If you live alone, start by considering usable capacity: Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L as an average guide, which you can adjust to how often you shop and how much room you need for frozen food. An under-counter model with a small freezer compartment works for limited storage; if you need a separate freezer, consider a fridge freezer instead and check its height. In a fitted kitchen, only choose an integrated model once you’ve checked the housing, door panel and ventilation requirements for that specific model.
If you often buy a few items at a time, a compact appliance could meet your needs without taking over the kitchen. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as an average guide for one person. Compare this with your habits and the space you actually have available.
Think about how many frozen items you want to store at once. A small built-in freezer compartment and the separate freezer section of a fridge freezer offer different amounts of space, so check the capacity reserved for frozen food rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
If you’re replacing an appliance behind a cabinet door, measure the housing first and check the existing door-fitting system. The direction the door opens and the new model’s ventilation requirements matter just as much as its capacity.
First decide what you need to store, then rule out any formats that won’t fit in the space available.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity, which is separate from its total capacity. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L as an average guide for one person; adjust this to how often you shop. | I shop little and often, or I need to store fresh food for a whole week. |
| Freezing | Check the capacity and type of compartment: a small built-in freezer compartment or a separate freezer. Check the star rating if you also want to freeze fresh food. | Will a few occasional frozen items be enough, or do I need drawers for regular storage? |
| Format | An under-counter model fits in a low space, while a freestanding fridge freezer needs more height. An integrated model requires a housing and door-panel fitting that are compatible with the installation instructions. | I have space under the worktop, room for a tall appliance or an existing fitted housing. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the delivery access. Check the door swing, opening direction and the ventilation clearances required for the specific model. | The door must open without hitting a wall or cabinet, and the appliance must fit without blocking the way. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) for the exact model. Que Choisir lists appliances rated below 40 dBA among the quietest. | In a single-room space, I want to consider noise if the fridge will be near my bed or desk. |
| Energy | Compare the A to G energy rating and annual consumption shown on the energy label, ideally between appliances of a similar format and capacity. The European Commission also lets you check appliance details in EPREL. | I want to compare energy use without choosing based on the rating letter alone or overlooking the capacity I need. |
A fridge may fit between two cabinets but stick out below the worktop, get in the way or prevent the door from opening fully.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and the delivery access. Then check the door swing and the clearances required in the model’s instructions.
The space for frozen food can vary considerably between formats: Candy’s specifications list 14 L for the under-counter CCTOS 544WHN and 64 L for the CCG1S 518EWX fridge freezer.
Work out how much you want to store at once, then compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the type of compartment.
External dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that an appliance will fit a fitted kitchen. Beko specifies a sliding hinge for the BSSA300M4SN, while Electrolux gives a 1 780 mm housing height for the ENS5LE18S.
Measure the housing and compare the door fitting, ventilation and installation diagram with those of the appliance you’re replacing.
If the housing or fitting isn’t compatible, you may need to adapt the cabinet or arrange professional installation.
A letter doesn’t tell you how much storage space an appliance offers or how noisy it is, and two different formats may not meet the same needs. The European energy label also shows annual consumption.
Compare appliances with a similar capacity using their annual consumption, usable capacities and stated noise levels.
These example models illustrate different formats; their specifications don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The KTL15NWEB is an example of a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
The CCTOS 544WHN and CCG1S 518EWX models let you compare an under-counter fridge with a freestanding fridge freezer.
The BSSA300M4SN is an example of a single-door integrated fridge with a 4-star freezer compartment.
The ENS5LE18S is an example of an integrated fridge freezer designed to fit in a tall cabinet.
The HBW5519E is an example of a tall integrated fridge freezer with a reversible door.
This selection includes a compact single-door fridge, freestanding fridge freezers and integrated fridge freezers. First choose a format that fits your kitchen, then compare the space available for fresh and frozen food.
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Worth considering if your fitted kitchen has a tall cabinet and you want a separate freezer compartment.
The model name indicates a capacity of 252 L, No Frost, an Inverter compressor and a C energy rating. Before choosing this integrated model, check the housing dimensions, ventilation and door-panel fitting.
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This format is suited to a fitted kitchen with a tall cabinet designed to accommodate an integrated fridge freezer.
The model name indicates a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check each compartment’s capacity in the model documentation, then confirm the housing, ventilation and door-panel fitting before buying.
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Worth considering if you shop frequently and only need a little space for frozen food. Its 92 L capacity is below Que Choisir’s average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person.
The model name indicates an E energy rating. Before deciding where to put it in a studio flat, check the freezer compartment’s capacity and star rating, the noise level and the full dimensions.
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A freestanding fridge freezer to consider if you want to store frozen food in a separate compartment without using an integrated cabinet.
The product name indicates 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, a noise level of 39 dB and No Frost. Check its width, depth and installation clearances before making room for it in a small kitchen.
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Worth considering if you need a separate freezer and have enough room for a 282 L freestanding fridge freezer.
The model name indicates an E energy rating. Before choosing it for a studio flat, check the dimensions of the space and delivery route, the door opening direction and the stated noise level in dB(A).
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as an average guide for one person. If you shop less often, check that the fridge capacity can hold everything you need between shops, and work out separately how much room you need for frozen food.
A small freezer compartment can work for a limited amount of occasional storage. If you regularly buy frozen food or want to freeze fresh food, compare the compartment’s capacity, how it’s separated from the fridge and its star rating.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, along with the delivery access. Allow room for the door to open and follow the ventilation clearances in the instructions for the exact model. Beko’s instructions, for example, remind you not to obstruct airflow.
Choose an integrated model if your kitchen has a housing and door panel that are compatible with the model you’re considering. Check the installation diagram, door fitting and ventilation. A freestanding model doesn’t need to be fitted to a cabinet door.
Compare the stated noise level in dB(A), annual energy consumption and energy rating for appliances with a similar format and capacity. Que Choisir lists models rated below 40 dBA among the quietest, while the European energy label lets you compare energy consumption.