In a studio flat, start by considering the space you actually have and how you shop. An under-counter fridge is a good fit if you mainly store fresh food, while a compact fridge-freezer is better if you regularly need space for frozen food. A fridge with an ice box offers occasional freezer space; a built-in model only makes sense if the cabinet recess, door and ventilation are compatible. Compare the capacity of each compartment, the stated noise level and the installation dimensions rather than looking at total capacity alone.
If you shop for small amounts often and keep few frozen foods, an under-counter fridge without a freezer can give you more room for fresh food. Check that its usable capacity is right for what you need to store between shops.
If you prepare meals in advance or shop less often, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the fridge’s. A compact fridge-freezer is worth considering, provided you have enough height for it.
If you have a cabinet designed to house an appliance, start by checking its internal dimensions, ventilation and door-fixing system. The advertised capacity of a built-in fridge alone won’t tell you whether it will fit the cabinet.
Consider this: if you shop frequently and have hardly any frozen food to store.
Bear in mind: this format won’t meet your needs if you require freezer space.
Consider this: if you only freeze food occasionally and don’t have room for a taller appliance.
Bear in mind: the built-in compartment takes up room within the same overall size and offers limited freezer capacity.
Consider this: if frozen food or pre-prepared portions are a regular part of your meals.
Bear in mind: a separate freezer compartment means the appliance is taller than an under-counter fridge.
Consider this: if your studio has a recess and door fitting that are compatible with your chosen model.
Bear in mind: the appliance must meet the cabinet’s ventilation requirements and can’t simply be replaced with a freestanding model.
| Consideration | What to check | What matters to shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the door swing and the clearances required in the model’s instructions. | When every centimetre counts, I want to be able to open the door without obstructing the kitchen or blocking ventilation; around 31% of shoppers prioritise installation. |
| Freezer space | Compare freezer capacity in litres separately from fresh-food capacity, and distinguish between an ice box and a separate freezer compartment. | If I keep pre-prepared portions and shop less often, I need enough room for that food; around 25% of shoppers put freezer space at the top of their list. |
| Fridge capacity | Check the fridge’s usable capacity and the shelf layout. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l as a general guide for one person, depending on shopping habits. | If I buy fresh food often, I’d rather have enough room for it without choosing an appliance that’s too large for my studio; fridge capacity is a priority for around 25% of shoppers. |
| Noise and energy use | On the energy label described by the European Commission, compare airborne noise emissions in dB(A), annual consumption in kWh and compartment capacities. | When I sleep near the kitchen, the stated noise level matters, as does the energy use of appliances with a similar capacity; around 19% of shoppers prioritise these factors. |
Two appliances of a similar size can divide their capacity very differently between fresh and frozen food. A sufficient total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room for your frozen food.
Make a note of what you need to store in each compartment, then compare their usable capacities separately in the product specifications.
A fridge may fit in its space but block the way when the door is open, or lack the clearance it needs for ventilation.
Check the door swing, delivery route and clearances specified in the instructions. Beko France and LG France give different clearance recommendations, so always follow the instructions for the model you choose.
A built-in appliance and its cabinet are designed for a specific airflow, while a freestanding model has its own clearance requirements.
Choose a built-in model that’s compatible with the recess, ventilation and door fitting, or install a freestanding appliance in line with its instructions.
A noise figure or energy rating won’t tell you whether the compartments will meet your needs or whether you’ll be able to install the appliance properly.
Compare appliances of a similar format and capacity using their energy labels, then check their compartment capacities and installation requirements.
Bosch under-counter models show the choice between a fridge for fresh food only and a compact model with an integrated ice box.
Beko’s freestanding TSE1504FN under-counter fridge is suited to storing fresh food without a freezer compartment.
Candy’s City Combi range is an example of a fridge-freezer to consider when you need freezer space in a narrow kitchen.
A Liebherr built-in fridge can be a useful point of comparison if your kitchen has a suitable cabinet.
These Joybuy models include compact fridge-freezers for storing frozen food, a small fridge with an ice box and built-in appliances for fitted kitchens. First choose a format that fits your space, then compare how much room each model offers for fresh and frozen food.
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Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food and have room for a fridge-freezer.
The product title lists 153 l of fridge capacity, 74 l of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
The total capacity may be more than you need if you shop for small amounts often. Check the height, door swing and clearances in the instructions before choosing this format.
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A freestanding fridge-freezer to consider if you want to store fresh and frozen food in a studio flat.
The product title lists a total capacity of 174 l, a reversible door, an adjustable thermostat and Low Frost technology.
Before buying, compare the capacities of the individual compartments and check the model’s specifications for its noise level, energy consumption and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if your studio has a cabinet designed for a built-in fridge and you need freezer space.
The product title lists a total capacity of 188 l, a top-mounted ice box and an E energy rating.
Check the capacity of each compartment, the recess dimensions, door fitting and ventilation requirements in the instructions. The ice box may be too small if you regularly store frozen food.
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Worth considering if space is very limited and you only store a small amount of food between shops.
The product title lists a total capacity of 92 l, a compact ice box and an E energy rating.
Check the ice box’s capacity, as well as the dimensions, noise level and required clearances. Its total capacity is below Que Choisir’s general guide of 100 to 150 l for one person.
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An option to consider if you mainly store fresh food and have a compatible cabinet in your fitted kitchen.
The product title lists a capacity of 188 l and an E energy rating.
If you need to store frozen food, check the exact compartment layout. Also check the recess dimensions, door fitting and ventilation requirements in the instructions.
Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, depending on your shopping habits and available space. Compare fridge and freezer capacity separately: the total capacity doesn’t show how the space is divided.
An integrated ice box is better suited to occasional freezing. If you regularly store frozen food or pre-prepared portions, consider a fridge-freezer with a separate compartment instead. In either case, check the freezer capacity listed for the specific model.
Follow the clearance requirements in the instructions for your chosen model. Manufacturers’ advice varies: Beko France recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and back, while LG France recommends at least 10 cm around the appliance. A built-in model also needs a compatible recess and ventilation openings.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point. Check the temperature and avoid overfilling the appliance so air can circulate.
For fridges covered by European regulations, the label includes information such as the energy efficiency class, consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions, as explained by the European Commission. Compare these details across appliances with a format and capacity that suit your needs; the QR code links to the model’s EPREL product information sheet.