In a small rented kitchen, first choose an appliance that you can install in line with its instructions. Then allocate the usable capacity to suit your needs for fresh and frozen food. A table-top fridge with a freezer compartment is suitable for storing a small amount of frozen food; a fridge with a single door and no freezer is ideal if you mainly need space for fresh food, while a fridge-freezer needs more height but gives you two separate compartments. Finally, compare the annual energy consumption and noise levels of models that genuinely fit the available space.
Start by checking the available width, height and depth, as well as the door opening and the ventilation requirements in the instructions. The Liebherr KTe501 and Beko TSE1504FN table-top models are examples with widths of 50 and 54 cm respectively; always check the dimensions and instructions for the specific model you’re considering.
A fridge-freezer gives you a separate freezer compartment, provided your kitchen has enough height and depth. Check the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
In a small room or near a living area, compare the dB rating and noise class. The ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously; the annual energy consumption in kWh shown on the EU energy label helps you compare similar models with a similar capacity.
Consider this if: you’re limited by the height under your worktop and only store a small amount of frozen food.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment and total capacity may be limited; check how the space is divided in the specific model.
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and don’t need to store frozen food.
Bear in mind: this style doesn’t replace a freezer compartment; the Beko TSE1504FN, for example, has no freezer.
Consider this if: you use the freezer regularly and have enough height for two compartments in one appliance.
Bear in mind: a model such as the Bosch KGN33NLEB is 176 cm tall and 66 cm deep; check the space needed for the model you choose.
Consider this only if: you store enough frozen food to warrant a second appliance and have two suitable spaces available.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to install and power two appliances that run continuously. Whirlpool describes a fridge-freezer as taking up less space than two separate appliances.
| Factor | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route; check the instructions for ventilation requirements and door clearance. | In a fitted kitchen, I need to be able to get the appliance in and open its door without it getting in the way of the cupboards. Around 31% of shoppers put this first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres and check that it has the type of freezer space you need. | If I buy frozen food every week, the total capacity alone doesn’t tell me how much space there is for it. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise this balance above other factors. |
| Energy use and noise | For appliances with similar types and capacities, compare the kWh/year, dB rating and noise class shown on the label. | Near my living space, I need to know how noisy the appliance is and how much energy it uses throughout the year. Around 25% of shoppers prioritise these two factors. |
| Frost and freezer use | Check the model’s defrosting system and choose a freezer compartment size that suits how you use it. | If I freeze very little food, I don’t want to choose a large compartment for a feature I rarely use; I also want to know what maintenance it needs. Around 19% of shoppers prioritise this. |
Excessive depth, the delivery route or a door that can’t open properly could all make an appliance unusable, even if its width is right.
Measure the space and the route into your kitchen, then check the ventilation clearances, door opening and climate class in the instructions. Electrolux recommends leaving room for air to circulate around the appliance.
The Beko TSE1504FN has no freezer, while the Liebherr KTe501 has a 4-star compartment. They won’t meet the same frozen food storage needs.
Think about how often you use a freezer, then check that the model you choose has one and that its capacity is right for you.
The energy class alone doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or how much room there is for food. The ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
Compare the kWh/year and compartment capacities of appliances with similar functions and capacities; check their noise ratings too.
The precautions to take after transport depend on the instructions for the appliance you receive.
Electrolux recommends transporting appliances upright. Before switching yours on, follow the instructions for your model, especially if it was transported in a different position.
The TSE1504FN is an example of a single-door table-top fridge for kitchens where width and the direction the door opens are important.
The KTe501 is an example of a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment.
The KGN33NLEB is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer with separate capacity for fresh and frozen food.
The brand’s fridge-freezers are worth comparing when you need fresh and frozen food storage in a single appliance.
For appliances with similar types and capacities, focus on annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise levels. The European Commission says that the label for the appliances concerned also shows their energy class and noise class.
Follow the clearances specified for your model rather than squeezing it into the smallest possible space. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance; check its instructions for the required distances and installation conditions.
No, the appliance’s external size alone doesn’t determine its energy consumption. The ADEME notes that the size of refrigeration appliances and having more capacity than you need can affect energy use; compare the kWh/year figures for models with capacities and features that suit your needs.
If your kitchen only has space for one suitable appliance, a fridge-freezer lets you have both functions in one unit. Whirlpool describes it as taking up less space than two separate appliances. If you’re considering an additional freezer, check that your storage needs and the installation requirements for both appliances justify it.
First, check the transport and set-up instructions for your model. Electrolux recommends transporting refrigeration appliances upright; check the instructions for your appliance to confirm what to do after delivery.