One person with few frozen foods
In a studio flat, a table-top fridge may be enough for your everyday fresh food, as long as its internal capacity and dimensions suit your shopping habits and available space.
Who are these formats suitable for?
Small household that freezes food regularly
If you store prepared portions or frozen food, check the freezer capacity separately. A compact fridge freezer is worth considering if its height and depth work in your home.
Someone with a fitted kitchen
To fit an appliance under a worktop or behind a cabinet door, measure the housing unit and check the door fixing, opening clearance and ventilation requirements for the exact model.
Which features should you prioritise?
First, choose a format that fits your available space. Then decide how much room you need for fresh and frozen food.
Table-top fridge
Consider this: for one person's shopping when headroom is limited; some models include a small freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: if there is a freezer compartment, it reduces the space available for fresh food, and capacity is limited in the compact models mentioned.
Compact fridge freezer
Consider this: if you freeze food regularly and have room for a taller appliance with a separate compartment.
Bear in mind: its height and depth may make it harder to move through the kitchen or open the door in a small space.
Under-counter or integrated
Consider this: if your kitchen already has a cabinet suitable for the type of installation you want.
Bear in mind: housing dimensions, cabinet-door fixing and ventilation requirements limit which models will fit. You can’t confirm an appliance is suitable for integration from its external dimensions alone.
| Feature | What to check | What shoppers say |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, the delivery route and door clearance; follow the instructions for the required gaps around the appliance. | In a studio flat, I want to open the fridge without blocking the way. Around 36% of shoppers would make size their top priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable litres in the fridge and freezer compartments, not just the total capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, depending on their storage habits. | If I shop for several days at a time and keep frozen food, I need enough room in each compartment; nearly 29% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
| Noise and energy | Check the dB(A), energy rating and kWh/year on the product specification; compare appliances with similar capacities and layouts. | With an open-plan kitchen and living area, I keep an eye on noise and energy use; around 21% of shoppers would put these at the top of their list. |
| Integration | For an integrated model, check the housing dimensions, door fitting and ventilation instructions against the guide for the exact model. | I want my fitted kitchen cabinets and doors to stay as they are. Nearly 14% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
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Choosing an integrated model by its cabinet door alone
A similar appearance doesn’t guarantee the same housing dimensions or fitting method. Electrolux specifies a 1225 × 560 × 550 mm housing unit and sliding hinges for the LRB3AE12S, while Bosch describes pantograph hinges for the KUR21VFE0.
Measure the cabinet, take a photo of the existing fitting and compare it with the installation guide, including the ventilation requirements.
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Confusing total capacity with space for fresh food
The Beko TSE1284N product specification lists 101 L for fresh food and 13 L for its 4-star compartment, giving 114 L in total.
Check how the capacity is divided before choosing a small appliance with a freezer compartment, especially if you store a lot of fresh food.
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Choosing a mini fridge as your main appliance without considering your shopping
A small capacity can be limiting when you need to fit bottles, vegetables, meals and frozen food into the same appliance.
Make a list of your usual shopping and check the internal layout and capacity of each compartment.
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Leaving arrangements for your old appliance until installation day
In France, the ministries responsible for the ecological transition state that a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme applies when you buy an appliance of the same type.
Ask the retailer how to arrange for your old fridge to be taken back and whether you need to organise collection or drop-off.
Brands and models to compare
These examples show different formats; their specifications don’t apply to every appliance from each brand.
Beko
The TSE1284N is a 54 cm-wide freestanding table-top fridge to consider when space is tight.
- According to Beko, it has a total capacity of 114 L, including a 13 L 4-star compartment, and produces 36 dB(A) of noise.
- There’s 101 L of space for fresh food, and the 4-star compartment needs to be defrosted manually.
Frigelux
The R4TT140BE combines a table-top format with a small freezer compartment.
- Frigelux lists a total capacity of 108 L, including a 13 L 4-star compartment, a reversible door and a noise level of 37 dB.
- Check that the capacity suits your shopping and that the full dimensions fit the space you have in mind.
Liebherr
The Rdi 1620 Plus and CTPe231-26 let you compare a table-top fridge with a compact fridge freezer.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 141 L and a noise level of 34 dB for the Rdi 1620 Plus. The CTPe231-26 has a capacity of 233 L, a freezer compartment and a height of 140.1 cm.
- The second model needs more headroom. Check the freezer configuration of the exact model rather than assuming it from its capacity.
Bosch
The KUR21VFE0 is an under-counter integrated fridge to consider if your cabinet is compatible.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 134 L, a noise level of 35 dB and pantograph hinges for this model.
- It doesn’t have a freezer compartment. Check the dimensions and installation instructions before choosing it.
Electrolux
The LRB3AE12S is a useful comparison for a fitted kitchen with a precisely measured housing unit.
- Electrolux specifies a 1225 × 560 × 550 mm housing unit and a sliding-door fitting for this model.
- These requirements apply specifically to the LRB3AE12S. A housing unit that fits another integrated model doesn’t necessarily mean this one will fit.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
These fridge freezers offer both refrigeration and freezing for a small kitchen. One is freestanding, while the two integrated models require you to check your cabinet and their installation instructions.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if you want refrigeration and freezing in one integrated appliance.
The model name indicates a capacity of 252 L, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the housing dimensions, cabinet-door fixing and ventilation instructions: the appliance dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm it will fit.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver freestanding fridge freezer
Worth considering for a narrow kitchen if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
The product name indicates 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth, door clearance and kWh/year for the exact model.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering if your fitted kitchen can accommodate an integrated appliance with a small freezer compartment.
The product name indicates a capacity of 188 L, a single door, a freezer at the top and an E energy rating. Check that the freezer capacity meets your needs, then compare the housing dimensions, cabinet-door fixing and ventilation requirements with the model’s instructions.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a fridge for a small kitchen?
Measure the space in width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the door. For an integrated model, also measure the inside of the housing unit and check the cabinet-door fixing system and ventilation requirements in the instructions for your chosen model.
Can a 90 L fridge be the main appliance in a studio flat?
It may suit you if you store a small amount of food and shop frequently, but check there’s enough room for bottles, fresh food and any frozen items. If you need more storage, compare the capacity of each compartment in a larger table-top fridge or a fridge freezer, without overlooking their external dimensions.
How do I compare the noise and energy use of two small fridges?
Compare their noise levels in dB(A), annual energy consumption in kWh and energy ratings, choosing models with similar capacities and layouts. An appliance with a separate freezer compartment won’t meet the same needs as a fridge without a freezer, so first make sure both layouts suit you.
How can I arrange for an old fridge to be taken back in France?
When you buy an appliance of the same type, the ministries responsible for the ecological transition state that a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme applies. Before placing your order, ask the retailer how to arrange for your old appliance to be collected or dropped off.