Who is this guide for?

One person in a studio flat

You need room for your everyday shopping without taking up more kitchen space than necessary. If the fridge is near your bed, its noise level matters too.

Shared flat with a small kitchen

You’re sharing the available storage space with other people. How often you shop and how much frozen food you need to store may mean a small freezer compartment isn’t enough.

Tenant with a fitted kitchen

Before choosing an appliance, check the existing housing or space, the door fitting and the ventilation requirements for that model.

What should you look for?

First decide whether you need a proper freezer compartment. That will guide your choice of format, while your kitchen measurements determine what will fit.

Table-top fridge without a freezer

Consider this: if height is limited and you mainly store fresh food.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to limit frozen food shopping or have a separate freezer.

Table-top fridge with a small freezer compartment

Consider this: if you’re short on height but want to store small amounts of frozen food.

Bear in mind: the freezer compartment takes up space that could be used for fresh food, and may not be big enough for larger shops.

Fridge-freezer

Consider this: if your household regularly stores frozen food and has enough height for the appliance.

Bear in mind: its size means you’ll need to measure the space carefully. An integrated model must also be compatible with the cabinetry and door-fitting system.

Factor What to check Who is it for?
Space and installation Measure the space and how far the door swings open. Check the ventilation clearances in the instructions for the exact model. For an integrated appliance, check the housing and door fitting too. In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to open the door and install the appliance without blocking airflow. Around 36% of consumers prioritise compatibility with the available space.
Usable capacity Compare fridge and freezer capacity in litres separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this to suit your shopping habits and how much frozen food you store. If several people share the shelves or regularly store frozen food, I need to allow space for each use. For around 29% of consumers, capacity is the main consideration.
Noise Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the airborne acoustical noise class on the energy label, especially if the appliance will be near your bed. When the kitchen opens onto my living space, I want to take noise into account before choosing a format. Quiet operation comes before other factors for around 21% of consumers.
Energy consumption Check the kWh/year figure on the energy label and compare appliances in formats and capacities that suit your needs. The energy class letter alone isn’t enough. I expect to keep an appliance switched on all the time, so I want to compare its energy consumption over the long term. Around 14% of consumers put this factor at the top of their list.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Looking only at the total capacity

    The space for fresh food doesn’t meet the same needs as the freezer compartment. A small compartment may not be enough if several people regularly buy frozen food.

    Compare the two capacities separately and consider how they match your shopping habits.

  • Measuring the space without allowing for the door and ventilation

    An appliance may fit in the space but block the way when you open the door. An integrated housing must also meet the installation requirements for your chosen model.

    Measure the available space, check which way the door opens and note the clearances in the instructions. Don’t use ventilation measurements from another appliance.

  • Comparing energy classes alone

    According to ADEME, a fridge runs continuously. It’s therefore worth checking annual consumption alongside capacity and format, rather than relying on the letter shown on the label alone.

    Compare the kWh/year figures on energy labels for appliances that offer the same storage capacity, and check their noise levels too.

  • Forgetting about your old fridge

    If you’re replacing an appliance, arranging its removal takes planning, especially if access to your home is restricted.

    Ask the retailer about the collection options available and confirm your preferred option when you place your order.

Brands to consider for these formats

These models illustrate different configurations. Their features won’t necessarily apply to other models from the same brand.

Beko

Two table-top fridges to compare, depending on how much space you want to allocate to frozen food.

  • According to Beko, the TSE1264FMGN combines 101 l of fridge capacity and 13 l of freezer capacity in a width of 54 cm.
  • The TSE1504FN offers 128 l with no freezer compartment. Consider which layout suits your shopping habits rather than comparing total capacity alone.

Bosch

The KTR15NWEA is an example of a table-top fridge designed for fresh food only.

  • Bosch lists 134 l of fridge capacity and dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
  • This model has no freezer compartment, so it won’t meet your need for frozen food on its own.

Liebherr

The models mentioned show the difference between a compact freestanding fridge and an integrated installation.

  • Liebherr lists a noise level of 35 dB for the freestanding Rdi 1621 Plus table-top fridge, and a housing size of 121,6–123,6 × 56–57 × 55 cm for the integrated IRd 4121 Plus.
  • Before choosing the IRd 4121 Plus, check that it’s compatible with your cabinetry, ventilation and door-fitting system.

A fridge-freezer on Joybuy

This fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Its stated capacity of 333 l makes it worth checking your storage needs and available space, particularly in a studio flat.

White LG GBBSJ1CCSW fridge-freezer

LG GBBSJ1CCSW, white 333 l fridge-freezer

Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer for both fresh and frozen food, and have enough space for an appliance of this capacity.

Stated capacity: 333 l; stated energy class: C. Measure your space, check that the door can open fully and read the model instructions for installation and ventilation requirements before buying.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What capacity should one person allow for?

UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l as a starting point for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and compare the capacity for frozen food separately.

Can you put a fridge under a worktop or against a wall?

Yes, if the model is designed for that location and its instructions allow you to leave the necessary clearances for ventilation. Also check that the door can open far enough to access the compartments.

Should you wait before plugging in a fridge after transport?

Follow the instructions supplied with your appliance. Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging in an appliance in its installation instructions. Don’t apply this waiting time to another model without checking its documentation.

What should you look for on the energy label?

For the household fridges covered, the European Commission says the label shows details including the energy class, annual consumption, storage capacity and airborne acoustical noise emissions. Compare these details across formats that meet the same needs.