In a studio flat, first choose a fridge that can be installed and opened properly in the space you have available. A table-top model is a good choice when space is the priority; a single-door fridge with a freezer compartment suits you if you mainly store fresh food and a few frozen items; and a small fridge-freezer is worth considering if you regularly need a separate freezer compartment. An integrated model is only an option if the housing, door system and ventilation are compatible with your chosen model.
If your appliance needs to take up as little space as possible, a table-top fridge is worth considering: UFC-Que Choisir lists this format as suitable for studio flats. Make sure, though, that the door can open fully and that the installation follows the instructions.
A single-door fridge with a freezer compartment may suit occasional use. If you plan to freeze fresh food or store more frozen items, check the compartment type and star rating instead: Bosch distinguishes a freezer compartment from a proper freezing compartment.
If your shopping needs more room for fresh food and a separate freezing area, compare the capacities of small fridge-freezers. Make sure the overall size, particularly the height, will work in your studio kitchen.
First, work out how much space you really have and how you plan to use the freezer compartment. Then compare the fresh-food capacity of appliances that can be installed in your home.
Consider it: when a low-positioned appliance and a small footprint matter more than storage space.
Bear in mind: it has less capacity than a taller appliance, so consider how often you shop.
Consider it: if you mainly store fresh food and only buy a few frozen items occasionally.
Bear in mind: depending on the model, the freezer compartment may not work as well as a proper freezing compartment.
Consider it: if frozen food is a regular part of your shop and you need a separate freezing area.
Bear in mind: it is generally taller than a table-top fridge, so check its full dimensions.
Consider it: only if your studio already has a housing unit that suits the model you choose.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the housing, door system and ventilation requirements for the specific appliance.
| Consideration | What to check | What matters to shoppers? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space and the door clearance. Check the instructions for ventilation requirements and, where relevant, the dimensions of the housing unit. | I don’t want an appliance taking up space in my kitchen if I can’t open its door fully. Around 42% of shoppers would prioritise installation compatibility. |
| Storing frozen food | Check the compartment type, its capacity and star rating, depending on whether you want to store frozen food or freeze fresh food. | If I regularly buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not meet my needs. This capacity would be the top priority for around 33% of shoppers. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the usable capacity with how often you shop, then compare the stated noise level and annual energy consumption of appliances that meet the same need. | If I want to shop less often or keep prepared meals, I need enough space for fresh food. Around 25% of shoppers would make this capacity their main consideration. |
A fridge may fit in its space but still be awkward to use if there isn’t enough room to open the door or if the model’s ventilation requirements can’t be met.
Measure the access route needed to bring it in, the available height and the door clearance. Then compare these measurements with the appliance’s product information and instructions.
A small freezer compartment may not be suitable for regular storage or for freezing fresh food. Bosch distinguishes freezer compartments from proper freezing compartments according to their specifications.
If this matters to you, check the star rating and capacity of the compartment before choosing between a single-door fridge and a fridge-freezer.
Whirlpool’s examples of integrated fridges show different dimensions and installation types, so the appearance of the front panel alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.
Measure the housing and check the door fixing system and ventilation requirements for the model you’re considering.
Two fridges won’t meet the same needs if their capacities or freezer compartments differ. In a studio flat, it’s also worth checking the stated noise level if the appliance will be close to your living area.
First compare formats that suit your installation and shopping habits, then look at their stated annual energy consumption and noise levels.
These Joybuy models let you explore several formats featured in this guide: a mini table-top fridge, a single-door fridge with freezer compartment, a fridge-freezer and an integrated model. Start by choosing based on the space available and how much fresh and frozen food you need to store.
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Worth considering if you need separate areas for fresh and frozen food in a narrow kitchen.
The product description lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm and a 4-star compartment. Check the total height, ventilation and door clearance before choosing this model.
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Consider it if your studio has a housing unit and door system that are compatible with this integrated appliance.
The product description lists a single door, a freezer compartment at the top and an energy rating of E. Before buying, check the housing dimensions and door fitting against the model documentation. Also check the freezer compartment’s star rating if you plan to store frozen food in it.
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Worth considering if you want a small appliance for fresh food but would also like a freezer compartment.
The product description lists a capacity of 92 L and an energy rating of E. Check the full dimensions and installation instructions for your space, as well as the freezer compartment’s capacity and star rating for the way you plan to use it.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a single-door appliance with a stated capacity of 179 L and a freezer compartment.
Be sure to confirm how it is installed before buying: the available information describes it as both freestanding and integrated. Also check the freezer compartment’s star rating to make sure it suits the way you store frozen food.
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Consider it if space is very limited and you only need to store small amounts of fresh food.
The product description lists a capacity of 45 L, adjustable feet, a tempered glass shelf and an energy rating of E. Think about your shopping habits in light of this capacity, and check the small compartment’s star rating before relying on it for frozen food.
It may be enough if its capacity suits your shopping habits and space is your main constraint. UFC-Que Choisir lists table-top fridges among the formats suited to studio flats. If you shop less often or regularly buy frozen food, compare the capacities of a single-door fridge or a small fridge-freezer too.
Not necessarily: it depends on the specific compartment. Bosch distinguishes a freezer compartment from a proper freezing compartment. Check the star rating, capacity and stated use of the model before planning to store frozen food or freeze fresh food in it.
Follow the set-up instructions in the manual for your model. For certain appliances, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging them in. Also check the ventilation and positioning instructions for the appliance you’ve bought.
No: having a housing unit doesn’t guarantee that a new appliance will fit. Compare its housing and overall dimensions, door system and ventilation requirements with your existing kitchen and the installation instructions.