First, measure the available space, allowing for the door to open and for ventilation. Then choose the fridge capacity to suit your usual shopping. A table-top fridge is a good option when space is very limited. If you regularly store frozen food, consider a model with a suitable freezer compartment, provided its height and door clearance work in your kitchen. For models with similar capacity, compare the stated noise level and energy label too.
If the alcove is narrow, checking the appliance dimensions alone isn’t enough. Make sure it will fit through to the kitchen, that the door can open and that there’s enough airflow for the model. A table-top fridge can meet a height restriction, but you’ll still need to check all of these things.
Your fridge capacity should suit the amount of fresh food you put away in one go. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guide for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop and how much room you need for frozen food.
In a living space, it’s worth comparing the stated noise levels of appliances of a similar size. Levelling the fridge, ensuring good ventilation and keeping it clear of surrounding furniture can also help reduce noticeable vibrations, as Electrolux France points out.
First decide how much space you can give the appliance and how much of your shopping needs to be frozen. These two factors will help you choose a style before comparing the specifications.
Consider this if: space under the worktop is limited and you rarely buy frozen food or store it elsewhere.
The trade-off: there’s no built-in space for frozen food.
Consider this if: you need to store a few frozen items but still want a table-top appliance.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment takes up some of the space available for fresh food, so check the capacity of each section separately.
Consider this if: frozen food is a regular part of your weekly shop and there’s room in your kitchen for a taller appliance.
The trade-off: even a narrower fridge freezer needs enough height and depth, as well as room to open its drawers.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, and check how far the door opens. Consult the model’s manual for ventilation clearances. | When every centimetre counts in a kitchenette, you need to be able to install the appliance without blocking the door or restricting movement. Around 33% of consumers put size and installation at the top of their list. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity, not the total capacity, with the amount and size of your usual shop. | If you need to fit in a week’s shopping in one go, fresh food space becomes crucial. It’s the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Freezer space | Check whether there’s a small built-in compartment or a separate freezer, and compare the capacity of the freezer section. | Regular frozen food shopping calls for more than occasional space alongside fresh food. For around 20% of consumers, freezer capacity comes before other criteria. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A), energy rating and annual energy consumption of the specific model. | If you live or sleep near the appliance, perceived noise and electricity use matter day to day. Around 20% of consumers say these are their main concerns. |
Two appliances of a similar size can have different amounts of fridge and freezer space. Among the table-top models listed by Bosch Électroménager France, the KTR15NWEB has 134 L of fridge capacity and no freezer compartment, while the KTL15NWEB includes space for frozen food.
Compare the capacity of each section with what you usually buy, rather than focusing only on the large capacity figure in the product details.
An appliance might fit in its space but still not have enough room for the door to open or air to circulate. Freestanding and built-in installation requirements aren’t interchangeable.
Measure the delivery route too, and check the installation diagram in the manual before ordering.
The stated dB(A) figure makes it easier to compare appliances, but it doesn’t tell you how loud every click, cycle or vibration will sound in a studio flat. Electrolux France notes that contact with a wall or piece of furniture can make some noises more noticeable.
Compare appliances of a similar size, then make sure your chosen model is level, has the required ventilation and isn’t touching anything it shouldn’t.
Moving a fridge in a studio flat or apartment block can make delivery of a new model more complicated.
Before ordering, confirm the delivery and removal options available, and check access to the building and kitchen.
These models illustrate different considerations; their features don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The KTL15NWEB and KTR15NWEB table-top models let you compare an appliance with a freezer compartment against one without.
The TSE1504FN table-top fridge is worth considering if width is limited.
The range includes built-in options for kitchens where fitting the appliance into a cabinet is essential.
These models combine fridge and freezer space. If you’re choosing one for a studio flat, compare their capacities with your shopping, then check that the appliance, its door and the required ventilation clearances will all fit in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you want fridge and freezer space in one appliance listed as 150 cm tall. The product details specify a reversible door, a 4-star freezer, a noise level of 39 dB and an E energy rating. Check the manual for the required clearances and door opening space, and look at the energy label for the annual consumption of the model being sold.
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Consider comparing this model if your shopping calls for a separate freezer section and 54 cm width suits your kitchen. The product name lists 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the overall height and clearances before buying; Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you have more space for fresh and frozen food, although its stated 333 L capacity may be more than some studio flats need. The product name lists a C energy rating. Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for door clearance and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a model listed with 120 L of fridge space and 50 L of freezer space. The product name lists an E energy rating. Check its dimensions, door clearance and installation requirements before deciding whether it will fit in your kitchen. Also check the annual consumption on the energy label.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, not a rule for every studio flat. Adjust this to how often you shop, the size of your containers and how much space a freezer compartment might take up.
It may be suitable for occasional storage. If you regularly buy frozen food, compare its usable capacity with that of a separate freezer, while making sure you still have enough fridge space.
Yes, follow the instructions for the exact model: air needs to circulate and the door needs enough room to open. For the relevant built-in appliances, Electrolux France specifies at least 200 cm² of ventilation at both the top and bottom of the cabinet; don’t apply this figure as it is to a freestanding appliance.
No. The stated noise level is useful for comparing appliances, but installation and vibrations also affect how loud a fridge sounds. Que Choisir gives less than 40 dB(A) as a guide to the quietest models. Also check that the appliance is level, has adequate ventilation and isn’t touching furniture.
For a fridge sold in France, compare the energy rating and annual consumption shown on the label for the exact model. The energy label complements your comparison of capacity and noise: capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much energy an appliance uses.