In a small open-plan kitchen, first choose a fridge that fits the space available, meets its ventilation requirements and has enough room for your food. A table-top model is a good fit if you shop often and have little to store. If you keep frozen food, check the capacity and type of freezer compartment. A built-in model requires a compatible housing unit, while its stated noise level alone won’t tell you how disruptive it will be in your living space.
If you sleep or work near the fridge, compressor noise matters just as much as the floor space it takes up. Que Choisir highlights how important this is in a studio flat, and points out that a decibel rating doesn’t tell you everything about how disruptive a fridge may feel.
You want to keep food fresh without taking up too much room in your kitchen. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person, but you should adjust this according to how often you shop and what you actually store.
If you want to keep an integrated front, measure the housing unit before choosing an appliance. Its dimensions, door fixing and ventilation must all meet the requirements in the instructions for the model you’re considering.
First measure the available space and work out how much capacity you need, then compare the noise information for suitable models. If you need a freezer, check the space set aside for frozen food separately.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Noise in your living space | Compare the dB(A) rating and noise class on the energy label. Also look for descriptions of operating cycles and vibrations. | If I sleep or work near the appliance, a repetitive hum could bother me even if the stated figure seems low. Around 40% of consumers would put sound comfort ahead of other criteria. |
| Space and installation | Measure the available space and door opening area. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements. | If access is narrow or there’s already a unit in place, I need to be able to install and open the fridge without blocking the way. Around 40% of consumers would prioritise this constraint. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacities of the fridge and freezer, as well as the freezer compartment’s star rating if you store frozen food. | If I prepare several meals in advance or keep frozen food, a very small appliance may not suit my storage habits. Around 20% of consumers would put this capacity first. |
Two fridges with the same noise rating can sound different in practice. Que Choisir notes that vibrations and the type of sound also affect how disruptive an appliance feels.
Use the dB(A) rating and noise class to compare product specifications, then look for listening tests or detailed feedback on operating cycles and vibrations.
A built-in fridge may fit inside a housing unit but still be incompatible with its door fixing or air vents. Requirements vary by model.
Before ordering, check all three housing unit dimensions, the mounting and door opening, and the clearances specified in the instructions.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the unit or rethink the installation.
A freezer compartment takes up space that could otherwise be used for fresh food. Its star rating matters if you want to store frozen food or freeze food yourself.
Decide how much room you need for each purpose, then check the separate capacities and the compartment’s rating in the model specifications.
The instructions let you check the installation requirements for the specific model. You should also check the spare parts commitments for the model you’ve chosen, rather than assuming they’re the same across an entire brand.
Keep the product details and instructions, and check the after-sales service information and spare parts availability before you buy.
These examples show different formats and installation requirements; the features listed don’t apply to every range from each brand.
The models reviewed include a freestanding table-top fridge and the built-in Beko B1904N.
The models reviewed show the difference between an under-counter built-in fridge and a taller built-in fridge-freezer.
Liebherr’s built-in range includes models for housing units of different heights, from under-counter fridges to tall column models.
This single-door model is designed for modest chilled storage in a small kitchen. It isn’t a substitute for a suitable freezer compartment if you store frozen food.
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If you shop often and only need to keep a small amount of fresh food, this 82 L model could suit you. Its capacity is below the 100 to 150 L guide Que Choisir gives for one person.
It has one door and an energy rating of E. With no freezer compartment, it won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Before deciding where to put it in an open-plan kitchen, check its dimensions, the required clearances and the noise information on the product details and energy label.
Compare the dB(A) rating and noise class on the energy label, but don’t treat a figure as a guarantee of comfort. Que Choisir points out that vibrations and the type of noise can affect how loud a fridge seems, even when appliances have similar ratings.
No. The housing unit, door fixing and ventilation must meet the requirements for the exact model. Measure the height, width and depth, then check the air vents in the instructions before choosing an appliance.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person, which you can adjust according to how often you shop and what food you store. If you keep frozen food, also compare the freezer capacity and the compartment’s star rating, rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
Check the temperature at the coldest point: Anses recommends keeping it between 0 and +4 °C to store food safely. Use a thermometer to check the setting once the fridge is up and running.