In a studio flat, start by choosing a fridge that can be delivered, installed and opened without getting in the way of your kitchenette. Measure the space, access routes and clearances specified in the instructions. An under-counter fridge or a fridge with a small freezer compartment could suit you if you shop often and store few frozen foods. If you regularly freeze food, compare fridge freezers instead, provided you have enough height. For one person, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point, which you can adjust to suit your shopping habits.
You need to be able to get the appliance into your kitchenette and open the door without blocking the way. UFC-Que Choisir recommends an under-counter format for studio flats, but dimensions and installation requirements vary by model.
If you shop weekly, cook ahead or keep frozen food, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person should be adjusted to suit these habits.
If you’re replacing a built-in appliance, measure the niche and check the cabinet door fitting, opening and ventilation before comparing capacities. Bosch offers integrated fridges in several heights, so check compatibility against the exact model number.
Consider this if: making the most of the space beneath a worktop or in your kitchenette is a priority, and you shop for fresh food often.
The trade-off: storage space, including room for frozen food, is more limited than in a fridge freezer.
Consider this if: you want to keep a few frozen foods without making space for a fridge freezer.
The trade-off: a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly stock up on frozen food.
Consider this if: regular freezing matters more to you than keeping the appliance height down.
The trade-off: you’ll need room for a taller appliance, and should check the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
When kitting out a studio flat after a move, start with the space available, then think about how often you shop and freeze food. A fitted kitchen niche adds installation requirements that aren’t determined by the appliance format alone.
| Criteria | What to check | What shoppers say |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and door opening | Measure the space and delivery access route; check the clearances and door swing specified in the model’s instructions. | My kitchenette is narrow, and the door mustn’t block the way. Around 36% of shoppers would prioritise where the appliance is positioned. |
| Fridge capacity | Compare usable capacity and the internal layout with how often you shop. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person. | I want to keep my shopping fresh until my next trip to the shop, without choosing an appliance that won’t fit in my home. Fridge capacity would be the priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Freezing | Check the type and capacity of the freezer compartment, rather than just the total capacity. | I prepare meals in advance and want to store more than just a few frozen foods. For around 21% of shoppers, freezer capacity would come first. |
| Noise and energy | Compare the noise level in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh between appliances with similar features and capacities. | My fridge will be close to my living space, so I pay attention to everyday noise and energy consumption. Around 14% of shoppers would prioritise these factors. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer different amounts of room for frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir recommends considering how often you eat it.
Make a note of how much fresh and frozen storage you need separately. If you stock up on frozen food, compare the freezer capacities of the fridge freezers that will fit in your space.
A fridge may fit in a niche but still not have the clearances specified in its instructions or enough room for the door to open. A built-in model must also be compatible with the cabinet door fitting.
Measure the niche, access routes and space needed with the door open, then compare your measurements with the instructions for the model you’re considering.
In a studio flat, the fridge may be close to your living or sleeping area. A compact size alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it is.
Compare the stated dB(A) levels of models that already meet your space and capacity requirements.
Worth considering when comparing under-counter or freestanding fridges for a small kitchen.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a freestanding appliance and a model that fits into a fitted kitchen.
Worth considering for a built-in fridge freezer if your home has a suitable niche.
These models illustrate two options for a small home: a single-door fridge with a freezer compartment, and fridge freezers with a separate freezer. Compare their capacity with your habits, then check that the model you choose can be installed in your studio flat.
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Worth considering if you freeze food regularly and have room for a fridge freezer in your studio flat.
The model name indicates a 153 L fridge and a 74 L freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating.
Before choosing this appliance, also measure its depth, the delivery access route and the required clearances.
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Compare this fridge freezer if you want separate storage for fresh and frozen food without needing a built-in niche.
The model name indicates a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, a stated noise level of 39 dB and an E energy rating.
Check the exact width and depth in the documentation for this model before confirming that the space and required clearances are suitable.
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Worth considering if you shop often and are mainly looking for a low-capacity appliance for your kitchenette.
The model name indicates a freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Compare the compartment’s capacity with the amount of frozen food you want to keep.
Check the full dimensions and installation clearances before confirming that it will fit your space.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and check separately how much room is available for frozen food.
No. You also need to check the delivery access route, the space needed to open the door and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. For a built-in model, also check the niche dimensions and the cabinet door fixing system.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 °C and 4 °C at the coldest point. Avoid overfilling the fridge so air can circulate, and check the temperature with a thermometer if needed.
No. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual; a commercial warranty is separate. Before taking out an extended warranty for a fridge, compare the services and exclusions on offer with the rights you already have.