For a studio flat, first measure the space, the delivery route and the door clearance. Then choose how much room you need for fresh and frozen food based on how often you shop. A table-top or small single-door model takes up less space, while a fridge freezer offers a separate freezer compartment but needs more room. Also compare the chosen model’s energy use in kWh/year, noise level and ventilation requirements.
If your fridge needs to fit under a worktop or into a small alcove, start by checking the model’s dimensions and ventilation requirements. UFC-Que Choisir associates table-top models with studio flats; a single-door appliance may also be worth considering if its freezer compartment meets your needs.
A single-door model with a freezer compartment can give you a small reserve of frozen food. Check the compartment’s capacity and rating: Electrolux points out that this space is generally smaller than in a fridge freezer.
A fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment may be a better fit if you need to store more fresh and frozen food. However, you’ll need enough room for its height and depth, including along the route into your home.
The right size depends first on the space available and how much frozen food you need to store. Fridge capacity, energy use and noise level can then help you choose between models that fit your home.
Consider this if: under-worktop height or available width severely limits your options, and you often buy fresh food.
Bear in mind: usable capacity and freezer space are generally limited. Check the dimensions and ventilation requirements before installing it under a worktop.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food, with just a small reserve of frozen items.
Bear in mind: Electrolux describes this format’s freezer compartment as generally smaller than the one in a fridge freezer.
Consider this if: you want to keep frozen food separate from fresh food and have enough height available.
Bear in mind: it will be considerably taller than a table-top fridge, so check its depth and whether it can be brought into your home at delivery.
Consider this if: you shop less often, store more frozen food and have room for the appliance.
Bear in mind: it takes up more space. Compare the annual energy use of models that suit your needs rather than assuming it from size alone.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width, depth and door clearance, then check the delivery route and the clearances specified in the manual. | If the appliance needs to fit in a narrow alcove or be carried up a difficult staircase, you’ll need to make sure it can be installed before comparing capacities; around 33% of consumers prioritise this constraint. |
| Freezer space | Compare the net capacity and rating of the compartment; in particular, check for a 4-star rating if you want to freeze fresh food. | If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, a small compartment may limit what you can keep between shops; this is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Fresh food capacity | Check the net capacity in litres and the interior layout against how often you shop. | If you shop less often, you’ll need enough room to keep fresh food until your next shop; around 20% of consumers put capacity first. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare kWh/year and noise levels in dB(A) between appliances of a similar size and capacity. | In an open-plan living space, you’ll want to consider both an appliance that runs continuously and the noise you’ll hear; around 20% of consumers make this their main concern. |
A fridge might fit in the space without leaving enough room to open the door or meet ventilation requirements. Its depth, the height under the worktop and the route into the room all matter too.
Take all the measurements and check which way the door opens. Then compare them with the space, the delivery route and the installation instructions for the exact model.
Electrolux says that an integrated freezer compartment is generally smaller than the one in a fridge freezer. It may not be suitable if you regularly store frozen food.
Check its net capacity and rating. If you want to freeze fresh food, make sure the compartment is designed for this, including checking for a 4-star rating.
A fridge runs continuously, as ADEME points out. The energy rating letter doesn’t replace comparing the annual energy use of appliances that meet similar needs.
Check the kWh/year on the energy label, then consider this alongside the capacity, size and noise level.
If an appliance is transported on its side, you may need to wait before switching it on to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor.
Transport it upright whenever possible. After transporting it on its side, Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging it in; always follow the instructions in your model’s manual first.
The TS190340N is an example of a freestanding table-top fridge worth considering for a small space.
The brand offers fridges with freezer compartments, including models designed for smaller kitchens.
The available specifications for Bosch models make it easier to compare the dimensions of freestanding fridge freezers with your space.
These models include a small single-door fridge, a compact fridge freezer and larger-capacity fridge freezers. Start by choosing a size and a balance of fresh and frozen food storage that suits your space and shopping habits.
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Consider this if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate in a relatively narrow fridge freezer. The model name indicates 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. Check the height, ventilation clearances and kWh/year before deciding whether it’s right for your kitchenette.
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Worth considering if you shop less often and have room for a large appliance. The model name indicates a total capacity of 360 L, three doors, Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check that it can be brought into the room and that you can meet the clearances specified in the manual.
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This fridge freezer is worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food and have enough room. Its name indicates 252 L of fridge space, 103 L of freezer space and a width of 60 cm. Check its height, depth, annual energy use and noise level to see whether it’s right for your home.
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Worth considering if space for an appliance is limited and you don’t buy much fresh food. The model name indicates a total capacity of 92 L and a small freezer compartment. Before relying on it for a regular supply of frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity and rating. Also check the full dimensions and ventilation requirements.
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Consider this if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food and can fit a fridge freezer that’s 60 cm wide. The model name indicates 211 L of fridge space and 99 L of freezer space. Also measure the required height and depth, then compare the model’s kWh/year and noise level with those of other appliances suited to your room.
UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guide for one person, not a fixed requirement. Adjust this to how often you shop, how much room your food takes up and your freezer needs, while keeping the dimensions of the space in mind.
No. It depends on the dimensions and ventilation requirements of the model you choose. Bosch specifies alcove and airflow requirements for some built-in appliances; these don’t replace the instructions for a freestanding model or a different product.
After transporting it on its side, Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours before plugging it in, to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor. Check your fridge’s manual and follow its instructions if they differ.
Compare their annual energy use in kWh/year, ideally between fridges of a similar size and capacity. The European energy label also shows a rating from A to G, but the letter alone doesn’t sum up the energy use of two appliances of different sizes.
In France, the statutory legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a retailer to a private individual, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy. If the product doesn’t match its description, contact the seller to discuss the remedies available under this guarantee; the seller’s voluntary returns policy doesn’t replace your statutory rights.