For a studio flat, first make sure the fridge will fit through to its intended spot, that the door can open fully and that you can leave the clearances specified in the manual. A table-top fridge without a freezer compartment suits you if you rarely store frozen food. Choose one with a freezer compartment, or a fridge-freezer, if frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, bearing in mind the trade-off between fresh-food capacity and space taken up. Only choose a built-in model if its housing, fittings and door are compatible with your existing kitchen furniture.
You need to be able to get the appliance into your home, open its door without blocking the way and allow for ventilation. Que Choisir describes the table-top format as suitable for studio flats, but only the dimensions and manual for the model you choose can tell you whether it will fit.
A freezer compartment can meet modest freezing needs without requiring a large fridge-freezer straight away. However, compare its capacity with the space available for fresh food. According to their manufacturers’ specifications, the Bosch KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB illustrate this trade-off despite having the same external dimensions.
If your kitchen has a housing for a built-in appliance, your choice will depend on its dimensions, fittings, ventilation and cabinet door. Specifications published by Whirlpool and Electrolux show that built-in models are not interchangeable based on capacity alone.
First decide whether you need an integrated freezer compartment or a separate freezer for your frozen food. Then check that the format you choose will fit the space you have.
Choose this if: you mainly buy fresh food and have limited space.
Bear in mind: you won’t be able to store frozen food without another appliance.
Choose this if: a small freezer compartment is enough for your needs.
Bear in mind: in a fridge of the same size, the freezer compartment may reduce the fresh-food capacity. Que Choisir advises that it shouldn’t be confused with a freezer that can hold a large amount of frozen food.
Choose this if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food and have enough space.
Bear in mind: make sure the extra capacity will fit your space, allow the door to open and be accessible along the delivery route.
| Feature | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Compare the appliance’s height, width and depth with the space available and the delivery access route. Check the manual for door clearance and ventilation requirements. | If the kitchen and access routes are narrow, I want to be able to install the fridge and open it without blocking the way. Around 36% of consumers concerned would put size and space requirements first. |
| Fresh-food and freezer capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the type of freezer compartment. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person, but this should be adjusted to suit your shopping habits. | If I shop less often or regularly buy frozen food, I prioritise the space actually available in each compartment. Storage would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers concerned. |
| Noise in your living space | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class on the label. ADEME notes that the label includes a noise class. | If I sleep or work near the kitchen, the fridge’s noise level matters particularly. Around 21% of consumers concerned would put quiet operation ahead of other features. |
| Built-in model compatibility | Measure the housing and check the fittings, cabinet door and the model’s ventilation requirements. | If a fitted kitchen means I need to replace a built-in appliance, my first priority is finding a model that fits the cabinetry. This compatibility would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers concerned. |
An appliance may fit in the space provided but still not leave enough room to open its door or allow the air circulation specified in the manual. It may also be too large to get through the access routes into your home.
Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Then check the door swing and the clearances required for that specific model.
Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you buy a lot of frozen food. With a compact appliance, you also need to consider how much space is left for fresh food.
Think about what you usually store, then compare the capacity of each compartment and the model’s freezing specifications.
A housing designed for a 122 cm model will not fit a large fridge-freezer. Fitting systems and cabinet doors matter too: Whirlpool and Electrolux product specifications describe different configurations.
Measure the inside of the housing and identify the existing fittings before checking the installation manual for the new model.
Arranging to remove an old fridge after your new one has been delivered can make moving in more complicated. In France, ecosystem explains that retailers take back your old appliance when you buy a new one.
Ask when you place your order how to arrange collection, and confirm the delivery address it applies to.
These two table-top models let you compare the space available for fresh food with and without a freezer compartment.
A built-in model to consider if your kitchen already has a suitable cabinet.
A useful comparison if you need more storage space and have a large built-in housing.
A table-top range worth exploring if the available width is a key factor in your choice.
These appliances include compact fridges with freezer compartments and fridge-freezers for those who need more storage space. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs, then check that they’ll fit in your home.
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Consider this if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food rather than a small freezer compartment.
The model name indicates 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, a 4-star freezer rating and an E energy rating.
Before choosing a spot for it, check its height and depth, along with the clearances specified in the manual.
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Its small capacity is better suited to a few essentials than a full week’s shopping.
The product name indicates a capacity of 45 L, a toughened glass shelf, adjustable feet and an E energy rating.
If you plan to store frozen food, check the capacity and specifications of the relevant compartment, as well as the ventilation and door-opening requirements.
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Worth comparing if you shop less often or want more space for frozen food than a table-top appliance can offer.
The product name indicates 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, a stated noise level of 39 dB and No Frost technology.
This capacity may be more than you need if you’re prioritising a compact appliance. Measure the available space and delivery route before choosing this format.
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Consider this if space is limited and you don’t need to store much.
The product name indicates a total capacity of 92 L, a freezer compartment, a stated footprint of 0,22 m² and an E energy rating.
Check how much space is available for fresh and frozen food, the full dimensions and the noise level if the appliance will be close to where you sleep.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and compare the space available for fresh and frozen food separately.
Yes, as long as its dimensions, door opening and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual allow it. Measure the available depth as well as the width, and don’t confuse a freestanding appliance with a built-in model designed for a housing.
First, follow the manual supplied with your appliance. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging in, according to its installation instructions. If the instructions for your model differ, follow those instead.
Compare the energy rating, annual energy consumption and noise information, then check the capacity of each compartment in the model’s specifications. As ADEME points out, the label also shows a noise class, which is useful if the fridge is in your living space.