Someone living in a studio flat with a worktop
You’re looking for an appliance low enough to fit beneath the worktop, while still leaving room for the door to open and for ventilation.
Who is this type of fridge for?
Someone who buys frozen food and has a small kitchen
You need to decide whether a small freezer compartment will meet your needs, or whether your habits call for a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer.
Someone who sleeps near the kitchen
Your appliance will be near a place where you sleep or work, so the type of noise it makes may matter as much as its stated noise level.
What to compare
To choose a size that works for you, compare the space you actually have with the capacity of each compartment and your shopping habits. Que Choisir and the European energy label offer useful complementary guidance.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route and door swing. Check the clearances in the model’s manual; Beko recommends at least 5 cm on each side and at the back for the fridge-freezers covered by its guidance. | If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or into an alcove, I also want to make sure it can open and ventilate properly. Around 28% of consumers prioritise where the appliance will go and how it will be installed. |
| Freezer capacity | Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity, its star rating and the model’s stated freezing capacity. Don’t confuse the compartment’s capacity with the total capacity of the appliance. | If I regularly keep frozen food, I need to know whether a small compartment will be enough or whether I need a separate freezer. Around 22% of consumers prioritise their frozen-food storage. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the litres allocated to fresh food, not just the total capacity. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a rough guide for one person, to be adjusted to suit their actual shopping habits. | If I shop frequently and mainly store fresh food, fridge space matters more than the advertised total capacity. Around 22% of consumers prioritise space for fresh food shopping. |
| Noise in your living space | Check the stated noise level and acoustic class, then look for tests or reviews of the exact model. One person’s review won’t necessarily predict how noisy it will seem to you. | If I sleep or work near the fridge, intermittent sounds or vibrations could affect my choice. Around 17% of consumers prioritise a quiet space near where they sleep. |
| Electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/year and energy class on the European label, taking the compartment capacities and layout into account. | If I want to compare appliances with different amounts of storage space, I look at the kWh/year alongside the compartment capacities. Around 11% of consumers prioritise electricity consumption. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing the appliance’s dimensions with the space it needs for installation
An appliance may fit the alcove width-wise but still be too tall or too deep, or lack the clearance it needs for ventilation.
Measure the space and the route to it, check the door opening, then consult the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
You may need to adapt the space or arrange a return, which can make installation more complicated.
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Assuming the total capacity is the same as the freezer capacity
The European product fiche for the Beko TSE1284N lists 101 l for fresh food and 13 l for its four-star freezer compartment. These capacities are for different purposes.
Compare the fresh-food and freezer capacities separately, then choose according to how much frozen food you store.
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Assuming the stated noise level means the fridge will seem silent
Que Choisir points out that noise frequency and vibrations can also affect how disruptive an appliance seems. One French reviewer describes being disturbed by a fridge in a studio flat despite its stated noise level of 35 dB, but this isn’t a representative test of the model.
If the appliance will be near a bed, look for listening tests or reviews of the exact model, and don’t treat one person’s experience as a general measurement.
Brands and models to know
Liebherr
The KTe550, KTe551 and CTPele231-26 models illustrate an under-counter fridge without a freezer, an under-counter fridge with a small freezer compartment, and a slimline fridge-freezer.
- Liebherr France gives the dimensions of the KTe550 and KTe551 as 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm, with total capacities of 125 l and 111 l respectively.
- According to Liebherr France, the CTPele231-26 measures 140,1 × 55 × 63 cm. Its width alone isn’t enough to tell you whether it will fit in a low space.
Beko
The TSE1284N is an example of an under-counter fridge with a small freezer compartment. Beko also publishes ventilation guidance for the appliances it covers.
- Beko’s European product fiche lists 101 l for fresh food and 13 l for the four-star compartment, along with 36 dB(A) and 137 kWh/year.
- Consider whether 13 l will meet your frozen-food needs. Beko’s recommended 5 cm clearance applies to the fridge-freezers it covers, so always check the manual for your chosen model.
Bosch
The KTR15NWEB and KTL15NWEB models let you compare two under-counter fridges with the same external dimensions: one without a freezer compartment and one with.
- Bosch Électroménager France gives the dimensions of both models as 850 × 560 × 580 mm and their noise level as 39 dB(A).
- The product fiches list 134 l of fresh-food capacity with no freezer compartment for the KTR15NWEB, and 106 l of fresh-food capacity with a freezer compartment for the KTL15NWEB. Compare the capacities that match your needs.
Compact fridges on Joybuy
These models cater for fresh-food storage, a small stash of frozen food or storage in a compact fridge-freezer. Check the appliance dimensions and the space available before choosing.
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COMFEE’ RCT87WH2EU(E), countertop fridge
Its countertop design suits a compact space. Check the dimensions before placing it under a worktop.
The title mentions removable shelves, an adjustable thermostat, a reversible door and energy class E.
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Comfee’ RCB169WH2(E), 174 l fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer is a good option if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Check that it’s the right height for your kitchen.
The title lists 115 l for the fridge, 59 l for the freezer, a height of 150 cm, Low Frost technology and a four-star freezer.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen compartments. Compare its width with the space available, and check the height and depth too.
The title lists 153 l for the fridge, 74 l for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, Low Frost technology and a four-star freezer.
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SMEG S4L120E, integrated one-door fridge, 188 l
This model is designed for fresh-food storage and a suitably sized housing unit. Check the dimensions and installation instructions for your kitchen.
The title lists a capacity of 188 l and energy class E.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 l one-door fridge
The title mentions a small freezer compartment and a stated footprint of 0,22 m². Compare the capacity with your shopping needs: Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as a rough guide for one person.
The title also specifies a silver finish and energy class E.
Frequently asked questions
Is a width of 55 cm enough to know whether a fridge will fit?
No. Check the height, depth, door opening and clearances specified for the model too. The Liebherr CTPele231-26 is 55 cm wide but 140,1 cm tall. Don’t apply Beko’s recommended clearance for the appliances it covers to other models without checking their manuals.
How should I set and maintain my fridge for fresh food?
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point and checking it regularly, for example with a thermometer. It also advises against overfilling the appliance and recommends cleaning it regularly. These guidelines don’t guarantee that a particular model will maintain this temperature in all conditions.
What warranty and collection arrangements should I expect when buying in France?
For goods bought by an individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity is the seller’s responsibility and applies for two years, subject to the relevant conditions. The DGCCRF says free ‘one-for-one’ take-back applies to an equivalent used appliance when you buy a new one. Ask the seller how take-back works, and remember that it’s separate from installation.
What does the energy label on a fridge sold in France mean?
For the appliances covered and sold in the European Union, the label gives details including the energy class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and airborne acoustical noise emissions. The acoustic class alone can’t tell you whether intermittent noise will be disruptive in a living space.