First, choose a fridge that will fit in your kitchen, can be delivered to your home and has enough room for the door to open properly. Then match its capacity to the number of people using it and how often you shop. A table-top model is a good option when space is tight; a one-door fridge with a freezer compartment suits occasional freezing, while a compact fridge-freezer is worth considering if you regularly store frozen food. Finally, check the ventilation requirements in the manual, the stated noise level and the energy label for the model you choose.
If your kitchen is small, start by measuring the space for the fridge, the route to get it there and the room needed to open the door. Que Choisir lists a table-top model as an option for a studio flat; just make sure its capacity suits your shopping habits.
With several people sharing, you’ll need enough capacity for everyone’s food and how often you shop. As a guide, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus an extra 50 litres per additional person. Also consider how much space you need for fresh food compared with frozen food.
Before buying, check your tenancy agreement and inventory. For a furnished rental in France that is the tenant’s main home, a decree dated 31 July 2015 requires a fridge and a freezer, or at least a fridge with a compartment that can reach −6 °C or colder.
When choosing between the types of fridge outlined by Que Choisir, first decide whether you need space for frozen food and how much room you have available. Then check the usable capacity and the specifications of the exact model.
Consider it: if space is limited in your studio flat and you shop frequently, with little frozen food to store.
Bear in mind: usable capacity is limited, so check that it’s enough for your needs.
Consider it: if you mainly want to keep food chilled and only freeze items occasionally.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment may be too small for storing frozen food regularly.
Consider it: if you share with several people or shop less often and would benefit from a separate freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space than a table-top model. Check the height and delivery route too.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and access | Measure the space for the fridge, the route to the kitchen and the clearance needed for the door to open. Check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for that model. | In a small kitchen, I need to get the appliance in and use it without blocking the way; around 31% of consumers might put this constraint first. |
| Shared capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the compartments with the number of people sharing and how often you shop. Que Choisir gives a guide of 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus an extra 50 litres per additional person. | In a house share, I need enough room for everyone’s food between shopping trips; this capacity could be the priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Freezing | Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with that of a separate freezer compartment, based on how much frozen food you need to store. | If I regularly buy frozen food, I want a separate place to store it; around 25% of consumers might prioritise this need. |
| Noise and energy | Check the stated noise level and the energy label details for the exact model. Compare appliances of a similar size and capacity, as ADEME recommends when using this information. | If the fridge is close to my bed or desk, I want it to be quiet and I check its energy use; this would be the top criterion for around 19% of consumers. |
Freestanding and built-in models also require different checks. For a built-in model, make sure the housing unit, ventilation and any door furniture meet the requirements in the manual. With a freestanding model, you still need to check the required clearances.
A small freezer compartment may not suit you if you regularly buy frozen food, even if the fridge’s total capacity seems sufficient.
Work out how much freezer space you need, then compare the capacities for fresh and frozen food separately.
An appliance that fits its intended space may still be difficult to carry up a narrow staircase or open in a cramped kitchen.
Measure the route to the kitchen, clear the way and tell the delivery company about any access restrictions before your delivery appointment, following Electrolux’s pre-installation advice.
Installing an appliance too close to a unit or near a heat source may not meet the conditions specified for it.
Follow the clearances and climate class given in the manual for the exact model, rather than relying on a general rule of thumb.
In France, a decree dated 31 July 2015 sets minimum refrigeration equipment requirements for furnished rentals that are the tenant’s main home.
Check the tenancy agreement and inventory, then inspect the appliance provided before deciding whether you need to buy another one.
These models offer a few options for a smaller home: fridge-freezers with separate freezer compartments, a built-in fridge with a small freezer compartment and a mini table-top model. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs, then check their dimensions and installation requirements before choosing.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate in a smaller kitchen.
Freestanding, with Low Frost technology and a reversible door. Check the height, delivery route and ventilation clearances; refer to the model’s label to compare noise levels and energy use.
Image unavailable
Worth a look if several people need a separate freezer compartment but you’re keeping an eye on the available width.
153 L fridge capacity, 74 L freezer capacity and a stated width of 54 cm; with Low Frost technology, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Confirm the full dimensions and required clearances before buying.
Image unavailable
Only consider this model if your kitchen has a compatible housing unit and you only need to store a limited amount of frozen food.
One-door built-in model with a top freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Check the housing dimensions, ventilation and any fittings needed for the cabinet door.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if space is very limited and you tend to shop little and often.
45 L mini model with adjustable feet and an E energy rating. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and temperature before relying on it to store frozen food, particularly if the appliance is for a furnished rental.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if your shared home needs more space for fresh food as well as a separate freezer.
182 L fridge capacity, 71 L freezer capacity, a No Frost system and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Before choosing this model, check its width and depth, as well as the measurements of the delivery route.
Yes, if the furnished rental is the tenant’s main home in France: a decree dated 31 July 2015 requires a fridge and a freezer, or at least a fridge with a compartment that can reach −6 °C or colder. Check the tenancy agreement, inventory and condition of the appliance provided before buying another one.
Follow the instructions for your fridge, particularly those about how long to wait after transport, ventilation and climate class. For appliances covered by its installation guidance, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging them in and keeping them away from heat sources.
Measure the route to the intended location and mention any access difficulties before your delivery appointment. Electrolux’s pre-installation guide asks you to give the delivery company relevant details about the floor, lift or stairs, and to clear the route.
Anses recommends keeping an eye on the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge, which should be 4 °C, and avoiding overfilling it so air can circulate. It recommends −18 °C for home freezing; check the settings and instructions for the model you use.