For a compact kitchen, start by looking at the space you actually have and how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. A table-top fridge takes up less space, while a fridge freezer has a separate freezer compartment. Compare the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and installation requirements, then the noise level and annual energy consumption of models suited to similar uses.
If space is limited, a table-top fridge may be worth considering for your everyday fresh food shopping. Just bear in mind that it may not meet all your freezing needs. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide describes this format as suitable for studio flats.
If you often store frozen food, check the capacity and specifications of the freezer compartment rather than relying on the word “freezer” alone. The European Commission says that fridge labels provide information including storage capacity and whether the appliance has a freezer compartment.
If your kitchen has an appliance niche, check its dimensions, ventilation and door fixing requirements for the exact model. A freestanding model is another option if the niche is unsuitable. Bosch Électroménager France and Electrolux France support recommend following the installation instructions for the specific appliance.
First, make sure the appliance can be delivered, installed and ventilated in the space you have chosen. Then compare the fresh and frozen food capacities, followed by noise levels and energy consumption between models suited to the same use.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the appliance, access route, door opening and ventilation clearances. For an integrated model, check the niche and hinges too. | If I need to get the appliance through a narrow entrance or fit it into a niche, I check these requirements before choosing. Installation is a priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity and layout with the food you store between shopping trips. | When I shop regularly, I want to know how much room I’ll have for fresh food, rather than relying on the total capacity. Fresh food capacity is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there is a freezer compartment, its capacity and its stated specifications. The word “freezer” alone doesn’t tell you how much it can hold. | If I regularly keep frozen food, I check that the compartment meets my needs without taking up too much room that could be used for fresh food. Freezing capacity is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Compare the decibel ratings and kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. | If the appliance is near my living space, I compare noise and energy consumption without assuming the energy label reflects my actual bill. These criteria are a priority for around 19% of consumers. |
An appliance may look narrow enough but still be too tall to fit under a worktop, or unsuitable for the available niche and ventilation.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go. Check the dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
The KTe500 and KTe501 are two examples of freestanding table-top fridges with the same external dimensions, making them useful for comparing storage options in a small space.
The integrated under-counter models mentioned here illustrate the choice between an appliance with a freezer compartment and one designed for fresh food only.
The HBQW5518D is an example of a narrow integrated fridge freezer for a kitchen with a sufficiently tall niche.
The options below include compact fridges for fresh food, models with a freezer compartment and freestanding fridge freezers, so you can compare options for different small-kitchen needs.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prioritise fresh food storage in a compact format.
The product name states a capacity of 82 L and an energy rating of E.
Before choosing, check that its configuration meets your freezing needs.
Image unavailable
An option to consider for a small kitchen where a table-top fridge and limited freezer space may be suitable.
The product name states a capacity of 45 L and an energy rating of E.
Check the capacity of each compartment against your usual fresh and frozen food shopping.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a freestanding fridge freezer.
The product name states 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer, along with Low Frost technology, a noise level of 39 dB and an energy rating of E.
Before installation, check the dimensions and the space needed for the door to open and for ventilation.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if you’re after a compact fridge with a stated freezer section.
The product name states a capacity of 92 L and a freezer section. The description gives a width of 47 cm.
Check the full dimensions and freezer capacity against your available space and storage needs.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want two separate compartments and have space for a fridge freezer.
The product name states 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, Low Frost technology, a 4-star freezer rating and an energy rating of E.
Check the height, depth and clearances needed in your kitchen.
Measure the space and delivery route, then compare your measurements with the external dimensions, door opening and instructions for the exact model. For an integrated appliance, check the niche, hinges and ventilation too. The measurements for the Bosch KUR15AFF0 apply to this model only.
According to its guidance dated 25 June 2015, Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C at the coldest point. After installation, check the actual temperature and follow the appliance instructions for settings and maintenance.
Compare the kWh/year figures and capacities shown on the labels of models suited to the same use. The European Commission presents these figures as information for comparison, while ADEME notes that actual energy consumption depends, among other things, on the size of the appliance and how it is used.
In France, when an individual buys from a business, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods and can be invoked for two years, according to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. When buying a new appliance, the free “one-for-one” take-back scheme covers an old appliance of an equivalent type. Check the practical arrangements with the seller, as advised by the DGCCRF.
For furnished rental properties covered by French Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, the minimum furnishings include a fridge and a freezer or, at the very least, a fridge with a compartment capable of reaching a temperature of −6 °C or lower. Check the status of your rental and what equipment is already provided before buying an appliance: this rule does not apply to every reader.