Buying a fridge: what should you look for?
Buying a new fridge throws up a whole set of questions straight away: which type fits my kitchen, how much capacity do I need, what exactly does that energy rating mean and what counts as a fair price? That is understandable, because a fridge is something you use every day and keep for years. On this page we answer the questions we are asked most often and walk you step by step towards the right choice.
The factors that matter most when buying a fridge are the type (under counter, larder, integrated or American), the size in litres, the energy rating and the price. At Pro Witgoed we concentrate on Heinner: a Romanian quality brand that works to the same production standards as the big names, but without the marketing costs those brands pass on in their prices. The result? The same functionality for considerably less money, including a full 5 year warranty.
Which type of fridge suits you?
Fridges come in four main types, each with its own situation to suit. By working out first which type fits your home and your lifestyle, you immediately cut the range down to a manageable shortlist.
- Under counter – compact, suited to small spaces and small budgets
- Larder – freestanding, large capacity, ideal as your main fridge
- Integrated fridge – fits seamlessly into the kitchen units
- American fridge freezer – spacious, with separate fridge and freezer sections side by side
See the full range in our fridge collection and filter straight away by type, size or energy rating.
Under counter fridge
An under counter fridge is the compact solution par excellence. At a height of around 85 cm it fits under a worktop, on a desk or in a utility room. The capacity is typically between 40 and 100 litres — plenty for one or two people who do little cooking or who want extra cold storage.
The advantages of an under counter model:
- Takes up very little room
- Cheaper to buy than larger models
- Available straight from stock
- Ideal for studio flats, student rooms, offices and utility rooms
Larder fridge and integrated fridge
A larder fridge is freestanding and usually starts at 200 litres. This is the version most often chosen as the main fridge for a family. The larger models have enough room for a weekly shop and often come with useful extras such as a salad drawer or a freshness function.
An integrated fridge is designed to hide behind a cupboard door and gives your kitchen a clean, uniform look. Pay close attention to the dimensions when you buy: the standard built-in heights are 88 cm (under counter) and 177 cm (full height). Always check the aperture in your kitchen units before you order.
Choosing size and capacity: how many litres do you need?
A common rule of thumb is roughly 50 to 60 litres per person in the household. That gives a good indication, but take your eating habits into account as well. Someone who cooks a lot and does a big shop needs more room than someone who eats out regularly.
| Household | Recommended capacity |
|---|---|
| 1 person | approx. 100 litres |
| 2 people | 150 – 200 litres |
| 3 people | 200 – 250 litres |
| 4 or more people | 250 litres or more |
When you choose, bear in mind the difference between the external dimensions and the net capacity as well. Two fridges that look the same size can differ considerably in usable space. Always check the specifications on the product page.
Do you need extra freezer capacity? You can pair a separate freezer with a fridge, or go for a fridge freezer. The latter is a practical two-in-one solution that saves space and needs fewer sockets.
Energy rating: what do classes A to G mean?
Since March 2021 a revised energy label scale has applied in the EU for fridges. The familiar plus signs have gone; the scale now simply runs from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Because the standards are stricter, most of the models in the shops at the moment fall into classes B to E. An A rating is still rare at present and considerably more expensive to buy.
How do you work out the real saving? Multiply the annual consumption in kWh (shown on the energy label) by your energy tariff. A fridge with a D energy rating that uses 150 kWh a year costs around €60 a year in electricity at a tariff of €0.40 per kWh. A B-rated model using 100 kWh costs €40 a year. That is a difference of €20 a year — and whether that saving outweighs a higher purchase price depends on how long you use the appliance.
Our advice: go for at least a D energy rating for a good balance between purchase price and monthly energy costs. The Heinner models in our range are available in classes B, C and D — which always puts you comfortably within the current market standard.
Why buy a Heinner fridge at Pro Witgoed?
Heinner is a Romanian domestic appliance brand that manufactures to the same European quality and safety standards as the well known premium brands. The difference is not in the quality but in the marketing costs. Heinner does not spend millions on advertising campaigns, and it passes that saving straight on to the customer. That makes a Heinner fridge one of the best choices if you want to buy a fridge without paying for a brand logo.
Why choose Pro Witgoed for your new fridge:
- A full 5 year warranty — not the bare minimum manufacturer warranty, but full cover
- Free delivery and installation — the delivery team puts the fridge exactly where you want it
- Available straight from stock — no waiting weeks
- No hidden costs — the price you see is the price you pay
- Personal customer service — if you are unsure, we simply ring you back
At the big retailers you often pay 30 to 50% more for the same specifications, purely because there is a familiar brand name on the appliance. At Pro Witgoed it is about what the appliance does, not about the badge on the front.
Free delivery and installation: how does it work?
Once you have ordered, we arrange delivery for a time that suits you. Our delivery team carries the fridge to the spot you want in your home and connects the appliance to the nearest socket. You do not have to lift or connect anything yourself.
Do you have an old fridge to get rid of? Ask about our removal service when you place the order. We take the old appliance away with us, so it is one less thing for you to think about. Old fridges are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way through the proper channels.
Order now: this is how you buy your fridge at Pro Witgoed
Buying a new fridge at Pro Witgoed is quick and free of hassle. Here is how it works:
- Pick your type — under counter, larder, integrated or fridge freezer
- Compare models — filter by capacity, energy rating and price
- Order online — securely and with no hidden costs
- Book your delivery — choose a delivery slot that suits you
Every fridge in our range is available straight from stock. There are no long waiting times and no uncertainty about delivery. Not sure about the right model or size? Our customer service team is ready with personal advice — no sales patter, just straight answers.
Have a look at our current fridge offers or go straight to the full fridge range and find the fridge that suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Which fridge is best for a small kitchen?
For a small kitchen an under counter fridge or a slim larder fridge is the best choice. Under counter models fit beneath a worktop and hold 40 to 100 litres. If you need a little more space and capacity, look at a slim larder model 45 cm wide.
How many litres of fridge do I need for a family of 4?
For a family of four we recommend at least 250 litres. If you cook a lot or do a big weekly shop, 270 to 300 litres is more comfortable. Consider a fridge freezer as well if you want more freezer capacity alongside enough fridge capacity.
What is a good energy rating for a fridge?
On the current EU scale (A to G), a D energy rating is a good starting point for a fridge with reasonable consumption and an affordable purchase price. Models rated B or C use less electricity, but they also cost more. Choose on the basis of how long you expect to use the appliance and how much you want to save on energy each month.
How quickly will my fridge be delivered?
Every Heinner fridge at Pro Witgoed is available straight from stock. Once you have ordered, we get in touch to arrange a delivery slot that suits you. In most cases delivery within a few working days is possible.
Is a Heinner fridge reliable?
Yes. Heinner manufactures to European quality and safety standards and has been supplying domestic appliances to customers across Europe for years. On top of that, Pro Witgoed gives you a full 5 year warranty on every appliance, which shows that we stand fully behind the quality of the brand.
What is the difference between a larder fridge and an integrated fridge?
A larder fridge is freestanding and can go anywhere in the kitchen or the house without altering the units. An integrated fridge sits behind a cupboard door and disappears visually into the kitchen run. Building one in requires a matching aperture in the kitchen and the right dimensions (a standard height of 88 cm or 177 cm).
Can I buy a fridge freezer as well?
Of course. A fridge freezer combines a fridge compartment and a freezer compartment in a single appliance. That is handy if you want to save space and still need enough freezer and fridge capacity. Browse our fridge freezer range for the models and sizes available.
Whether you are after a first fridge for a new home, want to replace your old appliance or are simply looking for the best value for money: at Pro Witgoed you will find an honest range with no hidden costs and a warranty that is actually worth something.
