Studio flat dweller who shops often
If space is limited and you buy fresh food regularly, compare under-counter fridges and the usable capacity they offer for fresh food. Que Choisir Ensemble describes this format as suitable for studio flats.
Which format is right for you?
Household that does a weekly shop
To keep several days’ worth of shopping in a small kitchen, compare the usable capacity of each compartment and the full dimensions—not just the width. Que Choisir Ensemble recommends taking your household size and shopping habits into account.
Regular buyer of frozen food
If you regularly stock up on frozen food, check whether an integrated freezer compartment will be enough or whether separate drawers would better suit your needs, bearing in mind the space they take up. The formats described by Que Choisir Ensemble range from under-counter fridges to fridge freezers.
What should you compare?
Your choice of format mainly depends on the space available, how often you shop and how much frozen food you need to store. The table highlights what to check for each priority.
Under-counter fridge
Worth considering if: you often buy fresh food, freeze very little and have limited vertical space.
Bear in mind: storage capacity is limited, and a freezer compartment can reduce the space available for fresh food.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Worth considering if: you prioritise fresh food but also want to keep a limited amount of frozen food.
Bear in mind: an integrated freezer compartment may not offer the same storage capacity as the drawers in a fridge freezer.
Compact fridge freezer
Worth considering if: you shop less frequently or regularly use frozen food, and have enough vertical space.
Bear in mind: a narrower appliance isn’t necessarily shorter or shallower. Measure the space and check that the door can open fully.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Will it fit the space? | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the door clearance. Check the ventilation requirements and the model’s instructions. | If your small kitchen has a specific alcove or designated space, you’ll want to make sure the appliance can be installed there and work correctly. Around 33% of consumers prioritise fit. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and stated freezing capacity; don’t assume these from the appliance’s total capacity. | If you regularly keep frozen food, you’ll want a freezer section that suits your shopping habits without taking up more room than necessary in the fridge. Around 27% of consumers put this need first. |
| Fresh food capacity between shops | Compare the usable fridge capacity and interior layout with the amount you actually buy. | If you shop less frequently, you’ll want to keep several days’ worth of fresh food without choosing solely by the appliance’s external dimensions. Around 27% of consumers prioritise this storage capacity. |
| Energy use and related costs | Compare the kWh/year and compartment capacities on the energy label. Check the seller’s fees and services separately. | If you want to manage energy use and purchase-related costs, compare these factors across appliances that meet your storage needs. Around 13% of consumers make this their main priority. |
The EU energy label shows details including annual consumption in kWh and compartment capacities. ADEME points out that size and extra features can affect energy use, so start by comparing models that meet your needs.
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on width alone
An appliance that fits across may still be too tall or deep, obstruct the door or lack the ventilation it needs. A freestanding appliance isn’t suitable for built-in installation just because it fits in an alcove.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check these measurements and the door configuration against the model’s installation instructions.
Allowing for depth, door clearance and the necessary gaps can help you avoid a difficult delivery or installation.
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Confusing total capacity with fresh food space
The way capacity is divided between compartments affects how you use an appliance, even when two models have the same external dimensions.
Compare the stated usable capacities for fresh and frozen food separately for each model.
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Choosing a freezer compartment without considering what you buy
An integrated freezer compartment and separate drawers offer different amounts of storage and take up different amounts of space.
Think about how much frozen food you usually buy, then check the capacity of the freezer compartment you’re considering.
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Judging energy use by format or energy rating alone
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how much a specific model will use. ADEME also notes that size and extra features can affect your bill.
Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy labels of models with a suitable capacity, then estimate the cost using your own electricity tariff.
Brands to consider by format
Liebherr
Worth comparing for compact under-counter fridges, including the KTe550 and KTe551.
- Liebherr France lists external dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm for both models, with total capacities of 125 l and 111 l respectively.
- Compare how capacity is divided between compartments: total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much room there is for fresh food.
Beko
Worth considering for narrow freestanding under-counter fridges, such as the TS190340N.
- Beko France lists the TS190340N as 47,5 cm wide.
- Width alone doesn’t confirm that the appliance will fit. The 5 cm clearance recommended by Beko applies to the freestanding appliance setup described in its advice; check the instructions for the model you choose.
Bosch
Worth comparing for a built-in single-door fridge with a freezer compartment, such as the KIL32NSE0.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists 132 l of usable fridge capacity and sliding hinges for this model.
- Check that the alcove, cabinet door and door opening are compatible with this specific model.
Haier
Worth comparing for a narrower fridge freezer with a separate freezer, such as the HTR3518ENMW.
- Haier France lists a width of 545 mm and freezer drawers.
- Its stated height is 1 850 mm, so this model won’t suit a low space.
Electrolux
Worth considering if your fitted kitchen needs a built-in fridge freezer, such as the ENS5LE18S.
- Electrolux France specifies a 1 780 mm niche and three freezer drawers for this model.
- This niche height won’t suit every small home. Electrolux notes that ventilation requirements vary depending on the type of appliance.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These options cover different needs in a small kitchen: under-counter fridges for prioritising fresh food, single-door models with or without a freezer compartment, and compact freestanding or built-in fridge freezers. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for each model.
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Sonlu CS-100L, 82 L
Worth considering if you often buy fresh food and freeze very little or not at all.
82 L of refrigerated storage; no freezer compartment.
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Comfee’ RCB169WH2(E), 174 L
Worth considering if you want to store both fresh and frozen food in a freestanding model.
115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer; Low Frost system, three freezer drawers and a reversible door. Energy rating E.
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SMEG S4L120E, 188 L
Worth considering if you have a compatible niche and prioritise fresh food storage.
Stated refrigerated storage capacity of 188 L; no freezer compartment. Energy rating E. Installation requires a niche that suits the appliance’s dimensions and the manufacturer’s instructions.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L
Worth considering if you prioritise fresh food but want to keep a limited supply of frozen food in a fitted kitchen.
174 L for the fridge and 14 L for the freezer; reversible door and sliding installation system. Energy rating E. The niche must be compatible with the sliding-door system; the furniture door is not included.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L, silver
Worth considering if your shopping includes fresh and frozen food and you’re looking for a compact fridge freezer.
153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer; stated width of 54 cm, Low Frost system and 4-star freezer rating. Energy rating E. Allow for sufficient ventilation in line with the product information.
Frequently asked questions
What measurements should I take before ordering?
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the delivery route, door clearance and ventilation space. For a fitted kitchen, also check the niche and door-fitting requirements in the model’s instructions. The external dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it can be built in.
Can you put a freestanding fridge in a niche?
Don’t assume a freestanding model is suitable for built-in installation just because it fits in the niche. Beko specifies ventilation clearances for the setup described in its advice, while Electrolux notes that requirements vary depending on the type of appliance. Check the instructions for the specific model before installation.
How should I compare fridges’ energy use?
Compare the annual consumption in kWh shown on the EU energy label, as well as the fresh and frozen food capacities, across models that meet your needs. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you the cost under your electricity tariff or how much energy the appliance will use in your home.
What statutory guarantee applies to a new fridge bought from a professional seller in France?
You can claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity from the professional seller for two years from the date a new product is delivered. The Ministry of the Economy confirms this period in information published on 9 September 2026. This guarantee is separate from any commercial warranty.
Does the seller have to take away your old fridge when you buy a new one?
The DGCCRF describes free “one-for-one” take-back of an equivalent used product when you buy a new one. Check the practical arrangements for collection and delivery with the seller before ordering.