Someone living alone in a studio flat
When space is limited and you shop often, useful capacity, available space and noise levels near your living area can all help guide your choice.
Who is a small fridge for?
A small household that freezes food
If one or two of you regularly keep frozen food or ready meals, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Someone with a narrow kitchen
Check the appliance’s width, depth and height against the available space, access routes and door clearance. The manufacturer’s product information and the model’s manual set out these dimensions and requirements.
What should you check before buying?
In a small kitchen, start by measuring the space and delivery route. Then choose the balance of fresh and frozen food storage that suits your habits.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who should pay most attention |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as access routes and door clearance. Check the ventilation guidance in the manual. | If the appliance needs to fit into a narrow alcove or pass through a restricted access route, these measurements are crucial. Around 36% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there is a freezer compartment, its capacity, its star rating if given, and how it defrosts. | If you regularly keep frozen food, dedicated freezer capacity may matter more than a large overall capacity. Around 29% of consumers prioritise space for frozen food. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity with your usual shopping, rather than confusing it with the appliance’s total capacity. | If you mainly buy fresh food between shopping trips, fridge space is the main consideration. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this storage space. |
| Noise and energy use | Compare the noise level in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh/year on the labels of the models you are considering. | In a studio flat, where the appliance may be close to the living or sleeping area, its stated noise level and energy use can influence your decision. Around 14% of consumers put this everyday comfort first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
In an appliance with a freezer, the total capacity combines compartments that serve different needs. So a large figure doesn’t guarantee enough space for fresh food.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately against your usual shopping.
You could run short of space for fresh food, even if the total capacity seemed sufficient.
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Assuming a narrow appliance takes up little space
The slim fridge-freezers from Beko and Haier mentioned here differ in height and depth. The model’s manual may also require you to leave space for air to circulate around the appliance.
Measure all three dimensions, the delivery route and the space needed to open the doors, then follow the guidance in the manual.
An appliance that won’t fit through the access route or in its intended space may mean changing the installation or delivery arrangements.
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Assuming an integrated compartment is a substitute for a separate freezer
The two Bosch table-top fridges mentioned have the same external dimensions, but their stated fridge capacities differ depending on whether they have a freezer compartment.
Check the compartment’s capacity and specifications rather than relying solely on the words “with freezer”.
A small-capacity compartment may reduce space for fresh food without meeting your freezing needs.
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Confusing old-appliance collection with installation
The DGCCRF distinguishes the take-back of an equivalent used appliance from the practical arrangements for services offered with delivery.
Before ordering, ask what is included for delivery, positioning, changing the door opening direction and taking away your old appliance.
Services such as positioning may have arrangements separate from the collection of your old appliance.
Brands to know when comparing
Bosch
The table-top models mentioned illustrate the choice between more space for fresh food and an integrated freezer compartment, despite having the same external dimensions.
- Bosch Electroménager France states that the KTR15NWEB has 134 l of fridge capacity and the KTL15NWEB 106 l; both appliances measure 850 × 560 × 580 mm.
- These specifications apply to these models, not the entire range.
Liebherr
The Rdi 1620 Plus is a one-door table-top fridge worth considering if you want to prioritise fresh food storage.
- Liebherr France states that this model has a capacity of 141 l and a noise level of 34 dB.
- Its stated width of 60 cm may not suit narrower spaces; check its height and depth too.
Beko
The RCSA270K40SN is an example of a freestanding 54 cm-wide fridge-freezer with two separate compartments.
- Beko France states that it has 175 l of fridge capacity and 87 l of freezer capacity, as well as a noise level of 38 dB.
- Its stated dimensions are 1708 × 540 × 574 mm, and the four-star compartment requires manual defrosting. The manual says not to obstruct air circulation.
Haier
The HTR3518ENMW is a slim, three-door fridge-freezer to consider if you want a separate freezer and your kitchen has enough height.
- Haier France gives dimensions of 545 × 622 × 1850 mm and lists No Frost technology for this model.
- Its slim width doesn’t mean it’s shallow or short: check these dimensions and the recommended ventilation space.
Compact appliances to consider
This selection brings together compact fridges, fridge-freezers and a convertible option to suit different storage needs in a small kitchen.
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COMFEE' RCT87WH2EU(E), table-top fridge
Worth considering if you’re looking for a table-top size with removable shelves to organise fresh food.
Interior light, removable shelves, adjustable thermostat and reversible door. Energy rating E.
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COMFEE' RCB169WH2(E), 174 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food separately in an appliance stated to be 150 cm tall.
Stated capacities: 115 l for the fridge and 59 l for the freezer. Low Frost technology, four-star freezer and reversible door; defrosting is still required.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need separate compartments and a stated width of 54 cm, which you should check against your available space.
Stated capacities: 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer. Low Frost, four-star freezer, reversible door and adjustable feet; defrosting is still required. Energy rating E.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 l one-door fridge
Worth considering if you have limited width and a compact freezer compartment would suit your needs.
Stated capacity of 92 l, stated width of 47 cm, reversible door and energy rating E. This capacity is below Que Choisir’s average guide of 100 to 150 l for one person; choose a size to suit your shopping habits.
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AUCMA, 95 l convertible chest freezer or fridge
Worth considering if you want to switch between fridge and freezer modes; simultaneous use of both modes is not specified.
Stated dimensions: 550 × 475 × 848 mm. Seven-level thermostat, removable basket and defrost drain. Allow vertical clearance for the top-opening lid. Energy rating E.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person or two people consider?
Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 l of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and distinguish fridge capacity from freezer capacity: it isn’t a mandatory minimum.
Can an appliance that is 54 cm wide be fitted into a 54 cm alcove?
Not necessarily: the external width alone doesn’t tell you whether the depth and height will fit, whether the doors can open or whether air can circulate. Measure the space and delivery route, then follow the instructions in the model’s manual. The Beko manual mentioned says not to obstruct air circulation around the appliance.
Which figures should I compare for energy use and noise?
The EU energy label for the fridge models concerned includes the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and airborne noise emissions. Compare the details for the models you’re considering rather than assuming that a smaller appliance always uses less energy.
How can I check the storage temperature in my fridge?
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point, checking it regularly, not overfilling the appliance and cleaning it regularly. Find out which area is coldest in your appliance.
What are my rights if a new appliance bought from a retailer doesn’t match its description?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a retailer to an individual and is the retailer’s responsibility; it covers goods that don’t match their description, among other things. The free “one-for-one” take-back of an equivalent old appliance when you buy a new one is a separate obligation. Find out about collection arrangements before delivery.