For a first kitchen or a studio flat, choose a table-top fridge if space is very limited and you shop frequently. A compact fridge freezer is better suited to regular use of frozen food, while a one-door fridge prioritises fresh food. Before choosing a style, measure the space, access route and door clearance, then check the model’s installation instructions. An integrated appliance also requires a compatible housing unit and door fixing system.
You’re looking for a fridge that fits into a small kitchen or under a worktop, while still offering enough room for frequent shopping. Que Choisir describes table-top fridges as a suitable option for studio flats.
You’d like to shop less often and have a separate freezer compartment, without installing a standalone freezer. A fridge freezer combines both compartments in one appliance, as Whirlpool explains.
Your choice also depends on the existing housing unit, cabinet door and door fixing system. For an integrated appliance, compare these details with the model’s installation instructions, rather than looking at its external dimensions alone.
To choose between the different styles, start with the space you actually have and what you store: fresh food that you buy frequently, or frozen food to keep for longer as well.
Consider it: if the available space calls for a very compact appliance and you’re happy to shop frequently.
Bear in mind: there’s less room for food; don’t assume it has a freezer compartment.
Consider it: if you want plenty of space for fresh food and rarely buy frozen food.
Bear in mind: some models, particularly integrated ones, don’t have a freezer compartment.
Consider it: if you regularly need both fridge and freezer space in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer takes up some of the available space; compare the capacity of each compartment separately.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the access route and door clearance. For an integrated appliance, also check the housing unit and fixing system specified in the instructions. | If the appliance has to fit through a narrow access route and then into an existing kitchen, I first want to be sure it can be delivered and installed. Around 36% of consumers would make this compatibility their priority. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge compartment with how often you shop, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | When I keep several days’ worth of fresh food, I want enough room without taking up too much space in my small kitchen. Capacity would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Freezing | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its usable capacity and its rating for the model you’re considering. | If I want to shop less often or regularly store frozen food, I need freezer space that suits the way I use it. Around 21% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the noise level in dB(A) and the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label, comparing appliances with similar features and capacity. | If my fridge is close to my living space, I pay attention to its everyday noise and energy use. These would come first for around 14% of consumers. |
An appliance may fit the available width but still not pass through the entrance to your home, fit the available depth or allow its door to open. The clearance needed for installation depends on the instructions for that model.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and delivery route, then compare them with the product details and instructions for the exact model.
Compact appliances vary in the amount of space and the features they offer for freezing. This is particularly important if you often buy frozen food or prepare meals in advance.
Before choosing a style, check whether it has a freezer compartment, its rating and its usable capacity.
Similar external dimensions aren’t enough to guarantee that an appliance will fit the housing unit and its door. Bosch stresses the importance of following the installation instructions for the specific appliance.
Check the dimensions of the housing unit and the door fixing system. If the unit isn’t suitable, look for a compatible model or consider a freestanding appliance.
A table-top fridge and a fridge freezer won’t necessarily offer the same capacity or freezing performance. The label helps you assess energy efficiency, but it won’t tell you on its own which style is right for you.
Also compare annual energy consumption, noise and usable capacity across appliances that meet similar storage needs.
Beko’s table-top range may suit kitchens where footprint and door clearance are key considerations.
Whirlpool offers fridge freezers that combine a fridge and freezer, with freestanding and integrated versions available depending on the model.
Bosch integrated one-door fridges are worth considering if you already have a housing unit and fresh food capacity is your priority.
Choose a usable capacity based on how often you shop and how much room your fresh food takes up, rather than the size of your home alone. Check the freezer capacity separately if you buy frozen food, then make sure the dimensions and installation requirements suit your kitchen.
No. It tells you about energy efficiency, but different styles can offer different capacities and freezing features. The European Commission describes the label as a tool to help with comparisons; also check annual energy consumption, noise levels and the usable capacity of models that fit your space.
Not on the basis of its external dimensions alone. An integrated model must fit the housing unit and its door fixing system. Check its installation instructions before ordering, too.