Studio flat renter with limited space
Width alone won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit. You also need to be able to open the door, leave the required clearances and get it through to the kitchen.
Who is this advice for?
Single-person household doing a weekly shop
You’ll need enough room for fresh food between shops, as well as freezer capacity suited to how much frozen food you actually buy.
Someone with a fitted kitchen
If your kitchen units require a built-in model, the housing unit dimensions, ventilation and door mechanism matter more than the appliance’s external dimensions alone.
How do the different sizes compare?
Start with what you need to store between shops, then rule out any sizes that won’t fit your kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this according to how much space you need for fresh and frozen food.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, and check the door opening; confirm the required clearances or, for a built-in model, the housing unit dimensions and ventilation. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to get the appliance in, open it and ventilate it without blocking the way; around 36% of consumers rank installation constraints as a priority. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the total capacity, and check what type it is. | If frozen food is part of my usual shop, a small freezer compartment may not give me enough storage; this is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fresh food capacity | Check the usable fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves, drawers and door storage. | I shop once a week and want enough room to store fresh food until my next shop, without choosing an appliance designed for a family; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this capacity. |
| Noise and electricity use | On the energy label, compare noise emissions in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh for appliances with similar capacities. | When the fridge is close to my living space, its noise and stated energy consumption matter more; around 14% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
What to avoid before placing your order
-
Relying on the total capacity alone
A total capacity that suits one person may still include a very small freezer compartment. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately against what you actually store over a week.
-
Measuring the available space without allowing for the door or ventilation
An appliance may fit in the space but still be difficult to open or lack the required clearances. The delivery route may also be narrower than the kitchen.
Measure the space, door swing and access into your home, then follow the installation instructions for the model you choose.
-
Assuming a built-in model is interchangeable with a freestanding one of the same size
Whether a built-in model will fit depends on the housing unit dimensions, ventilation and door-fixing system. Similar external dimensions don’t guarantee that two appliances will fit in the same unit.
Note the housing unit’s three dimensions and the type of hinge or sliding system before comparing the installation instructions.
The kitchen unit may need adapting or additional installation work may be required if it isn’t compatible.
-
Leaving arrangements for your old appliance until delivery day
In a studio flat, keeping two fridges temporarily can make access and installation difficult. When buying a replacement appliance in France, Service-Public.fr states that the retailer must take away your old appliance free of charge, including when you buy online.
Before ordering, check how the retailer arranges collection and what you need to do to prepare your old appliance.
Brands to consider by size and style
Hisense
The RT161D4ADE is an example of a slim, freestanding fridge-freezer: Hisense lists a capacity of 124 L, a width of 47,5 cm and a noise level of 36 dB for this model.
- Worth comparing if kitchen width is a key consideration.
- Check how the capacity is split between the fridge and freezer, as well as the required clearances; these specifications don’t apply to the whole range.
Candy
Candy offers a range that includes tabletop, fridge-freezer and built-in models. According to the brand, its freestanding CDH1S513EW fridge-freezer measures 50 × 57 × 122 cm.
- A range of sizes makes it easier to start with your space and installation requirements.
- The static cooling system and E energy rating listed for the CDH1S513EW won’t necessarily apply to other Candy models.
Liebherr
For the CTele 2131, Liebherr lists a total capacity of 196 L, a width of 55 cm, a depth of 63 cm and a noise level of 37 dB.
- This capacity is a useful benchmark if you shop less frequently.
- Check the space needed for the depth and door opening; SmartFrost is a feature listed by the manufacturer for this model.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool’s range includes the ARZ0051, a built-in under-counter model listed at 59,7 × 81,9 × 54,5 cm.
- An under-counter model is worth considering if your kitchen units require a low appliance.
- The housing unit, its ventilation and the door mechanism must be compatible with the model you choose.
Electrolux
Electrolux lists the built-in LFO5SE12R for a housing unit measuring 1 225 × 560 × 550 mm. The model has a total capacity of 181 L and a noise level of 35 dB.
- Published housing unit dimensions give you a precise starting point for checking an existing kitchen unit.
- Compatibility also depends on the door system and the model’s installation requirements; height alone won’t tell you whether it will fit.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
These models include fridge-freezers with different capacities, as well as built-in appliances. To choose one for a studio flat, compare the compartments with your shopping habits, then check its overall dimensions or whether it’s compatible with your kitchen unit.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want separate storage for fresh food and frozen food. The model name indicates a 153 L fridge, a 74 L freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating.
Before choosing it for a studio flat, check its full height, door swing, ventilation clearances and the annual energy consumption shown on its label.
Image unavailable
Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L built-in fridge-freezer
Consider this model if your fitted kitchen requires a built-in appliance and its capacity suits your shopping habits. The product name lists No Frost, an Inverter compressor and a C energy rating.
Check the instructions against the housing unit dimensions, ventilation and door-fixing system; also make sure it can be brought in through the delivery route.
Image unavailable
SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge-freezer
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if fresh food storage matters more to you than having a large freezer. The model name indicates a single door, a top freezer compartment and an E energy rating.
Check the freezer compartment capacity against your habits, as well as the housing unit, ventilation and door system compatibility.
Image unavailable
AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L white built-in fridge-freezer
Consider this model if your shopping habits call for a built-in fridge-freezer with this capacity. The model name lists TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating.
Measure the housing unit and delivery route, then check the ventilation, door system and annual energy consumption in the model documentation.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s, 253 L stainless steel fridge-freezer
Worth comparing if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a 182 L fridge, a 71 L freezer, No Frost and a noise level of 39 dB.
Before choosing this capacity for a studio flat, check the full dimensions, ventilation clearances and route through to your kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity should one person look for?
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately: the total capacity doesn’t show how the space is divided.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for a weekly shop?
It may be enough if you freeze very little, but UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment won’t meet the needs of someone who eats a lot of frozen food. If you regularly need freezer storage, check the compartment’s capacity and type before choosing between a compact model and a fridge-freezer.
What should you measure before ordering a built-in fridge?
Measure the housing unit’s height, width and depth, then check its ventilation and door-fixing system. For example, Electrolux lists a housing unit measuring 1 225 × 560 × 550 mm for the LFO5SE12R; these dimensions won’t automatically suit another built-in model.
Can you use the energy label to compare noise levels too?
Yes. According to the European Commission, the energy label for fridges and freezers includes information such as energy consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions. Compare these figures across appliances with capacities that suit your needs, rather than choosing on energy rating alone.
How can you arrange for an old fridge to be taken away when a new one is delivered in France?
When you buy a replacement appliance, Service-Public.fr states that the retailer must take away your old appliance free of charge, including for online purchases. Check the collection arrangements before completing your order, and prepare the old appliance according to the delivery instructions.