Someone living alone and cooking in a studio flat
If you keep fresh food, leftovers and drinks, check the fridge’s net capacity before choosing a mini fridge just because it takes up less space.
Who are these fridge types for?
Someone in a room with facilities or temporary accommodation
A compact appliance needs to fit in its space without compromising the clearances specified in the manual. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the fridge, keeping it away from heat sources and observing its climate class.
Someone who sleeps or works in a room used for everything
Compare the stated noise levels of the models you’re considering: a small fridge isn’t necessarily unobtrusive in the room.
What should you compare before choosing?
Start by working out how much space you have and how much food you need to store. The freezer compartment and noise level can then help you choose between the models that will fit your setup.
Mini fridge
Worth considering: if space is very limited and you only need to keep a small amount of fresh food and drinks.
The trade-off: check that the net capacity will be enough between shopping trips.
Table-top fridge without a freezer
Worth considering: if you cook and want to use all the interior space for fresh food.
The trade-off: it won’t keep frozen food.
Compact fridge with a freezer compartment
Worth considering: if you use frozen food, once you’ve checked the capacity of the specific compartment.
The trade-off: the compartment takes up some of the interior space and needs suitable care.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the door clearance, ventilation gaps and climate class in the manual. | I need to be able to open the door and allow air to circulate around the appliance, even in a narrow kitchenette. |
| Usable capacity | Distinguish the fridge capacity from the total capacity when there’s a freezer compartment. Check there’s enough shelf space for your usual shop. | I keep meals and leftovers for several days, so fresh-food capacity matters more to me than the word ‘mini’ on the label. |
| Freezer compartment | Check the compartment’s capacity and the uses specified for the particular model; don’t assume it can freeze food just because it’s described as having a ‘freezer’. | If I buy frozen food regularly, I want to know the conditions in which I can store it. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) for appliances with similar configurations and capacities. | I sleep or work in the same room as the fridge, so its stated noise level is part of my decision. |
| Temperature | Check the actual temperature after installation and avoid overloading the shelves. Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge for storing food. | I want to be able to check the temperature my fresh food is kept at, rather than just adjust a dial. |
| Energy use | Compare the energy rating and annual energy consumption stated for each model rather than estimating them from its size. | The fridge runs continuously, so I want to take its energy consumption into account when choosing. |
| Refurbished | Identify the exact model and check its dimensions, condition, operation and the terms offered by the seller. | For temporary accommodation, I’d also consider a refurbished appliance if I can check the specifications of the exact product. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Going by the word ‘mini’ alone
A narrow width doesn’t tell you how much depth you need to open the door or how much space to leave for ventilation. Electrolux also recommends keeping the fridge away from heat sources.
Measure the space, access route and door clearance, then compare them with the model’s dimensions and installation instructions.
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Choosing a freezer compartment you don’t need
The compartment takes up interior space that could otherwise be used for fresh food.
Think about what you usually buy: if you use frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity; if not, compare the fridge capacity of models without a freezer.
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Assuming a noise rating means the fridge will be silent
In a room used for everything, the fridge will be close to your bed or desk. The specifications for the Beko TSE1504FN, Liebherr KTe500 and Bosch KTL15NWEB list noise levels of 37, 35 and 39 dB(A) respectively, but this doesn’t tell you how noisy they’ll seem in your home.
Compare the stated figures for the models you’re considering and install the appliance according to its manual.
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Forgetting to check the temperature after installation
The right capacity isn’t enough if fresh food isn’t kept at the correct temperature. Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and advises against overfilling it.
Check the temperature regularly, using a thermometer if needed, and leave space for cold air to circulate between the food.
Which branded models are worth considering?
These models show different table-top fridge configurations. Their inclusion doesn’t mean they’re available on Joybuy.
Beko
The French product pages for the TSE1504FN and TSE1264FMGN let you compare a table-top fridge without a freezer with a model that has a freezer compartment.
- Beko lists 128 L of fridge capacity, a width of 54 cm and a noise level of 37 dB(A) for the TSE1504FN, which has no freezer.
- The TSE1264FMGN has a 4-star compartment; check how the capacity is split and whether there’s enough room for the fresh food you need to store.
Liebherr
The KTe500 is worth comparing if width and stated noise levels matter in a room used for everything.
- Liebherr lists a width of 50 cm, a total capacity of 110 L and a noise level of 35 dB for this model.
- Check its interior layout and whether it suits your needs for storing frozen food.
Bosch
The KTL15NWEB is an example of a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
- Bosch lists 106 L of fridge capacity, dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm and a noise level of 39 dB(A).
- Check the freezer compartment’s specifications separately before choosing it for frozen food.
Which compact models are available on Joybuy?
These two options suit different storage needs: a mini fridge for a small amount of food and a larger-capacity compact model. Check the space available and how you plan to use the freezer compartment before choosing.
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TCL RF60DWE0FR, 45 L mini fridge
Worth considering if you need to keep a small amount of food and drinks in a limited space. The product description lists a tempered glass shelf and an E energy rating. Check the installation dimensions and the temperature it reaches for the food you want to store. Don’t assume its chiller compartment is suitable for frozen food.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L compact fridge
Worth considering if a mini fridge doesn’t offer enough space for your fresh food. The product description mentions a freezer section and an E energy rating. Check the full dimensions, stated noise level and the section’s specifications if you plan to store frozen food in it.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should a small fridge be?
Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge for storing food. Check the temperature regularly, using a thermometer if needed, and avoid overfilling the appliance so cold air can circulate.
Do you need a freezer compartment in a studio flat?
Not if you only store fresh food. If you buy frozen food or want to freeze food yourself, check the capacity of the compartment in the model you choose. Beko says the TSE1264FMGN has a 4-star compartment designed to store frozen food at −18 °C and freeze fresh food down to −24 °C.
Can I install the fridge against a wall or near a hob?
First, check the clearances specified for the appliance. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the fridge, keeping it away from heat sources and observing the ambient temperature specified by its climate class.