Student living alone with limited space
You need somewhere to keep your everyday shopping without blocking the way or taking up all the space under a worktop. How often you shop can help you work out how much fridge space you need.
Who is this choice for?
Tenant who is sensitive to noise
If the fridge is near your bed or desk, its stated noise level matters just as much as its capacity. Think about where it will go and how stable it will be when you install it.
Shopper interested in frozen food or refurbished appliances
You may want to keep a few frozen items on hand, or you may be considering a refurbished appliance. In the first case, check the freezer compartment separately; in the second, ask about the product’s condition and the tests carried out.
Which factors should you prioritise?
Start with the food you usually buy, then measure the full space available and compare noise levels if the fridge will be in your living area. A freezer compartment and a refurbished model are options to consider based on your needs, not features you should automatically look for.
| Factor | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity with how often you shop. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person. | If I prepare several meals before shopping again, I want enough room for fresh food. Around 24% of shoppers put this storage need first. |
| Installation | Measure the width, height, depth, access route and door opening; follow the clearances specified in the manual. | In a narrow room, I need to open the door without blocking the way or obstructing ventilation. For around 24% of shoppers, being able to install the appliance is the priority. |
| Noise | Compare the stated dB(A) levels of similar appliances, then follow the manual to ensure the fridge is installed securely. | When the fridge is near my bed or desk, I want to keep noise to a minimum. Quiet operation comes before other factors for around 24% of shoppers. |
| Frozen food | Check the fridge capacity, freezer compartment capacity and star rating separately, as well as how the compartment defrosts. | If I often buy frozen food, I need to make room for it without overestimating how much space will be left for fresh food. Around 19% of shoppers make frozen food storage their main priority. |
| Refurbished appliances | Find out who the seller is, ask about the appliance’s condition and the tests carried out, and distinguish the statutory guarantee from any commercial warranty. | If I choose a refurbished appliance, I want to know what has been checked and who to contact if something goes wrong. This choice and its terms come first for around 9% of shoppers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Trusting the capacity without measuring the space
A fridge may fit under a worktop but still prevent its door from opening fully or block its ventilation openings.
Measure the access route and the space needed for the door to swing open too. Follow the instructions for your chosen model: Beko, for example, says that ventilation openings must be kept clear.
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Assuming “quiet” means “inaudible”
The dB(A) level is a stated figure; on its own, it does not tell you how noticeable the noise may be near your bed, particularly if the appliance vibrates against a unit.
Compare the stated levels of similar appliances. Que Choisir gives less than 40 dBA as a guide for the quietest models; also follow the manual to make sure the appliance is installed securely.
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Counting freezer space as fridge space
In a small appliance, the compartment for frozen food takes up some of the total capacity. The overall figure therefore does not tell you how much room is left for fresh food.
Check the two capacities separately and choose a compartment that suits the frozen food you actually buy.
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Buying a refurbished appliance without checking the offer
The term alone does not tell you the exact condition of the appliance on offer or what the delivery arrangements are. The French Ministry of the Economy describes a refurbished product as a second-hand item whose functions have been tested and which has been repaired or restored if necessary.
Ask who is selling the appliance, what tests have been carried out and whether any faults have been noted. If you buy from a trader in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity also applies to second-hand and refurbished goods, regardless of any commercial warranty.
Brands to consider, depending on the model
These examples show why it is important to compare specific models: a freestanding table-top fridge and a built-in appliance have different installation requirements.
Beko
The TSE1234FSN is an example of a table-top fridge with a small freezer compartment.
- According to BUT’s product information, this model has a total capacity of 114 L, including 101 L of fridge space and a 13 L four-star freezer compartment, with a stated noise level of 36 dB.
- The 13 L freezer capacity should not be confused with the fridge capacity. When installing it, keep the ventilation openings clear, as instructed in the Beko manual.
Candy
The CM4S59EW is designed for a fitted kitchen that can accommodate a built-under fridge.
- Candy lists the external dimensions of this built-in model as 540 × 545 × 871 mm.
- Check the dimensions of the housing and the fitting instructions. This type of appliance should not be chosen as if it were a freestanding model without first checking the installation requirements.
Liebherr
The Rdi 1620 Plus is an example of a table-top fridge to consider if you have more space for fresh food storage.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 141 L, a noise level of 34 dB and dimensions of 85 × 60 × 60,7 cm for this model.
- Check that its width of 60 cm and depth of 60,7 cm will fit the space available, even if its height is typical of a table-top fridge.
An option on Joybuy
This compact model with a freezer compartment is for shoppers who want to keep a few frozen items in the same appliance. Before choosing it for a bedroom or studio flat, check its full dimensions and stated noise level against the space available.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L fridge with freezer
Worth considering if you want a compact appliance that combines fridge storage with a freezer compartment. The product title states a capacity of 92 L and an energy rating of E. Check the freezer capacity and specifications against the frozen food you plan to store.
If you plan to install it near your bed or desk, also compare the model’s height, depth, ventilation requirements and stated noise level with the space available.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check whether a fridge will fit in my studio flat?
Measure the space and the delivery access route, then compare them with the model’s full dimensions. Allow room for the door to open and for the clearances specified in the manual; Beko, for example, says not to obstruct the ventilation openings.
How can I compare the noise levels of two small fridges?
Compare their stated noise levels in dB(A), provided they are similar appliances. Que Choisir gives a figure below 40 dBA as a guide for the quietest fridges, though this does not guarantee that the appliance will not vibrate once installed.
Will a small freezer compartment be big enough for my frozen food?
It may be suitable for storing a small amount, depending on its capacity and your shopping habits. For comparison, the BUT product information for the Beko TSE1234FSN lists 13 L of freezer capacity separately from its 101 L fridge capacity. Also check the star rating and defrosting method of the model you are considering.
What guarantee applies to a refurbished fridge in France?
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies if you buy the refurbished fridge from a trader. Check who the seller is and distinguish this legal protection from any commercial warranty offered with the appliance.
What temperature should I set after installation?
Electrolux recommends 4 °C or lower in the fridge compartment and −18 °C in a freezer. Check your model’s manual for instructions on setting the temperature and checking it after installation.