First, choose a fridge that fits the available space and, if necessary, your existing kitchen unit. A table-top fridge is a good choice when height is limited and fresh food is your priority. A model with an integrated freezer compartment also gives you space for frozen food, sometimes at the expense of fresh-food capacity. In a studio flat, compare the stated noise levels and energy consumption too, but don’t treat decibel ratings as a guarantee of quiet operation.
Available space, the amount of fresh food you buy and noise in your living area can all help guide your choice. Que Choisir gives an average useful capacity of 100 to 150 l for one person, which you can adjust to suit your shopping habits.
If you often store frozen food, compare the freezer compartment’s capacity with the space for fresh food, as well as the capacity of each compartment.
If you’re replacing a built-in appliance, check the niche dimensions, door fitting and installation instructions before choosing a model.
Worth considering: if headroom is limited and fresh food is your priority. The Bosch KTR15NWEB is an example of this format, with 134 l of fridge capacity and no freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: a low-profile design doesn’t guarantee enough capacity for every household, or include a freezer compartment.
Worth considering: if you’d like to store a few frozen items in a low-profile appliance. The Bosch KTL15NWEB has an integrated freezer compartment and 106 l of fridge capacity.
Bear in mind: the two Bosch models mentioned have the same external dimensions, but the version with a freezer compartment has 28 l less fridge capacity. Bosch France states energy consumption of 139 kWh/year compared with 91 kWh/year.
Worth considering: if you regularly store frozen food and have enough headroom. The Liebherr CTPe231-26 has a total capacity of 233 l and stands 140.1 cm tall.
Bear in mind: make sure its height and depth of 63 cm suit your space. Liebherr says SmartFrost reduces frost build-up but doesn’t eliminate the need to defrost.
Worth considering: if you need to keep your existing unit and niche. The Liebherr URc 375i requires a niche measuring 86 to 92 × 60 × 56 cm.
Bear in mind: the appliance dimensions alone aren’t enough. Check all the niche measurements and the mounting system in the model’s documentation.
To choose a fridge for a small kitchen, match the installation requirements to your habits, then compare the capacity of each compartment, noise levels and maintenance.
| Feature | What to check before buying | Who prioritises it most |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. For a built-in model, check the niche dimensions and mounting system. | If I need to fit the appliance into a specific space, I also measure the access route and door opening before comparing models. Around 28% of consumers prioritise space or installation compatibility. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and storage features with how often you shop. For one person, 100 to 150 l is an average guide from Que Choisir, not a compulsory minimum. | When most of my shopping is fresh food, I look at the usable space in the fridge rather than the appliance’s total capacity. Around 22% of consumers prioritise fresh-food storage. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity and features, and what defrosting the model requires. | If I regularly keep frozen food, I compare its storage space with the room for fresh food before choosing a format. Around 22% of consumers put freezer capacity at the top of their list. |
| Noise in your living area | Compare the dB(A) ratings and, if available for the models you’re considering, listening-test results for those exact models. | If I sleep or spend a lot of time near the fridge, noise becomes an important factor after space requirements. Around 17% of consumers prioritise quiet operation. |
| Energy consumption and maintenance | Compare kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment. Check the manual for defrosting requirements. | Once I’ve found formats that fit my home, I compare stated energy consumption and the maintenance needed for the cooling system. Around 11% of consumers prioritise these practical considerations. |
Two low-profile appliances can divide their capacity differently between fridge and freezer. So, a similar total capacity doesn’t necessarily mean the same amount of space for fresh food.
Compare the capacity of each compartment separately with what you usually buy.
Height and depth can also prevent installation. A built-in appliance must also fit the niche and door configuration.
Measure every part of the space and check the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
Que Choisir notes that appliances with similar stated noise levels can sound different in listening tests. Vibration and the type of noise also matter.
Use dB(A) as a first point of comparison. If noise is a key concern, look for an acoustic test of the exact model.
Liebherr describes SmartFrost as a technology that limits frost build-up, not one that removes the need to defrost altogether.
Check the technology used in the relevant compartment and the maintenance instructions in the manual.
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB are examples of two table-top fridges with the same external dimensions, with or without a freezer compartment.
The models mentioned include a table-top fridge, a compact fridge freezer and an under-counter built-in model.
The ELB3AE82YY is an example of an under-counter built-in fridge for a fitted kitchen.
The models below include freestanding compact fridges, appliances with an integrated freezer compartment and a built-in model. Compare the available space, capacity of each compartment and installation requirements with your needs.
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Worth considering if fresh food is your priority and you don’t need an integrated freezer compartment.
Capacity: 82 L; stated noise level: 40 dB; stated energy consumption: 84 kWh/year. The product page lists a fruit and vegetable drawer and adjustable shelves.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one compact appliance.
The product page lists 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer, dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm and a noise level of 39 dB. Low Frost limits frost build-up but doesn’t eliminate the need to defrost.
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Worth considering if your fitted kitchen can accommodate a built-in appliance with a sliding hinge system.
The product page lists 174 L for the fridge and 14 L for the freezer, and a niche measuring 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm. The freezer requires manual defrosting, and the furniture door is not included.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact appliance with an integrated freezer compartment.
The title gives a capacity of 92 L; the product page states a width of 47 cm and an energy rating of E. It also lists adjustable shelves, a salad crisper and mechanical controls.
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Worth considering if you need space for fresh and frozen food in a compact kitchen.
The product page gives a capacity of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. It states a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and a noise level of 39 dB. Low Frost limits frost build-up but doesn’t eliminate the need to defrost.
Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as an average guide for one person, then adds 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to suit your shopping habits and compare fridge and freezer capacity separately: it’s not a compulsory minimum.
Height alone isn’t enough to confirm whether a table-top fridge will fit in place of a built-in model. Check the niche dimensions, door fitting and installation instructions for the model in question. For example, the Liebherr URc 375i requires a niche measuring 86 to 92 × 60 × 56 cm.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C. Check the temperature, especially if the room is warm, the door is opened frequently or the fridge is full, and consult the manual for instructions on setting your model.
Compare the kWh/year and dB(A) ratings for the models you’re considering, along with the capacity of each compartment. The European Commission says that fridge energy labels have used an A to G scale since 1 March 2021; identical noise levels don’t guarantee that appliances will sound equally quiet.
For a purchase from a professional seller, the French Ministry of the Economy says the legal guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods, and can be claimed within two years. For collection of your old appliance, the ministry responsible for the ecological transition distinguishes between collection of an appliance of the same type when you make a purchase and, subject to conditions, collection without a purchase. Ask the seller which arrangements apply to you.