In a studio flat or shared house, first measure the route in, the space available, ventilation clearance and door swing. Then decide how much room you need for fresh and frozen food based on your shopping habits. A table-top fridge is suitable if you buy fresh food often and little frozen food; a model with a freezer compartment can meet occasional freezing needs, while a small fridge-freezer is worth considering if you freeze food regularly. If it’s going in a living space, compare the stated noise levels too.
The fridge needs to fit in the kitchenette, allow the door to open and meet the installation clearance requirements. Que Choisir lists a table-top model as an option for studio flats; check the dimensions of each model individually.
If you shop often and don’t store much frozen food, start by looking at the fridge’s capacity. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, which you can adjust to suit your habits.
If frozen meals are a regular part of your shared shopping, distinguish between a small freezer compartment and a separate freezer section. The space available for frozen food matters just as much as the space for fresh food.
Consider this: if space is very limited and you mainly buy fresh food. Que Choisir lists this style as an option for studio flats.
Bear in mind: its small size means less storage space, and some models don’t have a freezer compartment.
Consider this: if you want to store a few frozen items or make ice cubes, but freezing food isn’t a priority.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment takes up some of the space for fresh food, and may be too small if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider this: if you or your housemates need a separate compartment for frozen food that you buy regularly.
Bear in mind: check its overall size against that of a table-top fridge, even if its total capacity looks suitable.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the route in and the space available, then check the door swing and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | In a narrow kitchenette, I want to be able to get the fridge in and open its door without blocking the way; around 31% of consumers prioritise this fit. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the fridge’s net capacity separately from that of the freezer compartment or freezer. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a general guide for one person. | If we share the shopping, there needs to be enough room for everyone’s fresh food without choosing an overly large appliance; around 25% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Space for frozen food | Check the capacity and star rating of the relevant compartment, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | If frozen meals are a regular part of my shopping, a small freezer compartment may not be enough; around 19% of consumers prioritise freezing capacity. |
| Noise in a living space | Compare the stated dB(A) level and noise class; the figure alone can’t predict how noisy the appliance will seem once installed. | If the fridge is near the bed or desk, I want to keep everyday noise to a minimum; around 25% of consumers put this criterion first. |
An appliance may fit in the space but still be difficult to open or lack the required clearance once installed.
Measure the delivery route and the door swing too. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind a freestanding fridge; follow the instructions for the model you choose.
The freezer compartment takes up some of the total capacity, so two appliances with a similar overall capacity may not offer the same amount of space for fresh food.
Start with your usual shopping habits and compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
The stated noise level helps you compare models, but it doesn’t tell you exactly what you’ll hear next to a bed or desk.
Que Choisir classes models rated below 40 dB(A) among the quieter options. Check recent reviews of the exact model too, and follow its installation instructions.
A built-in model needs a compatible housing space and door fixing; it isn’t automatically a substitute for a small freestanding fridge.
Before ordering, check the installation type, housing dimensions, ventilation and door fixing specified for the model.
The TSE1504FN provides a point of comparison for freestanding table-top fridges designed for small kitchens.
The Rdi 1620 Plus lets you compare fresh food capacity and stated noise levels with the space you actually have available.
The ARG94312FR is an example of a compact built-in fridge, worth considering only if your kitchen has a suitable housing space.
These two models suit different frozen food needs: a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer and a one-door fridge with a freezer compartment. Compare their capacities and check the full dimensions before choosing one for your home.
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Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food: the stated capacity is split between 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer.
Stated width of 54 cm, reversible door, Low Frost technology, 4-star freezer rating and energy rating E. Also measure the height, depth and route in, and check the clearances required for installation.
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Worth considering if you want a one-door fridge with a small freezer compartment for occasional use.
Stated total capacity of 92 L and energy rating E. Before buying, check the overall dimensions, the capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments, and the noise level if the appliance will be in a living space.
Yes. Leave the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind a freestanding fridge; a built-in model must meet its own housing dimensions and ventilation requirements.
Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop and, in a shared house, how much space everyone will actually use. Compare fresh food capacity separately from freezer capacity.
Compare the stated dB(A) level and the model’s noise class. Que Choisir classes appliances rated below 40 dB(A) among the quieter options, but this figure can’t guarantee how noisy the fridge will seem in your room.
A small freezer compartment may suit occasional use, but consider a separate freezer section if frozen food regularly makes up a significant part of your shopping. Compare the freezer capacity and star rating of the models you’re considering.