For one person, Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 l of usable capacity, then adding 50 l for each additional person sharing the appliance. A table-top fridge suits spaces where room is at a premium. If you share food shopping or regularly buy frozen food, compare the fridge and freezer capacities of a larger model instead, while keeping an eye on its dimensions and noise level.
In a living space close to the kitchen, the fridge’s location and noise level matter just as much as room for your food shop. For one person, Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 l of usable capacity and suggests a table-top model as an option for a studio flat.
If several people use the same fridge, you’ll need room for everyone’s fresh food and should check how the storage space can be divided up. Que Choisir suggests adding 50 l for each additional person to the recommended capacity for one person. The amount of freezer space you need also depends on what you buy together.
If you’re replacing an appliance in a furnished rental in France, distinguish your own needs from the minimum equipment the landlord must provide. Decree no. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015 requires a fridge and a freezer, or at least a fridge with a compartment that reaches −6 °C or below. This rule does not apply in the same way if you buy an appliance for a rented unfurnished property.
Start by thinking about who will actually use the appliance and how much space you have. Then compare the capacity for fresh and frozen food, as well as the noise level and energy label of the model you’re considering.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the capacity for fresh food with the number of people using the appliance. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person. | If we share food shopping, everyone needs to be able to store their food without filling the fridge to capacity. Around 31% of consumers prioritise this capacity for shared shopping. |
| Size and fit | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the doorway the appliance must pass through. Also check whether it’s freestanding or built-in and which way the door opens. | In my studio flat, the appliance needs to fit in its allotted space and still allow the door to open. Available space comes first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity and its star rating rather than relying on the total capacity alone. | If frozen food is a regular part of my food shop, a small freezer compartment may limit what I can store. Around 19% of consumers put their freezer needs first. |
| Noise and energy | Compare the advertised dB(A) rating and the energy label details for the exact model. ADEME says the label can be used to compare energy consumption and noise, among other things. | If the kitchen is close to my living space, I want to take into account the noise from an appliance that runs continuously. Low noise and energy use are priorities for around 19% of consumers. |
A table-top model may suit one person, but leave too little room for shared food shopping. On the other hand, a large fridge-freezer takes up space unnecessarily if its capacity doesn’t suit the way you use it.
Start with Que Choisir’s guide — 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person using the same appliance — before comparing the dimensions of the available styles.
Que Choisir warns that a simple icebox may not be enough if frozen food makes up a significant part of your food shopping. The presence of a compartment alone doesn’t tell you its capacity or whether it can freeze fresh food.
Check the capacity, star rating and stated temperatures for the specific model, based on what you plan to store in it.
Two appliances with a similar width can differ in height, depth and installation type. A built-in model isn’t automatically a suitable replacement for a freestanding appliance.
Measure the space and doorway, then check the installation instructions and the opening direction for the model you’ve chosen.
In a studio flat, you may be able to hear the fridge running from your living space. Its size alone also doesn’t tell you how much electricity it uses.
Compare the advertised noise level in dB(A) and the energy label for each model instead of judging by its size alone.
Beko France’s table-top range includes freestanding models designed for smaller spaces.
The Bosch KTR15NWEB table-top fridge is designed for refrigeration only, with no freezer compartment.
The Liebherr KTe551 table-top fridge combines a 4-star compartment with a compact overall capacity.
The Candy CMLS59EW is an option for built-in installation under a worktop, rather than a direct replacement for a freestanding appliance.
These models include fridge-freezers for a shared kitchen and a single-door fridge designed for a narrow space. Compare their capacity and dimensions with your food shopping and the space you actually have: a large fridge-freezer won’t suit the same needs as a small studio flat appliance.
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Worth considering if you share a small kitchen and need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates 153 l of fridge capacity, 74 l of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a 4-star compartment, Low Frost technology, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height and depth of the space before choosing.
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Worth comparing if you share food shopping and need more space, provided your kitchen can accommodate a tall appliance.
The model name indicates a capacity of 344 l and an E energy rating. Before buying, compare its full dimensions with the available space, and check the capacity split and energy label for this model.
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Worth considering for a shared kitchen if your food shopping includes both fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates 211 l of fridge capacity and 99 l of freezer capacity, a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth and noise level for the space you have in mind.
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Worth considering if several people share their food shopping and have enough space for a fridge-freezer.
The model name indicates 252 l of fridge capacity and 103 l of freezer capacity, a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. If you live alone, compare this capacity with your needs before choosing this size, and check the appliance’s full dimensions too.
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Worth considering when space is very limited, bearing in mind that its capacity is below Que Choisir’s recommended 100 to 150 l for one person.
The model name indicates a compact freezer compartment, a footprint of 0,22 m² and an E energy rating. Check the full dimensions, as well as the compartment’s capacity and temperature, if you buy frozen food.
Choose a fridge based on the people who will actually use it, rather than automatically adding extra capacity for every occupant. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 l for one person, then 50 l for each additional person. Also check how much space everyone wants for their own food.
Not if you buy more frozen food than it can hold. Que Choisir warns that a simple icebox may not be sufficient if you eat a lot of frozen food. Check the capacity and rating of the compartment on the specific model, particularly if you want to freeze fresh food.
Compare the advertised noise levels in dB(A) for the models that fit the space available. If the appliance is near your living area, consider this figure alongside usable capacity and the energy label. Don’t assume a small fridge will be quiet.
A furnished rental must have a fridge and a freezer, or at least a fridge with a compartment capable of reaching −6 °C or below, under article 2 of decree no. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, in force as at 5 October 2026. This requirement concerns the minimum equipment provided in a furnished rental, not every appliance a tenant buys for personal use.
Only if the planned installation is suitable for the built-in model. Measure the housing and check the door system and the instructions for the model you’ve chosen before replacing the appliance.