In a small kitchen, first choose a fridge that will fit the space, with the right door opening and clearance. Then work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. If you want to freeze fresh food, check that the compartment has a four-star rating: the French Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes this from simply storing food in a freezer compartment. Compare the energy rating and stated annual energy consumption too, but bear in mind that these figures may not reflect your actual usage.
Start by measuring the space and checking the installation type, door opening and required clearances. Que Choisir Ensemble presents under-counter fridges as a suitable option for studio flats, but you’ll still need to check that the specific model will work in your kitchen.
Work out separately how much fresh food you buy, how much frozen food you keep and how much food you want to freeze yourself. EPREL lists fresh and frozen storage volumes separately rather than combining them into a single capacity figure.
You can compare the stated noise level in dB and annual energy consumption, while bearing in mind that neither guarantees how quiet the fridge will feel in your room or exactly how much your electricity bill will be.
Whether you’re buying your first fridge or replacing one after moving into a studio flat or small kitchen, start with the factor that matters most to how you’ll use it: installation, fresh-food storage, freezing, energy consumption or noise.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and footprint | Measure the space and check the recess dimensions, door opening, ventilation and delivery route. Check the installation plan for the model. | If I need to fit the appliance into a tight space, I want to make sure it can be installed before choosing it. Around 20% of consumers concerned place a suitable fit at the top of their list. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge compartment’s capacity in litres and its internal layout with the maximum amount you’ll need to store between shops. | If my shopping needs to last several days, I prioritise the fresh-food space I can actually use rather than a total capacity figure on its own. For around 20% of consumers concerned, fresh-food storage is the main consideration. |
| Freezing | Check the frozen-food capacity, star rating and uses listed in the manual separately. A four-star rating is required to freeze fresh food. | If I freeze food myself or keep frozen supplies, I check the feature before choosing a model. Freezing comes first for around 20% of consumers concerned. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the current energy rating, from A to G, and stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year across appliances that meet similar needs. | I want to factor in day-to-day electricity use without mistaking an energy-label figure for my actual consumption. Around 20% of consumers concerned prioritise energy consumption. |
| Noise level | Compare the stated noise level in dB and check the installation conditions specified for the model. | If my kitchen is part of the space where I live or sleep, I look at the noise figure rather than a vague description. Quiet operation comes first for around 20% of consumers concerned. |
Having a compartment doesn’t necessarily mean it can freeze fresh food. The French Ministry of Agriculture explains how star ratings indicate different storage uses.
Before buying, check the rating and permitted uses in the manual. To freeze fresh food, look for a four-star compartment.
If the compartment doesn’t meet your needs, you may need another way to store frozen food.
The appliance’s dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm it will fit: the recess, ventilation and door opening all matter too.
Compare your measurements with the model’s installation plan. Check that it can be brought through doors, corridors, stairways or lifts, and confirm the agreed delivery arrangements.
If the space needs adapting, you may need to modify the cabinetry or installation.
The stated capacity may include both the fresh and frozen compartments, so it doesn’t tell you how much room you’ll have for your shopping.
Compare the capacity of each compartment and check that the layout suits the food and containers you use.
Since 2021, ‘+’ ratings have no longer been part of the current fridge energy scale, which runs from A to G, according to the European Commission.
Compare appliances using the applicable scale, and check the stated annual energy consumption in kWh/year too.
These models illustrate several options for a compact kitchen: fridge-freezers, a single-door fridge and built-in models, with capacities and features to compare against your shopping habits.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want separate fresh and frozen storage in a freestanding appliance.
115 L fridge and 59 L four-star freezer; stated width of 47 cm, reversible door, E energy rating and stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the ventilation clearances required for your space.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your kitchen has a compatible recess and you’re looking for an appliance dedicated to fresh food.
188 L fridge capacity, E energy rating, stated annual energy consumption of 101 kWh and stated noise level of 34 dB. The stated dimensions are 54,8 × 121,8 × 54,9 cm; this appliance doesn’t have a freezer compartment.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you prioritise fresh-food storage in a slim design and would like a compact freezer compartment.
Stated capacity of 92 L, width of 47 cm, reversible door and E energy rating. The title mentions a freezer compartment but doesn’t specify its capacity or star rating, so check that it’s suitable for your intended use.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want two separate compartments and have enough room for their combined capacity.
153 L fridge and 74 L four-star freezer; stated width of 54 cm, reversible door, E energy rating and stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the depth and required clearances too.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you have a compatible recess and want a built-in appliance with a separate freezer compartment.
174 L fridge and 14 L freezer; stated noise level of 35 dB and E energy rating. Rail-mounted installation in a recess measuring 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm; the furniture door is not included. The freezer capacity is limited.
No. The presence of a freezer compartment alone doesn’t confirm that it can freeze fresh food. The French Ministry of Agriculture says a four-star compartment can freeze food; check the uses specified in the model’s manual too.
Measure the space, then compare it with the model’s installation plan, taking into account any recess, the door opening and ventilation. Check the delivery route too, and confirm the agreed delivery arrangements.
Compare the current energy rating, from A to G, and the stated kWh/year for appliances that suit your storage needs. The European Commission says ‘+’ ratings have not been used on the current fridge scale since 2021.
Anses recommends an ideal range of 0 to +4 °C and advises keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C. Check the manual to find this area, and avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate.
Follow the manual and the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model and how it was transported. Installation advice varies between appliances, so don’t assume the same waiting time applies to every fridge.