Someone who lives alone and shops frequently
A small fridge can work well in a studio flat if you only store a few items at a time. Compare its usable capacity with your usual shopping: UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person.
Who is each type of fridge for?
Someone who prepares meals in advance
Meals kept for several days take up space in the fridge compartment. If you also regularly store frozen food, check the freezer compartment’s capacity separately rather than relying on the total capacity.
Someone with a small fitted kitchen
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or into an alcove, start by measuring the space and checking the door clearance. For built-in models, Bosch Électroménager France advises that the required niche dimensions and ventilation depend on the appliance.
What should you check before choosing?
Table-top fridge
Worth considering: if space is limited, you live alone and shop frequently.
Bear in mind: check that its usable capacity is enough for your fresh food and any frozen food you keep.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Worth considering: if you want more space for fresh food and only use the freezer occasionally.
Bear in mind: according to UFC-Que Choisir, a small freezer compartment may not be enough if frozen food makes up a significant part of your shopping.
Compact fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you shop less often and regularly need space for frozen food.
Bear in mind: check the space needed for the appliance and its doors to open, as well as the capacity actually available for fresh food.
| Factor | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable capacity in litres of the fridge compartment, not just the total capacity. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person. | I shop several times a week: will I have enough room for fresh food and leftovers without taking up unnecessary space in my kitchen? |
| Freezing capacity | Check whether there is a freezer compartment and how much it holds. If you regularly store frozen food, distinguish between a small freezer compartment and a separate freezer compartment. | Will a few occasional items be enough, or do I need to store frozen food and ready meals between shopping trips? |
| Installation | Measure the width, height and depth, the delivery route and the door clearance. For a built-in model, check the dimensions, door system and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions. | The appliance needs to fit in my kitchen while allowing the door to open and air to circulate as intended. |
| Energy and noise | For comparable capacity and types, check annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level, as well as the A to G rating shown on the energy label presented by the European Commission. | My fridge will be near my living space, so I want to compare its stated energy consumption and noise level. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Checking only the stated width
An appliance may fit in the space you measured but still obstruct the door or prevent the recommended airflow around it.
Also measure the height and depth, the delivery route and the door clearance, then check the clearances required in the instructions. For a built-in model, check the niche and the cabinet’s ventilation too.
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Assuming a small freezer compartment can handle regular shops
UFC-Que Choisir says that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
Work out how much space your frozen food and ready meals take up at the same time, then compare the capacity of separate freezer compartments if you plan to use one regularly.
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Comparing only the energy label rating
The rating alone doesn’t tell you the capacity of the compartments, annual energy consumption or noise level.
For appliances of a similar type and capacity, compare the rating, annual kWh, fresh and frozen food capacities, and noise level on the energy label.
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Overlooking installation instructions
Ventilation, proximity to a heat source and levelling are all important installation requirements to check. Electrolux France recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance and following its climate class requirements.
Follow the model’s instructions on positioning, clearances and setup. Don’t assume the same ventilation gap is right for every fridge.
A guide to brands
There are no brand recommendations to display in this section.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
This selection mainly features fridge-freezers, alongside one single-door built-in model. Compare the space available for fresh and frozen food, then check each appliance’s installation requirements.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L fridge-freezer
Consider this if you want an appliance with a freezer rather than just a small freezer compartment, once you’ve checked the space available. The model title lists a height of 150 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost technology, a 4-star freezer, 39 dB and an E energy rating. Check the instructions for door clearance and ventilation, and the energy label for annual kWh consumption.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L fridge-freezer
Before making room for it in a studio flat, consider whether its total capacity suits your usual shopping. The model title lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Also check the delivery route, door clearance and the gaps specified in the instructions.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L single-door built-in fridge
This model is designed for a kitchen with a compatible cabinet, so check the niche, door system and ventilation before choosing it. The model title lists a freezer compartment at the top and an E energy rating. If you regularly store frozen food, compare the space actually available for it.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer
The stated capacities of 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing make it easier to assess how much room is available for different foods. The model title lists Low Frost, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door and an E rating. Before deciding where to put it, confirm the exact dimensions of this version on its product page and in the instructions.
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Heinrich´s, 170 L fridge-freezer
For one person, the stated 120 L fridge capacity falls within the 100 to 150 L range suggested by UFC-Que Choisir. The model title also lists 50 L of freezer capacity, 40 dB and an E rating. Check the dimensions, door opening direction and ventilation clearances before deciding where to install it.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a fridge for a studio flat?
Measure the space in width, height and depth, then check the delivery route and the room needed for the door to open. Allow for the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. For a built-in model, also check the niche dimensions, cabinet ventilation and door system compatibility.
Is a small freezer compartment enough for frozen food?
A small freezer compartment may suit occasional, limited needs. If you regularly store a lot of frozen food or ready meals, UFC-Que Choisir says that a small freezer compartment may not be enough. In that case, compare models with a separate freezer compartment and check its usable capacity.
What should I compare on the energy label?
Compare the A to G rating, annual energy consumption in kWh, the capacity of the fresh and frozen food compartments, and the stated noise level. The European Commission shows this information on the energy label for fridges and freezers. When choosing between two appliances, also consider their type and capacity.
Freestanding or built-in: which is best for a small kitchen?
Choose a built-in model only if the niche, cabinet, door and ventilation meet the model’s requirements. If the niche is too small, Bosch Électroménager France recommends considering a freestanding appliance rather than forcing the installation.
How should I install and stock the fridge after delivery?
First, follow your model’s instructions for positioning and connecting it. Electrolux France recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance and following its climate class requirements. For food storage, Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and advises against overfilling it.