First, choose a fridge that fits in your kitchen while leaving the necessary clearance. Then choose the right balance of fridge and freezer space for your shopping habits. A small single-door model may suit you if you mainly store fresh food and only a few frozen items. If you regularly stock up, consider a fridge freezer instead, provided its dimensions and door clearance work for your space.
You need to be able to install the appliance without blocking the doorway or compromising ventilation. UFC-Que Choisir describes an under-counter fridge as a suitable option for studio flats; check the dimensions of each model before you buy.
If you bring home a lot of fresh food at once or regularly keep frozen food, check the fridge and freezer capacities separately rather than relying on the total capacity alone.
In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, compare the noise levels of the models you’re considering. For energy use, also check the energy label and the capacity of each appliance: the brand or format alone won’t tell you which is right for you.
Measure the available space before choosing a capacity, then decide how much room you need for frozen food. Next, compare the noise, energy use and installation requirements of models that meet these first two needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Overall dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements in the manual; dimensions of the housing for an integrated model. | When my kitchen is narrow, I want to install the appliance and open its door without difficulty. Around 45% of consumers would prioritise size and installation. |
| Capacity and frozen food | Usable fridge and freezer capacities separately; the compartment’s capacity and star rating to suit your habits. | If I shop less often or regularly store frozen food, I need enough room in each compartment. Capacity and freezing would be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | Noise level, annual energy consumption and declared capacities on the energy label; a climate class suited to the installation location. | In an open-plan living space, I want to minimise noise and compare the energy use of appliances suited to my needs. Around 22% of consumers would put noise and energy use first. |
A fridge that fits between two units may still be too deep, lack room for the door to open or have insufficient ventilation clearance. An integrated model must also fit its housing.
Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery access route and door clearance. Then compare these with the model’s dimensions and installation instructions.
A small compartment may not be suitable if you shop less often or regularly store frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from using a simple icebox.
Think about how much you usually store, then check the capacity, star rating and features listed for that specific compartment.
According to Bosch Electroménager, the ambient temperature affects how a fridge works; placing it somewhere that is too cold or too warm for the appliance can cause problems.
Compare the minimum and maximum temperatures of the installation location with the climate-class range specified for the model you’re considering.
UFC-Que Choisir explains that the noise level shown on the label is not enough on its own to predict how disruptive the appliance will feel in a living space.
Use this figure to compare product specifications, then, if possible, look at independent tests that describe the noise while the appliance is running.
The TSE1264FMGN under-counter fridge is a useful point of comparison for a kitchenette: Beko France lists a width of 54 cm and a freezer compartment at the top.
Liebherr France lists the KTe550 under-counter fridge as measuring 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm, with a total capacity of 125 L and a stated noise level of 35 dB.
Whirlpool France offers fridge freezers in freestanding and integrated formats, depending on the model, so you can keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
These models include fridge freezers with separate fresh-food and freezer compartments, as well as a small single-door fridge for when space is the priority. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs, then check the dimensions and installation instructions for your chosen model.
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Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in a kitchen where width is limited.
153 L fridge and 74 L freezer; stated width of 54 cm, 4-star compartment, Low Frost and a reversible door. Energy class E.
Check the height, door clearance, climate class and the clearances required in the manual before deciding where to put it.
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Another option to consider if you want refrigeration and freezing in one appliance.
Stated total capacity of 174 L, Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat, LED lighting and a reversible door.
Before choosing it for a living space, compare its noise level and annual energy consumption on the energy label. Also check the dimensions, climate class and ventilation requirements.
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Consider this if your shopping and storage needs call for more capacity, but only after carefully measuring your kitchen.
Stated total capacity of 330 L. At a listed height of 1 856 mm, this model may be too large for some small spaces.
Check the depth, delivery access route, door clearance and installation clearances specified in the manual.
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Worth considering when space for fresh food matters more than storing a supply of frozen food.
Stated capacity of 92 L, a small freezer compartment and energy class E.
If you store frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity and star rating. Also check the overall dimensions, noise level, climate class and installation requirements.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests allowing 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop, while considering separately how much room you need for frozen food.
Yes, as long as the room temperature stays within the climate-class range specified for the model. Bosch Electroménager explains that this class indicates the ambient temperatures the appliance is designed for. Check the manual and rating plate before choosing a location.
Follow the clearances specified in the model’s manual, including for under-counter or integrated installation. Bosch Electroménager recommends at least 200 cm² of free space at the back and underneath for the appliances concerned; this guidance does not replace the instructions for another model.
Compare the energy class, annual energy consumption, noise level and stated capacities of appliances with similar formats and capacities. The European Commission also provides the EPREL database, where you can look up information about registered models.
It may suit limited needs, but don’t assume a simple icebox will be suitable for storing a regular supply. UFC-Que Choisir recommends distinguishing between these uses: check the capacity, star rating and model specifications before choosing one instead of a fridge freezer.