First, measure the available space, including its depth, the door’s swing and the clearances required in the model’s manual. If you mainly store fresh food, a tabletop fridge without a freezer may be a good fit. For a few frozen items, consider a model with an integrated compartment. A small fridge-freezer is better suited to regular freezer use, provided its height and overall size work in your kitchenette.
If your kitchenette needs a low appliance or has a narrow alcove, start by checking the installation dimensions. Tabletop models are one option for a studio flat, as UFC-Que Choisir notes, but you’ll still need to check the depth and door opening clearance.
A single-door fridge with an integrated compartment is worth considering if you also want to store a small amount of frozen food. If frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, compare the separate capacities of a small fridge-freezer instead.
In a room that doubles as your living space, compare the dB(A) ratings and annual energy consumption in kWh/year for appliances with similar layouts and capacities. Consider these figures alongside the capacity of each compartment, and don’t overlook the installation requirements.
Consider this if: you want a low appliance and will use its capacity for fresh food.
Bear in mind: it won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food, with a few frozen items to store.
Bear in mind: the space available and what you can store in the compartment vary by model. Check its capacity and star rating.
Consider this if: frozen food is a regular part of your shopping and you want two separate compartments.
Bear in mind: it may be too tall to fit under a worktop.
When choosing an appliance for a studio flat occupied by one person, first check that it will fit. Then work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Finally, compare noise and energy use across models that meet these first two requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth; check the manual for ventilation clearances and door swing. | If my kitchenette is very cramped, I need to be able to open the door and reach nearby storage once the appliance is installed. Around 42% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food; check the star rating for the way you plan to use it. | If I buy a mix of fresh and frozen food, I want to know how much space each compartment offers. Nearly 33% of consumers would make this their first consideration. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the dB(A) and kWh/year figures, then compare appliances with similar capacities and layouts. | When my fridge is near my living space, its stated noise level and energy use matter when I’m choosing. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise these factors. |
The depth, door opening and required clearances can make an appliance difficult to install, even if the width is right. For example, Beko lists the TSE1504FN as 590 mm deep overall.
Measure all three available dimensions and check the manual for your chosen model to confirm ventilation requirements and which way the door can open.
The presence of a compartment alone doesn’t tell you how much frozen food it can hold or what it’s suitable for. For example, the Beko TSE1504FN has no star-rated compartment.
Start with your usual shopping, then check the compartment’s capacity and star rating before choosing between a single-door fridge and a fridge-freezer.
Two fridges may have different capacities and different splits between compartments. Annual energy consumption is more useful when considered alongside these features and the noise level.
For each model you’re considering, note the kWh/year, capacity of each compartment and dB(A) rating shown on its label or product information, then compare models with similar layouts.
These models show a range of configurations. The specifications listed apply to the named models, not to every appliance made by each brand.
The TSE1504FN tabletop fridge is a useful benchmark if you’re prioritising fresh-food capacity without a freezer compartment.
The KTL15NWEB is an example of a single-door tabletop fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
The KTe551 is another useful tabletop model to compare if fresh-food capacity and stated noise levels matter to you.
These models suit two of the needs covered here: the first two are fridge-freezers with separate compartments for fresh and frozen food; the third is a single-door fridge with an integrated compartment. Compare their installation dimensions before choosing one for a studio flat.
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Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a kitchen with limited width.
The product name lists 153 l for refrigeration and 74 l for freezing, a width of 54 cm, a 4-star freezer and a reversible door.
Check the height, depth and clearances in the manual, as well as the model’s kWh/year figure on its energy label.
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Consider this if you want separate fridge and freezer compartments, provided you have enough height.
The product name lists a total capacity of 174 l, a freestanding design and a reversible door.
Check the dimensions and clearances in the manual. To compare noise and energy use, check the model’s dB(A) and kWh/year figures.
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Worth considering if you mainly store fresh food but would also like an integrated compartment for frozen items.
The product name lists a capacity of 92 l and a freezer compartment.
Before choosing, check the compartment’s capacity and star rating, the installation dimensions, and the dB(A) and kWh/year figures.
Measure the available height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. Then check the manual for the exact model to find out its ventilation clearances. Overall dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit.
It may be suitable if you only store a small amount of frozen food. If you regularly freeze fresh food or need more space, compare it with a small fridge-freezer. In either case, check the capacity and star rating of the freezer compartment.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh/year with the fridge and freezer capacities, then check the noise level in dB(A) and its category. These details appear in the European Commission’s energy-labelling framework for refrigerating appliances. Where possible, compare models with similar layouts.
Yes. It’s one of the specifications to check if the room temperature varies a lot. Beko lists the TSE1504FN as climate class N-ST. Check the climate class and operating conditions for the model you’re considering rather than relying on the details for another appliance.