First, choose a fridge that can be installed in your accommodation: check the space available, how the door opens and, if you live in halls, any rules that apply. A table-top or under-counter model may suit one person; a freezer compartment is most useful if you regularly store frozen food. Then compare models based on how often you shop, how much fresh food you need to store and their annual energy consumption. If you’re buying a refurbished model, check its condition and the information provided by the seller too.
You need to fit the appliance into a tight space without blocking a door or getting in the way. Width isn’t the only measurement to consider: check the height and depth too, as well as the clearance needed to open the door.
You’ll need to distinguish between a small freezer and a compartment suitable for regularly storing frozen food or freezing fresh food. Check the compartment specifications on the model’s product page.
When comparing new and refurbished appliances, remember to factor in the electricity they’ll use over time. For a refurbished model, the exact model number, stated condition and terms of sale are all important to your decision.
Before comparing capacities, make sure the fridge can be installed in your space. Then choose the right balance between fresh and frozen storage for your shopping habits, and compare energy consumption and, where relevant, the condition of any refurbished appliance.
| Criterion | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and size | Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door. If you live in halls, check the rules and see what appliances are already provided. | In a bedroom or narrow kitchen, I need to know I can install the appliance before choosing its features. Around 33% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Storage for your shopping | Compare the fresh-food capacity with the freezer capacity, if there is one. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, which you can adjust to suit your shopping habits. | If I shop less often or cook meals for several days, I need enough space for fresh food. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Freezing | Check the star rating, the compartment capacity and how it defrosts. The word “freezer” alone doesn’t tell you what it’s suitable for. | If frozen food is a regular part of my shopping, storing it matters more than having extra fresh-food space. Around 20% of consumers prioritise freezing. |
| Energy use and refurbished models | For a new model, compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label. For a refurbished model, ask for the exact model number, its condition and any available energy-consumption information. | I want to factor in electricity use over time and, if I’m buying refurbished, know exactly which appliance is being sold. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these points. |
An appliance that fits in your room isn’t necessarily allowed or compatible with the electrical installation. Crous university residence rules may be supplemented by additional conditions; the Crous de Paris also has rules covering appliances that aren’t provided.
Check what’s already installed, read your residence’s rules and ask for confirmation before placing an order. Also measure the delivery route and check you can access a suitable socket.
A fridge runs continuously, as ADEME points out. So its size alone doesn’t tell you how much energy it uses each year.
For new models of a similar size, compare the kWh/year figures and energy classes shown on their energy labels.
In a compact appliance, having an internal compartment doesn’t necessarily mean it’s suitable for regularly storing frozen food or freezing fresh food.
Check the model’s product page for the star rating, compartment capacity, freezing capacity and defrosting method.
The stated condition and the protections that apply depend, among other things, on who the seller is. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to refurbished goods sold by a professional.
Before buying, identify the seller and keep the invoice and listing. Ask for the full model number, the appliance’s condition and details of any repairs carried out.
Beko France features table-top fridges designed for small kitchens.
Candy France offers table-top and under-counter models for compact spaces.
The table-top models featured by Liebherr France have total capacities ranging from 111 to 125 litres.
Whirlpool France features small fridges and lets you search for documents and parts by model number.
These models are suited to three different needs in your first home: more space with a freezer, a single-door appliance with a small compartment, or less fresh-food capacity with no freezer. Check the full dimensions against your available space before choosing.
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Worth considering if you need space for fresh food as well as a freezer compartment, provided this capacity suits your accommodation.
The model name indicates 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the 4-star freezer, with a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost technology and an energy class of E.
Check its height, depth and annual energy consumption in kWh before deciding whether it suits your space and needs.
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Worth a look if you’re after a smaller capacity but would still like an internal compartment, provided you check what it’s suitable for before buying.
The model name indicates a capacity of 92 L, a freezer compartment and an energy class of E.
If you regularly store frozen food, check the compartment’s star rating and capacity. Also measure the height and depth, and compare its annual energy consumption in kWh.
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Worth considering if you mainly store fresh food and shop often enough to make good use of its 82 L capacity.
The model name indicates an energy class of E. This model is listed without a freezer compartment, so it won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Check its external dimensions, door clearance and annual energy consumption before buying.
Check your accommodation’s rules before buying: having enough space doesn’t automatically mean you’re allowed to install one. Crous university residence rules may be supplemented by additional conditions, and the Crous de Paris rules take the electrical appliances provided into account. Also check whether your accommodation already has a fridge.
UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, not a requirement. If you shop frequently, you may need less fresh-food space; if you cook ahead or shop less often, consider fresh-food capacity separately from freezer capacity.
Don’t rely on the word “freezer” alone: check the compartment specifications against your needs. If you regularly store frozen food or want to freeze fresh food, look in particular at its star rating, capacity and freezing performance.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to refurbished goods sold to a private individual by a professional in France. Before ordering, identify the seller and keep the invoice and appliance description. Also ask for the model number and its exact condition.
For a new fridge, start with the annual energy consumption in kWh shown on its energy label, which is used to compare relevant appliances in the European Union. For a refurbished model, ask for the exact model number and energy-consumption information for that model. Size alone doesn’t tell you how much energy it uses.