First, measure the space, door clearance and ventilation requirements. Then choose fridge and freezer capacities to suit your shopping habits. A tabletop fridge may suit a studio flat where space is tight and you shop often. If you regularly buy frozen food, compare the compartments in a compact fridge-freezer instead. In a fitted kitchen, an integrated model will only fit if the cabinet space and door mounting match that specific model.
If you often make small shopping trips, a tabletop fridge can free up space in your kitchenette. Que Choisir lists this among the sizes suited to studio flats. However, check its usable capacity, the space needed for ventilation and how far the door swings open.
A single-door fridge with a freezer compartment may suit occasional use. If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, compare the compartment’s capacity with that of a compact fridge-freezer. Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough.
If you’re replacing an integrated appliance, start by measuring the cabinet space and checking the door fixing type. The appliance dimensions, ventilation and hinges must all suit the existing kitchen layout; cabinet spaces are not interchangeable.
First rule out any appliances that won’t fit the space. Then compare the capacity for fresh food and frozen food separately. Energy use and noise can help you choose between models that meet these needs.
| What to consider | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the delivery route, door clearance and the gaps specified in the manual. For an integrated model, also check the cabinet space and door fixing. | My kitchenette is narrow, or I’m replacing an appliance in existing cabinetry: the door needs to open, and the ventilation specified for this model must be possible. |
| Fresh food capacity | Compare the usable capacity and interior layout with how often you shop. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a typical guide for one person, which you can adjust to suit your needs. | I shop for several days at a time: fresh food and meals I want to keep need to fit without overcrowding the shelves. |
| Freezing | Check whether there is a freezer compartment and how much it holds, separately from the fridge capacity. Que Choisir warns that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if frozen food makes up a significant part of your shop. | Frozen food is often on my shopping list: I’ll compare a compact fridge-freezer with models that have small built-in freezer compartments, rather than judging by total capacity alone. |
| Energy use and noise | According to the European Commission, the energy label shows information including annual energy consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and declared noise levels. Compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. | My fridge will be close to my living or sleeping area: I’ll check the kWh/year and dB figures for every model that fits in my kitchen. |
| Food storage | Make sure you can check the temperature. Anses recommends between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and advises against overfilling it. | I want to put my shopping away without blocking the flow of cold air, and check the temperature once the appliance is installed. |
An appliance that’s narrow may still be too deep for your worktop or stop the door from opening fully. For an integrated model, the cabinet space and door fixing matter too.
Measure the space and check every dimension against the manual for the exact model before ordering.
A space that’s free and the right size isn’t necessarily suitable for installation. In its general guide, Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of ventilation space behind and beneath the fridge. However, the instructions for the model you choose take priority.
Check the clearances in its manual, particularly if it’s going under a worktop or into a cabinet space.
The appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is reserved for frozen food. Que Choisir notes that a small freezer compartment may not be enough when frozen products make up a significant part of your shop.
Compare fresh and frozen food capacities separately. If you regularly store frozen food, look at compact fridge-freezers too.
The rating doesn’t replace the model’s energy use, capacity and noise figures. These details matter particularly if the fridge is in the same room as your living area.
Before deciding, compare the kWh/year, capacities and dB figures on the energy labels of appliances of a similar type.
The examples below illustrate the dimensions and installation requirements of specific models. Always check the details for the model you’re considering.
Worth a look if you’re after a narrow tabletop fridge: Beko lists the TS190340N as 47,5 cm wide and 82 cm high.
A brand to compare if fitting under a worktop or into a cabinet space is a key consideration. Bosch describes several possible installation heights for a 56 cm-wide cabinet space, depending on the model.
If your kitchen is already fitted, the Electrolux product information for the KFF6DD18S4 integrated fridge gives an example of a cabinet space measuring 1 780 × 560 × 550 mm.
This selection includes mostly fridge-freezers, as well as a compact COMFEE’ fridge. Compare their dimensions and compartments with your available space and shopping habits. This selection is no substitute for checking the fit of an integrated appliance.
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Worth considering if you want a fridge-freezer for fresh and frozen food, and a width of 54 cm suits your kitchen. The model name indicates a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Check the depth, clearances and delivery route before choosing this appliance.
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If space is tight, check the fridge’s actual dimensions before relying on its compact description. Its name mentions a reversible door, removable shelves, an adjustable thermostat and an E energy rating. If you store frozen food, check how much space is available for it separately.
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This fridge-freezer has 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space, so you can assess each compartment against your shopping needs. Its name indicates a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost technology and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and ventilation requirements for your space too.
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If you want a separate compartment for frozen food, compare its 71 L freezer capacity with your needs; the fridge is listed as 182 L. The model name mentions No Frost, a reversible door hinge and a noise level of 39 dB. Check the dimensions and installation requirements before considering it for a small kitchen.
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If your shopping includes fresh and frozen food, this model offers 120 L of fridge space and 50 L of freezer space. Its name indicates a noise level of 40 dB and an E energy rating. Measure the space and check the installation dimensions before deciding whether its smaller capacity is right for your kitchen.
Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a typical guide for one person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop, the space available and how much room you need for food you’ll keep for several days.
Not necessarily if you regularly store frozen food: Que Choisir warns that a small freezer compartment may not be enough. Compare the freezer compartment’s capacity separately from the space for fresh food.
Measure the height, width and depth of the cabinet space, then check the manual for ventilation, hinges and door fixing. Dimensions vary between models. For example, Electrolux lists a cabinet space of 1 780 × 560 × 550 mm for the KFF6DD18S4.
For the appliances covered, the European Commission says the label includes information such as the energy rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level. Compare these details between models of a similar type and capacity, rather than looking at the rating alone.
Anses recommends between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the temperature after installation and avoid overfilling the appliance, so that cold air can circulate.