One person with a kitchenette under the worktop
You have around 85 cm of height available and shop regularly: a table-top fridge of around 90 to 120 L could suit you if you only occasionally buy frozen food.
What are your needs?
Studio-dweller who buys some frozen food
You want a compact appliance with a proper freezer compartment for a few frozen items. Compare the freezer capacity, star rating and defrosting system rather than looking at total capacity alone.
One person who cooks for several days
If you shop less often, prepare meals in batches or regularly store frozen food, a compact fridge freezer measuring around 143 cm offers more freezer space, provided you have enough height available.
Choosing criteria
Table-top fridge without a freezer
Consider it if: limited height under the worktop is your priority and you mainly buy fresh food.
Good to know: this format limits storage, and a 0-star compartment cannot replace a freezer for storing frozen food over an extended period.
Table-top fridge with a freezer
Consider it if: you have around 85 cm under the worktop and want to keep a few frozen items alongside your shopping for one person.
Good to know: the freezer is still small, with around 13 to 16 L in the examples compared.
Compact fridge freezer
Consider it if: you cook in advance, shop less frequently or regularly store frozen food.
Good to know: the freezer is more generous, but the appliance is not suitable for installation under a worktop.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the width, depth and height of the space, then check the route for delivery. Check the door swing and the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s manual. | I want the fridge to be delivered, installed and ventilated without obstructing movement around the kitchenette. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the net fridge capacity and freezer capacity separately. Also check the star rating, freezing capacity and defrosting system. | My fresh food needs to last between shops, without mistaking a small freezer compartment for enough space for my prepared portions. |
| Noise and energy | Compare the kWh/year and dB figures on the label or product information for the exact model, using models with a similar format and capacity. | In an open-plan living space, I prefer to compare the noise and energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Checking only the width
An appliance that appears to fit between two units may still be difficult to deliver or work inefficiently if hot air cannot escape.
Make a note of the space available, the clearances specified in the manual, the door opening, the delivery route and the packaged dimensions where provided.
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Treating every cold compartment as a freezer
The table-top fridges compared have 13 to 16 L of freezer space, compared with 41 to 53 L for the compact fridge freezers mentioned. Some table-top fridges also have a 0-star compartment.
List your usual frozen foods and portions, then compare freezer capacity, star rating, freezing capacity and defrosting system before choosing.
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
A fridge runs continuously, and its noise is more noticeable in a studio flat. Appliances with a similar capacity can have different annual energy consumption figures and noise levels.
Compare the kWh/year and noise level in dB on the label or product information for the exact model.
Brand and model guide
Beko
The TSE1284N is an example of a 114 L table-top fridge, with 101 L of fridge space and 13 L of freezer space according to Beko France and Darty product information.
- A format worth considering for a kitchenette with little frozen food.
- Beko France specifies at least 5 cm of clearance from the ceiling and wall for some freestanding models installed in an alcove; always check the manual for the model you choose.
Candy
The CNOQ2S58EX is an under-worktop, single-door model measuring 545 × 562 × 850 mm according to Candy France.
- Its compact format could work when limited height under the worktop is the main constraint.
- With 100 L of fridge space and a 14 L freezer according to Boulanger, it is better suited to storing a limited amount of frozen food than a substantial stock.
AEG
The RDB424E1AW is a compact fridge freezer measuring 143.4 cm, with 206 L net capacity including 41 L of freezer space according to AEG France.
- Its 165 L of fridge space and 41 L of freezer space are better suited to shopping less frequently.
- Its height means you need to check the available space, access route and handling requirements before ordering.
Fagor
The FCB175EW is a compact fridge freezer listed at 175 L, including 53 L of freezer space, and measuring 143 cm high according to Auchan France.
- Its 53 L of freezer space is better suited to regular purchases of frozen food than a table-top freezer.
- Check the manual, delivery conditions and applicable warranty before ordering.
Options available on Joybuy
Joybuy options for one person living in a studio flat, from a compact fridge for frequent shopping to a fridge freezer offering more space for frozen food.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge freezer
Worth considering for less frequent shopping, prepared meals or regular frozen food, provided the space can accommodate a larger appliance.
153 L of fridge space, 74 L 4-star freezer and an advertised width of 54 cm. Reversible door, adjustable feet and Low Frost system advertised.
Before buying, check the height, depth, packaged dimensions, required ventilation and energy label for the exact model.
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CHiQ JR92DSE 92 L single-door fridge
A compact option to consider for frequent shopping in a narrow kitchenette.
Advertised width of 47 cm, reversible door, adjustable feet, adjustable shelves and salad crisper.
Confirm the freezer compartment capacity and star rating, noise level, full dimensions and ventilation clearances.
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Sonlu CS-100L 82 L single-door fridge
Suitable for frequent fresh-food shopping when you do not need to store frozen food.
Advertised capacity of 82 L, salad crisper, adjustable glass shelves, door storage, LED lighting, 40 dB and 84 kWh/year.
This model has no freezer compartment; also check its dimensions, door opening and required clearances.
Frequently asked questions
What measurements should you take before ordering a fridge for a studio flat?
Measure the width, depth and height of the finished space, then allow for the door opening, plug socket, skirting boards and neighbouring units. Also check the delivery route, including doors, corridors, lifts, landings and turns, then compare it with the dimensions of the appliance and packaging where provided.
How much ventilation space should you leave around a freestanding fridge?
Always follow the manual for the exact model first. For some freestanding fridges placed in an alcove, Beko France specifies at least 5 cm between the appliance and ceiling and at least 5 cm from the wall; this is not a universal rule.
Is a table-top freezer sufficient for frozen food?
It may suit a few items if you shop frequently, but check its capacity and rating. The table-top models mentioned here offer 13 to 16 L of freezer space, while the compact fridge freezers compared offer 41 to 53 L; a 0-star compartment cannot replace a freezer for long-term storage.
What temperature should you set the fridge to?
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C in the coldest part. Check it after installation and during hot weather rather than relying solely on the thermostat setting.