Start by measuring the space and checking the clearances required in the manual. Then decide how much room you need for fresh and frozen food, based on your shopping habits. A table-top fridge is a good option if height is tight and freezing is less important; a compact fridge freezer needs more space but is worth considering if you use the freezer regularly. Once you’ve narrowed down the options to models that fit your home, compare their energy use and noise levels.
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or next to a cupboard, check its height and width, how the door opens and the space needed for ventilation. A small fridge may be enough if you shop often and don’t store many frozen foods.
If you like to cook ahead or shop less often, check the capacity of the fresh food and freezer compartments separately. A small integrated freezer compartment and a fridge freezer won’t necessarily offer the same amount of storage.
Once you’ve checked the dimensions and capacity, the energy label and noise level can help you compare appliances. Noise is especially important if your kitchen shares a room with where you sleep or work.
For a studio flat or your first home, first check that the appliance can be installed, then work out how much capacity you need for refrigeration and freezing. Energy use and noise can help you choose between models that meet these two requirements.
| Feature | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the door opening and the clearances specified in the manual for that model. | In a narrow studio flat, I want to be able to install and open the fridge without blocking airflow; around 42% of consumers put this first. |
| Fresh food and freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with how often you shop and how much frozen food you use. | If I cook ahead or shop less often, I need a layout that leaves enough room for fresh and frozen food. Nearly 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Energy use and noise | Among suitable models, compare the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label and the noise level in dB(A). | When the kitchen is close to where I sleep, I want to keep noise to a minimum while keeping an eye on the appliance’s energy use; around 25% of consumers make this their priority. |
A fridge might fit in the space but still not have enough room for the door to open or for ventilation. A Beko manual specifies at least 5 cm between the appliance and the ceiling and wall when installed in an alcove; this instruction applies to the appliance covered by that manual, not every model.
Before ordering, check the appliance dimensions, the route into the room, which way the door opens and the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
An unsuitable space could also mean moving furniture to install the appliance.
For two Bosch table-top fridges with the same external dimensions, Bosch lists 106 l of fridge capacity for the KTL15NWEB with a freezer compartment, compared with 134 l for the KTR15NWEB without a freezer. In these models, the space given to frozen food therefore affects how much room is left for fresh food.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment and check that the freezer compartment is big enough for the amount of frozen food you want to store.
The energy label helps you compare appliances, but it can’t tell you on its own whether your shopping will fit in the fridge or whether the appliance can be installed in your home.
First work out which style and capacity you need, then use the energy consumption figure to compare suitable models.
In a studio flat, the fridge may run close to your bed or desk. Bosch’s product information for the KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB gives a noise level of 39 dB(A). Compare this with the figures for other models you’re considering, bearing in mind that the noise you notice at home may vary.
Check the noise level in dB(A) and install the appliance according to the manual, making sure the ventilation isn’t obstructed.
The French range includes table-top fridges and freestanding models worth considering when space is limited.
Two Bosch table-top fridges let you compare fresh food capacity and the option of a freezer compartment in appliances with the same dimensions.
The French range includes table-top models worth comparing when height is limited.
These models offer two ways to equip a small home: a fridge freezer with a separate space for frozen food, or a single-door fridge if space is more of a priority. A mini fridge is best suited to modest storage needs. Check the installation dimensions and capacity of each model before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate in a home where width is limited. The model is listed with 153 l of fridge capacity, 74 l of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door.
Check the overall height, the clearances specified in the manual and the annual energy consumption before settling on a position and comparing appliances.
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This freestanding fridge freezer is designed for someone who wants to store fresh and frozen food separately in their first home. The product title lists a capacity of 174 l, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Check its dimensions and the clearances specified in the manual against the space available. Also check the annual energy consumption and noise level if these features matter to you.
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This style may suit someone who shops often and prefers fresh food. The product title lists a capacity of 92 l, a small freezer compartment and an E energy rating.
If you plan to store frozen food, check the capacity and specifications of the freezer compartment. Also check the full dimensions, annual energy consumption and noise level before comparing this model with others.
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Consider this model if space is very limited and you mainly want to keep drinks or a few items chilled, rather than storing a week’s worth of shopping. The product title lists a capacity of 45 l, adjustable feet and an E energy rating.
Before regularly storing perishable food in it, check the temperature it maintains in use. Also consult the manual for installation clearances.
Measure the space in terms of height, width and depth, as well as the route into the room and the room needed to open the door. Allow for the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model. The 5 cm clearance given in a Beko manual for installation in an alcove doesn’t apply to every fridge.
It may be suitable if you store only a small amount of frozen food, but check the freezer compartment’s capacity and how much room is left for fresh food. Bosch lists 106 l of fridge capacity for its KTL15NWEB with a freezer compartment, compared with 134 l for the KTR15NWEB without a freezer, despite their identical external dimensions.
Look in particular at annual energy consumption, noise level and the stated capacities of appliances that already suit your space and how you use the freezer. ADEME describes the energy label as a guide to help you choose, not a replacement for checking which size you need.
Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and advises checking it regularly, for example with a thermometer. If you plan to store perishable food in a small appliance, check that it can maintain a suitable temperature for this purpose.