Studio flat resident with space under a worktop
Check the available height, access routes and the ventilation provided for the appliance. UFC-Que Choisir lists table-top fridges among the options suited to studio flats.
Who is this type of fridge for?
Shopper who stores frozen food
You want to know how much space is set aside for the freezer, even in a narrow kitchen. Bosch and Candy product specifications show why it’s important to check the fresh and frozen food capacities separately.
Shopper who prioritises fresh food
You’re mainly looking for enough fridge space for your shopping, while making the most of the room available. The models compared by Bosch show that having a freezer compartment can affect the space available for fresh food.
What should you check before buying?
UFC-Que Choisir lists table-top fridges among the options suited to studio flats; for a built-in appliance, Electrolux recommends following the ventilation requirements in the instructions. Start by measuring the space and access routes, then consider how much fresh and frozen food you need to store before comparing energy use and noise levels.
If you’re buying your first fridge for a small home, the situations below reflect consumers’ main priorities when choosing an appliance.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning and access | Measure the height, width and depth, along with access routes; check the door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | If the appliance needs to fit through narrow access routes or go under a worktop, I want to check every measurement before choosing. Around 36% of consumers are thought to prioritise where the appliance will go. |
| Space for frozen food | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment and how much space it offers in the specifications for the exact model. | If I freeze food regularly, I check how much space the compartment actually offers before choosing a size. Around 29% of consumers are thought to prioritise frozen food storage. |
| Space for fresh food | Compare the usable fridge capacity in litres, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | When most of my shopping is fresh, I want to know the fridge capacity, not just the total capacity. Around 21% of consumers are thought to prioritise space for fresh food. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the kWh/year figures and stated noise levels of models that will fit your kitchen. | In a studio flat where the fridge is close to the living area, I compare the stated noise level and annual energy use of models that will fit. Around 14% of consumers are thought to prioritise energy use or noise. |
Mistakes to avoid in a small kitchen
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Assuming ‘under a worktop’ means ‘built-in’
A freestanding appliance that’s a similar size to a kitchen unit isn’t necessarily designed to be installed inside one. Electrolux says built-in models generally need ventilation openings at the top and bottom of the unit.
Check the installation type and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model you’re considering.
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Comparing total capacity only
Two similarly sized table-top fridges can offer different amounts of space for fresh food, depending on whether or not they have a freezer compartment. Bosch lists the KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB as having the same external dimensions but different fridge capacities.
Compare the fresh and frozen food capacities separately in the specifications for the models you’re considering, then factor in your shopping habits.
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Planning delivery based only on the appliance dimensions
The route to the kitchen, access points and delivery arrangements also matter when you’re moving in. Bosch recommends transporting the appliance upright and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Measure access routes and ask for the packaged dimensions and delivery arrangements before placing your order.
Difficult access may require special handling, so confirm the delivery arrangements in advance.
Brands and ranges to consider
Candy
The models with published specifications cover several freestanding formats, from under-worktop models to single-door fridges and compact two-door models.
- Candy lists dimensions of 550 × 580 × 850 mm for the CCTOS 544WHN, 545 × 555 × 1 430 mm for the CLH3S514EW and 500 × 570 × 1 220 mm for the CDH1S513EW.
- These dimensions apply to specific models and aren’t enough to confirm whether one will fit your space or allow for the required clearance.
Bosch
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB table-top models show the choice between more fridge space and an integrated freezer compartment.
- Bosch lists both models as measuring 850 × 560 × 580 mm. The KTR15NWEB offers 134 l of fridge space without a freezer compartment, compared with 106 l for the KTL15NWEB, which has an integrated compartment.
- These manufacturer specifications relate to these specific models, so check the capacity and features of the version you’re considering.
Liebherr
The Rdi 1620 Plus is an example of a freestanding table-top fridge.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 141 l, dimensions of 85 × 60 × 60,7 cm and a noise level of 34 dB for this model.
- These specifications apply to the Rdi 1620 Plus and aren’t enough on their own to confirm whether it will fit your space.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool describes the ARZ 0051 as a built-in top-mount fridge, making it an option for a kitchen designed for this type of installation.
- This model is worth considering for a built-in solution if your home has a suitable kitchen unit.
- Check the required niche dimensions and clearances in the instructions for the exact model before choosing it.
Compact fridge options on Joybuy
This selection includes table-top, single-door, fridge-freezer and built-in models. Check the capacity, dimensions and installation type to find the right fit for your kitchen.
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TCL RF60DWE0FR — table-top mini fridge, 45 L
Its table-top design is worth considering if space is limited. The listing states a capacity of 45 L and an energy rating of E.
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COMFEE' RCT87WH2EU(E) — table-top fridge
A table-top design for a kitchen where space is limited. The model features a reversible door, removable shelves and an adjustable thermostat, and has an energy rating of E.
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SMEG S4C122E — built-in fridge-freezer, 188 L
This built-in fridge-freezer is designed for a kitchen with a suitable unit. The listing states a capacity of 188 L and an energy rating of E. The required cavity measures 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm, and the furniture door isn’t included.
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CHiQ JR92DSE — single-door fridge, 92 L
This compact single-door model includes a freezer compartment. The listing states a capacity of 92 L and a footprint of 0,22 m². Check the dimensions and door clearance to make sure it will fit your space.
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CHiQ JR227LSE — fridge-freezer, 227 L
This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. The listing states a width of 54 cm, Low Frost technology, a 4-star freezer rating and an energy rating of E. Check the appliance’s full dimensions before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit any table-top fridge into a space under the worktop?
No. A freestanding model isn’t automatically designed to be built in. Measure the space, check the instructions for the exact model and follow the specified ventilation requirements. Electrolux says built-in models generally need ventilation at the top and bottom of the unit.
Does a small fridge with a freezer offer as much space for fresh food?
Not necessarily. Space set aside for the freezer can reduce the fridge capacity. Bosch lists 134 l of fresh food space for the KTR15NWEB, which has no freezer compartment, and 106 l for the KTL15NWEB, which has an integrated compartment. Both models are listed as measuring 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
How should I prepare for delivery and transport when moving home?
Measure the route to the kitchen and check the packaged dimensions and delivery arrangements. Bosch recommends transporting the appliance upright. Before switching it on, follow the instructions for the manufacturer and model you’ve bought.
What fridge should be provided in a furnished rental?
For furnished rentals covered by Decree No. 2015-981 of 31 July 2015, the minimum equipment must include a fridge and a freezer or, at the very least, a fridge with a compartment that can reach a temperature of −6 °C or below. This rule applies to the equipment supplied with the furnished rental, not to every personal purchase. Check what’s already provided and what type of rental you have.
How can I compare the energy use of models that fit my kitchen?
Compare the annual energy consumption in kWh shown on the energy label, but only for models that fit your space. The European Commission says energy labelling and ecodesign requirements apply to fridges and freezers. The cost of running an appliance also depends on the price per kWh on your energy tariff.