For one person who shops regularly and buys few frozen foods, a table-top or single-door fridge with around 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity may be sufficient, according to guidance from Que Choisir. Choose a compact fridge freezer if you regularly store frozen food, and only opt for an integrated model after checking the housing dimensions, door system and installation requirements.
If you shop regularly and mainly store fresh food, a table-top or single-door model can help you make the most of your space. Que Choisir recommends around 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person; adjust this guide according to your shopping habits.
For one or two people who keep prepared portions or frozen food, a compact fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment is a more suitable choice than a simple freezer compartment, provided you have enough height available.
When replacing an appliance in an existing cabinet, first measure the housing, door fixing system and required clearances. Capacity is only useful if the model is compatible with the cabinet.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check that the dimensions and noise level are genuinely suitable for your kitchen.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the net refrigeration capacity, the number of people in your household and how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus a further 50 litres per additional person. | I want to store my shopping without filling a kitchen that is already short on space. Less frequent shopping, prepared meals or regular guests may justify choosing more capacity. |
| Amount of frozen food | Check separately whether there is a freezer compartment, its net capacity and its type. A small freezer compartment may not be suitable for storing frozen food every week. | I cook in advance or regularly keep frozen food: I need a separate freezer space, not just a compartment for a few ice cubes. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the door swing and the clearances specified in the instructions. For an integrated model, also check the housing, hinges and door-panel fixing. | In a narrow kitchen, every centimetre and the opening direction matter. I will only choose an integrated model if my cabinet is designed for it. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Compare the dB(A), noise class and kWh/year of appliances with similar formats and capacities. The energy label shows these details; Que Choisir classifies models advertised below 40 dBA as quiet. | My fridge is close to my living space: I want a discreet appliance and will compare its annual consumption rather than looking only at the energy-efficiency class. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may offer very different amounts of freezer space. A small freezer compartment quickly becomes limiting when frozen food is part of your regular shop.
Note down the capacity you need separately for fresh and frozen food, then compare the net litres of each compartment.
A similar width does not guarantee compatibility: housing height, depth, hinges and door-panel fixing vary between models.
Measure the cabinet and consult the instructions for the exact model before ordering. Ask a professional for help if fitting the door panel or installing the appliance seems complicated.
An incompatible model may require additional installation work or modifications to the cabinet.
Noise and energy consumption cannot be determined from the size alone. A fridge runs continuously and should be compared using the stated figures.
Compare the dB(A), noise class and kWh/year for appliances with comparable capacities and formats. The energy label and product information provide these details.
Fan-assisted cooling can reduce frost, but uncovered food may dry out.
Choose this technology if reducing frost is important to you, then protect food using suitable packaging or containers.
Liebherr offers, among other options, freestanding table-top fridges. The KTe551 is an example of a 111-litre model measuring 85 cm high, suitable for a worktop or small home.
Beko offers freestanding table-top fridges for small kitchens; the brand lists the TSE1504FN as measuring 54 cm wide.
Bosch covers integrated single-door fridges with freezer compartments, such as the KIL42NSE0, designed for a kitchen cabinet housing.
Electrolux offers integrated fridge freezers with a separate freezer capacity, such as the ENG8CD18S for a fitted kitchen.
Joybuy options for a studio flat or small household, including single-door models and compact fridge freezers to suit your freezer needs.
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For a small household needing separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
115 L of refrigeration capacity, 59 L of freezer capacity, stated width of 50 cm, height of 150 cm, 39 dB, Low Frost, 4-star freezer and reversible door.
Low Frost does not eliminate the need for defrosting; also check the ventilation clearances and door swing in the instructions.
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Suitable for a small household that regularly stores frozen food and has a little more vertical space available.
153 L of refrigeration capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, stated width of 54 cm, Low Frost, 4-star freezer, reversible door and adjustable feet.
This capacity may be excessive for one person who shops frequently and buys little frozen food. Check the annual consumption and the space required around the appliance.
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For prioritising fresh food while keeping a limited amount of frozen food.
163 L of refrigeration capacity, 16 L of freezer capacity, stated width of 54 cm, height of 122,1 cm, 39 dB, 148 kWh/year, reversible door and LED lighting.
The 16-litre freezer compartment is limited for weekly frozen-food shopping. Check the installation type and ventilation requirements before buying.
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An option for a very restricted kitchen and frequent fresh-food shopping.
Stated capacity of 92 L, width of 47 cm, seven-position mechanical thermostat, adjustable shelf, salad crisper, reversible door and adjustable feet.
92 L may not be enough for a large shop or two people. Check the freezer capacity, full dimensions, noise level and consumption on the product page.
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For a second home or very small property where storage is mainly for fresh food.
Stated capacity of 82 L, no freezer compartment, 40 dB, 84 kWh/year, LED lighting, adjustable glass shelves and salad crisper.
Without a freezer, it is not suitable for regular use of frozen food. Check the external dimensions, opening direction and required clearances.
Allow around 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a guide for one person, according to Que Choisir. Choose more capacity if you do a large shop less often, regularly entertain or keep lots of prepared meals, and check the freezer capacity separately.
Yes, if it is mainly for fresh food, you shop frequently and buy little frozen food. Gifam describes a table-top fridge as a model around 85 cm high, generally with a main compartment and a small additional compartment; for regular frozen food, compare a compact fridge freezer instead.
No. Check the exact housing dimensions, depth, clearances, hinges or door-panel fixing and opening direction. Bosch states that cabinets designed for integration generally leave space at the sides and rear; the instructions for the specific model remain decisive.
Compare the efficiency class, annual consumption in kWh, the capacity of the fresh and frozen compartments and the noise class. Gifam and the French Ministry for the Economy state that this information appears on the energy label and product information, including before an online purchase.
Have it taken away when your new appliance is delivered, if this service is offered, or take it to a WEEE collection point. The French ministry responsible for ecological transition reminds consumers that electrical and electronic equipment must be collected separately from household waste.