For one person with limited grocery shops and little need for frozen food, a table-top fridge or a single-door fridge is generally the most suitable format. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person; choose a small freezer compartment for a few supplies, or a slim fridge freezer if frozen food is a regular part of your shopping and the available height allows it.
You mainly need space for fresh food, drinks and a few meals, but have limited room available. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person; your actual need for frozen food will then determine which format is best.
For a property used occasionally, look for a capacity suited to how often you stay there, dimensions that fit the available space and a door-opening direction that works for the room. Depending on the model, it is also worth checking for a holiday mode and door alarm.
A slim fridge freezer can provide a separate freezer compartment with drawers without requiring much width. However, you will need to accept a greater height, then check the noise level, energy consumption and installation clearances.
Choose this if: you mainly store fresh food and drinks, shop frequently and do not need freezer space.
The compromise: all the capacity is dedicated to fresh food, but there is no room for frozen products.
Choose this if: a table-top footprint suits your space and you want to keep a few ice cubes or small amounts of frozen food.
The compromise: the freezer compartment reduces the space available for fresh food and is not a substitute for a proper freezer if you regularly buy frozen food.
Choose this if: frozen food is regularly on your shopping list and your kitchen can accommodate a tall appliance.
The compromise: you gain a separate freezer, but the appliance is considerably taller than a table-top fridge.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge capacity in litres, whether there is a freezer compartment and the interior layout. For one person, Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity. | I want enough room for my fresh food without installing an oversized family appliance. If I often buy frozen food, I check the freezer capacity separately. |
| Noise | Check the stated dB(A) figure and the airborne acoustical noise emission class. An independent test of the exact model may also take account of noises produced during operating cycles. | The fridge will be close to my bed, living area or workspace, so I compare the stated noise level before choosing a compact format. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth without packaging, along with the delivery route and door-opening clearance. Check the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | My available space is restricted: I need to be able to open the door and allow air to circulate around the appliance without obstructing the kitchen. |
A slim appliance can still be very tall: the Beko RCSA270K40SN fridge freezer, for example, is 54 cm wide but 170,8 cm tall. Conversely, a very small table-top fridge may not provide the capacity or freezer space you need.
Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the door opening, then check the clearance requirements in the instructions before choosing the capacity.
A small compartment can quickly prove inadequate when frozen food is a regular part of your shopping. Que Choisir distinguishes single-door models with a small freezer section from fridge freezers, and states that a simple freezer compartment is not enough for substantial frozen-food consumption.
An integrated compartment may be suitable for a few occasional items. For regular supplies, check the freezer capacity, number of drawers and daily freezing capacity of a fridge freezer.
In a studio flat, noise is part of your living environment. Que Choisir assesses the sounds produced during operating cycles, including unpleasant or excessively loud noises, rather than looking only at the declared figure.
Check the exact model’s dB(A) figure and noise emission class. Where possible, supplement your comparison with a trial or independent test.
A fridge is bulky to transport and process. ecosystem states that a ‘one-for-one’ take-back solution may be available when you buy, including for distance purchases.
Before ordering, confirm the take-back arrangements with the seller, according to your location and chosen delivery method.
A range of freestanding fridges including table-top models without a freezer and single-door models with a freezer compartment, worth comparing when the available height is close to 85 cm.
A range of freestanding fridge freezers including 54 cm-wide models, worth considering for a small home that needs regular freezer space and has sufficient vertical clearance.
The range includes highly compact freestanding table-top fridges to consider when a low or very narrow space means reducing the appliance’s external dimensions is essential.
Joybuy options covering single-door fridges and slim fridge freezers for a studio flat or holiday home, depending on your need for fresh and frozen food.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for regular shopping combining fresh and frozen food, provided you have 176 cm of available height.
153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, 54 cm width, stated noise level of 39 dB, reversible door and adjustable feet.
Its total capacity of 227 L may be excessive for one person who does very little shopping; check the ventilation clearances and door-opening space.
Image unavailable
This slim fridge freezer suits a small home with a regular need for frozen food, provided 150 cm of height is available.
115 L of fridge space, 59 L four-star freezer, 47 cm width, reversible door, adjustable feet, LED lighting and adjustable thermostat.
Check the dB(A) figure, noise emission class, ventilation clearances, delivery route and door opening.
Image unavailable
A choice for one person or a small household wanting to keep fresh and frozen food separate across three drawers.
120 L of fridge space, 50 L of freezer space, four-star freezing down to ≤ -18 °C, LED lighting, removable shelves and a stated noise level of 40 dB.
Check the external dimensions, door-opening direction and specified clearances before installation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a narrow space and small shops, with a stated small freezer section.
92 L capacity, stated width of 47 cm, adjustable shelves, salad crisper, reversible door and seven-position mechanical thermostat.
Check the capacity and type of freezer section, as well as the noise level, height, depth and ventilation clearances.
Image unavailable
This format is intended for occasional use or very limited shopping, without the need for frozen food.
82 L dedicated to fresh food, without a freezer compartment, with adjustable shelves, salad crisper, LED lighting, stated noise level of 40 dB and stated annual consumption of 84 kWh.
Check the external dimensions, noise emission class and ventilation instructions for the exact model before choosing where to place it.
Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this according to how often you shop, your drinks, fresh food and prepared meals; a small freezer compartment is not a substitute for a freezer if you regularly buy frozen food.
Yes, if you only keep a few frozen products or ice cubes between visits. If you regularly store bags of frozen food or larger supplies, choose a fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, the delivery route and the door opening. Then consult the instructions for the exact model: Bosch refers to the guidance in its instructions, while the Beko RCSA270K40SN instructions specify that air circulation around the appliance must not be obstructed.
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh/year, capacity by compartment and noise information. European Regulation 2019/2016 governs the labelling of electric refrigeration appliances over 10 L and up to 1 500 L; compare appliances with similar capacities and formats.
In France, ecosystem states that retailers offer a free ‘one-for-one’ take-back solution when purchasing an equivalent electrical appliance, including for distance sales. Confirm the practical take-back arrangements with the seller before delivery.