In a studio flat, a table-top fridge could be a good fit if you store only a small amount of fresh and frozen food. If your weekly shop regularly includes frozen food, compare the capacity of a fridge-freezer with your actual needs instead. Only consider an integrated model if its housing, door and ventilation are compatible with your kitchen. Whichever you choose, check the separate compartment capacities, dimensions and stated noise level before making a decision.
A table-top fridge takes up less space, but its capacity needs to cover the food you keep between shops. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, which you can adjust depending on your storage habits and how much room you need for frozen food.
The amount of fresh food you need to store and the space set aside for frozen food matter more than the total capacity shown. If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, compare the capacity in litres of each compartment in a fridge-freezer.
For an integrated fridge, measure the housing and check the door system and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions. Having the right capacity isn’t enough if the appliance can’t be fitted into the unit.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the available types with the constraints of your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then consider how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, adjusted to suit the food you store. | I shop little and often: a table-top fridge may be enough. If I need to store a week’s worth of fresh food and some frozen food, I’ll look at how a fridge-freezer’s capacity is divided between compartments. |
| Location | Measure the height, width and depth, and don’t forget the door opening. For an integrated model, check the housing and door fitting against the instructions. For any model, follow the ventilation guidance. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to check the housing is compatible before choosing the type of fridge I want. If there’s no fixed housing, I can compare table-top, larder and fridge-freezer models for freestanding installation. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise emissions in dB(A) and the noise class of the models you’re considering. The European Commission says this information is shown on the energy label. | If the fridge is near my living or sleeping area, its stated noise level will have more influence on my choice. |
| Energy | Check the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh on the label. Compare appliances with similar capacities and features, and check the storage capacities shown on the same label. | I want to compare energy use without choosing based on the rating alone, when the appliances don’t offer the same amount of space for fresh and frozen food. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. This matters particularly if frozen food is a regular part of your weekly shop.
Work out what you store between shops, then compare the capacity of each compartment separately on the energy label and in the model details.
A table-top fridge with a small freezer compartment may not have enough room if you regularly buy frozen food. Que Choisir recommends taking your frozen food consumption into account rather than assuming a small freezer will be enough.
Check the freezer capacity in litres. If you need more room for your shopping, compare how fridge-freezers divide their capacity between fresh and frozen food.
An unsuitable housing can prevent an integrated model from fitting properly. Electrolux France also points out that air needs to circulate around the appliance and that it should be kept away from heat sources.
Measure the space and check the instructions for the exact model, including door opening, whether it can be fitted into a housing and the clearance required.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, you may hear the fridge running in your living space. The European energy label shows noise emissions and the noise class.
Compare the stated dB(A) levels and noise classes of models that already meet your capacity and location needs.
Worth considering for a table-top fridge if you want to distinguish between the space available for fresh and frozen food.
Worth considering if your kitchen requires an integrated fridge with a freezer compartment.
Worth considering when comparing a table-top fridge with the space available in a small kitchen.
These Joybuy models include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, including an integrated model. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs and check that each one will fit the space you have, especially in a studio flat.
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Consider this if your shopping needs room for both fresh and frozen food.
Stated total capacity: 344 L; energy rating E.
In a studio flat, compare this capacity with your actual needs and check the dimensions, door opening and required clearance in the instructions.
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Compare this fridge-freezer with the amount of fresh and frozen food you keep between shops.
Stated total capacity: 333 L; energy rating C.
Before choosing this capacity for a small kitchen, check the space around the appliance and allow room to open the door.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a housing and a need for both fridge and freezer space.
The model name indicates TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E.
Before buying, confirm the capacity of each compartment, housing dimensions, door fitting and ventilation requirements for this model.
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Compare this capacity with your weekly shop for fresh and frozen food, particularly if your kitchen is small.
Stated total capacity: 390 L; energy rating C.
Measure the space and check the instructions for door opening and ventilation clearance.
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Its split between fridge and freezer space helps you work out how much you can store between shops in a small kitchen.
The model name indicates 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, Low Frost and an energy rating of E.
Also check the height, depth, clearances and annual energy consumption in the model documents. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and how much fresh food you store. If you buy frozen food, check the freezer capacity separately.
No. Its compact size may suit limited storage needs, but its fridge or freezer capacity might not be enough for your shopping. Compare the usable capacities and measure the space, including the room needed to open the door.
Check the housing dimensions, door fixing system and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the integrated model. Electrolux France points out that air must be able to circulate around a fridge and that it should be kept away from heat sources. Don’t assume the required clearances are the same as for another appliance.
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, storage capacities and noise emissions shown on the European energy label. To make the energy consumption figures useful when choosing, compare appliances with similar capacities and features.