Studio flat resident
You need to save kitchen space and may shop for fresh food frequently. However, check whether you need a proper freezer compartment.
Who are these sizes suited to?
Different sizes suit different needs. UFC-Que Choisir’s buying guide covers everything from small homes to family-sized storage requirements.
Household that likes to stock up
If you buy more fresh and frozen food on each shopping trip, compare the usable capacity of both compartments and the overall size, not just the total capacity.
Owner of a fitted kitchen
If you’re replacing an integrated appliance or need to fit an existing housing, the dimensions, ventilation and door-fixing system will determine which model is suitable.
What to check before you buy
To choose a fridge for a studio flat or a household that stocks up on groceries, first measure the space and access points, then check the usable capacity and installation requirements.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting the appliance into your home | Measure the space and access points, then compare the external dimensions. The Liebherr KTe500 measures 85 × 50 × 60,7 cm and has a capacity of 110 l, according to Liebherr France. | In a studio flat where every centimetre counts, make sure the appliance will fit through the access points and leave enough room for the door to open. Around 27% of consumers prioritise a compact design. |
| Storing fresh and frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, and make sure the model’s dimensions work for your space. The Bosch KGN33NLEB has fridge and freezer capacities of 193 l and 89 l respectively, according to Bosch Électroménager France. | If your regular shop includes both fresh and frozen food, how the capacity is divided between compartments matters as much as the total. Around 27% of consumers prioritise storage capacity for their shopping. |
| Comparing energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy label of models that suit your needs. ADEME notes that an appliance’s size and features can affect its energy consumption when it is in continuous use. | To keep running costs under control, check the annual energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously, along with your electricity tariff. Around 20% of consumers put electricity consumption at the top of their list. |
| Making sure it fits in your kitchen housing | Measure the housing and check the ventilation requirements and door-fixing system in the model’s instructions. | If you have a fitted kitchen and need to keep the existing housing or door, check they are compatible before choosing a capacity. Around 13% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their kitchen housing. |
| Planning for maintenance | Look for information about parts, repairs and the warranty for the exact model. The French list of appliances subject to a mandatory repairability index, published by the Ministry of the Economy, does not include fridges. | If you want to check parts availability and after-sales support before buying, look for information specific to the model. Around 13% of consumers prioritise maintenance and repairability. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances can divide their capacity differently between fresh and frozen food. A high total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean that each compartment will suit your shopping habits.
Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately against the way you store food.
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Confusing a compact appliance with an integrated model
A small size doesn’t guarantee that an appliance will fit your housing or work with its door fixings and ventilation.
Before ordering, check the installation type and dimensions for the exact model.
If the housing or door isn’t compatible, you may need to choose another model or modify your kitchen.
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Assuming size or energy rating alone tells you how much it will use
ADEME says that the size and features of a fridge can affect its energy consumption when it is in continuous use.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models that can hold your shopping, then estimate the cost using your electricity tariff.
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Insisting on finding a repairability index
According to the Ministry of the Economy, fridges aren’t on the list of appliances subject to a mandatory repairability index in France.
Instead, check the repair, parts and warranty information for the model you’re considering.
Brands and models to consider
The models below illustrate specific sizes and requirements; their features aren’t representative of every range from these brands.
Liebherr
The KTe500 is an example of a table-top model for a small space.
- Liebherr France lists a capacity of 110 l and a width of 50 cm for the KTe500.
- Check separately whether you need freezer space, and compare the dimensions of other Liebherr models.
Bosch
The KGN33NLEB is an example of a freestanding fridge freezer with separate fridge and freezer compartments.
- Bosch Électroménager France lists a fridge capacity of 193 l and a freezer capacity of 89 l for this model.
- It has a stated height of 176 cm, so check the available space and the model’s annual energy consumption.
LG
The GMX844MCKV is an example of a high-capacity multi-door fridge.
- LG France lists a capacity of 508 l and a width of 83,5 cm for this model.
- LG also lists an energy consumption of 393 kWh/year for this model. Measure the space and access points before choosing it.
Electrolux
The LND5FE18S is an example of an integrated fridge freezer for a compatible housing.
- Electrolux France specifies a housing height of 1 780 mm and a fridge capacity of 196 l for this model.
- The specifications state that the freezer needs manual defrosting despite its Low Frost feature. Check the dimensions and door fixings too.
Hisense
The RF815N4SWSE is an example of a multi-door configuration for households with substantial storage needs.
- Hisense France lists a capacity of 635 l for this model.
- Its stated width of 914 mm means you’ll need to measure the space and access points.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes compact fridges, freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, and a Side-by-Side model, so you can compare different sizes against your kitchen and storage needs.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC — 252 L integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering if you have a compatible housing and want an integrated appliance.
No Frost; energy rating C; Inverter compressor.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG — 360 L 3-door fridge freezer
Consider this if you’re looking for a freestanding model with separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Total No Frost; energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR525WSE — 525 L Side-by-Side fridge
This large model could suit you if your shopping needs plenty of storage space and your kitchen and access points can accommodate its size.
Stated capacities: 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer; No Frost; energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR227LSE — 227 L fridge freezer, silver
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with a stated width of 54 cm for a kitchen where space is limited.
Stated capacities: 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer; Low Frost; 4-star freezer; reversible door; energy rating E.
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Sonlu CS-100L — 82 L single-door fridge
A compact option to consider for a small space and storage mainly for fresh food.
Energy rating E; the description states that it has no freezer compartment.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the freezer compartment is big enough for my frozen food?
Check the capacity and features of the freezer compartment in the product details rather than relying on the total capacity alone. Make sure it can hold the amount of frozen food you usually store.
What should I check before installing an integrated fridge?
Measure the housing and check the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen, particularly for the dimensions, ventilation and door fixings. The height alone won’t confirm that it’s compatible with your kitchen door.
What temperature should I aim for to keep fresh food safe?
Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the temperature regularly and place the most perishable food in the coldest area.
Which energy information should I check for a fridge in France?
According to the Ministry of the Economy, new fridges sold in shops or online must carry an energy label. In particular, compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of models that meet your capacity needs.
Does a fridge in France have to display a repairability index?
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, fridges aren’t included on the French lists of appliances subject to a mandatory repairability index. However, you can still check the parts, repair and after-sales service information for the model you choose.