thermoelectric cool box, offering a different solution from a standard household fridge.
- Dometic lists a 15-litre capacity, mains or 12 V power and cooling to a maximum of 27 °C below the ambient temperature.
- The stated maximum temperature reduction doesn't guarantee a constant 4 °C. Measure the actual temperature reached if you plan to store food in it.
Compact fridges at Joybuy
The Joybuy products below are compact fridges that offer extra cooling space. Compare their stated dimensions and layout with the space available and how you plan to use them.
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Bella BKK090.1BE under-counter fridge
An option to compare if you're looking for extra cooling space in a fridge 48 cm wide.
The stated capacity is 88 litres. The fridge has no freezer compartment, three adjustable glass shelves and a vegetable drawer.
Stated dimensions: 85 × 48 × 45 cm. Energy rating E.
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Sonlu CS-100L single-door fridge
An option if you're looking for extra cooling space in a fridge without a freezer compartment.
The stated capacity is 82 litres. The description lists adjustable glass shelves and a vegetable drawer.
Energy rating E.
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TCL RF60DWE0 compact fridge
A smaller cooling option to compare if you don't need a large fridge.
The product information lists a total capacity of 45 litres, including 42 litres of fridge space, and one glass shelf.
Stated dimensions: 449 × 485 × 512 mm. Energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR92DSE compact fridge
A compact option to compare if you're looking for extra cooling space but have limited width.
The product information lists a capacity of 92 litres and a width of 474 mm. The fridge has a vegetable drawer and adjustable glass shelves.
The product title also lists seven temperature settings, a reversible door, a compressor and an E energy rating. It states that the compressor has a 12-year parts warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Should you keep a whole cucumber in the fridge too?
No. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping a whole cucumber with its skin on in the fruit bowl. Store a cut cucumber in the fridge and keep cut vegetables well covered.
What temperature should you store cucumber slices at?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends setting your fridge to 4 °C. You can check the temperature with a fridge thermometer placed in the middle of the bottom shelf; take a reading after half a day or overnight.
How long can you keep cucumber slices?
For opened packs of pre-cut vegetables, the Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends keeping them covered in the fridge for two days. This is a guideline for that product category, not a guarantee of how long every portion of cucumber will keep.
When is an extra fridge worth considering?
An extra fridge may be a good option if your existing one is too full and you want to chill other groceries as well. First measure the available space and compare external dimensions, layout and energy consumption in kWh per year. A container in your existing fridge doesn't require a second cooling appliance.
What energy rating does a fridge have, and what happens to your old appliance?
The Dutch government states that fridges must have an energy label with ratings from A to G. When you buy a new, similar appliance, the retailer must take your old one away free of charge under the like-for-like take-back scheme. This also applies to online purchases.