A studio flat with a small kitchen
Check the appliance dimensions, door clearance and ventilation space. A compact model won’t necessarily fit the space you have.
Who is this guide for?
Someone who cooks and freezes food
Balance the space for fresh food against the space for frozen food, depending on your shopping and cooking habits. An integrated freezer compartment and a separate freezer meet different needs.
Someone who sleeps near the kitchen
The stated noise level and annual energy consumption matter, but don’t lose sight of the usable capacity you need for your shopping.
What to compare
Under-counter fridge
Worth considering: if you need an appliance that fits under a worktop and don’t need to freeze food. The Bosch KTR15NWEB is an example of this style, with 134 l of fridge capacity and dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
Keep in mind: this model has no freezer compartment. You’ll still need to check the installation clearances and door opening space.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Worth considering: if you want to keep a few frozen foods without choosing an appliance as tall as a fridge-freezer. The Bosch KTL15NWEB has the same external dimensions as the KTR15NWEB.
Keep in mind: its product specifications list 106 l of fridge capacity, compared with 134 l for the KTR15NWEB. Also check the freezer compartment’s specific features.
Compact fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you store more frozen food and have enough vertical space. The Liebherr CTele 2131 is listed with a total capacity of 196 l.
Keep in mind: its external dimensions of 124,1 × 55 × 63 cm are larger than those of the Bosch under-counter models mentioned above. Check they’ll fit your space.
| Criterion | What to check before buying | Who should prioritise it |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the space’s height, width and depth, the delivery route and the door clearance. Check the manual for the ventilation clearances required for the specific model. | If the appliance needs to fit in a narrow alcove or pass through a tight entrance, I check every measurement before choosing. Around 29% of consumers would put size and installation at the top of their list. |
| Capacity for fresh food | Compare the usable fridge capacity with the total capacity and how often you shop. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l as an average guide for one person, not a compulsory minimum. | If I mainly store fresh food, I prioritise a capacity that suits my shopping rather than focusing on the overall figure. Around 23% of consumers would make fresh-food storage their priority. |
| Freezing needs | Check the capacity, star rating and freezing capacity separately for the exact model. The presence of a freezer compartment alone doesn’t tell you how well it will meet these needs. | If I keep a few frozen foods or freeze meals, I check that the compartment suits my habits. Around 18% of consumers would prioritise storing or freezing food. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the stated noise levels for the exact models. They aren’t measurements of the noise you’ll hear in your home. Bosch lists 39 dB(A) for the KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB, while Liebherr lists 37 dB for the CTele 2131. | If I sleep or work near the kitchen, I check the stated figure while taking the installation and room into account. Around 18% of consumers would put quiet operation at the top of their list. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for the exact models, then estimate the cost using your tariff in €/kWh. The energy rating doesn’t replace this annual figure. | If I want to keep track of energy use over time, I compare kWh/year rather than relying on a letter rating alone. Around 12% of consumers would make energy consumption their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an under-counter fridge is built-in because it’s compact
The appliance dimensions, door opening and ventilation are separate considerations. A freestanding model isn’t automatically suitable for an alcove.
Check the installation type listed for the model you’re considering and read its installation manual before ordering.
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Comparing total capacity alone
A freezer compartment can reduce the space available for fresh food. Bosch lists 134 l of fridge capacity for the KTR15NWEB and 106 l for the KTL15NWEB, which has an integrated freezer compartment.
Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately against your shopping habits.
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Inferring annual energy consumption from the energy rating alone
For the two Bosch models mentioned, idealo.fr lists 91 kWh/year for the KTR15NWEB and 139 kWh/year for the KTL15NWEB; their manufacturer specifications give them both an E rating. These figures aren’t measurements taken in a studio flat, and the appliances have different compartments.
Check the kWh/year figure for the exact model. To estimate the cost, multiply this figure by your own tariff in €/kWh.
Brands to know when comparing compact fridges
Bosch
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB show two under-counter options: with or without a freezer compartment.
- Bosch lists the same external dimensions, 850 × 560 × 580 mm, and a noise level of 39 dB(A) for both models.
- The KTR15NWEB offers 134 l of fridge capacity with no freezer; the KTL15NWEB offers 106 l and has a freezer compartment. These specifications apply to these models, not the brand as a whole.
Liebherr
The CTele 2131 is an example of a two-door fridge-freezer that’s shorter than larger fridge-freezers.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 196 l and a noise level of 37 dB for this model.
- Its stated dimensions of 124,1 × 55 × 63 cm need to be checked against your available space. The stated noise level isn’t an independent measurement taken in a home.
Whirlpool
The small-fridge range includes under-counter models as well as freestanding and built-in options.
- Whirlpool recommends measuring your space, as dimensions vary from one appliance to another.
- The range overview doesn’t tell you the dimensions or specifications of a particular model. Check the product details and installation instructions for the model you choose.
Fridges available on Joybuy
The products featured include countertop fridges, single-door models with a freezer compartment and compact fridge-freezers.
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COMFEE' RCT87WH2EU(E), countertop fridge
Worth considering if you’re looking for a countertop model and its dimensions suit your kitchen.
The product details mention removable shelves, an adjustable thermostat, a reversible door and interior lighting. White finish; the product title states energy rating E.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food, and have enough vertical space for an appliance that’s 150 cm tall.
The product details list 115 l for the fridge and 59 l for the freezer, a 4-star freezer and Low Frost technology. Stated dimensions: 50 × 55 × 150 cm; reversible door; energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’d like more capacity for fresh and frozen food and the stated width suits your available space.
The product details list 153 l of fridge capacity and 74 l of freezer capacity. They also mention a width of 54 cm, Low Frost technology, a 4-star freezer and a reversible door. Silver finish; energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 l single-door fridge
Worth considering if you have a narrow space and need a small freezer compartment for occasional use.
The product details list a capacity of 92 l and a width of 47 cm. UFC-Que Choisir’s average guide for one person is 100 to 150 l; this isn’t a compulsory minimum. The product title states energy rating E.
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Sonlu CD‑400RW, 355 l fridge-freezer
Only worth considering if your storage needs and available space justify an appliance of this capacity.
The product details list 252 l for the fridge and 103 l for the freezer, making 355 l in total, and a width of 60 cm. They also mention an inverter compressor, a reversible door and energy rating E. Check the model details for its height and depth too.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should I allow before delivery?
Measure the delivery route, the space in all three dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door. The appliance dimensions aren’t the same as the installation clearances, so follow the manual for your chosen model. As general guidance, Bosch recommends leaving at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath the fridge for ventilation. This doesn’t replace the instructions for each specific model.
Do the stated decibels reflect the noise I’ll hear in my studio flat?
No. A figure stated in the product details isn’t a measurement taken in your home. Bosch lists 39 dB(A) for the KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB, while Liebherr lists 37 dB for the CTele 2131. These figures alone can’t predict how noisy the appliance will seem in your home.
How do I choose the right capacity for one person?
UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as an average guide for one person, with an additional 50 l per person. Your shopping habits, available space and need for a freezer may lead you to choose a different capacity.
How should I store food in the fridge?
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and checking it regularly, for example with a thermometer. Store food in the zones suited to it.
What does the statutory guarantee cover in France?
The DGCCRF states that a claim under the statutory guarantee of conformity must be brought within two years of delivery of the goods, whether new or second-hand, subject to the conditions that apply to this guarantee. Any commercial guarantee is separate from the statutory guarantee.