The refrigerator is the unsung hero of the modern kitchen. It runs 24/7, silently preserving our food, keeping our drinks crisp, and standing as the central hub of our daily culinary lives. Choosing a new one is a major decision—an investment in freshness, energy efficiency, and the overall look and feel of your kitchen. But the market is crowded. How do you choose between premium food preservation technology, sleek modern design, and compact, budget-friendly efficiency?
You don’t have to navigate this decision alone. We’ve brought three distinct champions into the Luxandkitchen test kitchen to see how they stack up.
Welcome to the ultimate fridge-freezer face-off. In one corner, representing premium German engineering and food preservation, we have the Bosch Series 4 KGE39ALCA. In another, the stylish and perfectly balanced Hisense Double Door. And entering the ring as the compact and efficient challenger, the CHiQ FBM157L42.
Which one will earn the right to keep your food fresh? Let’s find out.
The Contenders: A clash of lifestyles
- The Premium Freshness King: Bosch Series 4 KGE39ALCA
Bosch is synonymous with quality, and this model is a testament to that legacy. With its massive capacity, bottom-freezer convenience, and signature technologies like VitaFresh and LowFrost, this fridge is built for families and food lovers who want their ingredients to stay fresher, longer. - The Stylish All-Rounder: Hisense Double Door MTM55205BE
Hisense delivers a fantastic balance of style, space, and value. Its sleek black finish and traditional top-mount freezer design offer a contemporary look, while its generous 205-liter capacity makes it a perfect fit for couples or small families who want a reliable and attractive appliance without a premium price tag. - The Compact Budget Champion: CHiQ FBM157L42
The CHiQ is the master of small spaces. With its slim 54cm width and clever design, it’s the ideal solution for apartments, smaller kitchens, or as a high-quality secondary fridge. It proves that you don’t need a huge kitchen to have fresh, well-organized food.
Head-to-Head: The ultimate comparison
1. Capacity & Layout
This is the most significant differentiator. The Bosch Series 4 is the clear winner for anyone who needs space, boasting a massive 343-liter capacity. Its freezer-on-bottom design is also more ergonomic for most users, as it places the most frequently accessed fridge section at eye level.
The Hisense offers a very respectable 205 liters, making it a great middle-ground option. Its top-mount freezer is a classic layout that many users are comfortable with. The CHiQ, at 157 liters, is the most compact, but it uses its space intelligently and is more than enough for singles or couples.
Winner for Families & Food Storage: Bosch Series 4
2. Food preservation technology
This is where premium engineering really shows. The Bosch Series 4 is packed with features designed to extend the life of your food. Its VitaFresh drawer keeps fruits and vegetables crisp with humidity control, and LowFrost technology drastically reduces ice build-up, meaning you’ll defrost far less often.
The Hisense and CHiQ models offer excellent, consistent cooling with adjustable thermostats, but they lack these advanced food-preservation-specific technologies. They do a fantastic job of keeping food cold, but the Bosch does a better job of keeping food fresh.
Winner for Food Preservation: Bosch Series 4
3. Design & Noise level
All three are impressively quiet, operating at a library-quiet 39-40 dB. You won’t be disturbed by any of them.
Aesthetically, the choice is personal. The Hisense stands out with its modern and sleek black finish, making it a stylish statement piece. The Bosch offers a timeless and premium stainless steel look that fits into any high-end kitchen design. The CHiQ has a clean, classic white finish and the practical advantage of reversible doors, making it incredibly versatile for tight spaces.
Winner for Style: A tie, depending on whether you prefer modern black (Hisense) or classic stainless steel (Bosch).
The Verdict: Which Fridge Freezer should you buy?
There is no single winner here—only the best choice for you and your lifestyle.
Best for Families & Passionate Cooks: Bosch Series 4 KGE39ALCA
- Doté de la technologie Super-réfrigération, le réfrigérateur refroidit les nouveaux aliments plus rapidement, tout en pr…
- Avec le système exclusif Bosch Power Ventilation, la circulation de l’air dans le réfrigérateur se fait désormais du hau…
- Pourvu de lampes LED celle-ci permettent un éclairage uniforme de votre réfrigérateur, sans éblouissement
- Une alarme visuelle et sonore de température garantie la sécurité alimentaire de vos aliments
If you buy fresh produce often, cook for a family, and value high-quality engineering that keeps your food fresher for longer, the Bosch is the clear choice. It’s an investment in quality, convenience, and less food waste. The superior capacity and VitaFresh technology are worth every penny.
Best for style-conscious couples: Hisense double door
- Réfrigérateur à double porte en classe d’efficacité énergétique E; capacité 206 L, couleur noire, Étagères de porte XXL,…
- Portes réversibles, vous pouvez choisir de quel côté ouvrir la porte du réfrigérateur selon la disposition de votre cuis…
- Éclairage LED, hautement efficace, assurant une visibilité et une vue plus détaillée du contenu du réfrigérateur
If you’re looking for the perfect intersection of modern style, solid capacity, and great value, the Hisense is your winner. Its sleek black design elevates a kitchen’s look, and its 205-liter capacity is more than enough for a couple or small family. It’s a fantastic all-rounder.
Best for small Spaces & Budgets: CHiQ FBM157L42
- Humanisé – Ce réfrigérateur combiné est idéal pour une utilisation quotidienne. Le réfrigérateur supérieur vous permet d…
- Peu encombrant- Petite taille pour un véritable économiser de place, idéal pour les petits espaces. Dimensions 47,4L x 4…
- PORTE RÉVERSIBLE – Applicable à différents environnements d’utilisation, facile à régler, sans compromettre la facilité …
- HAUTE PERFORMANCE – Le réfrigérateur CHIQ avec lumière LED intégrée est facile à nettoyer et durable tout en garantissan…
If you live in an apartment, have a small kitchen, or need a reliable secondary fridge, the CHiQ is an unbeatable choice. It’s energy-efficient, surprisingly spacious for its footprint, and offers incredible value for money without sacrificing build quality.
FAQ: Your Fridge Freezer questions answered
Q1: What’s better, a top freezer or a bottom freezer?
A: It’s a matter of personal preference. Bottom freezers (like the Bosch) place your most-used items—fresh foods—at eye level, so you don’t have to bend down as often. Top freezers (like the Hisense and CHiQ) are a classic design and are often slightly more energy-efficient and budget-friendly.
Q2: What is « LowFrost » technology?
A: LowFrost is a technology that significantly reduces the formation of ice and frost in the freezer compartment. This means you have to manually defrost the unit much less frequently (perhaps once a year or even less) compared to standard static freezers.
Q3: Are these refrigerators noisy?
A: No. All three models operate at around 39-40 decibels (dB), which is considered very quiet. For comparison, a library is typically around 40 dB. You will barely notice them running.
Q4: What should I measure before buying a new refrigerator?
A: Measure everything! Check the height, width, and depth of the space where the fridge will go. Crucially, also measure the width of your doorways, hallways, and any tight corners on the delivery path to ensure it will fit into your home.