First, measure the space, the route into the kitchen, how far the door opens and the ventilation clearance. Then choose the balance of fridge and freezer space that suits your shopping habits. A tabletop or small single-door fridge can work well when space is tight and you don’t store many frozen foods. A fridge-freezer gives you a separate freezer, but usually needs more height. For a fitted kitchen, only choose an integrated model if the housing, door fixing and ventilation all meet the model’s instructions.
The first challenge is finding a spot for the appliance without obstructing the way through or leaving too little room for ventilation. UFC-Que Choisir recommends tabletop models for studio flats, but a compact width doesn’t mean you can skip checking the depth and how far the door swings open.
A separate freezer compartment may matter more than a small footprint if you keep portions or shop for several days at a time. Compare its capacity with that of a small single-door fridge rather than looking only at the total capacity.
Having a housing unit doesn’t automatically mean an integrated fridge will fit. Measure the cabinet, check how the door is fitted and note the ventilation openings, then compare these with the instructions for the model you’re considering.
For a studio flat or your first home, choose a format that suits your groceries, then check that its dimensions and installation requirements really work in your kitchen. Whether to choose a freestanding or integrated model is a separate decision from how much space you need for fresh and frozen food.
Worth considering: when the space is low or very limited, and you don’t need to store much.
Be prepared for: limited capacity; depending on the model, the freezer compartment may be small or missing altogether.
Worth considering: if you store more fresh food than frozen food and have room for a taller appliance.
Be prepared for: freezer capacity varies considerably between models, even among compact appliances.
Worth considering: if you regularly store frozen food and want two separate compartments.
Be prepared for: an appliance that’s usually taller; check its annual energy consumption on its own energy label.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and door clearance | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the access route and door clearance. For an integrated model, also check the housing and specified ventilation. | I need to fit the appliance into a narrow kitchen without blocking access to the cupboards. Around 36% of consumers would rank the appliance’s size among their main concerns. |
| Freezer space | Compare the freezer capacity separately from the total capacity. Check its star rating and, if you freeze fresh food, its freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If I regularly keep frozen food or prepared portions, a small freezer compartment may not be enough. This would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Check the fridge’s net capacity and the layout of the shelves and drawers, based on how often you shop. | If I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for fresh food and containers. Fresh-food storage would come first for around 21% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the kWh/year on the energy label and the stated noise level in dB(A), taking the chosen capacity into account. | In an open-plan living space, I want to consider both everyday noise and electricity use. Around 14% of consumers would prioritise these practical aspects. |
An appliance may fit between two cupboards but leave too little room to open the door or allow for ventilation. You should also consider the delivery route and, for an integrated model, how the cabinet door will be attached.
Measure the space and the access route, then compare your measurements with the model’s installation diagram, including the required clearance.
Some single-door fridges don’t have a freezer; others have a small compartment. This makes a difference if you regularly store frozen food.
Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and star rating, as well as its freezing capacity if you prepare portions to freeze.
The letter on the energy label doesn’t tell you the model’s exact kWh/year. Choosing a capacity that suits your shopping also helps you avoid buying an oversized appliance.
Compare annual energy use, usable capacity and noise levels across models that will genuinely fit in your kitchen.
An old fridge should be taken to a collection point for electrical and electronic equipment, not put out with household rubbish.
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points or recycling centres, retailers and social and solidarity economy organisations as options for dropping it off.
Freestanding tabletop models to consider for a small kitchen, with freezer configurations that vary by model.
Two examples of integrated models for different storage needs and kitchen units.
The KNT6ME18S4 is an example of an integrated fridge-freezer suited to a kitchen with a tall housing unit.
These models suit two types of needs: fridge-freezers that keep fresh and frozen food separate, and compact single-door fridges for smaller shops or when you need less freezer space. For each one, check the available space and the instructions in its manual.
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Worth considering if you want a separate freezer in a small kitchen. The product details list a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, a 4-star freezer, Low Frost technology, 39 dB and an energy rating of E.
Before deciding where to put it, check all three dimensions, the access route, ventilation clearances and the kWh/year on the energy label.
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If you regularly shop for fresh and frozen food, this model offers 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. Its stated width is 54 cm. It also has a reversible door, a 4-star freezer, Low Frost technology and an energy rating of E.
Width alone won’t tell you whether it will fit in your kitchen. Check the height, depth, ventilation, access route and annual energy use too.
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This compact tabletop, single-door fridge is worth considering if you don’t need to store much and have very little space, rather than for large weekly shops. The product title mentions adjustable feet, a glass shelf and an energy rating of E.
If you buy frozen food, check the capacity of the small freezer compartment. Also check the ventilation clearances in the manual.
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Worth considering if you want a compact appliance with a small freezer compartment for occasional use. The 92 L is the total capacity, not the fridge space alone. The model has an energy rating of E.
If you regularly buy frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity separately. Also check all the dimensions, ventilation clearances, kWh/year and the model’s noise level.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, depending on their shopping habits. Check the capacity for fresh food separately from the freezer space: the total capacity doesn’t show how the space is divided.
No. The housing must meet the model’s requirements for dimensions, ventilation and door fittings. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for its KNT6ME18S4 fridge-freezer. Always check the installation diagram for the exact model you’re considering.
Follow the waiting time given in your appliance’s manual. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours for the fridge-freezers covered by its installation instructions. Check the guidance for your specific model before switching it on.
Take it to a collection scheme for electrical and electronic equipment, not to household rubbish. The Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points and recycling centres, retailers, and social and solidarity economy organisations as options.