Anyone with a very narrow kitchen
You need to be able to install the appliance and open its door without blocking the way. Also measure the height, depth and clearances specified in the manual.
Who is this option for?
Small households shopping for the week
If you mainly store fresh food for several days, compare the fridge’s usable capacity and the way its storage is arranged. Que Choisir provides capacity guidelines based on household size.
Anyone who freezes meals
If you regularly store portions or frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity, star rating and freezing capacity. Manufacturers’ product specifications list these features for each model.
Which priorities should you compare?
When choosing a fridge for a small kitchen, check the space first. Then compare the capacity for chilled and frozen food separately, rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
| Priority | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Dimensions H × W × D, door opening and, for an integrated appliance, housing dimensions and ventilation instructions. | I need the appliance to fit without blocking the way or the door. Around 31% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Capacity for fresh food | Usable capacity of the fridge compartment, storage layout and how often you shop. | If my shopping needs to last several days, I look at the fridge capacity and storage first. Around 25% of consumers put fresh-food capacity at the top of their list. |
| Freezer space and capacity | Freezer capacity, star rating and stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you need to freeze fresh food. | If I regularly freeze portions, I want to know how much the compartment can really hold. Around 19% of consumers make freezing their main priority. |
| Noise in a small room | Stated noise level in dB(A), taking the appliance’s location into account. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, the stated noise level is a factor in my choice. Around 13% of consumers prioritise a quiet room. |
| Electricity consumption | Current energy rating, annual consumption in kWh/year and compartment capacities on the label. | When comparing appliances that already meet my storage needs, I look at their annual consumption. Around 12% of consumers make this their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing by total capacity without separating chilled and frozen food
The Beko TSE1284N’s total capacity includes 101 litres for fresh food and a 13-litre four-star compartment, according to its product specifications.
Compare the capacity of each compartment with your usual shopping, then look at the total capacity.
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Assuming a narrow appliance will fit your space
A narrow fridge freezer can still be tall and deep. An integrated appliance must fit the housing, ventilation requirements and door-panel fixing system specified for that model.
Measure the space and check the model’s manual before ordering; the required clearances depend on the instructions in that manual.
If the housing, ventilation or door is unsuitable, you may need to adapt the unit or installation.
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Assuming all small freezer compartments are suitable for regular freezing
The Beko TSE1284N has a 13-litre four-star compartment and a stated freezing capacity of 2 kg/24 h. An internal compartment and a separate freezer offer different levels of storage.
Check the star rating, capacity in litres and stated freezing capacity in kg/24 h against the amount you want to freeze.
Brands to consider for these sizes
Liebherr
The KTe550 is an example of a low under-counter fridge designed mainly for fresh food.
- Liebherr gives the KTe550 dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm and a total capacity of 125 litres.
- The manufacturer’s specifications list a noise level of 35 dB. Total capacity alone does not tell you how much food it can freeze.
Beko
The TSE1284N is an example of a freestanding under-counter fridge with a small freezer compartment.
- Its specifications list 101 litres for fresh food and 13 litres for the four-star compartment, with a stated freezing capacity of 2 kg/24 h.
- These capacities and this installation type apply to the TSE1284N and not to every Beko model.
Candy
The City Fresco 300 CNCQ2T518EB is a freestanding fridge freezer with a relatively narrow width and a separate freezer.
- Candy lists this model as 545 mm wide, 1 825 mm high and with a total capacity of 280 litres.
- Make sure its height and depth of 602 mm suit your space. The manufacturer’s claims about food preservation are not based on independent test results here.
Bosch
The KIR21NSE0 is an example of an integrated single-door fridge with sliding hinges, for a compatible housing.
- Bosch lists a fridge capacity of 136 litres and a noise level of 35 dB for this model.
- The KIR21NSE0 has no freezer compartment. Check the housing dimensions and door-panel fixing system; this configuration does not represent every Bosch integrated model.
Joybuy products for this need
The options below include single-door fridges and fridge freezers, both freestanding and integrated. Check your kitchen dimensions and the balance between fridge and freezer capacity before choosing a model.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L integrated fridge freezer
For a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing, this integrated appliance combines a fridge and freezer.
Stated capacities: 176 L for the fridge and 76 L for the freezer. Stated external dimensions: 540 × 1 772 × 545 mm. C energy rating and stated noise level of 34 dB(A).
Follow the installation instructions and keep the ventilation openings clear.
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Comfee’ RCB169WH2(E), 174 L freestanding fridge freezer
If you want to keep fresh shopping and frozen food in a freestanding appliance, compare the capacities of the two compartments separately.
The product description lists 115 L for the fridge and 59 L for the freezer, Low Frost technology, adjustable shelves and an E energy rating. The stated noise level is 39 dB.
Low Frost does not mean that frost will never build up in the freezer.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L integrated fridge freezer
This model may suit a fitted kitchen if the housing matches the stated installation dimensions.
The product description lists 174 L of fridge capacity and 14 L of freezer capacity. Stated noise level: 35 dB. Sliding-rail installation for a housing measuring 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm; the furniture door is not included.
The 14 L freezer compartment is stated to require manual defrosting. Check that its capacity meets your needs for frozen food.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge with freezer compartment
This compact size may suit kitchens with limited width, and includes an integrated freezer compartment.
The stated total capacity is 92 L and the stated width is 47 cm. The product description mentions a reversible door, a 7-position mechanical control, a freshness drawer and a salad crisper.
Check how much capacity is actually available for chilled and frozen food before comparing this model with a fridge freezer.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer
This fridge freezer has separate capacities for chilled and frozen food, making it easy to see how much space each section offers.
The product description lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a four-star freezer compartment and a noise level of 39 dB. It also states an E energy rating and Low Frost technology.
Low Frost does not mean that frost will never build up in the freezer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I enclose an under-counter fridge that fits beneath my worktop in a kitchen unit?
Not based on its dimensions alone. Check whether the model is designed to be freestanding or integrated, then follow the manual’s instructions on clearances, ventilation and door opening. For a housing, also check that the door-panel fixing system is compatible with the model.
How should I use and maintain my fridge to keep food fresh?
Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge, checking the temperature regularly, avoiding overfilling and cleaning it regularly. Store perishable food in the coldest area specified in the manual.
What rights do I have if a fridge bought from a trader develops a fault?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, subject to its conditions, to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual. According to the DGCCRF, claims must be made within two years of delivery of the goods. Any commercial guarantee is additional and does not replace the legal guarantee.
Is an energy label required for a new domestic fridge sold in France?
Yes. According to the DGCCRF, the domestic refrigeration appliances concerned are covered by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016, which has applied since 1 March 2021. The current scale runs from A to G; as the European Union points out, an old rating with a ‘+’ sign cannot be compared directly with this scale.
Is it free to have my old appliance taken away when I buy an equivalent new one?
The DGCCRF points out that retailers must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge when selling a new product on a ‘one-for-one’ basis. Ask the seller how to arrange collection when you buy or have your new appliance delivered.