First, measure the space, the route into the room and the clearances specified in the manual. Even a compact fridge needs enough room to be installed and opened properly. If you mainly buy fresh food, consider a table-top fridge without a freezer. For a few frozen items, an integrated compartment may be enough; if you regularly store frozen food, compare compact fridge-freezers, which need more space.
If the appliance needs to fit into a kitchenette or under a worktop, check the available space, ventilation and door clearance. Que Choisir describes table-top fridges as suitable for studio flats, while Electrolux’s installation guidance reminds you to leave room for air to circulate around the appliance.
If you shop frequently and store few frozen items, prioritise fresh-food capacity over a large freezer. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, which you can adjust to suit your shopping habits.
An integrated compartment lets you store frozen food in a single appliance, but compare its capacity with that of a separate freezer. Electrolux says this compartment is generally smaller than the freezer in a conventional fridge-freezer.
For a studio flat or small home occupied by one or two people, start by choosing a format that suits your shopping habits and the space you actually have. Then compare the features of the models that fit.
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and rarely or never use frozen food.
The trade-off: it won’t store frozen food. Also check the manual to make sure it can be installed under a worktop.
Consider this if: you want to keep a few frozen items without choosing an appliance with two separate compartments.
The trade-off: according to Electrolux, the compartment is generally smaller than the freezer in a fridge-freezer.
Consider this if: frozen food is a regular part of your shopping and you have a suitable space for the appliance.
The trade-off: its two storage compartments mean you’ll need to check the overall dimensions and the route into your kitchen carefully.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and ventilation | Measure the space and the route into the room. Check the recess dimensions, door clearance and the clearances specified for the model. | In a narrow kitchenette, I want to be able to fit the appliance and open its drawers without restricting airflow. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this fit. |
| Fresh-food and freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacities of the separate compartments with your shopping habits. | If I mainly keep fresh food, I don’t want to lose usable space to frozen items I rarely buy. If I often store frozen food, I need enough room for it. This is the top priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | For comparable models, check the stated noise level in dB(A), the energy label and the product information for the exact model. | When the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to take account of the noise from an appliance that runs continuously and compare its stated energy use. Quiet operation and everyday use are priorities for around 25% of consumers. |
A freestanding appliance and an integrated model have different installation requirements. Electrolux points out that you need to leave room for air to circulate around the fridge.
Before ordering, compare the model’s dimensions, any recess, door clearance and the clearances specified in its manual with the space you have.
An integrated compartment generally takes up less space, but according to Electrolux, it also offers less freezer capacity than a conventional fridge-freezer.
Estimate how much space your usual frozen food takes up before choosing between an integrated compartment and two separate sections.
In a living space with a kitchenette, the stated noise level may influence your choice. The energy use shown on the label relates to a specific model and doesn’t, on its own, predict how it will perform in your home.
Compare the stated noise level and energy label for appliances of a similar format and capacity. The European Commission’s EPREL database lets you check information about the models listed there.
Two freestanding Series 2 table-top models let you compare an option with more fresh-food space with one that has a freezer compartment.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a model with an integrated freezer compartment, particularly if you have a suitable under-worktop recess.
A brand to look at when comparing freestanding table-top models with under-worktop or integrated appliances.
These models cover two needs when setting up your first home: keeping a few frozen items in a single-door fridge, or having a separate freezer for more regular storage. Check the installation dimensions before you choose.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. This freestanding model is listed as 150 cm high, with a 4-star freezer, a noise level of 39 dB and an E energy rating.
Check the available space, the route into the room and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your home has a suitable recess and you want a single-door appliance with a freezer compartment. Its stated total capacity is 188 l, and it has an E energy rating.
Check the recess dimensions and ventilation requirements in the manual. The freezer compartment has limited capacity and needs to be defrosted manually; the door panel is not included.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food and have room for a fridge-freezer. The model has a stated capacity of 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer, a width of 54 cm and an E energy rating.
Also check the height, depth, route into the room and ventilation clearances. The width alone won’t confirm that it will fit in your kitchen.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a single-door appliance with a small freezer compartment and have modest storage needs. Its stated capacity is 92 l, and it has an E energy rating.
Before relying on the compartment for frozen food, check its capacity and rating. Also check all the dimensions and installation clearances.
Measure the space, the route into the room and the clearance needed to open the door and drawers. For an integrated model, also compare the recess with the required installation dimensions. In every case, follow the manual’s clearance and ventilation instructions, as Electrolux advises.
It may be enough for small quantities, but check its capacity before planning to store your usual frozen food in it. Electrolux says an integrated compartment is generally smaller than the freezer in a fridge-freezer. Also check its rating if you want to freeze fresh food.
Compare the energy labels and product information for the exact models, ideally choosing appliances with a similar format and capacity. The European Commission’s EPREL database lets you check the key details of products covered by energy labelling in the European Union.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. Keep your proof of purchase and any documents supplied with the appliance in case you need to report a fault.