If you live alone in a studio flat, start by measuring the space and the route to the kitchen. Then choose the capacity and freezer space to suit your shopping habits. An under-counter fridge can work when height is limited, while a compact fridge-freezer is worth considering if you regularly store frozen food, provided you have enough room. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, but you should adapt this to your habits.
You need to be able to fit the fridge in place, open the door and leave the clearances specified in the manual. A small external footprint is no use if the appliance blocks a cupboard or won’t fit through the entrance.
You’ll need space for fresh food and a freezer compartment that suits the amount you want to store. A compact fridge-freezer could work if its height and depth fit your kitchen.
You’re looking to balance usable capacity, the energy consumption shown on the energy label and delivery arrangements. Check these details for the model and delivery address before you order.
In a small home, the size of the appliance determines what you can fit in first. The amount of freezer space you need then helps you choose between a fridge with no freezer compartment, one with a small compartment and a fridge-freezer.
Consider it: if you have space for a low appliance and don’t need to store frozen food in it.
Bear in mind: you’ll need another appliance for frozen food, while all the internal space is given over to refrigeration.
Consider it: if height is limited and you’d like to keep small amounts of frozen food.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment takes up space that could otherwise be used for fresh food. Check its capacity and specifications before relying on it for regular storage.
Consider it: if you shop less often or prepare meals in portions and need a separate freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: a taller appliance may not fit under a worktop, so check its full dimensions.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the available height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the manual for door clearance and installation requirements. | If the fridge has to fit through a narrow entrance and open in a kitchenette, where it will go matters more than capacity; around 42% of consumers put this first. |
| Capacity and freezer space | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then choose according to how often you shop and how much you store. | When I cook several portions in advance, I want enough room for fresh food and frozen food; around 33% of consumers prioritise this storage need. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and the kWh/year figure on the current energy label, comparing appliances of a similar type and capacity. | If I sleep close to the kitchen, I pay attention to the noise and energy consumption of an appliance that runs all the time; around 25% of consumers share this priority. |
Two fridges designed for one person can have very different dimensions. Their external measurements also won’t tell you whether the door will open in the space you have in mind.
Measure the appliance you’re considering, the route from the entrance and the space needed to open the door. Check the manual for installation clearances.
An integrated compartment reduces the room available for fresh food and may not be suitable if you regularly store frozen food.
Think about the portions you want to keep and check the capacity and specifications of the compartment in your chosen model.
The DGCCRF says the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings were phased out when fridge energy labels changed in 2021. A rating letter on its own therefore isn’t enough to compare labels from different periods accurately.
Use the current A to G scale and compare kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar type and capacity.
Taking the appliance upstairs, unpacking it and placing it in its final position all depend on the service offered at your address. A fridge that suits your kitchen also needs to be able to reach it.
Before ordering, check with the seller what services are available for your floor, access via a lift or stairs, and whether they’ll take away your old appliance.
Bosch product details let you compare two under-counter fridges of the same size, with or without a freezer compartment.
Liebherr models show the difference in size between an under-counter fridge and a compact fridge-freezer.
Beko’s range can help you check the type of freezer compartment offered by a specific model.
TCL offers fridge-freezers in France, alongside other appliance sizes.
These models include two fridge-freezers for storing frozen food and a smaller single-door fridge with a freezer compartment. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs, then check the dimensions required for installation.
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Worth considering if you want separate space for fresh and frozen food, but check whether 174 L will suit your shopping needs as someone living alone.
Stated height: 150 cm; stated noise level: 39 dB. Reversible door, Low Frost technology and energy class E are listed in the product title.
Measure the space and check the manual for installation clearances before ordering.
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Worth considering if you store a lot of groceries and frozen portions, although 227 L in total may be more than one person needs.
Stated capacities: 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing. Stated width: 54 cm; reversible door, Low Frost and energy class E.
Check the model’s product details and manual for its height, depth and installation clearances before deciding whether it will fit in your kitchen.
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Worth considering when space is very limited and you only need a small capacity; its total capacity of 92 L is below the general guide of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity that UFC-Que Choisir gives for one person.
The product title mentions a freezer compartment, a floor area of 0,22 m² and energy class E.
If you plan to store frozen food, check the capacity and specifications of the compartment. Also check the full dimensions and installation clearances.
UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guide for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop and how you cook, then compare the space for refrigeration and freezing separately.
Yes. Allow for the clearances specified for your model and installation type. Check its manual before ordering rather than relying on measurements given for another appliance.
Not directly. The DGCCRF says fridge energy labels changed to a scale from A to G in 2021, replacing the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings. To compare two appliances, check their current labels and look at the kWh/year figures for models of a similar type and capacity.
In France, you can find out about a collection point or recycling centre for electrical appliances, as recommended by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. If you’re ordering a new appliance, also ask the seller what collection options are available for your delivery.