Which size is right for you?

One person who buys little frozen food

If you shop frequently and need a low-profile appliance, consider an under-counter fridge or a single-door model with a freezer compartment. Check that its capacity and the space required for installation suit your home.

Someone who keeps a stock of frozen food

If you cook in advance or regularly store frozen food, compare the freezer capacity in litres separately from the fridge capacity. A two-door fridge freezer or a fridge freezer with a separate freezer section may be worth considering, depending on the space available.

Someone who sleeps in the same room

If the fridge is close to where you sleep, compare the noise emissions in dB(A) and the noise class on the energy label. These details can help you choose between models, but they don’t guarantee that you won’t notice the appliance running.

What should you compare before choosing?

Under-counter or single-door fridge

Consider this if: you need a low-profile appliance and don’t store much frozen food.

The trade-off: the small freezer compartment may mean shopping more often. Que Choisir warns that a small freezer isn’t enough for people who eat a lot of frozen food.

Compact two-door fridge freezer

Consider this if: you want a separate freezer section but aren’t ready to choose a large fridge freezer.

The trade-off: its height and the space needed to open the doors must suit your studio flat.

Fridge freezer with a bottom freezer

Consider this if: you regularly store frozen food and have enough height and depth for the appliance.

The trade-off: check the installed dimensions and the chosen model’s kWh/year instead of assuming that one size suits every studio flat.

PriorityWhat to checkYour needs
Available space Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route. Allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the manual and the space needed to open the doors. Beko’s recommendation of 5 cm at the sides and rear of its appliances does not replace the manual for the model you choose. I want to be able to install and open the appliance in my small kitchen, not just fit it into an alcove.
Freezer capacity Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then check the type of freezer compartment. If you freeze fresh food, also check the model’s stated freezing capacity. I keep frozen food every week: the total capacity doesn’t tell me how much space is reserved for it.
Noise and energy use According to the European Commission, the energy label includes information such as noise emissions, noise class, capacity and kWh/year. Compare the energy use of appliances with similar storage capacities, rather than looking only at the energy rating. Noise matters in a room where I also sleep, and I’d also like to know the annual energy use shown on the label.

What could you overlook when buying?

  • Looking only at the total capacity

    An appliance may have enough space for fresh food but too little room for your frozen food. Que Choisir makes a distinction between a small freezer compartment and a space suited to people who eat a lot of frozen food.

    Make a note of what you usually buy, then check the freezer capacity and compartment type of the model you’re considering.

  • Measuring the alcove but not allowing for installation

    The appliance’s width alone won’t tell you whether it can be installed and used in a studio flat. Ventilation, door clearance and access all matter too.

    Take all the measurements and check the manual for the exact model. Beko recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and rear of its freestanding appliances; follow the instructions for the model you choose.

  • Choosing based on the energy rating alone

    The energy rating, on its own, tells you neither how much storage space you need nor the annual energy use shown on the label. The European energy label lists these details separately.

    Compare the kWh/year of models with capacities and features that suit your needs. To estimate your own costs, use the price per kWh on your energy tariff.

  • Forgetting about your old fridge

    Replacing an appliance also means deciding what to do with the old one. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment, as well as a «1 for 1» take-back service when you buy a product of the same type.

    Before you order, ask the retailer about its take-back arrangements and check how your old appliance can be removed from your home.

A guide to some of the brands

Bosch

The KTL15NWEB under-counter fridge is an example of a single-door model with an integrated freezer compartment.

  • Bosch lists this model as measuring 85 × 56 × 58 cm, with 106 l of fridge capacity and a noise level of 39 dB.
  • To see whether it suits your frozen food storage needs and available space, check its energy label and installation manual.

Beko

Beko France’s product pages let you compare under-counter, two-door and fridge-freezer models, without assuming that one model’s features apply to the whole range.

  • Beko lists the RDSA240K40WN with 177 l of fridge capacity and 46 l of freezer capacity. The RCSA300K40WN is listed with 204 l and 87 l, respectively.
  • These capacities are for two different appliances. Compare the dimensions and energy label of the model you choose with the space in your studio flat.

Liebherr

The KTe551 is an example of an under-counter fridge whose dimensions and stated noise level you can compare before buying.

  • Liebherr lists this model as measuring 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm, with a total capacity of 111 l and a noise level of 37 dB.
  • The total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food. Check the split between compartments and the model’s installation instructions.

Fridge freezers available on Joybuy

These models are fridge freezers with a separate freezer section. If you’re looking for a lower-profile appliance with a small integrated freezer compartment, compare that style separately: the dimensions and capacities below are suited to different storage needs.

Black CHiQ JR263LGE fridge freezer

CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 l fridge freezer, black

Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer for your frozen food and have enough height for it.

The model name indicates a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Before deciding where to put it, check the manual for the depth, clearance requirements and defrosting instructions.

View on Joybuy
White Comfee' RCB169WH2(E) fridge freezer

Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 l fridge freezer, white

This fridge freezer may suit you if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food while keeping the appliance height down.

The product name lists a height of 150 cm, a 70/30 split, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door and a noise level of 39 dB. Check the energy label for kWh/year and the manual for the installation clearances.

View on Joybuy
Silver CHiQ JR227LSE fridge freezer

CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge freezer, silver

If freezer capacity matters as much as the available width, compare the two compartments with what you usually buy.

The product name lists 153 l of fridge capacity, 74 l of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a 4-star freezer and a reversible door. Check the height, depth, kWh/year and clearance requirements for the exact model.

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Heinrich´s 253 l fridge freezer, stainless steel finish

Heinrich´s, 253 l fridge freezer, stainless steel

If you regularly keep a stock of frozen food, check whether its separate freezer compartment and overall size suit your studio flat.

The product name lists 182 l of fridge capacity and 71 l of freezer capacity. It also mentions No Frost and a noise level of 39 dB. Check the model’s documentation for the full dimensions and kWh/year.

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Bosch KGN33NLEB stainless steel fridge freezer

Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 l fridge freezer, stainless steel

This bottom-freezer model is worth comparing if you have space for a 282 l appliance.

The product name lists an energy rating of E. Before placing it in a room where you also sleep, check the energy label for kWh/year and noise level, then consult the manual for the dimensions and required clearances.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What should I measure before buying a fridge for a studio flat?

Measure the available height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors. Allow for the ventilation clearances given in the model’s manual. Beko’s recommendation of at least 5 cm at the sides and rear of its freestanding appliances is not a universal measurement.

How can I compare the energy use of two models?

Compare their kWh/year if they offer similar storage capacity. The European Commission says the energy label also shows capacity and noise information, so the energy rating alone doesn’t give you the full picture. To estimate your running costs, use the price per kWh on your energy tariff.

How should I consider noise in a studio flat?

Check the noise emissions in dB(A) and the noise class on the energy label for the model you’re considering. Compare these details while bearing in mind that the appliance’s position and background noise affect how noticeable it is; a stated figure doesn’t guarantee that you won’t hear it.

What should I do with my old fridge when replacing it?

Find out about collection before your new appliance arrives. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes the French scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment, as well as a «1 for 1» take-back service when you buy a product of the same type. Ask the retailer how the take-back works in practice, including whether collection from your home is available.