Studio flat dwellers or those with a narrow kitchen
Clearance and door opening matter just as much as the stated width. A slim model can help, but measure its depth too and check the installation clearances specified for your chosen model.
Which option is right for you?
Small households that regularly freeze food
If you keep frozen food or prepare meals in advance, compare the freezer capacity with the total capacity. A small freezer compartment and a separate freezer are not designed to meet the same storage needs.
Anyone replacing an integrated appliance
Your new appliance must fit the housing unit and match the cabinet door fixing system. Check these details before choosing a model based solely on its external width.
What should you check before buying?
First, choose a format that fits the space and lets you open the door without getting in the way in your kitchen. Then compare the capacity for fresh food and frozen food, followed by noise levels and energy label information across appliances of a similar type and capacity.
Table-top or single-door
Worth considering: if you have limited height or storage needs.
Bear in mind: any freezer compartment may be small, so check its capacity separately.
Compact fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you need a separate freezer for regular use.
Bear in mind: it will be taller than a table-top model, and you’ll still need to check all its dimensions.
Integrated
Worth considering: if you’re replacing an appliance in a compatible existing housing unit.
Bear in mind: the housing unit, door fixing system and ventilation all need to meet additional requirements.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, and check how far the door swings open. For an integrated model, compare the housing unit, door fixing system and ventilation requirements with the instructions for the exact model. | If the appliance might obstruct the way or not fit in its space, I want to confirm it can be installed before choosing its capacity. Around 36% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the capacity for fresh food with that of the freezer compartment or freezer; check the type of compartment too. | To store prepared meals or frozen food between shops, I need enough space for my habits. Capacity and freezing would come first for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the kWh/year and noise level in dB(A), then compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. | In a studio flat or open-plan room, I want to consider the appliance’s noise and energy use while it’s running. Around 21% of consumers would put these criteria first. |
| Suitability for your home | Check which way the door opens, whether it can be reversed and, for an integrated model, its fixing system. | When moving home or replacing an appliance, I want the door to work with the existing layout. This flexibility would be the priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring the width only
A slim fridge may still be too tall or too deep, or its door may not open properly. An integrated model also has housing unit and door fixing requirements.
Measure the space in all three dimensions, check the door swing and follow the installation diagrams for the exact model.
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Assuming a small compartment is the same as a large freezer
A 4-star compartment doesn’t tell you how much frozen food it can hold. A fridge-freezer has a separate area reserved for freezing.
Compare the capacity of each compartment with how often you shop and how much you need to freeze.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
An energy rating letter doesn’t tell you the kWh/year or usable capacity. Noise levels are also worth considering if your kitchen shares a living space.
Use the energy label information outlined by ADEME to compare energy use and noise levels across appliances of a similar type and capacity.
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Leaving arrangements for your old appliance until delivery
When replacing a fridge, you’ll need to decide what to do with the old one and arrange for it to be taken away.
Ask the seller about the collection arrangements when you place your order, and follow their instructions.
Brands to consider when comparing formats
Beko
Beko France offers table-top models, 54 cm-wide fridge-freezers and integrated models.
- The TSE1285N is an example of a table-top model: its Beko France specifications list a total capacity of 114 L, including 13 L in a 4-star compartment.
- According to Beko France, the RCSA300K40SN is a 291 L fridge-freezer. So two models with the same width won’t necessarily offer the same capacity or suit the same needs.
Liebherr
The range includes a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment.
- Liebherr lists the KTe551 as measuring 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm and having a 4-star compartment.
- Its stated total capacity of 111 L means you’ll need to check whether there’s enough room for your food.
Electrolux
Worth looking at if you’re replacing an integrated appliance in an existing cabinet.
- Electrolux France lists the ENS5LE18S as having a total capacity of 271 L.
- According to Electrolux France, this model requires a housing unit measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm. Check the other installation requirements too before choosing it.
Bosch
Bosch Electroménager France’s guide helps you tell single-door models apart from fridge-freezers when freezer space affects your choice.
- Bosch describes single-door fridges with a freezer compartment, which are different from a separate freezer.
- When choosing a specific model, check its dimensions, the capacity of each compartment and the installation requirements.
Compact fridges on Joybuy
These models show two options for a small kitchen: a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer and single-door fridges for more limited storage. Check the installation dimensions for each model before making your choice.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want a separate freezer in a narrow kitchen, provided you confirm all the installation dimensions.
153 L fridge capacity and a 74 L 4-star freezer; 54 cm wide. Reversible door, adjustable feet and E energy rating.
Check the height, required clearances and kWh/year for the exact model before comparing it with your space and other appliances.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge
Worth considering if you mainly need fresh food and only a small amount of freezer space.
Stated capacity of 92 L, with a freezer compartment and E energy rating.
Before relying on this compartment for regular freezing, check its capacity and star rating. Also check the full dimensions and stated noise level.
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TCL RF60DWE0FR, 45 L table-top mini fridge
Worth considering for limited or extra storage rather than for keeping a large amount of food.
45 L total capacity, adjustable feet, tempered glass shelf and E energy rating.
If you want to use its small compartment to freeze food, check its star rating and the intended use in the model documentation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare the energy labels of two fridges?
Compare the kWh/year with the energy rating, capacity and appliance type, rather than looking at the letter alone. ADEME says the energy label also provides information about noise, which may matter in an open-plan living space.
Can I replace an integrated fridge with a model of a similar width?
Not based on width alone: the housing unit, depth, door fixing system and ventilation must all be suitable for your chosen model. For example, Electrolux France specifies a housing unit measuring 1780 × 560 × 550 mm for the ENS5LE18S. Check all the installation requirements against your cabinet.
What can you do with a 4-star freezer compartment?
According to Beko France, a 4-star compartment can freeze fresh food and store frozen food. Check its capacity too: four stars don’t mean it offers as much space as the separate freezer in a fridge-freezer.
What temperature should I set after installation?
The Ministry of Agriculture recommends +4 °C for the fridge and −18 °C for the freezer. Also follow food storage guidance and check the model’s instructions for maintenance and, if necessary, defrosting.
How can I arrange collection of my old fridge?
Ask the seller about collection when you place your order, particularly if your new appliance is being delivered to your home. You can then prepare your old fridge according to the collection instructions provided.