For one person, Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity can help you assess the fridge space you need. However, the dimensions and clearances specified in the manual must also suit the space available. A table-top fridge without a freezer prioritises fresh food, while an integrated freezer compartment is handy for the occasional frozen item, but may leave you with less fridge space. If your kitchenette has a recess under the worktop, only choose a built-in model once you’ve checked that it’s compatible with the required installation and ventilation.
Fridge space for fresh food matters more if you don’t buy many frozen foods. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, which you can adjust to suit how often you shop.
An integrated freezer compartment lets you store the occasional frozen item without needing a second appliance. Also compare the space left for fresh food and the model’s defrosting requirements.
Pay particular attention to the stated noise level when you’re choosing an appliance for a single living space. Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label too: ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously.
Start by measuring the space, then choose the fridge capacity and freezer function to suit your shopping habits. Finally, compare the noise and energy consumption of appliances that meet your needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Overall dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances specified in the manual. Check whether the appliance is freestanding or built-in. | If space under the worktop is tight, I need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without blocking the way. Around 36% of consumers put installation requirements first. |
| Fridge capacity | Usable fridge capacity, separate from the total capacity, based on the number of people and how often you shop. | If I mainly keep fresh food between shopping trips, I want enough room without taking up more of the kitchenette than necessary. Around 22% of consumers prioritise this everyday capacity. |
| Freezing | The freezer compartment’s capacity, star rating and defrosting method for the specific model. | If I want to keep frozen food in the same appliance, I’m happy to set aside some of its capacity for a freezer. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this feature. |
| Noise and electricity | Stated noise level in dB(A) and annual consumption in kWh, comparing models that meet similar needs. | If the fridge is near my bed or desk, I want to consider how noisy an appliance that runs at night might be, as well as its annual energy consumption. Around 21% of consumers put these two criteria first. |
Fridges of the same height aren’t necessarily the same width or depth. A built-in model also needs a compatible housing unit and installation plan.
Measure the space, the access route and the clearance needed to open the door, then compare these measurements with the product details and manual for your chosen model.
Clearance is needed to let heat escape. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding appliances. These measurements don’t replace the instructions for the specific model you choose, or those for a built-in appliance.
Check the manual before deciding where to put your fridge, and avoid placing it next to a heat source.
Bosch’s product details show that the KTR15NWEB table-top fridge without a freezer compartment and the KTL15NWEB with a compartment have the same external dimensions, but their stated fridge capacities are 134 and 106 litres respectively.
If you regularly buy frozen food, check the capacity and freezing features of the exact model, as well as its defrosting method.
Two appliances with different capacities or features won’t necessarily suit the same needs in a studio flat.
Once you’ve chosen the format and capacity, compare the kWh/year and dB(A) shown on the energy labels of the models you’re considering.
The freestanding KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB table-top fridges show the choice between more fridge space and an integrated freezer compartment.
The KTe550 and Rdi 1620 table-top fridges let you compare two fridge capacities without a freezer.
The freestanding COT1S45EW table-top fridge has an integrated freezer compartment and a stated width of 50 cm.
The TSE1504FN is a freestanding table-top fridge with no freezer, worth considering if you’re short on width.
The ELB3AE82YY is a built-under option for a kitchenette with a suitable housing space.
These models suit different needs: fitting into a fully equipped kitchenette, a slim appliance with a freezer compartment, or a fridge freezer with more room for frozen food. Choose based on the space available and your shopping habits first.
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Worth considering for a kitchenette with a compatible housing space if you want a built-in appliance that combines fridge and freezer storage.
A one-door model with a freezer at the top; stated total capacity of 188 L and energy rating E. Before buying, check the installation plan, ventilation and what you’ll need to fit the cabinet door.
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Worth considering when space is limited and a small freezer compartment will meet your occasional needs.
The model name indicates a total capacity of 92 L, a freezer compartment and an energy rating of E. This is below Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Compare it with your shopping habits, then check the overall dimensions, capacity of each compartment, noise level and kWh/year.
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Worth considering if you need a separate freezer compartment and have enough height for a fridge freezer.
The model name indicates 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Check the overall height and kWh/year to confirm it will fit and compare its energy consumption. Low Frost means you’ll still need to follow the defrosting instructions.
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and distinguish fridge space from any capacity set aside for freezing.
Only if the clearances and installation requirements for the model allow it. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding appliances. Check the manual for the model you’ve chosen rather than applying these measurements to every fridge.
Compare annual consumption in kWh and the stated noise level, looking at appliances with capacities and features that suit your needs. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, so the energy rating letter alone doesn’t tell you everything.
Avoid placing it near a heat source such as an oven or cooker, as Whirlpool advises. In a kitchenette, check where it can go, whether the door can open fully and what ventilation is required before choosing a model.