In a small kitchen, first choose a fridge that fits the available space and can be installed in the right way, then compare the capacity for fresh food. A freezer compartment is useful if you need to store frozen food, but it can reduce the fridge space available; an integrated under-counter appliance, meanwhile, needs a niche and ventilation that meet the requirements in its manual.
If a few centimetres make all the difference to where your fridge can go, measure its depth too, as well as the space needed to open the door. Candy lists the COT1S45EW as 50 cm wide, compared with 56 cm for the Bosch KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB. These measurements alone don’t include the clearance you’ll need.
If you don’t buy much frozen food, compare the usable fridge capacity rather than just the external size. Bosch lists the KTR15NWEB, which has no freezer compartment, as having a capacity of 134 L.
If you regularly use a freezer compartment but can’t fit a separate appliance, check its capacity and specifications. Of the two Bosch table-top models compared here, the version with a freezer compartment has less space for fresh food.
If you’re choosing a main fridge for a small kitchen, first make sure it can be installed and used without getting in the way. Then compare the different configurations based on your usual shopping habits and how much room you want to give to frozen food.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the width, depth and height, then check the door clearance and the space required according to the manual. Distinguish between a freestanding appliance placed under a worktop and an integrated model. | When there’s little room between walkways or cabinets, the first thing I need is an appliance that will actually fit. Around 31% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity and interior layout with the amount of food you need to store. | If I cook often and keep leftovers, I want enough space for fresh food without having to shop more often. This would be the priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, how much it holds and the storage guidance for the exact model. | Without a separate freezer, I need to store a few frozen items regularly, even if that means less room for fresh food. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Energy use and noise | Compare the kWh/year and stated noise level in dB, and follow the installation and settings guidance. | In a small room, I pay attention to how the appliance runs day to day and how it keeps my food. This would be the main concern for around 13% of consumers. |
With the same external dimensions, Bosch lists the KTR15NWEB, which has no freezer compartment, as having 134 L of fridge space, compared with 106 L for the KTL15NWEB with its integrated compartment.
Choose based on what you buy: if you regularly store frozen food, check the freezer compartment; otherwise, compare the space available for fresh food.
Candy describes the COT1S45EW as a freestanding appliance that can be placed under a worktop, while the CM4S59EW is integrated. These installation types are not interchangeable.
Before ordering an appliance for a niche, check the manual for the model’s required dimensions, door fixing and ventilation.
An unsuitable niche may mean modifying the cabinet or choosing a different appliance.
ADEME points out that a fridge’s actual energy use depends on factors including its size and how it’s used. Choosing the right capacity doesn’t remove the need to check the storage temperature either.
Compare the kWh/year of the models you’re considering, follow the installation instructions and check the temperature after installation. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C.
These models illustrate differences in configuration and installation; their specifications don’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
The freestanding table-top KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB let you compare two different uses in the same stated external dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
The COT1S45EW and CM4S59EW show the difference between a freestanding appliance that can be placed under a worktop and an integrated under-counter model.
The KTe550 table-top fridge offers another point of comparison for capacity, depth and stated noise level.
These appliances suit different needs: storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, choosing a single-door fridge or fitting out a niche. Their inclusion here doesn’t mean they’re all suitable for under-counter installation: check the dimensions and installation type of each one.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance.
The product name lists 153 L for refrigeration, 74 L for freezing and a width of 54 cm. Check its overall height and ventilation clearances before choosing where to put it.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a single-door appliance for everyday food and have limited space.
Check the layout of the interior compartment before relying on it for freezing. Also check the full dimensions and installation clearances.
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Worth looking at if your kitchen has a niche designed for an integrated appliance.
Check the niche dimensions and make sure the sliding-door system is compatible. Also confirm the model’s usable capacity and freezer configuration before choosing it to meet your storage needs.
Yes, if its usable capacity and layout suit your usual shopping habits. As a guide for these specific models, Bosch lists the KTL15NWEB with a freezer compartment as having 106 L of fridge space, and the KTR15NWEB without a compartment as having 134 L.
Choose one if you regularly store frozen food and don’t have a separate freezer. If you mostly store fresh food, compare how much space the compartment takes up: Bosch lists the KTL15NWEB with a compartment as having 106 L of fridge space, compared with 134 L for the KTR15NWEB without one, despite their identical external dimensions.
No, that description alone doesn’t confirm that it’s an integrated model. Candy describes the COT1S45EW as a freestanding under-counter appliance and the CM4S59EW as integrated. If you’re choosing one for a niche, check the installation type and ventilation requirements in the manual for the model you’ve chosen.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check it especially if the kitchen is warm or the door is opened frequently.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models that suit your space and storage needs, rather than looking at the energy rating alone. ADEME points out that an appliance’s actual energy use also depends on its size and how it’s used.