For one person, Que Choisir’s guideline of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity is a helpful starting point, without setting aside too much space for your fridge. A table-top model is best suited to homes where space is tight. If you regularly store frozen food, compare the actual capacity of the freezer compartment instead. In every case, check the installation dimensions and noise level, especially if you live in a studio flat.
If space is tight, compare the dimensions of a table-top or small built-in fridge with the space you actually have. Saving space shouldn’t mean overlooking how much capacity you need for your shopping.
Check the fridge capacity and freezer compartment capacity separately. A small freezer compartment may not suit your shopping habits.
If your fridge is in your living space, compare the stated noise emissions and the noise class on the energy label. The noise you hear also depends on the room and where the appliance is placed.
Start with the capacity you need for your shopping, then compare different sizes based on the space available and how much freezing capacity you want. A built-in model also needs a compatible housing unit and installation setup.
| Feature | What to check | Who should consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the total capacity and the litres allocated to each compartment. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person. | If I need my shopping to last several days without taking up the space a family-sized appliance would, fridge capacity comes first; around 29% of consumers would prioritise it. |
| Size | Measure the height, width and depth, and allow space for the door to open. For a built-in model, also check the housing dimensions, fittings and ventilation requirements in the instructions. | In a small kitchen, I need to be able to install and open the appliance without blocking the way; space would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Freezing capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and features rather than relying on the total capacity alone. | If I often buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may limit what I can store; around 24% of consumers would prioritise freezing capacity. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class on the energy label. | If I live and sleep close to the kitchen, I want to take the appliance’s noise into account; around 18% of consumers would make this their priority. |
A compact model may not leave enough room for fresh or frozen food to suit your shopping habits.
Use Que Choisir’s guideline of 100 to 150 L for one person as a starting point, then check the capacity of each compartment separately.
Having the right width isn’t enough if the housing unit, cabinet door or fittings aren’t compatible with the model.
Compare the housing dimensions and fitting system with your kitchen, then follow the ventilation instructions in the manual. Bosch says that a built-in fridge needs a suitable housing unit.
The European Commission says the energy label for fridges includes information such as the energy class, energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions.
Compare this information across models that fit your kitchen, rather than judging energy use or noise by size alone.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to an individual. An optional commercial warranty does not replace it, as the Ministry of the Economy explains.
Before taking out an extended warranty, read about the additional cover, exclusions and repair conditions.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding table-top fridge for a small space.
Compare its table-top and compact built-in models to find the right fit for your available space and capacity needs.
An option to consider if you’re comparing built-in models with a freezer compartment. Check each model’s capacity carefully.
This 92 L single-door model is best suited to people looking for a compact fridge who are happy with less than Que Choisir’s recommended 100 to 150 L capacity for one person.
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Worth considering if you’re short on space and 92 L is enough for your shopping habits.
The model name indicates a freezer compartment and an energy rating of E. If you store frozen food or are installing the appliance in an open-plan room, check the freezer capacity, noise level and full dimensions before making your choice.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guideline for one person. Adjust this starting point to how often you shop, and check separately how much space is available for fresh and frozen food.
Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the noise class on the energy label. Que Choisir points to models rated below 40 dB(A) as a guide when looking for a quiet fridge, but this doesn’t guarantee you won’t hear it in your room.
Don’t rely on the external dimensions alone. Check the housing unit, door fitting, fixings, door opening direction and ventilation requirements for the new model. Bosch notes that built-in appliances are designed for a suitable housing unit.
The legal guarantee of conformity may apply if the fridge was sold by a business to an individual. The Ministry of the Economy says this covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods, among others. Contact the seller to discuss the fault or difference from the description, regardless of any commercial warranty.