Studio flat renter with a narrow space
If your kitchen takes up part of your living space, measure the available spot as well as the room needed for ventilation and for the door to open fully.
Who are these sizes suitable for?
One person who mainly stores fresh food
If you shop often and rarely buy frozen food, prioritise fridge capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person.
Housemate who regularly buys frozen food
If one appliance needs to store both fresh and frozen food, check how much space is allocated to each compartment before choosing a compact model.
Which features should you prioritise?
First, make sure the appliance can be installed and used without getting in the way. Then compare the capacity for fresh and frozen food, followed by the noise and energy figures for models that fit your space.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and door opening | Measure the width, height and depth, then check the clearances specified in the manual. Make sure the door opens wide enough to remove the drawers. | In a narrow studio flat, I need to be able to install the appliance and reach its contents without blocking the way; around 31% of consumers rank whether it can be installed as their top priority. |
| Capacity for fresh food | Compare the usable fridge capacity rather than just the total capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, adjusted to suit their shopping habits. | If I mainly store fresh food between shops, I need enough room without unnecessarily giving up space to frozen food; around 25% of consumers prioritise fresh-food storage. |
| Freezer space | Check the type and capacity of the freezer compartment, as well as how it defrosts. | If frozen food is a regular part of my shop, I want to keep it in the same appliance as my fresh food; around 25% of consumers make freezer capacity their top priority. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the stated noise level and annual energy consumption of models that fit your space. According to the European Commission, the energy label shows this information, along with the capacities. | If the fridge is near my bed or desk, its noise and energy use matter every day; around 19% of consumers say these are their main concerns. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the available recess
A fridge may fit between two units but still lack enough room to release heat or open its door far enough to remove the drawers.
Check the clearances specified in the manual, the space above the appliance, access to the socket and the door swing. Que Choisir also recommends keeping the appliance away from heat sources.
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Confusing total capacity with fridge capacity
A freezer compartment takes up some of the stated capacity. So if you mainly store fresh food, total capacity alone won’t help you choose between two appliances.
Compare the litres allocated to the fridge and freezer separately, taking into account how many people will use it and how often you shop.
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Forgetting to check how the freezer compartment defrosts
Maintenance requirements vary by model. For example, Candy states that the CNOQ2S58EX needs manual defrosting.
Check how the model you choose defrosts and keep an eye on any frost build-up.
Manual defrosting takes time and effort.
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Comparing only the energy rating or dB(A)
Good energy or noise figures can’t make up for insufficient capacity or an appliance that can’t be installed properly.
Start by comparing models with dimensions, capacities and freezer configurations suited to the same needs. According to the European Commission, the energy label shows these details, along with energy use and noise emissions.
Brands to know for these sizes
Liebherr
Among Liebherr’s table-top fridges, the KTe501 suits a different width restriction from the Rdi 1620 Plus: Liebherr lists their widths as 50 cm and 60 cm respectively.
- Liebherr lists the KTe501 at 98 L total capacity and 37 dB, with a 4-star freezer compartment.
- Its total capacity of 98 L may limit space for shared shopping; check how much is allocated to the fridge and how much to the freezer compartment.
Bosch
The KTR15NWEA table-top model prioritises fridge space: Bosch lists 134 L for the fresh-food compartment, a width of 56 cm and a noise level of 39 dB(A).
- Its fridge capacity falls within the indicative 100 to 150 L range that Que Choisir suggests for one person.
- The KTR15NWEA has no built-in freezer compartment, so it isn’t suitable if you want to store frozen food in the same appliance.
Candy
The CNOQ2S58EX is a freestanding table-top model. Candy lists it as 54.5 cm wide, 56.2 cm deep and 85 cm high.
- Candy says this model combines fridge space with an adjustable freezer section in an under-counter appliance.
- Candy specifies manual defrosting. Check the capacity of each compartment too before choosing it for a shared kitchen.
Small-space fridges on Joybuy
These two models suit different needs: a slim fridge-freezer keeps fresh and frozen food in separate compartments, while a smaller single-door appliance is designed for a tight space. For both, check the installation dimensions against your kitchen.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge-freezer
For a compact kitchen where fresh and frozen food need separate compartments.
Stated capacity: 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing; stated width of 54 cm. This variant is listed with a reversible door and Low Frost technology.
Before choosing a spot for it, check its height and depth, ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge in matt silver
Worth considering for a tight space if your shopping fits in an appliance with a total capacity of 92 L.
This model has a freezer section. Check how the capacity is divided between the fridge and this section before deciding whether it suits your shopping habits.
Also check its full dimensions, the required clearances and its stated noise level if it will be near where you sleep.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity should one person allow for in a studio flat?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food. A smaller appliance may still work if space is very limited and you shop often.
Should you leave space around a freestanding fridge?
Yes. Follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual to allow air to circulate. Also measure the space needed to open the door and remove the drawers: a fridge that fits in the recess may not be practical to use there.
Does a low stated noise level mean the fridge will be silent at night?
No. The stated noise level doesn’t guarantee that you won’t hear the appliance in a studio flat. Compare the dB(A) ratings of models that fit your space, and consider how close it will be to your bed, where it will stand and whether it may vibrate.
What should you look for on a fridge’s energy label?
Compare energy consumption, capacities and noise emissions as well as the energy rating. According to the European Commission, the label also indicates whether the appliance has a freezer compartment. If a QR code is available, it can provide access to the model’s information in EPREL.