Renters with very limited space
You need to fit the appliance in a kitchenette or under a worktop. Also check how much room you need to open the door and allow the ventilation gaps specified in the instructions.
Who are these options for?
People who mainly buy fresh food
You’re looking for a compact model and buy very little frozen food. A freezer compartment may be worth considering, but check its presence and specifications for each model.
People who regularly buy frozen food
You want a separate freezer section for your usual shopping. A fridge-freezer is worth comparing, provided its height, depth and route into your home are suitable.
What should you consider in a studio flat?
If you rarely buy frozen food, compare small fridges with and without a freezer compartment. If you need regular freezer storage, consider fridge-freezers once you’ve measured the space. If your kitchen already has a housing unit, first check its measurements and the installation instructions for the integrated model you’re considering.
| Factor | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the route into your home. Check the door clearance and the gaps specified in the instructions. | I want to use my kitchenette without the fridge blocking the doorway or getting in the way. Around 46% of consumers would make installation requirements their priority. |
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacities of the separate compartments. Check whether there’s a freezer compartment and what its specifications are. | I mainly buy fresh food, but want to keep some frozen items without giving up too much space to a freezer. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Regular freezer use | Check the separate freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer, then make sure its dimensions will fit your space. | I keep frozen food every week and need a separate freezer section, even if the appliance takes up more room. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Assuming that “compact” tells you everything
Two small appliances can differ considerably in width, depth or height. Beko lists the TS190340N as 47.5 cm wide and 82 cm high, while Liebherr gives the KTe550 dimensions as 55 cm wide, 60.7 cm deep and 85 cm high.
Compare the full dimensions with your available space, then check the door clearance and gaps specified for the model you’ve chosen.
-
Choosing a fridge-freezer for the odd frozen item
A separate freezer section takes up space. As a guide, Bosch lists its KGN33NWDA fridge-freezer as measuring 175.4 × 61.4 × 66.3 cm; these dimensions don’t apply to every fridge-freezer.
Think about what you usually buy. If you freeze very little, compare small models with a freezer compartment. If you use the freezer regularly, check whether you have room for a fridge-freezer.
-
Overlooking ventilation in a cabinet
Electrolux’s instructions say not to block the ventilation openings on the appliance or its built-in housing. The required gaps depend on the model and how it’s installed.
Follow the ventilation diagram and measurements in the instructions for your chosen model, especially if it’s going under a worktop or in a housing unit.
-
Confusing a retailer’s extended cover with your statutory rights
If you buy a new fridge in France from a professional retailer, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity and any commercial extended cover are two separate things.
Before choosing extended cover, compare its duration, benefits and exclusions with your statutory rights. The DGCCRF says you have two years to request the application of the legal guarantee of conformity for a new product.
Brands to consider
Beko
The range includes under-counter fridges worth considering when installation space is limited.
- Beko lists the TS190340N as 47.5 cm wide and 82 cm high, two useful measurements when comparing models for a narrow space.
- These dimensions are specific to the TS190340N. Check the depth and freezer specifications separately for the model you’re considering.
Liebherr
The range includes compact fridges with or without a freezer compartment, as well as integrated models.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 125 l and dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60.7 cm for its KTe550 under-counter fridge.
- Check for a freezer compartment and confirm the dimensions for the model you’ve chosen rather than assuming they’re the same across the range.
Bosch
Its freestanding fridge-freezers are worth considering if your shopping habits call for a separate freezer section.
- Bosch lists a capacity of 189 l for refrigeration and 90 l for freezing in the KGN33NWDA.
- This model measures 175.4 × 61.4 × 66.3 cm. Check that your available space and access route can accommodate it.
Electrolux
Its integrated appliances are worth considering if your studio already has a housing unit designed for one.
- Electrolux lists housing dimensions of 1894 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENP7MD19S.
- These measurements don’t apply to other models. Check the housing unit, door system and ventilation requirements using the model’s own instructions.
Fridge-freezers for regular frozen food shopping
These two fridge-freezers have separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. Compare them if you use the freezer regularly, after checking that each model can be delivered to and installed in your studio flat.
Image unavailable
Heinrich’s 253 L fridge-freezer (stainless steel)
Worth considering if you want a separate space for frozen food as part of your regular shop.
- Listed capacities: 182 L for refrigeration and 71 L for freezing.
- The product title specifies No Frost, reversible hinges and a noise level of 39 dB.
- The listed height is 181 cm. Check the width, depth and space needed to open the door. The description calls for 10 cm of clearance at the top, back and sides; check this against the instructions.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge-freezer, silver
Worth comparing if you need a separate freezer section and have enough width for the appliance.
- Listed capacities: 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing.
- The title specifies a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and energy rating E.
- Before planning the installation, check the height, depth, door clearance and ventilation gaps specified for this model.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a fridge for a studio flat?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, as well as the route into your home and the room needed to open the door. Then check which way the door opens and the ventilation gaps specified in the model’s instructions. The same clearance requirements don’t apply to every appliance.
Can a freezer compartment replace the freezer section of a fridge-freezer?
A freezer compartment may suit occasional frozen food storage if its specifications meet your needs. If you regularly buy frozen food, compare the separate freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer with the space you have available to install it.
How can I compare the energy use of two fridges?
Compare their energy labels and stated annual energy consumption once you’ve narrowed down models with capacities and freezer features to suit your needs. ADEME recommends using the energy label. A stated figure doesn’t replace choosing a size that makes sense for your shopping habits.
Does extended cover replace the statutory guarantee in France?
No. Commercial extended cover is separate from the statutory legal guarantee of conformity that applies to a new fridge bought from a professional retailer in France. According to the DGCCRF, you have two years to request the application of this legal guarantee. Compare the benefits and exclusions of any extended cover without confusing it with your statutory rights.