In a small kitchen, first choose an appliance that fits the available space, ventilation requirements and door clearance. Then decide how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. A compact table-top fridge takes up less space, while a fridge-freezer gives you a separate freezer but needs more room. A built-in model is only suitable if the housing unit and installation meet the instructions precisely.
You want an appliance that fits without getting in the way or preventing the door from opening. If your living area is close by, the stated noise level may also matter. Que Choisir Ensemble covers these criteria, and Bosch publishes the dimensions and stated noise levels of its models.
You’ll need to weigh up the fresh-food capacity of a small appliance with an integrated freezer compartment against the separate freezer space offered by a fridge-freezer. Que Choisir Ensemble covers these formats, while Bosch and Beko product specifications list separate capacities for some models.
You’ll need to make sure the appliance is compatible with the existing housing unit, ventilation and door fitting. Bosch’s instructions and Liebherr model specifications show why checking the width alone isn’t enough to confirm that an appliance will fit.
Consider this : if ceiling height is limited and you don’t need to freeze food.
Bear in mind : a model without a freezer compartment won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Consider this : if the available space calls for a small appliance but you’d also like a freezer compartment.
Check : the fresh-food capacity and freezer compartment specifications for the exact model.
Consider this : if you regularly store frozen food and have enough height available.
Check : the height, depth, door clearance and ventilation requirements, as well as the width.
Consider this : if you already have a fitted housing unit that matches the model’s dimensions and door fitting.
Bear in mind : your choice will depend on the housing unit and its ventilation system.
Measure the available space and decide first whether you need a separate freezer, a small freezer compartment or no freezer space at all. When comparing appliances, check the fresh and frozen food capacities separately, then compare the stated noise level and annual energy consumption.
| Criteria | What to check before you buy | Who should consider this ? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth; check the delivery route, door clearance and space required as set out in the instructions. | If the appliance has to fit in a restricted space without blocking the way, installation is your priority; around 28 % of consumers put this criterion first. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the compartment capacity with that of a separate freezer, and check the model’s defrosting instructions too. | If you often buy frozen food, choose a capacity that suits your habits rather than focusing only on whether there’s a freezer compartment; around 22 % of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Check the net capacity of the fridge section and make sure the shelves and drawers suit your usual shopping. | If you mainly store fresh food, consider the size of your household and how often you shop; around 22 % of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and energy consumption in kWh/year for the exact models. | If your fridge is near your living space, you may want to give more weight to its stated noise level and energy consumption; around 17 % of consumers prioritise these criteria. |
| Compatibility with a housing unit | Check the housing unit’s dimensions, ventilation and door-panel fitting against the model’s instructions. | If you have a fitted kitchen, check that the appliance will fit before choosing a capacity; around 11 % of consumers make integration their priority. |
The depth, height, door clearance and ventilation requirements can also prevent installation, even if the width seems right.
Measure the available space and compare every dimension with the instructions for the exact model, especially if you’re choosing a built-in appliance.
Among Bosch models of the same size, the KTL15NWEB, which has a freezer compartment, lists 106 l of fridge capacity, compared with 134 l for the KTR15NWEB, which has no freezer. Beko lists two separate capacities for its fridge-freezer.
Compare the capacity and features of each section with the amount of food you actually want to store.
Taking away an old fridge and installing a new one are separate services. A retailer’s collection terms don’t confirm that installation or fitting the door panel is included.
Before you buy, ask the retailer to confirm the arrangements for delivery, installation, collection and any preparation needed for your old appliance.
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB compact models let you compare the trade-off between more fresh-food space and an integrated freezer compartment.
The RCSA300K40WN is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer for shoppers who want a separate freezer.
The models covered include a table-top appliance and a built-in model: two distinct configurations.
The EXB3AE82R is an example of a low, fridge-only built-in model for a fitted kitchen with a compatible layout.
These products include built-in appliances and compact fridge-freezers for small kitchens, with different configurations to suit your freezer needs.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in model with both fridge and freezer space.
252 l; No Frost; energy class C; Inverter compressor.
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This freestanding model combines a fridge section and a freezer compartment, making it a practical option for a compact home.
174 l in total: 115 l for the fridge and 59 l for the freezer; Low Frost; 4-star freezer; stated height of 150 cm; reversible door; energy class E.
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Worth considering if your fitted kitchen is compatible and you’re looking for a model focused on keeping fresh food.
188 l; energy class E.
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Worth considering if you need separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a compact kitchen.
227 l in total: 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer; stated width of 54 cm; Low Frost; 4-star freezer; reversible door; energy class E.
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Worth considering if you have a compatible housing unit and want a built-in appliance with freezer space.
188 l; energy class E. The freezer needs to be defrosted manually, so this section requires regular maintenance.
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing unit, then compare them with the model’s specifications and instructions. Check the ventilation requirements and door-panel fitting too: Bosch specifies plinth ventilation for some under-counter appliances, while Liebherr lists the housing unit dimensions and sliding hinge door system for the IRSe 1224-2. These details aren’t interchangeable between models.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and checking it regularly. It advises storing raw meat and fish there, among other foods. It also recommends not overfilling the appliance and cleaning it regularly. This is food safety advice, not a statement about the performance of any particular model.
The arrangements depend on the type of collection service and the retailer’s offer. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition’s FAQ distinguishes between taking away an old appliance of the same type when you buy a new one and collection without a purchase, which is subject to specific conditions. Check the practical arrangements with your chosen retailer. Boulanger’s published collection policy for some deliveries doesn’t tell you what another retailer offers.
According to the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. It covers goods that don’t conform to the contract and may also apply to installation carried out by the seller, subject to the terms of the contract. It is separate from an extended commercial warranty.
Compare the energy consumption shown in kWh/year on the energy labels, as well as the A to G rating. The European Commission states that the revised scale has applied to fridges since 1st March 2021; don’t confuse it with the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings.