In a studio flat, start by choosing a fridge that will fit through to the kitchen, fit in the space available and still allow the door to open. An under-counter or larder fridge may be enough if you mainly store fresh food. If you regularly keep frozen food, consider a compact fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment instead. Only consider an integrated model if the housing, ventilation and door fixing meet the requirements in its instructions. In an open-plan living space, check the stated noise level too.
If you don't buy much food, start with usable capacity rather than external dimensions. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person as a guide, which you can adjust to suit your shopping and storage habits and your freezer needs.
Check the delivery route, available space and how the door opens. If the fridge is near your bed or living area, compare the stated noise levels of the models you're considering too.
A compact fridge freezer lets you compare fridge and freezer capacities separately. Check its height and depth as well: a suitable width alone doesn't guarantee that it will fit in your kitchen.
First work out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store. Then check each format against your kitchen measurements and the installation requirements in the product instructions.
| Criteria | What to check | What suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacity, then check whether there is a separate freezer compartment and how much it holds. For one person, Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point, adjusted to suit your shopping habits. | I mainly store fresh food: an under-counter or larder fridge may be enough. If I regularly keep frozen food or freeze fresh food, I’ll consider a compact fridge freezer and check its freezer compartment. |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, check the delivery access and allow for the door to open. For an integrated model, check the housing, ventilation and door fixing against the product instructions. | I need an appliance that can be brought through to the kitchen and whose door can open properly. If my kitchen unit is designed for an integrated model, I’ll check exact compatibility before choosing one. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) on the product specifications for the models you’re considering. An appliance’s small size alone doesn’t tell you how noisy it is. | If I sleep or work near the kitchen, noise level matters just as much as the space the appliance takes up. |
| Energy use | Check the energy label and stated annual energy consumption. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains that the label provides standardised information for comparing products in the same category. | I want to compare appliances with the right capacity and features for my needs, rather than choosing on energy rating alone. |
A fridge may be narrow enough but still too deep or too tall, or difficult to get through to its intended position.
Measure the appliance and the delivery route, then check the product instructions for the required clearances and door-opening space.
These compartments may not suit the same needs, particularly if you want to freeze fresh food. Bosch’s guide distinguishes this from using a simple freezer compartment.
Decide whether you only need to store a few frozen items occasionally or need a freezer for regular use. Then check the type and capacity of the compartment.
The housing, fixings and door panel can all affect installation. Don’t assume a freestanding model will work in an enclosed kitchen unit.
Check the housing dimensions, door fitting and ventilation requirements against the instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
If the unit or its door panel needs adapting, factor this work into your installation plans too.
In an open-plan kitchen or studio flat, the fridge runs close to your living space. Its compact size doesn’t tell you how noisy it is.
Compare the stated dB(A) levels for the models that will actually fit in your kitchen.
The KTR15NWEA is an example of an under-counter fridge, worth considering when headroom is limited.
Its integrated fridge freezer specifications can help you check whether a particular model suits an existing housing.
The KFD6DE18S1 is an example of an integrated fridge to compare with your kitchen unit dimensions.
This freestanding fridge freezer is suited to small kitchens where a separate freezer compartment is useful. Check its stated width and height against the available space, delivery route and installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you want a fridge and freezer in one appliance that’s 54 cm wide. Its stated height of 176 cm means you’ll need to check the available space and route through to the kitchen. Consult the instructions for the required installation clearances.
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food. If you choose a fridge freezer, check the capacity of each compartment.
Don’t assume it will fit: check the instructions for the model to see whether this position and the ventilation clearances are suitable. A housing designed for an integrated appliance doesn’t automatically make it suitable for a freestanding one.
Measure the space where the appliance will go, along with any doors, corridors, stairs and turns on the route to the kitchen. Compare these measurements with the appliance dimensions, and allow enough space to open the door and meet the installation requirements in the instructions.
No. As the Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains, it helps you compare products in the same category using standardised information, but it won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit in your kitchen. Also check the usable capacity, dimensions, stated noise level and the type of freezer compartment you need.