One person in a studio flat
When width or height is limited and you shop frequently, you need to choose between a low appliance of around 100 to 150 L and a small freezer compartment. Que Choisir suggests this volume as a benchmark for one person.
Which households is it for ?
Couple or house share in a small kitchen
A 54 to 55 cm-wide fridge freezer can increase your fresh and frozen food storage without moving up to a large family-sized model. The Beko, Candy and Hisense models reviewed illustrate this slim format.
Tenant with a fitted kitchen
When replacing an integrated appliance, the housing dimensions, depth, door-fixing system and ventilation determine first of all whether a built-in model can be installed. The Electrolux EXB3AE82R product information highlights the importance of the housing and installation type in particular.
Key selection criteria
Start by measuring the actual space available, then choose the capacity and the split between fresh and frozen storage before comparing energy consumption and noise levels.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, taking skirting boards, wall units, delivery access and door clearance into account. For a freestanding appliance, follow the instructions; Beko generally recommends 5 cm at the sides and rear. For a built-in model, check the housing, ventilation and door system. | I want the appliance to be delivered, opened and ventilated correctly in my kitchen, not merely to fit into the measured space. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the number of stars. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L for one person, followed by an additional 50 L per person. | I shop frequently and prefer a low appliance, or I want more storage and several drawers for frozen food. |
| Energy consumption, noise and temperature | Compare kWh/year between appliances of a similar type and capacity, rather than looking only at the energy label letter. Check the stated sound level in dB(A) and make sure the temperature can be set to between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest area, as recommended by Anses. | In an open-plan living space, I want to keep noise to a minimum while maintaining a suitable food storage temperature. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the housing or available space
A poorly ventilated freestanding appliance may have to work harder, while insufficient door clearance can prevent installation against a wall.
Measure the width, height, depth, door opening and delivery route. For a freestanding appliance, consult the model instructions; Beko generally recommends 5 cm at the sides and rear.
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Confusing a small freezer compartment with proper frozen food storage
A 4-star compartment can allow you to freeze food, but its capacity may still be limited. Among the Beko models reviewed, the TSE1285NG has 13 L of freezer space, compared with 46 L for the RDSA240K40WN two-door model.
Compare fresh and freezer capacities separately, check the number of stars and consider how much frozen food you normally store.
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Choosing based solely on the energy rating
The European label rates appliances from A to G, but two appliances with different formats and capacities will not meet the same storage needs.
Compare kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and noise levels between models of a similar type and capacity. Check the label or EPREL if the product information does not provide all the useful details.
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Disposing of your old appliance with general waste
Refrigeration appliances contain fluids and components that require specialist treatment.
Arrange collection when your new appliance is delivered, have it repaired when the fault is suitable for repair, or take it to an appropriate collection point. ADEME lists these options for refrigeration appliances.
Brand guide
Beko
Beko offers formats suited to smaller spaces, including 54 cm tabletop models and slim two-door fridges. The French models reviewed include a tabletop model with a 4-star compartment and a 223 L two-door model.
- According to Beko’s product information, some models feature a reversible door, a 4-star compartment and a stated noise level of 35 to 37 dB(A).
- Both models reviewed use static cooling; check the defrosting method and internal layout of your chosen model.
Candy
Candy may be worth considering if you want a slim freestanding fridge freezer and your kitchen can accommodate a tall appliance: the City Combi range reviewed is listed as 55 cm wide and 176 cm high.
- Candy describes Low Frost as a technology designed to limit frost build-up compared with standard static cooling on the model reviewed.
- Check the exact capacity, depth, noise level and defrosting requirements for your chosen model.
Electrolux
Electrolux is worth considering when a small kitchen has already been designed for a built-in appliance, particularly an under-counter model. The EXB3AE82R reviewed is a 134 L integrated appliance designed for an 820 mm housing.
- The official EXB3AE82R product information states 38 dB(A), 92 kWh/year and a sliding-hinge installation.
- As it has no freezer compartment, it is intended for a fitted kitchen and does not automatically replace a compact fridge freezer.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These Joybuy options include compact freestanding fridge freezers and built-in fridge freezers for a small kitchen or studio flat.
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CHiQ JR263LGE 262 L Low Frost fridge freezer, 54 cm
For a small kitchen that needs separate fresh and frozen food compartments.
54 cm wide, 176 cm high, with 187 L of fridge space and 75 L of freezer space; stated noise level of 39 dB(A), 215 kWh/year and a reversible door. Check the ventilation clearances, available height and door opening; the Low Frost system still requires manual defrosting.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge freezer, 54 cm
For a narrow kitchen that needs a separate freezer compartment for frozen food.
54 cm wide, with 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space, including a 4-star compartment, reversible door and adjustable feet. Check the height, depth, kWh/year and ventilation clearances before installation; the system is Low Frost.
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SMEG S4C122E 188 L built-in fridge freezer
For a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing, where fridge capacity is the priority.
174 L of fridge space and 14 L of freezer space, electronic thermostat, automatic fridge defrosting and fast freezing. The 56 × 122.5 × 55 cm housing and sliding-door system must match the cabinet; the freezer requires manual defrosting.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC 252 L built-in fridge freezer
For a small fitted kitchen requiring separate fresh and frozen food capacities.
176 L of fridge space, 76 L of 4-star freezer space, 54 cm wide, 34 dB(A), 150 kWh/year and a No Frost system. Be sure to check the housing dimensions, ventilation and compatibility with the cabinet door; this model is not suitable for freestanding installation.
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AEG NSC6M18FES 249 L TwinTech No Frost built-in fridge freezer
For a fitted kitchen requiring a built-in fridge freezer with separate fresh and frozen food compartments.
186 L of fridge space, 62 L of freezer space, 37 dB(A), reversible door and sliding-door installation. At 59.2 cm wide and 186.2 cm high, check the housing, ventilation and cabinet before buying; consult the energy label to compare kWh/year.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person choose for a studio flat ?
Use 100 to 150 L as a starting point, based on the Que Choisir benchmark, then increase the capacity if you cook frequently or shop less often. If you regularly buy frozen food, focus particularly on the freezer capacity: a 13 L compartment is not suitable for the same purpose as a separate freezer of 46 L or more.
Can a freestanding fridge be placed against a wall ?
Not without checking the manufacturer’s instructions. Beko generally recommends at least 5 cm on each side and at the rear for ventilation; the exact model instructions take precedence, particularly for an appliance designed to sit close to a wall.
What temperature should you set your fridge to ?
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest area. Check it with a thermometer if the appliance does not provide a reliable reading, and avoid overfilling the shelves so that cold air can circulate.
What rights apply if a new fridge is faulty or not as described in France ?
The statutory guarantee of conformity is mandatory for goods sold by a professional to a private individual, according to the French Ministry of the Economy. It may apply if the product does not match its description, has a manufacturing defect or inadequate installation instructions have resulted in incorrect installation.
How should you dispose of an old fridge ?
Do not put it out with general waste. ADEME states that a refrigeration appliance can be collected when you buy a new one or taken to a dedicated collection facility, so that its fluids and components can be treated correctly.