Someone who cooks in their studio flat
If you store fresh food, leftovers and several meals between shops, compare the fridge compartment capacity rather than the total capacity alone. Any freezer compartment will take up some of that space.
Who is this type of fridge for?
Someone who sleeps or works near the appliance
In a single-room home, the fridge’s noise level deserves particular attention. Compare the stated noise levels in dB for the specific models you’re considering; don’t assume a smaller appliance will be quieter.
Someone who regularly buys frozen food
A freezer compartment doesn’t tell you what you’ll be able to store in it. Check its capacity, rating and the manufacturer’s instructions. For a freezer, the Ministry of Agriculture recommends a temperature of −18 °C.
What should you look for?
For a fridge to store everyday meals in a studio flat, first check that it fits the space and has enough room for fresh food. Then narrow down your options based on the frozen food you buy and how close the appliance is to your living area.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | External dimensions and door clearance; for a built-in model, the niche dimensions and installation instructions. | If the appliance needs to fit into a niche or a tight corner, a few centimetres can make all the difference. Around 30% of consumers prioritise getting the fit right. |
| Fresh-food storage | The fridge compartment capacity, separate from the total capacity, and the space available for your usual containers. | When my groceries need to last between several meals, I want to store fresh food and leftovers without relying on daily shopping. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Freezer compartment | Separate capacity, the compartment’s rating, and storage and defrosting instructions. | If I regularly buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not suit the quantities I need to store. Around 20% of consumers put this use first. |
| Noise and energy consumption | The specific model’s noise level in dB and annual energy consumption in kWh; compare appliances of a similar size and capacity. | In a room where I sleep or work, I pay attention to the appliance’s noise and its energy use over time. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these criteria. |
What should you avoid?
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Looking only at the total capacity
The stated figure may include a freezer compartment. For the Candy CNOQ2S58EX model listed by Boulanger, the advertised 114 L is split between a 100 L fridge and a 14 L freezer compartment.
Compare the two capacities separately, then check there’s enough room for your bottles, meal containers and fresh food.
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Confusing a mini fridge for occasional use with one for storing meals
An appliance designed mainly for drinks or cosmetics shouldn’t be chosen for fresh food based on its size alone. According to Anses, the coldest part of the fridge should be between 0 and +4 °C to keep food safely.
Before buying, check that the model is designed for food storage and read its temperature instructions.
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Ordering a built-in fridge based on its height alone
Electrolux’s product information for the EXB3AE82R specifies an 820 mm installation niche. The appliance’s height alone therefore isn’t enough to tell you whether it will fit under a worktop.
Measure the niche in every direction and check the manual for ventilation, fixing and door-system requirements.
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Assuming all freezer compartments work the same way
The presence of a freezer compartment doesn’t tell you how much space it offers or what storage conditions frozen food requires. Some small compartments may also need to be defrosted manually, depending on the model.
If you regularly buy frozen food, check the compartment’s rating and capacity, along with the defrosting instructions. For a freezer, the Ministry of Agriculture recommends −18 °C.
Brands to consider for this type of appliance
Candy
The CNOQ2S58EX is an example of a top-freezer fridge to consider for one person’s everyday storage needs.
- According to Boulanger, this model has a 100 L fridge and a 14 L freezer compartment.
- The freezer compartment takes up part of the advertised 114 L total capacity. Compare the space for fresh food with your shopping habits.
Beko
The B1854N is worth considering if your kitchen is designed for a built-in under-counter fridge.
- This type of installation may suit a fitted kitchen with a dedicated niche for the appliance.
- Check the niche dimensions and the manual: a built-in model isn’t installed in the same way as a freestanding appliance.
Electrolux
The EXB3AE82R is a built-in under-counter model for a fitted kitchen.
- Electrolux France states that this model has a total net capacity of 134 L and requires an 820 mm installation niche.
- Check the door system and all installation instructions before comparing it with a freestanding model.
Liebherr
The TK12Ve01 is a top-freezer model to consider if you want to keep fresh food separate from small amounts of frozen food.
- The separate compartment lets you assess the two uses individually.
- Before choosing this model, compare the capacity of each compartment with how often you shop, and check its storage instructions.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These two appliances suit different spaces: the SMEG is a built-in model to consider for a fitted kitchen, while the CHiQ is a compact fridge to compare for a smaller space. For both, check the installation requirements and the space you’ll actually need before making your choice.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge-freezer, E energy rating
Consider this for a fitted kitchen if the niche and door system meet the model’s installation requirements.
The product title states a total capacity of 188 L, a top freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is split between the compartments and read the temperature instructions before relying on the freezer for frozen food.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L compact fridge with freezer compartment, E energy rating
Compare this model if you’re looking for a compact appliance for everyday food and would like a freezer compartment.
The product title states a total capacity of 92 L and an E energy rating. Measure the space using the model’s confirmed external dimensions. If you buy frozen food, also check the freezer compartment’s capacity and rating. For a single-room home, ask for the noise level in dB.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I choose to store meals in a studio flat?
Choose based on how much fresh food you need to keep between shops, rather than assuming one capacity will suit everyone. Compare the fridge compartment capacity, the shelf layout and the space taken up by any freezer compartment.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for frozen food?
A small freezer compartment may suit limited quantities if its rating and instructions match how you plan to use it. Check its separate capacity and the storage conditions specified by the manufacturer. For a freezer, the Ministry of Agriculture recommends −18 °C.
How do I check the fridge temperature after installation?
Check the temperature at the coldest point: Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C there. Use a thermometer to check the temperature once the appliance is running. Also avoid overfilling the compartments so cold air can circulate.
What should I do with my old fridge when replacing it in France?
Ask the retailer about taking back your old appliance when you buy a new one. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when buying a product of the same type. Check the practical arrangements with the retailer, particularly if the new appliance is being delivered.