In a small kitchen, start by measuring the space, the door’s opening arc and the clearances specified in the manual. Then choose the capacity to suit your shopping habits and how much freezer space you need. A table-top or single-door model can work if you only need to store a few frozen items; a fridge freezer needs more room but is worth considering if you regularly stock up on frozen food. For an integrated model, the housing and door-fitting system must match the appliance you choose. Then compare the kWh/year figures for models of a similar type and capacity.
If the space under your worktop or the available height limits your options, measure the space before you focus on capacity. Que Choisir includes table-top fridges among the formats suited to studio flats; check the dimensions and capacity of each model individually.
You’re mainly looking for enough space for your fresh shopping, perhaps with a small freezer compartment. Compare the fridge capacity in litres with the freezer capacity: two appliances with the same total capacity can suit very different habits.
If frozen food is a regular part of your shopping, the space set aside for it becomes crucial. A fridge freezer keeps fresh and frozen food separate, provided its height and capacity also work in your kitchen.
First, choose a format that fits your available space and how much frozen food you store. Whether the appliance is integrated is a separate installation consideration, not an alternative to choosing the capacity you need for fresh or frozen food.
Consider it: when space is limited in height and you don’t need to freeze food in this appliance.
Bear in mind: this format offers less room for fresh food and won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Consider it: if fridge space is your priority and you only keep a few frozen items.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment may not have enough capacity if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider it: if you regularly stock frozen food and have enough height available.
Bear in mind: some of the appliance’s overall size and capacity will be taken up by the freezer.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should consider it |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | External dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances specified in the manual; for an integrated model, the housing dimensions and door-fitting system. | When every centimetre counts, I want to be able to install the appliance and open its door in my kitchen. Around 36% of consumers would put this space constraint first. |
| Fridge capacity | The fridge’s net capacity in litres and the space you need between shopping trips, regardless of the total capacity. | If my fresh shopping needs to last several days, I don’t want to run short of storage or take up kitchen space with unnecessary capacity. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space for frozen food | The freezer compartment’s capacity and type, rather than just the total capacity. | I often stock frozen food, so a small freezer compartment may not keep up with my shopping habits. Around 21% of consumers would put freezer capacity first. |
| Energy use and noise | kWh/year for models of a similar type and capacity; stated noise level in dB(A). | In a compact living space, I pay attention to the energy use and noise of an appliance that runs constantly. This would be the top consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
To work out how much fridge space you need, Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop and how much space your food takes up; it isn’t a fixed minimum.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide the space between fresh and frozen food differently. A small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly buy frozen food.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, in litres, and match them to your shopping habits.
An appliance that fits in its space must also be able to open and be installed as set out in the manual. For an integrated model, the housing and door-fitting system are just as important as the dimensions of the front.
Measure the space and the route into your kitchen, then check them against the specifications and manual for the model you’re considering.
According to ADEME, fridges and freezers run constantly, and their size can affect energy use. The rating letter alone won’t tell you whether two different formats meet the same storage needs.
Once you’ve worked out the capacity you need, compare the kWh/year figures for models of a similar type and capacity.
If your new fridge is replacing an old one, you’ll need to arrange for the old appliance to be taken away, especially if you can’t move it yourself.
Ask the retailer what collection options are available when you place your order and how they work with the delivery service.
Beko’s range includes freestanding table-top fridges, with or without a freezer compartment, worth considering for a low-clearance space.
Liebherr’s single-door integrated fridges and integrated fridge freezers are worth considering when fitting the appliance into a cabinet is a priority.
Bosch provides installation information to check when comparing a freestanding or integrated fridge freezer.
These models include freestanding fridge freezers with different capacities and an integrated model with a top freezer. For a small kitchen, start by considering the space available and how much frozen food you buy before comparing capacities.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen storage in one appliance that’s 150 cm tall; check that the door can open fully in your kitchen.
The product description lists a 70/30 split, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door, 39 dB and an E energy rating.
Check the manual for installation clearances and the energy label to compare kWh/year with similar fridge freezers.
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Worth considering if you need a separate freezer compartment but are keeping an eye on the available width.
The product description lists a 153 L fridge, a 74 L freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Also measure the height, depth and clearance needed to open the door; compare the kWh/year on the energy label with appliances of a similar capacity.
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Consider it if your kitchen has a compatible housing and you want an appliance with an integrated top freezer.
The product description lists a total capacity of 188 L, one door and an E energy rating.
Before ordering, check the housing dimensions, door-fitting system and capacity of each compartment against the specifications for this model. The total capacity alone won’t tell you how much space there is for frozen food.
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Worth comparing if your shopping needs more room for fresh and frozen food, provided this capacity suits your household and kitchen.
The product description lists a 182 L fridge, a 71 L freezer, 39 dB and the No Frost function.
Check the full dimensions and installation clearances before choosing this capacity; also compare the kWh/year with similar fridge freezers.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. For a couple, adjust this starting point to how often you shop and what you need to store. Check the freezer capacity separately if you need one.
A small freezer compartment may suit occasional use, but Que Choisir advises against relying on one if frozen food makes up a large part of your shopping. Check the compartment’s exact capacity and type. For example, Beko lists a 4-star compartment on a particular model, but that doesn’t apply to all single-door fridges.
First compare appliances of a similar type and the capacity available for fresh and frozen food, then check their kWh/year figures. The energy rating letter alone isn’t enough when the appliances differ in capacity or intended use.
Measure the height, width and depth of the housing, then check the door-fitting system and ventilation requirements for the model you’ve chosen. The dimensions Liebherr gives for one of its integrated models apply to that specific model; they aren’t a template for every appliance.
Ask about collection when you order your new appliance, before arranging delivery. Tell the retailer where your old fridge is and check how its removal will be organised.