First, choose a fridge that fits the available space without blocking ventilation or preventing the door from opening. A table-top or under-counter model can work when height is limited. If you regularly store frozen food, compare the separate compartment capacities of a two-door model or a small fridge-freezer instead. An integrated model also requires a compatible cabinet niche and door-fixing system.
The right choice depends as much on your shopping habits as on the space you can actually use in your kitchen.
If space is limited in terms of height or width and you tend to shop little and often, consider a table-top or under-counter model. Que Choisir particularly recommends table-top fridges for studio flats; remember to check how much room you need to open the door, too.
A two-door fridge or small fridge-freezer lets you compare the fresh-food and frozen-food storage separately. Published capacities vary between compact models, so total capacity alone won’t tell you which one is right for you.
To keep your kitchen’s fitted look, measure the cabinet niche and check its ventilation, as well as the door-fixing system required by the integrated model you’re considering. The installation dimensions published by Electrolux for the ENP7MD19S apply to that specific model, not to every cabinet niche.
Start with the space available and your shopping habits, then compare the features that matter on models that will fit in your kitchen.
| Consideration | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and space | Compare the appliance’s height, width and depth with the available space and the delivery route. Allow for the door to open and for the clearances specified in the manual. | I want to open the fridge without it hitting the wall, sink or neighbouring cabinet. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the type of compartment provided for frozen food. | If I regularly freeze food, I’ll check how much space is set aside for it, rather than looking only at the advertised total capacity. |
| Freestanding or integrated | For an integrated model, check the cabinet niche dimensions, ventilation and door fixing against the model’s manual. For a freestanding model, check the required clearances too. | My kitchen already has a cabinet, so I need to know whether the appliance I choose can actually be installed in it. |
| Energy and noise | Under the European Commission’s energy label, eligible fridges are rated from A to G. Also compare the stated annual energy consumption and noise level in dB(A) across models that fit your space. | In a studio flat, I’ll pay attention to the noise level of an appliance near the living area, as well as its annual energy consumption. |
| Everyday use and care | Check the defrosting method, temperature settings and storage layout. Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. | I want to put my shopping away without blocking the flow of cold air, and maintain the appliance in line with its manual. |
An appliance may have the right external dimensions but still be unsuitable for the space if its airflow or door is obstructed.
Check the depth, skirting boards and door clearance, then follow the installation instructions for the exact model. Bosch, for example, says that some of its integrated under-counter models ventilate through the plinth.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment with the amount of fresh and frozen food you usually keep.
In a narrow kitchen, the way the door opens could make it difficult to reach storage or cause it to hit a nearby fixture.
Check whether the door on your chosen model is reversible and whether it can be changed around in your kitchen.
A fridge next to your bed is more noticeable, and its electricity use matters throughout its working life.
Compare the stated noise level, annual energy consumption and energy label rating of models that fit your kitchen.
These examples show different styles and measurements to check. A feature of one model won’t necessarily apply to every product from the same brand.
The KTL15NWEB is an example of a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
The TSE1264FMGN is an example of a table-top fridge for a narrow space.
The CDH1S513EW is an example of a two-compartment appliance in a narrower width.
The ENP7MD19S integrated fridge-freezer shows why cabinet niche measurements matter in a fitted kitchen.
These models include freestanding fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, as well as integrated appliances to consider only if you have a compatible cabinet niche. Compare their dimensions and compartments to find the right fit for your kitchen.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer combines fridge and freezer storage for a kitchen where width is limited. Its listing gives a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and a 70/30 split. Check the depth and ventilation clearances in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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This model gives you separate storage for fresh and frozen food. Its listing states a 153 l fridge capacity and a 74 l freezer capacity. It’s listed as 54 cm wide, with a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the depth too, and follow the ventilation instructions.
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This integrated fridge-freezer is designed for a kitchen with a suitable cabinet. Its listing states a C energy rating. Before choosing it, check that your cabinet niche, ventilation and door-fixing system meet the requirements for this exact model.
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This single-door model, with the freezer compartment at the top, is designed for integrated installation. Check the capacity of each compartment on the product page for the exact model, then make sure your cabinet meets its niche, ventilation and door requirements.
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This single-door fridge could suit a fitted kitchen if its fresh-food storage capacity and cabinet niche meet your needs. Check its capacity on the product page for the exact model. If you store frozen food, also check whether it has a freezer compartment and what its features are.
Follow the clearance guidance in the manual for your chosen model. The requirements vary depending on the appliance and its installation. Bosch notes, for example, that some of its integrated under-counter models ventilate through the plinth. Make sure the required airflow is not blocked.
Yes, as long as the freestanding fridge fits the space and its door and ventilation can work as described in the manual. Don’t assume it can be enclosed in the cabinet niche used for the old appliance.
Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Check the temperature after installation, and avoid filling the appliance so full that it blocks the circulation of cold air.
Since March 2021, the European energy label for eligible household fridges has used a scale from A to G, according to the European Commission. Once you’ve found models with dimensions and capacities to suit your needs, compare their ratings and annual energy consumption.