If you live alone in a studio flat, first make sure your fridge will fit in the space available, allowing for the door to open and for ventilation clearances. Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable fridge capacity for one person can help you choose the right size. An under-counter fridge or a one-door model should suit you if you rarely freeze food, while a fridge freezer needs more space but is a better choice if you regularly buy frozen food.
You need to be able to fit the fridge without its door getting in the way or restricting airflow. Que Choisir recommends an under-counter model for studio flats, but you should still check the height, depth and required clearances for each model.
If your bed and desk are close to the kitchen, compare the stated noise levels rather than assuming a smaller appliance will be quieter. Bosch and Liebherr list noise levels of 39 dB(A) for the KTR15NWEB and 35 dB for the KTe550 respectively.
If you keep frozen food or pre-prepared portions, check the freezer compartment capacity separately, as well as the space the appliance needs. A fridge freezer could suit you, provided its height and depth work in your studio flat.
Start by measuring the space and checking the installation instructions for the model you’re considering. Then compare fridge and freezer capacity with your shopping habits, and check the stated noise level if you sleep near the appliance.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting and door clearance | Measure the height, width and depth, and check how far the door opens. Refer to the model’s instructions for ventilation clearances. | I want to fit the fridge in a small kitchen area without blocking the door or restricting airflow; around 38% of shoppers put this installation constraint first. |
| Noise in your living space | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the airborne acoustics class on the energy label. | If I sleep near the kitchen, I want to keep noise to a minimum in my living space; around 31% of shoppers prioritise a quiet appliance. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare fridge capacity with Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, then check the freezer compartment separately. | I do small shops, but my habits may also mean I need room for frozen food; around 31% of shoppers prioritise capacity and freezing. |
A slim fridge may still be deep and need extra space for the door to open. For example, Bosch and Liebherr list depths of 58 cm for the KTR15NWEB and 60.7 cm for the KTe550 respectively, before allowing for installation clearances.
Measure the full space, then check the instructions for the exact model to see what ventilation clearance and door-opening space it needs.
Size alone doesn’t determine noise levels, which vary from model to model. Liebherr lists the KTe550 at 35 dB, while Bosch lists the KTR15NWEB at 39 dB(A).
If your bed is in the same room, compare the dB(A) figures and airborne acoustics classes of the models you’re considering.
A separate freezer compartment can be useful for pre-prepared portions, but you’ll also need to make room for the appliance itself. According to its product details, the Bosch KGN33NWEB measures 176 × 60 × 66 cm.
Think about how much frozen food you usually buy and measure the available space before choosing this style.
When replacing an appliance, arrange for it to be taken away or find another suitable disposal option rather than leaving it with your general rubbish.
The ADEME says that when you replace an appliance, you can hand the old one over to the retailer or delivery team. Check whether this is available before delivery.
Bosch’s product details let you compare an under-counter fridge and a fridge freezer by their dimensions, capacity and stated noise levels.
The KTe550 under-counter fridge is a useful comparison for a low space: Liebherr lists its capacity as 125 litres and its dimensions as 85 × 55 × 60.7 cm.
Beko’s range includes slim under-counter fridges. The brand lists the TS190340N as 82 cm high and 47.5 cm wide.
These models are designed to keep fresh food chilled and also offer some freezer capacity: one one-door fridge freezer and two fridge freezers. If you live in a studio flat, compare their installation dimensions with the space you actually need for frozen food.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh food and some frozen food in the same appliance. The product title describes it as freestanding, with a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Check the installation dimensions and stated noise level for your space.
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One to consider if you’d prefer a one-door appliance but still want a freezer compartment. Before buying, clarify its installation type, which is described inconsistently, and check the clearances it needs. The freezer compartment must be defrosted manually.
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Worth comparing if you regularly store frozen food and have room for a fridge freezer. The product title lists 153 litres of fridge capacity, 74 litres of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Check the height and required clearances too. Low Frost doesn’t mean frost-free.
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and check freezer capacity separately if you store frozen food.
No. The appliance also needs room for ventilation, and its door must be able to open in the space available. Measure the height, width and depth, then check the required clearances in the instructions for the exact model.
A reversible door lets you choose which way it opens, but you’ll still need enough clear space. Check the instructions for the model to find out how to change the door direction and how much room it needs to open.
Compare their stated noise levels in dB(A) and their airborne acoustics classes, rather than looking only at their dimensions. The European Commission says that the energy label for refrigerating appliances displays noise emissions. This comparison is especially useful if you sleep in the same room.
Arrange for it to be taken away or collected before your new appliance arrives. The ADEME says that when you replace a fridge, you can hand the old one over to the retailer or delivery team.