Students with very limited space
If your fridge needs to fit in a bedroom or an existing kitchenette, measure the available width, height and depth before choosing a capacity. Check the installation type and how the door opens too.
Who is this guide for?
Tenants who regularly store groceries
If you keep fresh food for several days, look at the fridge capacity separately from the total capacity. A freezer compartment is only worth considering if you plan to store frozen food.
Anyone who sleeps and works in the same room
If the fridge will be near your bed or desk, compare the stated noise levels of the models you’re considering. Make sure it can also be installed securely in line with the instructions.
What should you look for?
If you live in student accommodation, check your tenancy agreement or house rules first. Then check the available space and decide what capacities you need before comparing noise levels and energy consumption.
| What to consider | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the available width, height and depth. Check whether the model is freestanding or built-in, and allow for the clearance specified. | When every centimetre counts in my room, I need to know whether the appliance will fit and if the door can open properly. Around 31% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check how the relevant compartment needs to be defrosted. | If I keep groceries for several days or store a few frozen items, how the capacity is divided matters more to me than the total shown. Around 25% of consumers would make capacity their top priority. |
| Noise | Check the noise level in dB(A) and the noise class for the exact model. Follow the instructions to ensure it’s installed securely. | With a fridge in the room where I sleep, I want to compare its stated noise level before buying. Around 25% of consumers would put noise disturbance first. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh on the energy label of appliances designed for similar use. | As the appliance stays switched on all the time, I want to check its energy consumption without losing sight of the capacity I need. Around 19% of consumers would put this first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
According to Schneider Consumer, the SCTT109B has 95 L of fridge capacity and 14 L of freezer capacity. Its 109 L total is therefore not all available for fresh food.
Compare the capacity of each compartment with the amount of space your usual groceries take up.
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Confusing built-in and freestanding models
Candy France describes the CMLS59EW as a built-in model designed to fit under a worktop. It may not install in the same way as a freestanding appliance in a bedroom.
Before ordering, check the installation type, the cabinet dimensions and the requirements in the instructions.
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Treating ‘quiet’ as a measured noise level
You can’t judge how comfortable a fridge will be in a bedroom from a marketing description alone. A stated noise level lets you compare models, but it doesn’t tell you whether the appliance might vibrate once installed.
Check the dB(A) level and noise class for the specific model, then make sure it’s level in accordance with the instructions.
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Comparing energy classes alone
The energy class doesn’t replace the annual consumption figure or the compartment capacities you need. For applicable appliances, the European Commission includes these details, along with noise information, on the energy label.
Compare the labels of appliances suited to the same use, and look up their exact model reference in EPREL.
Compact fridge brands to know
Schneider
Schneider Consumer offers several table-top fridges, with capacities and features that vary by model.
- The SCTT109EW is listed at 95 L and measures 55 × 85 × 58 cm; the SCTT109B has 95 L of fridge capacity and 14 L of freezer capacity.
- Check the noise level, dimensions and whether the model has a freezer compartment. These features aren’t the same across the whole range.
Candy
Candy France offers both freestanding fridges and built-in models designed to fit under a worktop.
- This distinction makes it easier to choose, depending on whether you already have a suitable kitchen unit.
- The CMLS59EW is listed as a built-in model. Before choosing it for a particular space, check its dimensions and the ventilation requirements in the instructions.
Frigelux
E.Leclerc lists a 58 L Frigelux table-top fridge among its products.
- This capacity may be worth considering if limited space means you need a small appliance.
- Before deciding whether it’s right for your room, compare the dimensions, noise level and energy consumption of the exact model.
Compact fridges on Joybuy
These two compact models suit different storage needs in a bedroom or studio. Before choosing, compare their capacities and freezer compartments with the groceries you plan to store. Then check that their dimensions and noise levels are right for the space you have in mind.
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TCL RF60DWE0FR, 45 L mini fridge
Worth considering if you mainly want to store drinks and snacks in a small space.
Listed capacity of 45 L, adjustable feet, a toughened glass shelf and energy class E.
If you want to store frozen food, check the capacity of the freezer compartment. Before buying, also compare the dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption of the exact model.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge
Worth a look if you want a compact fridge with a freezer compartment.
Listed total capacity of 92 L, a freezer compartment and energy class E.
Check the freezer compartment’s capacity, the full dimensions, the stated noise level and annual energy consumption to see if it’s right for your room.
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for on a compact fridge’s energy label?
Compare the energy class, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and stated noise level. For applicable appliances, the European Commission brings this information together on the energy label. You can scan its QR code to look up the model in EPREL.
Does a 109 L fridge offer 109 L of space for fresh food?
Not if the total includes a freezer compartment. According to Schneider Consumer, the SCTT109B divides its 109 L between 95 L of fridge capacity and 14 L of freezer capacity. Compare the separate capacities with the food you plan to store.
Can you install a built-in model in place of a freestanding fridge?
Not without checking the installation requirements. Candy France describes the CMLS59EW as a built-in model designed to fit under a worktop. Make sure the cabinet, its dimensions and the installation requirements in the instructions are suitable. For a space without a cabinet, look for a model specifically designed to be freestanding.