For one person, a useful capacity of around 100 to 150 litres is a good starting point. The right format then depends mainly on the space available and how often you buy frozen food. A table-top or single-door model is suitable if you only need occasional freezer space, while a compact fridge freezer is better for regular use of frozen food; an under-counter appliance requires a compatible housing unit and installation.
You want to keep your everyday shopping fresh without taking up too much space. Que Choisir recommends an average useful capacity of 100 to 150 litres for one person and presents a table-top format as suitable for studio flats.
A proper freezer compartment becomes useful if you regularly store frozen food. In this case, consider a compact fridge freezer if the available height allows, rather than a simple integrated freezer compartment.
If you have a base unit already designed for an appliance, check the housing dimensions, clearances and installation type. The words “under-counter” alone are not enough to confirm compatibility.
Start by measuring the space, then match the capacity and freezer space to your shopping habits before comparing noise levels and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Useful capacity | Check the total capacity and the split between fridge and freezer space. Que Choisir uses 100 to 150 litres as a guide for one person. | I want to keep my food fresh without installing an unnecessarily large appliance. If frozen food features regularly in my shopping, I will look for a model with a clearly stated freezer capacity. |
| Size | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the doorways and the door swing. Check the clearances specified in the instructions. | I need to be able to move around a small kitchen and open the door without obstructing the bed, desk or an adjoining unit. |
| Installation and ventilation | Que Choisir recommends at least 10 cm behind and above the appliance to allow air to circulate, unless the instructions state otherwise. For an integrated model, also compare the housing unit, fixings and furniture door. | My fridge must be able to release heat properly, without being trapped in an enclosed space or placed next to a heat source. |
| Declared noise level | Compare the declared noise level in dB(A) between appliances of a similar size. Que Choisir cites below 40 dB(A) as a guide for the quietest models. | In a living area or near where I sleep, I prefer to keep the stated operating noise to a minimum. |
| Energy use and ambient temperature | Read the energy label and annual consumption figures. Also check the climate class in the product details or instructions if the kitchen can become very hot or cold. | I want to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and choose an appliance suited to the actual conditions in my home. |
An appliance can offer the right capacity while being too deep, too tall or difficult to get through the door. Table-top models are often around 84 to 85 cm high, whereas compact fridge freezers can reach approximately 176 cm.
Measure the width, height, depth, delivery access and door opening, then add the clearances required in the instructions.
Dimensions and integration requirements vary between models. Two integrated or under-counter appliances are not necessarily interchangeable.
Take the internal dimensions of the housing unit, the door type and the planned ventilation, then compare them with the installation diagram for the exact model.
If the appliance is incompatible, you may need to modify the unit or replace the appliance.
A limited compartment may not be enough if you buy frozen food for several days or weeks.
For regular frozen food shopping, choose a fridge freezer with a clearly stated freezer capacity rather than a single-door model with a compartment that is too small.
A nearby heat source or restricted heat dissipation forces the appliance to work harder to maintain its temperature.
Keep it away from the oven, radiator, cooker and a hot window; follow the clearances in the instructions and clean the rear grille.
Que Choisir states that a layer of frost thicker than 3 mm can lead to 30 % higher energy consumption on affected appliances.
Worth comparing for table-top fridges designed for small spaces and advertised with a low noise level.
Worth comparing for very compact freestanding models, slim fridge freezers and under-counter integrated appliances.
Worth comparing for a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment and freestanding fridge freezers with clearly published separate capacities.
Worth comparing for a fitted kitchen that requires an under-counter or integrated appliance.
These Joybuy options cover the needs of smaller homes, from compact single-door models to fridge freezers for a fitted kitchen or regular frozen food shopping.
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For a small home with regular frozen food shopping, offering 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space in a width of 54 cm.
Low Frost, four-star freezer, reversible door, adjustable feet, E energy rating and a declared noise level of 39 dB. Check the 176 cm height, door swing and ventilation clearances before ordering.
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Worth considering for a compatible fitted kitchen and regular storage of fresh and frozen food.
176 L of fridge space, 76 L four-star freezer, No Frost, C energy rating, stated consumption of 150 kWh/year, 34 dB and SN/N/ST/T climate class. Confirm the housing dimensions, door fixing method and cabinet ventilation.
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A very compact option for limited fresh food shopping and occasional freezing in a small kitchen.
Stated width of 47 cm, freezer compartment, mechanical control, adjustable shelves, salad crisper, reversible door and E energy rating. Check the freezer compartment capacity, full dimensions and noise level before buying.
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For an existing tall housing unit and use focused mainly on fresh food with occasional freezing.
174 L of fridge space, 14 L freezer compartment, declared noise level of 35 dB, stated annual consumption of 146 kWh, reversible door and automatic fridge defrosting. Requires a 56 × 122.5 × 55 cm housing unit and a compatible sliding-door system.
Que Choisir recommends an average useful capacity of 100 to 150 litres for one person. Only go beyond this guide if you store lots of drinks, ready meals or frozen food.
Not necessarily. Que Choisir advises against relying on a simple freezer compartment when frozen food regularly features in your shopping; check the freezer capacity and compartment type on the model’s product page.
Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm behind and above the appliance to encourage air circulation. This is only a general guide : the appliance instructions and the installation plan for an integrated model take precedence if their requirements differ.
It indicates the range of ambient temperatures the appliance is designed for. Check it in the technical details or instructions for the exact model, particularly if the kitchen can become very hot in summer or cold in winter.
Keep the appliance away from heat sources, set the fridge to between 4 °C and 5 °C, and regularly defrost non-ventilated appliances. Que Choisir states that a frost layer thicker than 3 mm can lead to 30 % higher energy consumption.