First, choose an appliance that will fit in the space available, with a door that opens properly and ventilation that meets the model’s requirements. Then compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities with your shopping habits. A table-top fridge keeps things compact, while a compact fridge-freezer gives you a separate freezer compartment but needs more height. Finally, compare the annual energy consumption of models that already meet your needs.
You need to fit an appliance into a small space while still having room for your everyday shopping. Start by checking the available space and ventilation, then compare the usable fridge capacity. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres as an average guide for one person, but you should adapt this to your habits.
If you prepare portions to freeze or buy frozen food, compare the capacity and type of freezer space as well as the fridge capacity. A small built-in compartment and a separate freezer compartment may not meet the same needs.
If you have an appliance housing, check its dimensions, the door-fixing system and the model’s ventilation requirements. Similar external widths do not necessarily mean an appliance will fit your cabinetry.
For one person, UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as an average guide, not a fixed requirement. How often you shop, the space you have and how much frozen food you keep will help you decide which format to consider.
| What matters | What to check | Who should pay most attention |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the door clearance. For an integrated model, also check the housing, door and ventilation requirements given for that model. | If your kitchenette has very little space, check that the appliance can be delivered, installed and used without blocking the door or ventilation. Around 31 % of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Freezer space | Compare the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity, and check the compartment’s specifications against the food you want to store. | If you freeze portions or regularly keep frozen food, a small built-in compartment may not suit your needs. Around 31 % of consumers put freezer space first. |
| Fridge capacity | Look at the usable fridge capacity in litres, not just the total capacity. If the appliance combines fridge and freezer space, compare how the capacity is divided between the two. | If you want to store your shopping and leftovers without running short of space, focus on the available fridge capacity. Around 23 % of consumers prioritise space for fresh food. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances that meet your needs, along with their energy ratings and capacities. The label also gives information about capacity and noise. | If you want to limit the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet similar needs. Around 15 % of consumers prioritise energy consumption. |
Litres allocated to the freezer are not available for fresh food. So two appliances with a similar total capacity may suit different needs.
Check the model’s specifications and note the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Door clearance, door fixing and ventilation depend on the layout and the model. The external dimensions alone are not enough to confirm that an appliance will fit your cabinetry.
Measure the housing and check the installation instructions before choosing an integrated appliance.
If the housing is not compatible, you may need to adapt the cabinetry or choose another appliance.
A table-top fridge can keep the appliance height down, but its available freezer space still needs to suit the food you buy and the portions you want to store.
If you freeze food often, also compare appliances with separate fridge and freezer compartments, checking that they will fit in your kitchen.
Delivery and, where available, installation can affect how much you need to budget. The French Ministry of the Economy states that delivery charges must be provided in writing before you buy.
Before placing your order, ask what services are available, how much they cost and how your old appliance can be taken away. The DGCCRF reminds retailers of the free ‘one-for-one’ take-back principle, whereby an equivalent used appliance can be collected when a new product is sold.
Delivery or installation may incur a charge if these services are offered and priced separately.
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB show two table-top configurations: one without a freezer compartment and one with an integrated compartment.
The TSE1264FMGN is a freestanding table-top fridge with a freezer compartment.
The CTele 2131 is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer that is taller than a table-top model.
The LRB2AE88S is an example of a one-door integrated fridge designed for fresh food storage.
This selection includes compact freestanding models, a fridge-freezer and an integrated model. Compare the dimensions, fridge and freezer capacities, and installation requirements with the space you have available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen has a compatible housing and you want both fridge space and a freezer compartment in an integrated appliance.
Single door, top freezer, stated total capacity of 188 l and energy rating E. Installation requires a 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm housing and a sliding door; the cabinet door is not included. The 14 l freezer compartment needs to be defrosted manually.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact appliance with a freezer compartment for a small kitchen.
Stated capacity of 92 l and energy rating E. The description lists a freezer compartment, an adjustable shelf, a salad crisper and door balconies.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need separate fridge and freezer compartments and the stated width suits your kitchen.
Stated width of 54 cm, with 153 l of fridge space and 74 l of freezer space. The model name indicates energy rating E.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prioritise fresh food storage in a compact freestanding appliance and don’t need an integrated freezer compartment.
Stated capacity of 82 l, with no freezer compartment. The description mentions adjustable shelves, a salad crisper, LED lighting and mechanical controls.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want separate fresh and frozen food storage in a compact two-door appliance.
The description lists 64 l of fridge space and 28 l of freezer space, giving a total of 92 l, as well as annual energy consumption of 116 kWh and energy rating D. Compare the fridge capacity with your needs.
No. Its external dimensions alone are not enough to confirm that it will fit. Check the instructions and the model’s ventilation requirements; for an integrated appliance, also check the housing dimensions and door fitting. Bosch distinguishes between under-worktop integrated appliances, ventilated through the plinth, and freestanding appliances.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. It advises storing raw meat and fish there, covering opened food and avoiding overfilling the appliance so that cold air can circulate.
Before buying, ask for a breakdown of the services and their costs. The French Ministry of the Economy states that delivery charges must be provided in writing before you buy. For an equivalent used appliance, the DGCCRF reminds retailers of the free ‘one-for-one’ take-back principle when a new appliance is sold; check the practical arrangements offered by the retailer.
Yes. European labelling rules apply to household fridges and freezers within their scope. The European Commission says the label gives information including the energy rating from A to G, consumption in kWh/year, fridge and freezer capacities, and noise levels. Check the label for the model you’re considering: the rating alone does not show its energy consumption in every use case.
If you bought from a professional seller in France, contact the seller under the legal guarantee of conformity. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that this covers goods that do not match the description provided, among other things.