If you live alone and mainly buy fresh food, a table-top fridge is a sensible place to start: Que Choisir recommends an average usable capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person. If you keep frozen food, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. An integrated model is only suitable if the cabinet niche, ventilation and door system all match the instructions.
If you buy fresh food for a few days at a time, start by comparing fridge capacity with the space available. Que Choisir puts the average usable capacity for one person at between 100 and 150 L, although your shopping habits may mean you need more or less.
A table-top fridge with a freezer compartment may suit your needs. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately: for example, Beko France lists 101 L and 13 L respectively for the Beko TSE1285N.
If you already have a space under the worktop and a cupboard door in place, measure the niche and check the door system and ventilation requirements for the integrated model you’re considering.
Start with your usual shopping habits, then check that the appliance can be installed and used in the space available.
| Consideration | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Compare the net fridge capacity, not the total capacity. Que Choisir’s average guide for one person is 100 to 150 L of usable capacity; adjust this to how often you shop. | I want enough room for my fresh food without choosing an appliance sized for a family shop. |
| Size | For a freestanding model, measure its height, width and depth. For an integrated model, measure the niche’s internal dimensions and check the door opening. | My fridge needs to fit in my kitchenette without getting in the way or blocking access to the cupboards. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity and the freezing details for the exact model. The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is left for fresh food. | If I regularly buy frozen food, I need a dedicated space for it. Otherwise, I’d rather have more room for fresh food. |
| Installation | Check the instructions for clearance, airflow and installation requirements. Electrolux, for example, says not to block the ventilation openings in its integrated appliances. | I need to be able to install the appliance in the space provided while following the instructions for its specific model. |
For example, Bosch lists 134 L of fridge capacity and no freezer for the KTR15NWEB, while Beko lists 101 L of fridge capacity and 13 L of freezer capacity for the TSE1285N. These models suit different shopping habits.
Compare the net capacity of each compartment rather than relying on the appliance category alone.
Niche dimensions vary between models: Electrolux specifies 820 mm for the EXB3AE82R, Whirlpool specifies 88 cm for the ARG94312FR, and Liebherr specifies 82 to 88 × 60 × 56 cm for the URd 3600 Pure.
Measure the inside of the niche in height, width and depth, then check the door system and installation diagram for the model you’ve chosen.
Electrolux says to allow air to circulate around the appliance and not to block the ventilation openings in an integrated unit.
Follow the clearance and airflow guidance in the instructions for your chosen model rather than leaving the same amount of space around every appliance.
When replacing an appliance, you’ll also need to arrange for the old one to be taken away. ADEME advises that it can be handed over to the retailer or delivery team when your new appliance is delivered, or taken to the dedicated electrical and electronic equipment area at a recycling centre.
Arrange collection or find a drop-off point before your new appliance is delivered.
These details apply to the models listed, not to every fridge made by each brand.
The TSE1285N table-top fridge combines fridge space with a small freezer compartment.
The KTR15NWEB is an example of a table-top fridge designed for fresh food only.
The EXB3AE82R is an under-worktop integrated fridge designed for a compatible installation.
The ARG94312FR is an integrated option with a freezer compartment for a fitted kitchenette.
The URd 3600 Pure is an under-worktop fridge to consider if your niche matches its dimensions.
These two options are for smaller kitchens where freezer space is useful. They have different capacities, so check your storage needs and the installation dimensions before choosing.
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Worth considering if you store both fresh and frozen food: the model description lists 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity. It’s listed as 54 cm wide; also check its height, depth and the clearance required for your space.
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Its listed capacity of 92 L may suit someone who shops little and often. Before choosing it for a kitchenette, confirm its overall dimensions and the separate fridge and freezer capacities.
Que Choisir recommends an average usable capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person. Use this as a guide when comparing appliances, then factor in how often you shop, how much room you need for fresh food and, separately, whether you need freezer space.
Yes, if the model has a compartment that suits what you buy. Beko France lists 13 L of freezer capacity for the TSE1285N, while Bosch says the KTR15NWEB doesn’t have a freezer compartment. Check the capacity and freezing details for the model you’re considering.
For a freestanding model, measure the available height, width and depth, then check the instructions for door clearance and ventilation. For an integrated model, measure the inside of the niche and check the door system: the required dimensions vary by model.
First, check the instructions for your chosen model. Electrolux says to allow air to circulate around the appliance and to keep it away from heat sources. For an integrated installation, the ventilation openings must not be blocked.
Electrolux Support advises waiting at least 4 hours before plugging in the appliance covered by its general installation guidance. For your purchase, always follow the instructions supplied with the exact model.