Someone living alone in a studio flat
If you shop frequently and have limited space, use Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point. Adjust it to the amount of fresh and frozen food you keep.
Who are these formats suitable for?
Someone in a living space with an open-plan kitchen
If the fridge is near your bed or sofa, compare the stated noise levels, then check a noise assessment if available. Que Choisir points out that vibrations, frequency and the nature of the sound also affect how disruptive it feels.
Someone with a fitted small kitchen
An integrated model needs more than a housing unit that looks big enough: the dimensions, door front, hinges, opening and airflow must all meet the requirements in the instructions for your chosen model.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with your shopping and freezing habits, then check that the format you’re considering will fit the actual space and its proximity to your living area.
| Factor | What to check | For my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and storage | Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as an average guide for one person. Also check the layout of the shelves and salad drawer. | I often make small shopping trips: will I have enough room for fresh food without taking up unnecessary space in the kitchen? |
| Freezing | Compare the fridge and freezer compartment capacities separately, as well as the features of the freezer compartment on the specific model. | Will a few frozen items be enough, or do I need more freezer space for my regular shopping? |
| Installation | Measure the height, width, depth and door clearance. Check the clearances and ventilation specified in the instructions; for an integrated model, also check the housing unit and hinges. | The door needs to open without hitting a wall or unit, and the appliance must be installable in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Noise | Que Choisir uses a stated noise level below 40 dBA as a guide when shortlisting quiet fridges, while noting that vibrations and the type of sound matter too. | If I sleep or work near the appliance, I want to consider its noise beyond the dBA figure alone. |
| Energy use and lifespan | Compare the energy label and annual energy consumption of appliances with similar formats and capacities. Check repairability and durability information where available. | I want to consider the appliance’s energy use and any information that could help me keep it running for longer. |
What buying mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
This figure doesn’t tell you how much room there is for fresh and frozen food. For example, the Beko TSE1264FMGN product details list 101 litres of fridge capacity and 13 litres of freezer capacity, out of 114 litres in total.
Before comparing a fridge with a small freezer compartment against a fridge freezer, think about what you usually store in each compartment.
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Fitting the appliance without allowing for ventilation
The space may be the right size, but that’s not enough if air can’t circulate as described in the instructions. Electrolux also recommends keeping the appliance away from heat sources.
Measure the space, check the required clearances and the model’s climate class, then follow its installation instructions.
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Assuming a dBA figure guarantees quiet operation
According to Que Choisir, the sound’s frequency and any vibrations can affect how disruptive it feels, even when two appliances have similar stated noise levels.
In a living space, use the dBA figure to shortlist models, check a noise assessment if available, and make sure the appliance is stable once installed.
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Ordering an integrated model before checking your kitchen units
The appliance’s dimensions alone aren’t enough to confirm that it will fit an existing housing unit and door front. The door system and ventilation openings matter too.
Measure the housing unit, check the hinge type, door opening direction and ventilation openings, then compare each detail with the installation instructions.
Which brands offer useful points of reference?
These models illustrate different formats; their features won’t apply to every appliance from the same brand.
Beko
The TSE1264FMGN is an example of a freestanding tabletop fridge with a small freezer compartment.
- According to Beko France’s product details: 54 cm wide, 101 litres of fridge capacity, 13 litres of freezer capacity and a stated noise level of 36 dB(A).
- Check that 13 litres of freezer capacity suits your habits; the stated noise level alone can’t predict how loud the appliance will seem.
Liebherr
The KTe550 is an example of a freestanding tabletop fridge to consider if you have enough depth available.
- Liebherr France lists a capacity of 125 litres, a noise level of 35 dB and dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm for this model.
- Check the KTe550 product details to see whether its configuration meets your freezing needs, then consult the instructions for installation guidance.
Bosch
The KUL22VFD0 is an integrated option with a freezer compartment for a fitted kitchen.
- Bosch Home Appliances France lists dimensions of 820 × 598 × 548 mm, 93 litres of fridge capacity and a noise level of 35 dB(A).
- Its under-counter format doesn’t, on its own, confirm that it will fit your housing unit and door front or have suitable ventilation.
Electrolux
The ELB3AE82YY is an integrated under-counter fridge to consider for a compatible housing unit.
- Electrolux France lists a housing unit height of 820 mm, a total capacity of 111 litres and a stated noise level of 38 dB for this model.
- Check the instructions for your chosen model: the housing unit, door fitting and airflow must all suit your kitchen units.
Which Joybuy models should you consider?
These options include freestanding and integrated appliances, with different amounts of freezer space. Compare their capacity with your usual shopping and check the installation requirements for the model you’re interested in.
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CHiQ JR227LSE 227 L fridge freezer, silver
Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food, rather than just making small shopping trips. The model name indicates 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost, a four-star freezer rating and an E energy rating. Its total capacity is above Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres for one person; also check the height, depth and required clearances.
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SMEG S4C122E 188 L integrated fridge freezer
This option is for a kitchen with suitable units and anyone who needs freezer space in an integrated appliance. The model name indicates a single door, a top-mounted freezer, a total capacity of 188 L and an E energy rating. Before choosing, check the housing unit dimensions, door-front fixing and freezer compartment capacity.
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CHiQ JR92DSE 92 L single-door fridge, matt silver
This format may suit someone who shops frequently and only keeps a small amount of food at a time. The model name indicates a freezer compartment and an E energy rating. At 92 L, its capacity is below Que Choisir’s average guide of 100 to 150 litres for one person. Check that there’s enough room for your fresh and frozen food, and confirm the full dimensions and stated noise level.
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SMEG S4L120E integrated single-door fridge, E energy rating
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if fresh food storage is your priority. Check the capacity of this model before comparing it with your needs: the product information lists 188 L in the title and 208 L in the description. Also check the housing unit, door system and ventilation, and whether it has a freezer compartment if you need one.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should you allow for one person?
Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this guide to suit how often you shop, how much space your fresh food takes up and how much freezer space you need.
Does a noise level below 40 dBA mean a fridge will be quiet in a studio flat?
No: it’s a guide for shortlisting, not a guarantee of comfortable noise levels. Que Choisir points out that frequency, vibrations and the nature of the sound also affect how disruptive it feels. If possible, check a noise assessment for the model you’re considering.
What should you check before installing a freestanding fridge?
Measure the space and door clearance, then follow the instructions for the required clearances and permitted room temperature. Electrolux recommends leaving space for air to circulate around the appliance and keeping it away from heat sources. Its advice to wait at least four hours before plugging in an appliance after transport doesn’t replace the instructions for the specific model you’ve bought.
Can you replace a freestanding fridge with an integrated model without altering your kitchen units?
Only if the housing unit, door-front system, door opening and ventilation meet the requirements of the integrated model. Measure the unit and compare your measurements with the installation instructions before choosing.
What should you compare on the energy label?
For mains-operated refrigerating appliances covered by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016, the energy label provides information that helps you assess energy consumption, among other things. Compare appliances with similar formats and capacities, then check their product details for other features that matter in your kitchen.