In a studio flat, first choose a fridge that fits the available space and meets the clearances specified in its manual. A table-top fridge without a freezer suits you if you mainly need to keep fresh food in a low space. A model with a small freezer compartment is handy for occasional frozen food, while a fridge-freezer offers a separate freezer capacity if you have enough height. For a built-in appliance, check the housing and door system too, then compare the noise levels and energy use of compatible models.
If your appliance needs to fit under a worktop or in a small kitchen, measure the space before choosing its capacity. Que Choisir lists table-top fridges among the formats suited to studio flats. You’ll still need to check the dimensions, ventilation and door clearance for each model.
If frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, compare the separate freezer capacity rather than simply checking whether there’s a small compartment. A fridge-freezer could suit your needs if you have enough height for it.
If your kitchen is close to your bed or desk, the stated noise level can help you compare appliances. Que Choisir points out, however, that vibrations and the type of noise also affect how disruptive it feels.
Start with the space you actually have, then decide whether you need a compartment for a few frozen items or a separate freezer capacity. For appliances that will fit in your home, compare the noise levels, usable capacities and annual energy consumption too.
Consider this: if the space is low and you mainly store fresh food.
The trade-off: there’s no space for frozen food.
Consider this: if space is limited and you only keep a few frozen items or ice cubes.
The trade-off: the small compartment may not be enough if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider this: if you need a separate freezer capacity and have enough height for it.
The trade-off: its height may rule out fitting it under a worktop. A built-in model also needs a compatible housing.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and fresh-food capacity | Measure the space, route into the room and door clearance. Check these against the appliance dimensions, the clearances specified in the manual and the usable capacity in litres. | I want to store fresh food without blocking the way in my small kitchen. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this balance between space and fresh-food capacity. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the separate freezer capacity in litres with the amount of frozen food you usually buy. Don’t confuse a small compartment with a fridge-freezer. | If I often keep frozen food, a small compartment for occasional use may not meet my needs. Freezer capacity would be the main priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Noise | Check the dB figure and noise class. If available, look for information about vibrations for the exact model too. | If I sleep or work near the kitchen, I want to limit the disturbance from the appliance. Quiet operation would come first for around 25% of consumers. |
| Kitchen units and energy use | For a built-in model, check the housing, ventilation and door fixing. Compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet your needs. | I want to keep my kitchen units while taking into account the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Around 19% of consumers would put this combination of needs first. |
A fridge might fit in the space but leave too little room for ventilation or for the door to open. The Beko TSE1504FN manual, for example, requires a 5 cm gap between the back of the appliance and the wall.
Measure the delivery route, skirting boards and door clearance too, then check the clearances required in the manual for your chosen model.
An integrated compartment may suit occasional use, but it may not be right for regularly storing frozen food. Que Choisir advises distinguishing this need from the one met by a separate freezer.
Work out how much space your usual frozen food takes up and compare the freezer capacities listed in litres.
The stated noise level is useful when comparing models, but Que Choisir stresses that vibrations and the type of noise also affect how it is perceived.
Use the dB figure as a first filter, then check any available information about the noise behaviour of the exact model.
ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, so its external size alone won’t tell you how much energy it uses.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of appliances with usable capacities and features that meet your needs.
The Beko TSE1504FN and TS190340N show two table-top configurations for smaller spaces.
The Bosch KIV87NSE0 is an example of a built-in fridge-freezer for a studio flat with a tall housing.
The Electrolux EXB3AE82R is an example of a low built-in fridge for a suitably designed kitchen unit.
Que Choisir suggests an average usable capacity of 100 to 150 L for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, how much space your fresh food takes up and the dimensions of the available space.
It may be suitable if you only keep a few frozen items, but check its capacity if you buy frozen food regularly. Que Choisir distinguishes this from needs that are better met by a separate freezer capacity.
Check the manual for the exact model and measure the clearances it specifies. The Beko TSE1504FN manual requires a 5 cm gap at the back. For a built-in model, check the ventilation openings in the kitchen unit too.
Compare the annual energy use in kWh and the usable capacities of appliances suited to the same purpose, rather than looking only at their energy efficiency class. The European Commission states that fridge energy labels have used an A to G scale since 1 March 2021.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the setting after installation, whatever format you choose.