Who is it for?

Studio flat tenant or single occupant

You have limited space and do smaller shops, so the choice often comes down to a table-top fridge without a freezer or a model with a small 4-star compartment. Beko product sheets distinguish between these two configurations.

Furnished rental property owner

You need an appliance suitable for a kitchenette that remains practical to install and replace. Measure access points, check the specified installation requirements and confirm the arrangements for collecting the old appliance before ordering.

Small household that regularly buys frozen food

You need to distinguish between a small freezer, a 4-star compartment and a separate freezer, so you do not unnecessarily restrict your frozen-food storage.

Buying priorities

Start by confirming the space and installation type. Then size the freezer section according to your shopping habits before comparing noise and energy consumption between similar models.

Priority What to check Your needs
Size and installation Measure the width, height and depth, the doorway, the door opening and any available housing. Distinguish between a freestanding appliance and an integrated under-counter model. I want to install the fridge without obstructing a cupboard, sink or the flow of movement in the kitchenette.
Freezing Check whether there is a freezer, the star rating of the compartment and the capacity of a separate freezer. According to Electroguide, a 2-star freezer only keeps frozen food for a few weeks. A few frozen items are enough for me, or I need a separate area for regular purchases.
Noise and energy consumption Compare the energy label, annual consumption, usable capacity and noise level in dB(A) between similar appliances. ADEME states that the label also helps you compare noise levels. The fridge will be in my living space, so I do not want to choose based solely on the energy rating or capacity.
Delivery and collection Check the packaged dimensions, access to upper floors, the delivery and installation service, and collection of the old appliance. For delivery to the place of use, the French decree of 8 October 2014 provides for the collection of the corresponding used appliance. I want to be able to get the appliance inside and replace it without arranging separate removal of the old fridge.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing a small freezer with genuine freezing capacity

    A small fridge compartment does not necessarily support the same uses as a 4-star compartment. Electroguide states that a 2-star freezer only keeps frozen food for a few weeks.

    Look for the star rating in the specifications for the exact model. For regular frozen-food purchases, choose a compartment explicitly rated 4 stars or a fridge freezer with separate zones.

  • Measuring only the appliance height

    An integrated under-counter model requires a compatible housing and installation. In a studio flat, a door that cannot open fully can also restrict access to the shelves and drawers.

    Measure the entire space, the delivery route and the door clearance. Choose the installation type before comparing capacities.

  • Assuming delivery includes every service

    Collection of the old appliance is covered when it is delivered, but access, stairs, removal and preparation of the appliance still need to be confirmed with the seller.

    Before ordering, check the delivery service offered, the accessibility of the building, the collection option and the preparation required for the old fridge.

  • Choosing based solely on the energy label

    A fridge runs continuously, so a useful comparison should take account of usable capacity, annual consumption and noise, rather than just one indicator.

    Compare appliances of the same type and similar capacity using the energy label, then check the dB(A) rating and freezer configuration.

Brands to know for these formats

Beko

Worth considering when comparing freestanding table-top formats, with or without a freezer compartment.

  • The French product sheets distinguish between the TSE1504FN without a freezer and the TSE1264FMGN with an upper 4-star compartment.
  • The MinFrost and 4-star compartment claims are features stated by Beko, not the results of an independent test.

Bosch

Worth considering when your kitchen requires an integrated under-counter appliance and installation constraints are crucial.

  • Bosch presents the Bosch KUR21VFE0 as an integrated under-counter model measuring 82 × 59,8 cm, with 134 L of fridge space and no freezer.
  • Under-counter installation depends on the housing, hinges, ventilation and the instructions supplied with the appliance.

Whirlpool

Worth looking at when the priority shifts to a two-compartment fridge freezer rather than a table-top format.

  • The WHK 25364 W4E is an example of a fridge freezer advertised with 210 L of fridge space and 106 L of freezer space.
  • With 316 L in total, this example is larger than a mini format intended for a studio flat.

Options available on Joybuy

Joybuy options for a studio flat or furnished rental, ranging from compact single-door fridges to models with separate fresh-food and freezer compartments.

Comfee RCB169WH2(E) 174 L fridge freezer

Comfee RCB169WH2(E) 174 L

For a small household wanting separate zones for fresh and frozen food.

174 L freestanding model, advertised height of 150 cm, 4-star freezer, Low Frost, 39 dB, LED lighting and reversible door.

Check the ventilation clearances, door clearance and delivery route. Also compare annual consumption on the energy label.

Joybuy
Comfee by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E) 174 L fridge freezer

Comfee by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E) 174 L

Consider it if you are looking for separate fresh-food and freezer compartments in an appliance with an advertised width of 47 cm.

174 L freestanding fridge freezer with Low Frost, adjustable thermostat, LED lighting, reversible door and adjustable feet.

Before choosing, check the dB(A) rating, annual consumption, ventilation clearances and the dimensions required for delivery.

Joybuy
CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge freezer

CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L

For a small household needing a more generous separate freezer than a table-top model can offer.

227 L fridge freezer with 153 L of fridge space, 74 L 4-star freezer, advertised width of 54 cm, Low Frost, 39 dB and reversible door.

Its capacity may be substantial for a very small studio flat, so pay particular attention to the height, depth, ventilation and delivery route.

Joybuy
CHiQ JR92DSE 92 L single-door fridge

CHiQ JR92DSE 92 L

An option for one person who does smaller shops and wants a compact footprint.

92 L single-door fridge, advertised width of 47 cm, with reversible door, seven-position mechanical thermostat, adjustable shelves and salad drawer.

If you keep frozen food, confirm the capacity, temperature and star rating of the relevant compartment. Also check the noise level, consumption and delivery arrangements.

Joybuy
TCL RF60DWE0FR 45 L mini fridge

TCL RF60DWE0FR 45 L

Worth considering for a very small studio flat, short-term occupancy or limited requirements for drinks and fresh food.

45 L table-top mini fridge with adjustable feet, toughened glass shelf and E energy rating.

The advertised 3 L compartment, operating between 5 and -5 °C, is not suitable for storing frozen food. The 45 L capacity also means shopping more frequently.

Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Is a freezer the same as a freezer compartment for frozen food?

No. Check the compartment’s star rating in the product details. Electroguide states that a 2-star freezer only keeps frozen food for a few weeks, while Beko states that the 4-star compartment in the TSE1264FMGN keeps frozen food at temperatures down to -18 °C. For regular purchases, choose a compartment explicitly rated 4 stars or two separate zones.

Can I install any fridge under a worktop?

No. A compact freestanding fridge and an integrated under-counter model have different requirements. The Bosch KUR21VFE0 is designed for an 82 × 59,8 cm housing; check the housing, specified ventilation, hinges, door opening and electrical socket in the instructions for your chosen model.

Does the seller have to collect my old fridge in France?

When a new appliance is delivered to its place of use, the French decree of 8 October 2014 provides for the corresponding used appliance to be collected as part of that delivery. Before payment, confirm that collection has been selected, that the old appliance is of the same type and that it is accessible to the delivery team.

How do I compare the electricity use and noise of two small fridges?

Compare the energy labels of appliances of the same type and similar capacity, looking at the rating, annual consumption and noise level. ADEME states that the regulated label helps compare energy consumption and noise pollution; also check the sound level in dB(A) in the model’s product details.