First, measure the space, the route to the kitchen and how far the door needs to open. Then choose the capacity based on how often you shop and how much frozen food you store. An under-counter fridge suits a low space and frequent shopping; a compact fridge-freezer is a better fit if you need regular freezer space, provided its height and depth work for your kitchen. In a fitted kitchen, only consider a built-in model if the housing, ventilation and door fixing are compatible.
The priority is finding an appliance that fits without blocking the way or the door. Que Choisir describes the under-counter format as suitable for studios, but you should always check its dimensions against the space you actually have.
Your choice depends on how much room you need for fresh food and how often you use the freezer. A small freezer compartment and a separate freezer section don't offer the same amount of storage.
If the kitchen is next to where you sleep, compare the noise levels stated for different models. In a fitted kitchenette, the dimensions of the housing and the door fixing will also determine whether a built-in model is suitable.
For a studio or small flat, first rule out appliances that can't be installed, then weigh up storage space, freezing capacity, noise and energy use. Que Choisir links the choice of format to your shopping habits, while ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously.
| What matters | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the space needed for the door to open. For a built-in model, also check the housing and door fixing. | If your kitchen is narrow, the appliance must fit without getting in the way or preventing the door from opening. Around 36% of consumers prioritise the appliance's actual footprint. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the type of freezer compartment. | If you want to shop less often, you'll need enough room for both fresh and frozen food. Storage capacity is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise emissions in dB(A) on the energy label for appliances that meet the same needs. | In a room where you cook and sleep, how the appliance sounds when running may matter more than a few extra litres of capacity. Noise is the main concern for around 21% of consumers. |
| Energy use | Check the kWh/year figure and energy efficiency class, then compare them with the capacity and freezer function you need. | If your home is already well equipped, avoiding unnecessary capacity can help you choose an appliance that runs continuously. Around 14% of consumers put electricity use first. |
A narrow appliance may still be too deep, prevent its door from opening or fail to fit the space provided.
Measure all the dimensions, the route to the kitchen and the space needed for the door. For a built-in model, also check the hinges and the model's ventilation requirements.
A small compartment may be fine for occasional use, but might not offer enough room if you regularly buy frozen food.
Think about how often you'll use it, then compare the capacity and type of freezer compartment separately from the space for fresh food.
Two appliances with different capacities or functions may not suit the same shopping habits. According to ADEME, the size of an appliance and having more capacity than you need can affect the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of models with the capacity and freezing capacity you need.
The range includes under-counter fridges and built-in under-counter models, with or without a freezer compartment.
Its range lets you compare an under-counter fridge, a compact fridge-freezer and a built-in under-counter model.
The under-counter range is worth considering if you're looking for a model that's 54 cm wide.
These models include compact freestanding fridge-freezers and built-in appliances to consider for a fitted kitchen. First decide how the appliance will be installed and how much room you need for frozen food. The stated capacities don't replace the need to check the space available.
Image unavailable
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if you only need a small amount of freezer space. This single-door built-in model is listed with a freezer compartment at the top, a total capacity of 188 L and an E energy class. Check that it will fit the housing and that the door fixing is compatible before choosing it.
Image unavailable
Consider this freestanding fridge-freezer if you'd like a separate freezer section in a small home. The product title lists a capacity of 174 L, Low Frost defrosting and a reversible door. Before deciding where to put it, check its dimensions, required clearances and noise level in dB(A).
Image unavailable
Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a narrow kitchen, provided the height and depth work too. The product title gives a total capacity of 227 L, split between 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, with a reversible door. Check the full dimensions and clearances before buying.
Image unavailable
Only consider this fridge-freezer if your kitchen has a compatible space for a built-in appliance. The product title lists a capacity of 252 L, No Frost technology and a C energy class. Check the housing dimensions, ventilation and door fixing system before ordering.
Image unavailable
The stated capacity split may suit you if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate: 120 L for the fridge and 50 L for the freezer. The product title lists a noise level of 40 dB and an E energy class. Check the external dimensions and ventilation clearances for your kitchenette.
Que Choisir suggests a usable capacity of 100 to 150 l for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and check separately how much room you need for frozen food: two fridges with the same total capacity may split the space differently between the fridge and freezer.
Not necessarily if you buy frozen food regularly. Que Choisir distinguishes between a basic freezer compartment and a greater need for freezing space. Check the compartment's capacity and category in the product specifications rather than relying on the word ‘freezer’ alone.
Measure the housing and check how the existing door is fixed. Bosch Electroménager France says that a replacement needs to fit the available dimensions and use the same type of hinges. Also check the new model's ventilation requirements.
For fridges covered by European energy labelling, the European Commission says the label includes details such as the energy efficiency class, energy consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions. Compare these figures across appliances that can meet the same storage needs.