Choose a format based on the space you actually have and how much frozen food you keep: a table-top fridge without a freezer compartment prioritises fresh food; a single-door model adds some freezer space, which you should check against your needs; and a fridge-freezer keeps the two storage areas more separate, if you have room for a larger appliance. Before ordering, check the dimensions and door clearance, the gaps specified in the manual, the usable capacities of each compartment and the noise level if you sleep near the kitchen.
You need to keep walkways and furniture accessible, even when the fridge door is open. Que Choisir describes table-top fridges as suitable for studio flats; still, measure the space and check the model’s manual for ventilation and installation requirements.
You use most of your storage space for fresh food, but would also like to keep a few frozen items. Compare the capacity and storage conditions of a single-door model’s compartment with the separate capacities of a fridge-freezer, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
You’ll be able to hear the fridge from where you sleep or work. The stated noise level can help you compare appliances, but Que Choisir points out that it cannot, on its own, predict how disruptive you’ll find the noise.
Choose this if: you have limited height and mainly store fresh food; Que Choisir recommends this format for studio flats.
Bear in mind: without a freezer compartment, it cannot store frozen food on its own.
Choose this if: you’d like to set aside a small part of the appliance for frozen food without installing a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: the compartment takes up space that could be used for fresh food; its capacity and storage conditions depend on the model.
Choose this if: you regularly buy frozen food and have enough space for two separate compartments.
Bear in mind: pay particular attention to the required height or housing dimensions; for example, Electrolux’s ENG7TD18S built-in fridge-freezer requires a niche measuring 1,780 × 560 × 550 mm.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and door clearance | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the manual for ventilation gaps and the clearance needed to open the door. | In a narrow kitchenette, I want to open the fridge without blocking the walkway or trapping a cupboard door; around 42% of consumers would make this their priority when choosing an appliance to fit their space. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the usable capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, as well as the storage conditions for the latter. | If I buy a mix of fresh and frozen food, I want room for both without sacrificing the storage I use most; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Noise and energy | Check the stated noise level, energy label and annual energy consumption of appliances that suit your space. | When I sleep near the kitchen, I want to consider the noise and day-to-day running costs; around 25% of consumers would put these concerns at the top of their list. |
A fridge may fit into a niche but still have too little space for ventilation or for the door to open properly. Installation requirements vary from model to model.
Measure the delivery route too, and check your space against the installation instructions for the exact model. Remember to account for walls, handles and nearby furniture.
Two appliances with similar external dimensions can divide their space differently between fresh and frozen food. Bosch’s specifications for the KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB table-top fridges, for example, list 134 L and 106 L of fridge capacity respectively; the latter has an integrated freezer compartment.
Start with your usual shopping and check the separate capacities and interior layout before considering secondary features.
Que Choisir says that the stated noise level alone isn’t enough to determine whether a fridge will disturb your sleep. The room and the installation also affect how noticeable the noise is.
If your bed is nearby, compare the stated dB(A) levels of similar formats and look for independent tests where available. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Delivery of your new fridge and collection of your old one are two separate arrangements to make, particularly if access to your home is narrow or involves stairs.
In France, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when buying an appliance of the same type. Confirm delivery and collection arrangements with the seller before placing your order.
These examples can help you compare formats and installation requirements; they don’t support conclusions about every appliance made by each brand.
Two of the brand’s freestanding table-top fridges illustrate the choice between a model devoted to fresh food and one with a freezer compartment.
The brand’s built-in models are worth considering if your kitchenette already has space under the worktop or a suitable niche.
Electrolux’s built-in model specifications let you compare a fridge dedicated to fresh food with a fridge-freezer that separates fresh and frozen storage.
These models are for small kitchens where you’re considering either a fridge-freezer with separate compartments or a single-door fridge. Their suitability depends on your measurements, shopping habits and, for built-in models, the available cabinetry.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food in one freestanding appliance, provided its height and door suit your kitchen.
The product name lists a capacity of 174 L, Low Frost technology, LED lighting and a reversible door. Check the full dimensions, ventilation clearances and stated noise level if your sleeping area is nearby.
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Worth considering if you regularly shop for fresh and frozen food and have enough height for the appliance.
The product name lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Width alone isn’t enough: check the height, depth, ventilation and delivery route into your home.
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This option is for a small kitchen that already has compatible cabinetry, rather than a freestanding space under the worktop.
The product name lists a capacity of 252 L, No Frost technology, an Inverter compressor and an energy rating of C. Before choosing this built-in model, check the niche dimensions, fitting, ventilation and door clearance in its manual.
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Worth considering when space is extremely limited and your fresh-food storage needs are modest.
The product name lists a capacity of 45 L, a glass shelf and an energy rating of E. If you plan to store frozen food, check the compartment’s classification and storage conditions before making it part of your usual shopping routine. Also check the door clearance and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you prioritise fresh-food storage in a kitchenette but also want a freezer compartment.
The product name lists a capacity of 92 L, a freezer section and an energy rating of E. Check the section’s capacity and storage conditions against the frozen food you buy, as well as the full dimensions, ventilation requirements and noise level for your space.
Yes: leave the clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose, rather than applying the same allowance to every appliance. Bosch advises following its installation instructions; check them against the dimensions of your space before buying.
No: the stated dB(A) level can help you compare models, but it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t notice the noise near your bed. Que Choisir points out that this figure alone can’t predict whether the appliance will disturb your sleep; also consider the room and the installation instructions.
In France, you can contact the seller under the legal guarantee of conformity. According to the Ministry of the Economy, this guarantee applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual; it is separate from a retailer’s returns policy.
When replacing an appliance in France, ask the seller about the ‘one-for-one’ take-back of an old appliance of the same type, as described by the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Before delivery, confirm where and when the appliance will be collected, particularly if access to your home is restricted.