For your first home, choose a size that fits the space you actually have and the amount of fresh and frozen food you need to store. A table-top fridge is a good fit if you shop little and often. If you want to freeze food, check the capacity of the freezer compartment. A compact fridge-freezer gives you separate fresh and frozen storage, provided you have enough height for it.
If you shop little and often, start by measuring the space, the route into the kitchen and the room needed to open the door. Crous, for example, describes a studio flat of 18 to 21 m² with a kitchenette and fridge, so check what’s already included in your accommodation too.
Before planning a purchase, check the property inventory and see whether there’s already a fridge on site. If you need to buy one, the space available and the delivery route matter just as much as the internal capacity.
Think about how much frozen food you keep between shops. An integrated compartment and the separate freezer section of a fridge-freezer don’t offer the same amount of storage. Compare their capacities and check what the compartment is designed for on the specific model.
First, work out what will fit and open in your kitchen. Then compare the usable capacities and energy labels of the models that fit.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Compare the height, width and depth with the available space and delivery route. Check how far the door swings and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | I want to install the appliance without blocking the way or obstructing neighbouring units, even if the kitchen is narrow. |
| Fridge and freezer capacity | Compare the fresh-food and freezer capacities separately. If you want to freeze fresh food, check the compartment’s function and capacity, not just whether it’s included. | A table-top fridge may be enough if I shop little and often. If I regularly store more frozen food, I’ll also consider a compact fridge-freezer. |
| Energy use and noise | For appliances with comparable capacities and features, check the kWh/year, energy rating and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge energy labels. | In a studio flat where the kitchen is next to the living area, I want to consider noise as well as annual energy use. |
A fridge can be narrow enough but still too deep, obstruct a cupboard door or lack the clearances needed for installation.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and delivery route, then check the model’s instructions for installation, ventilation and door opening.
Having an integrated compartment doesn’t tell you how much food it can hold or whether it’s suitable for the way you want to freeze food.
Compare the freezer capacity separately from the fresh-food capacity, and check the compartment’s specifications before choosing between a table-top fridge and a fridge-freezer.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you the capacity or annual energy use of appliances in different sizes. ADEME points out that the size and features of a fridge can affect its energy use, as it runs continuously.
Check the kWh/year on the energy label alongside capacity and noise, ideally comparing models that meet the same storage needs.
There may already be a fridge, particularly in a student residence kitchenette like the one described by Crous.
Check the property inventory and confirm what’s there during a viewing or check-in inspection before placing an order.
Buying a second fridge could also mean having to transport or store an extra appliance.
These models illustrate different formats; their specifications don’t apply to every fridge from the same brand.
The KTL15NWEB is an example of a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
The TSE1285N is an example of a table-top fridge for a low space.
The CCH1S518EX is an example of a compact fridge-freezer with separate fresh-food and freezer compartments.
These two single-door fridges are options for keeping fresh food in a small kitchen. If freezing is important to you, check separately what the compartment in each model can do.
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Its 45 L capacity could suit a small supply of fresh food and frequent shopping trips. The product name lists an E energy rating and a toughened glass shelf. If you plan to store frozen food, check the freezer’s temperature and intended use. Before ordering, also check the dimensions in the correct order, installation clearances and kWh/year.
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Its stated capacity of 92 L is worth comparing with the space available and how often you shop. The product name mentions a freezer compartment and an E energy rating. If you store frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity and temperature. Also confirm all the dimensions, clearances, kWh/year and the stated noise level to make sure it’s right for your kitchen.
First, check the property inventory and what appliances are included. Some student residence kitchenettes already have a fridge, as in accommodation featured by Crous. A viewing or check-in inspection will help you confirm what’s provided where you live.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the route into the kitchen and the room needed to open the door. Then check the chosen model’s instructions for ventilation clearances and installation requirements, rather than relying on the external dimensions alone.
Compare their kWh/year, taking into account each appliance’s capacity and features, then look at the energy rating and noise level. According to the European Commission, fridge energy labels show this information as well as storage capacities.
Yes. Size is one of the things to consider: ADEME says that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that their size or certain features can increase energy use. Choose a capacity that suits your shopping habits, then compare the kWh/year of models that meet your needs.