If space is very limited and you don’t often buy frozen food, start by comparing table-top fridges. A single-door model with a freezer compartment can handle occasional freezing; if frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, consider a compact fridge-freezer instead, provided you have room to install it. In every case, check the full dimensions, the ventilation clearances specified in the manual and the usable capacity before choosing.
If space is tight and you mainly buy fresh food, a table-top fridge is worth considering. Que Choisir recommends this format for studio flats; just remember to leave the ventilation space around the appliance specified in its manual.
A single-door fridge with a freezer compartment gives you somewhere to store frozen food in a compact appliance. Electrolux distinguishes this design from models with two separate compartments, so check the freezer’s capacity and specifications before relying on it for your food.
If fresh and frozen foods both feature regularly in your shopping, a compact fridge-freezer gives you separate compartments for each. However, make sure its height and depth, along with the required clearances, will fit your kitchen.
Start with the space available and your shopping habits, then compare the specifications of the exact model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you live alone, buy small amounts of fresh food and have very limited kitchenette space; Que Choisir recommends this format for studio flats.
Bear in mind: its compact size also means less room for food.
Worth considering: if you want to store frozen food from time to time without making room for a fridge-freezer with separate compartments, as described by Electrolux.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment takes up some of the interior space, and its capabilities vary by model.
Worth considering: if frozen food is a regular part of your shopping and you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Bear in mind: allow enough height or depth, as well as the installation clearances specified by the manufacturer.
| Criteria | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Overall size | Measure the full height, width and depth, then check the delivery route. Make sure the door can open fully and allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the manual. | In my kitchenette, I need to be able to open the door without blocking a cupboard or the walkway. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity in litres for fresh food and, if included, the freezer compartment. Check its rating and the manufacturer’s guidance for the foods you plan to store. | My shopping needs to last between trips to the shops, without using valuable space for a freezer I’ll rarely use. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) on a like-for-like basis. Que Choisir points out that the figure alone won’t tell you how noticeable the noise will be; also check any available test results. | If the fridge is near my bed or desk, noise will be an important factor in my choice. |
| Energy label | Compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. Check the label for the exact model and its entry in the European Commission’s EPREL database. | I want to consider energy use, capacity and noise together, rather than choosing on the energy rating alone. |
An appliance may fit under the worktop but still be too deep, prevent the door from opening or lack the ventilation clearances it needs.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, the delivery route and the room needed to open the door. Then compare them with the installation instructions for the model.
The capacity and features of the compartment vary. A small freezer may not be suitable if you regularly buy frozen food.
Check its capacity, rating and the temperatures specified for the exact model before choosing between an integrated freezer compartment and a separate one.
According to Que Choisir, the stated noise level alone can’t tell you whether a fridge will disturb your sleep or activities in the same room.
Use the dB(A) figures to compare stated noise levels, check any available test results and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Beko France offers table-top fridges with different freezer compartment configurations.
Bosch’s French range includes single-door fridges with and without a freezer compartment.
Candy France offers table-top and under-counter fridges for smaller kitchens.
These models range from small fridges with freezer compartments to fridge-freezers with separate fresh and frozen food sections. The 333 L fridge-freezer in particular needs more space than a table-top model, so check that each appliance suits your kitchen and shopping habits.
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For a mix of fresh and frozen food, this fridge-freezer offers 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity. It has a stated width of 54 cm and a reversible door; also check its height, depth and installation clearances. According to the model information, the Low Frost freezer needs to be defrosted manually.
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This compact model is designed for very small spaces and limited storage needs. The model information lists 42 L of fridge capacity, a 3 L freezer compartment and dimensions of 449 × 485 × 512 mm. The stated temperature range of 5 to −5 °C for this compartment means you should check which foods are suitable for storing in it.
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This fridge-freezer offers separate compartments for households with more space to spare. Its stated dimensions are 597 mm wide, 1 860 mm high and 674 mm deep including the handle. Make sure you also measure the delivery route and the space needed to open the door. Its stated noise level of 34 dB doesn’t, on its own, guarantee that you won’t notice it in a living space.
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With a stated width of 47 cm, this model could suit a narrow kitchenette if its other dimensions and ventilation requirements also work for your space. It has a reversible door and a freezer compartment; check the compartment’s capacity and temperatures before planning to store frozen food in it.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the delivery route and the room needed to open the door. Then compare these measurements with the model’s full dimensions and the ventilation clearances in its manual. Electrolux points out that air needs to circulate around the appliance.
It may be enough for occasional use, but its capacity and freezing capabilities depend on the model. Check its rating and the manufacturer’s guidance: the 4-star compartment described by Beko for the TSE1264FMGN isn’t representative of all freezer compartments.
No. The stated noise level can help you compare appliances on a like-for-like basis, but it can’t predict by itself how noticeable the noise will be in a living space. Que Choisir advises looking beyond the figure on the label; also check any available test results and the installation guidance.
First compare fridges of a similar type and capacity, then check the label data for the exact model. The European Commission describes the EPREL database as a source of information registered for labelled products; it can help you look beyond the energy rating.