For one person, the right choice mainly depends on the space available, how often you shop and how much frozen food you need to store. A table-top fridge is ideal when space is very limited and you only need minimal freezer capacity; a single-door model or compact fridge freezer is better suited if you regularly keep frozen food.
You want to keep as much worktop or overhead space free as possible and shop frequently, with little need for storage. A table-top or small single-door model may be suitable once you have checked the usable capacity, noise level and installation clearances.
If you store fresh food and frozen portions between shopping trips, compare a compact fridge freezer with a single-door model featuring a small freezer compartment.
Before buying an appliance, check the property inventory. In France, the minimum furnishings for a furnished rental include a fridge and freezer, or a fridge with a compartment kept at a temperature of -6 °C or below, according to Légifrance.
Choose this if : the studio flat has limited height or requires installation beneath a worktop, and you store little or no frozen food.
Bear in mind : the capacity will be more limited and, depending on the model, freezer space may be absent or very small.
Choose this if : you mainly need refrigeration and only keep a few frozen items.
Bear in mind : a small compartment will not replace a separate freezer if you regularly stock up on frozen food.
Choose this if : you do a weekly shop, prepare portions or regularly store frozen food.
Bear in mind : you will need more height and depth, as well as the ventilation space specified in the instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable litre capacities of the fridge and freezer separately. Also note the overall dimensions, delivery route and door opening. | I want to avoid a bulky appliance while keeping enough fresh food for my meals. UFC-Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, which should be adjusted according to your shopping habits and cooking needs. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there is a freezer compartment, along with its capacity and temperature. Distinguish between a small freezer box and a proper separate compartment. | A few frozen items may fit in a small compartment; for prepared portions or weekly frozen-food shops, I would prioritise dedicated freezer space. |
| Noise | Compare sound emissions in dB and the noise class on the energy label, using appliances with similar capacities and features. Read test results if the appliance will be close to your bed or sofa. | In a living space, I want an unobtrusive appliance. UFC-Que Choisir points out that two appliances showing the same noise level can still be perceived differently. |
| Energy consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacities and features, then consider the A to G rating alongside the other information on the label. | I want to anticipate electricity use over several years. In the Special Eurobarometer 555 survey carried out in the EU in April–May 2024, 75 % of respondents said that the energy label had influenced their appliance purchase during the previous five years. |
| Installation | Measure the recess, ventilation clearances, delivery route and door-opening direction. The model’s instructions take precedence over any general rule. | I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking a passage or placing it directly against the wall. For freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind. |
A freestanding appliance placed against the wall cannot dissipate heat as effectively, while the door or drawers may be difficult to use in a small kitchen.
Measure the width, depth, height, delivery route and door opening, then add the clearances specified in the instructions. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges.
A freezer box may meet an occasional need, but its capacity may not be enough for regular frozen-food shopping or preparing portions.
Estimate how many portions and bags of frozen food you store at the same time. If this is a regular requirement, compare the capacities of compact fridge freezers.
How intrusive a fridge feels also depends on vibrations, frequency and the nature of the sound. The same dB figure alone does not fully describe acoustic comfort.
Use dB and the noise class for an initial shortlist, then look for independent tests or detailed information if the fridge will be installed in your living space.
Transporting an appliance and switching it on again requires a little planning, particularly if it has been moved on its side.
Electrolux recommends transporting the appliance upright and waiting at least four hours before plugging it in. Also consult the model’s instructions for the applicable procedure.
Worth considering for a compact fridge freezer or an appliance with flexible storage and food-preservation compartments, depending on the range.
Consider it when delivery, transport and commissioning instructions are important for installation in a small home.
Worth looking at for freestanding appliances when ventilation and energy-consumption information are part of your comparison criteria.
Joybuy options for a studio flat or one person, including a compact fridge freezer, a single-door model with a freezer compartment and a compact fridge without a stated freezer.
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Worth considering for weekly shopping with frozen portions, thanks to its separate compartments.
153 L fridge capacity, 74 L freezer capacity, stated width of 54 cm, reversible door, adjustable feet, Low Frost and energy rating E. Check the energy label and installation instructions before buying.
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This compact fridge freezer is suitable for one person who wants everyday fresh-food storage and a separate freezer compartment.
115 L fridge capacity, 59 L freezer capacity, stated dimensions of 470 × 511 × 1500 mm, adjustable thermostat, LED lighting, reversible door, adjustable feet and Low Frost. Check the instructions and energy label for noise, consumption and ventilation details.
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Worth considering when a small footprint is the priority and a little freezer space is sufficient.
Stated width of 47 cm, footprint of 0,22 m², reversible door, adjustable feet, compact freezer section and energy rating E. Its 92 L capacity is better suited to frequent shopping; check the capacity and temperature of the freezer section.
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An option for frequent shopping without regularly storing frozen food.
82 L capacity, LED lighting, adjustable shelves, adjustable feet, stated noise level of 40 dB, 84 kWh/year and energy rating E. No freezer compartment is stated; also check the dimensions and clearances before installation.
UFC-Que Choisir gives a general guide of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this according to how often you shop, the space available and how much fresh food or how many drinks you store.
It may be enough for occasional use, but not necessarily for regular or substantial shopping. If you freeze portions every week, it is better to compare the capacity of a compact fridge freezer.
Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding fridges to help dissipate heat. The installation instructions for the model you buy take precedence, particularly for a built-in appliance.
Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging the appliance in, allowing the oil to return to the compressor. Ideally, transport it upright and consult the instructions for model-specific guidance.
Yes. According to the decree available on Légifrance, the minimum furnishings for a furnished rental include a fridge and freezer, or at least a fridge with a compartment kept at a temperature of -6 °C or below. This requirement applies to furnished rentals, not unfurnished ones.