In a small kitchen, first choose a fridge that fits the space, allows for ventilation and lets the door open fully. Then check that its fridge and freezer capacities suit your shopping habits. A compact fridge is a good option when space is very limited; an under-counter or integrated model needs suitable cabinetry, while a freestanding fridge freezer takes up more room but gives you two separate compartments.
If the available width limits your options, compare a compact fridge with the amount of food you actually store. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a guide and adjust it to how often you shop.
An integrated appliance can free up worktop space, provided the cabinet’s internal dimensions, door fixing and air vents match the installation instructions. The appliance’s external height alone is not enough to confirm that it will fit.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A freestanding fridge freezer gives you two separate compartments, but you’ll also need enough room for the appliance, adequate ventilation and space to open the door without blocking the way.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space and ventilation | Measure the width, height and depth of the space or the inside of the cabinet. Check the model’s instructions for required clearances and air vents. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding appliances, but this isn’t a rule for other models. | I want to leave enough room to move around without putting the appliance somewhere that isn’t suitable for its installation. |
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, as a starting point to adjust to your household’s shopping habits. | If I often buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment may not meet my needs, even if the total capacity seems sufficient. |
| Door opening | Check the direction and angle of the door opening, especially near a wall or cabinet. Make sure the shelves and drawers can be removed; Que Choisir recommends checking this when installing the appliance. | In a galley kitchen, I need to be able to reach my food without blocking the way or hitting the furniture. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the energy rating, kWh/year, usable capacity and noise level in dB(A) together. Ideally, compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. Que Choisir describes models below 40 dB(A) as quieter. | My kitchen opens onto the living area, so the stated noise level matters as much as the available space. I also want to compare energy use using more than just the rating letter. |
If the depth, height, door fixing or ventilation requirements aren’t compatible, you may not be able to install the appliance in the space you had in mind.
Measure the entire space and compare it with the model’s installation diagram, including the air vents.
Que Choisir points out that if a door can’t open far enough, you may not be able to remove the shelves or drawers when the appliance is near a wall or between two cabinets.
Mark the door’s swing on your kitchen plan and check whether the door on your chosen model can be reversed.
A compact model may leave little room for frozen food, even if its total capacity is suitable for fresh food.
Work out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store separately, then check the usable capacity of each compartment.
The energy rating letter alone doesn’t tell you the available capacity, stated annual energy use or noise level.
When comparing appliances of a similar type and capacity, check the kWh/year, usable capacity in litres and dB(A) as well.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridges, with installation requirements that vary by model.
Whirlpool sets out different installation requirements for its freestanding and integrated appliances.
The Beko range includes compact freestanding models and under-counter integrated appliances.
The EXB3AE82R is one example of an under-counter integrated appliance documented by Electrolux.
This selection includes integrated fridge freezers for fitted kitchens, a compact fridge freezer for narrow spaces and a single-door fridge. For each one, check the overall dimensions and freezer capacity against your kitchen and needs.
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If you have a fitted kitchen, check the cabinet space and door fitting before choosing this integrated model. Its product listing describes it as having a top freezer and an E energy rating. Check the freezer compartment capacity against your needs.
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This integrated fridge freezer suits a fitted kitchen with space for both fresh and frozen food. The product title lists No Frost technology and a C energy rating. Check the model’s instructions for cabinet dimensions, ventilation and door clearance.
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If you want to fit both fridge and freezer compartments inside a cabinet, first compare the installation dimensions with your cabinet space. This model is listed with TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check its energy use in kWh/year to compare it with another appliance.
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Its stated width may suit a household looking for two compartments in a narrow space, but you’ll still need to measure the height and depth. The product title lists a 153 L fridge, a 74 L freezer, a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the required clearances too.
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This compact style may work if you don’t need much shopping space, but compare its 92 L capacity with your everyday needs before choosing it for its small size. The product title mentions a small freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Check the freezing conditions and the full dimensions against your available space.
Measure the available width, height and depth, taking skirting boards, sockets and cabinet returns into account. For an integrated model, measure the inside of the cabinet space and check the instructions for the door fixing, ventilation and clearance needed to remove the drawers.
Only if the installation meets the model’s instructions and leaves enough room for the door to open. Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind its freestanding appliances; these clearances don’t replace the instructions for other appliances.
Don’t assume the two types are interchangeable: an integrated model needs to be compatible with the cabinet, door and ventilation. Bosch, for example, says its under-counter integrated models are ventilated through the plinth. Check the installation diagram for the model you’re considering.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and check freezer capacity separately if you buy frozen food.
Check the kWh/year and energy rating on the energy label, while also taking the appliance type and usable capacity into account. If you have an open-plan kitchen, compare the stated noise levels too, rather than trying to judge energy use or noise from the rating letter alone.