For a studio flat or small household, choose a fridge based on the space available, how often you shop and how much frozen food you need to store. A table-top fridge suits a very tight space if you shop frequently; a one-door model prioritises chilled storage, while a fridge-freezer is better suited to regular freezer use. Before choosing, compare the separate capacities and measure the space, allowing for the door and the clearances required by the manual.
If your kitchen is small and you shop frequently, a table-top fridge is worth considering. Que Choisir recommends this type for studio flats; nevertheless, check that the model you’re considering has enough capacity for your chilled and frozen food.
A one-door fridge without a freezer can devote all its capacity to chilled food. This works if you don’t need to freeze food regularly, or if you have a separate freezer.
If frozen food or ready meals are a regular part of your shopping, consider a fridge-freezer. Compare the freezer and fridge capacities separately: the total capacity doesn’t show how much space each section has.
Start with chilled storage capacity and your need for a freezer, then rule out any models that can’t be installed properly in your kitchen.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then look at the shelf layout. For a small appliance, check the capacity of the freezer compartment rather than just whether it has one. | I shop little and often, so a small capacity may be enough. If I store food for longer, I need enough space in the compartment I actually use. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, including the door. Check the model’s manual for ventilation clearances, and make sure the door can open without hitting furniture or blocking the way. | In my narrow kitchen, the appliance needs to fit the space, have room to ventilate and be easy to open. |
| Energy and noise | For appliances of a similar type and capacity, check the annual energy consumption in kWh and the noise level in dB. According to the European Commission, fridge labels have used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021. | If I sleep near the kitchen or it opens onto the living area, noise matters just as much as the energy consumption shown on the label. |
| Maintenance | Check how each compartment is defrosted, whether the manual is available, and what service or spare parts are available for the model you choose. | I want to know what maintenance to expect and be able to find the installation and usage instructions after I move in. |
The letter doesn’t tell you how much storage space there is or the annual energy consumption. So it isn’t enough to compare two appliances of different types.
Compare similar models with similar capacities by looking at their annual energy consumption in kWh, separate compartment capacities and noise levels. The European Commission states that the current scale runs from A to G.
A fridge may fit in the space provided, but its door might not open easily or air may not circulate as required for installation.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check the depth including the door and how far it swings, then follow the clearances in the model’s manual. Beko advises in the RCSA270K40WN manual not to obstruct air circulation.
Capacities vary considerably: according to its listing on BUT, 13 L of the Fagor FTT107DW table-top fridge’s 107 L is taken up by the freezer compartment.
Check the freezer capacity separately. If you regularly store several frozen items, also compare fridge-freezers with a freezer that suits your shopping habits.
Installation and defrosting instructions apply to the specific model you’ll be using, not just its type.
Before choosing, check that you can access the manual and find out what service or repair options are available. If you’re replacing an appliance, also check the collection or take-back arrangements.
The range includes freestanding one-door fridges and fridge-freezers; compare the dimensions and layout of the specific model.
Its built-in models are worth considering if your home already has a cabinet designed for a fridge.
The FTT107DW table-top fridge is an example of a compact model with a separate freezer compartment.
These models include fridges with a freezer compartment and a one-door model dedicated to chilled storage. Compare their capacities with your shopping habits; for each one, also check the dimensions and installation instructions before deciding where to put it.
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Worth considering if you need to store chilled and frozen food in the same appliance. The model title lists a height of 150 cm, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door, Low Frost technology, an E energy rating and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the manual for the clearances needed around the appliance, and the label for its annual energy consumption.
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For shopping that includes both fresh and frozen food, this model lists a 153 L fridge and a 74 L freezer. The title gives a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer and an E energy rating. Check its height, installation clearances and annual energy consumption before choosing.
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This capacity may suit a small household that keeps more food in stock, but it’s worth comparing with the usual shopping needs of one person. The title lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Measure the full available height and check the manual for ventilation clearances.
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This model combines chilled storage with a freezer compartment in a one-door appliance. If you regularly keep frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity before choosing. The installation information is contradictory about the installation type, so confirm that it suits your space and check the manual for ventilation guidance.
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Worth considering for smaller shops of fresh food if you don’t need a freezer: this model has no freezer compartment. The title lists a capacity of 82 L and an E energy rating. Check its dimensions and the specified clearances before choosing a spot for it.
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh for models of a similar type and capacity, rather than relying on the energy rating letter alone. According to the European Commission, fridge labels have used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021; also check the compartment capacities and noise level.
Yes. Follow the clearances in the model’s manual and don’t block its ventilation. Beko recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and rear for the appliances covered by its advice; always follow the instructions for the fridge you’re buying, especially if it’s going in a housing unit.
It mainly depends on how much frozen food you need to store. The BUT listing for the Fagor FTT107DW table-top fridge gives the 4-star compartment a capacity of 13 L. Compare this with your shopping habits, and consider a fridge-freezer if you regularly need more freezer space.
Arrange appropriate collection for electrical and electronic equipment rather than leaving the appliance behind without permission. France’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition says that a collection and recycling scheme operates in France; find out where your nearest collection point is and what take-back options are available when you buy your new appliance.