Studio flat renters, where every centimetre counts
Your priority is finding a fridge that fits without blocking the way or preventing the door from opening. UFC-Que Choisir lists a table-top model as an option for studio flats.
Who is this guide for?
Single people or couples who mainly cook with fresh ingredients
You want enough usable capacity for your shopping, without giving up valuable space to a large freezer compartment you don’t need. How often you shop matters just as much as the number of people in your household.
Small households that regularly buy frozen food
You’ll need to compare the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. A fridge-freezer could suit your needs, provided its height and depth work in your kitchen.
How do you compare the options?
First, check that the appliance can be brought along the delivery route and installed in line with its instructions. Then compare fridge and freezer capacities, followed by the stated noise level and energy consumption of models that meet your needs.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the space, delivery route and door-opening clearance. For a built-in model, check the housing unit, fittings and ventilation against the model’s installation instructions. | If space is tight, I need to know I can install the appliance and open its door before considering any other features. Around 33% of consumers put this constraint first. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) re 1 pW and the airborne acoustical noise emission class shown on the label. Neither is a guarantee that the appliance will be silent in your home. | In a studio flat or open-plan kitchen, I share my living space with the fridge and want to take its stated noise level into account. This is the top concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Freezing | Check the type of compartment, its usable capacity and its star rating; the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is available for frozen food. | If frozen food is a regular part of my shopping, a small freezer compartment may not offer enough space. Around 20% of consumers put their freezer needs first. |
| Energy use | Check the energy efficiency class and the stated kWh/year, then compare appliances with capacities and features that match your needs. | I want to keep electricity use down over the years without choosing a fridge that’s too small for my shopping. For around 20% of consumers, this is the top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before ordering
-
Measuring only the available width
Having enough width isn’t the only consideration. The appliance also needs to fit along the delivery route, the door mustn’t hit a cupboard, and there must be enough clearance for ventilation. With built-in models, the housing unit dimensions and air gaps are specific to each model.
Measure the available width, height and depth, the access route and the clearance needed for the door. Then compare them with the exact installation instructions for your model.
-
Assuming a freezer compartment is the same as a separate freezer
Having a small compartment doesn’t automatically mean there’s enough space for the frozen food you regularly buy.
Work out how much room your usual frozen food takes up, and check the compartment type, star rating and usable capacity before choosing a table-top model, a single-door fridge or a fridge-freezer.
-
Choosing based on how quiet it seems
In a compact living space, it’s worth comparing the stated noise levels. However, the same figure won’t necessarily sound equally noticeable in every home.
Check the noise level in dB(A) re 1 pW and the noise emission class on the label. Then make sure the appliance is installed on a stable surface with adequate ventilation, as instructed.
-
Assuming there’s a universal waiting time before plugging it in
Instructions after delivery vary between manufacturers and appliances. A waiting time recommended for another model may not be right for yours.
Keep the fridge upright during transport if possible, follow the instructions before switching it on, and wait until it reaches the required temperature before filling it.
Brands to consider for these formats
Liebherr
The French range includes compact freestanding models, as well as under-counter and built-in options. It’s worth exploring if you’re looking at different ways to make the most of a small space.
- Liebherr product pages list details such as dimensions, capacity and noise level for compact models.
- For an under-counter model, check the housing unit dimensions rather than relying on the appliance’s external measurements alone.
Bosch
The French range includes single-door fridges, freestanding fridge-freezers and built-in models.
- Bosch product pages show the usable capacity of the fridge and, where applicable, the freezer separately.
- Not every model in the range will suit a studio flat. Check its dimensions and capacities against your available space and shopping habits.
Beko
The range includes built-in fridge-freezers to consider if you have limited cupboard width.
- Beko lists the BCSA285K4SNLH as 54 cm wide, with a sliding-hinge fitting system.
- Width alone doesn’t confirm that it will fit. Also check the housing unit, door panel, ventilation and door clearance.
Whirlpool
The brand’s built-in models can help you compare the balance between chilled storage and freezer space.
- Whirlpool’s product page for the WHC20D021B2 lists 221 l of fridge capacity and 79 l of freezer capacity, giving a stated total of 300 l.
- Check that this capacity suits your needs, and follow the instructions for setting up the model you buy.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What usable capacity should you allow for one person or a couple?
As a starting point, UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and compare the space for frozen food separately.
What noise level should you look for in a fridge for a studio flat?
Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) re 1 pW and the noise emission class on the label. UFC-Que Choisir suggests less than 40 dBA as a guide to the quietest appliances; that doesn’t mean you won’t notice them in your living space.
Will a built-in fridge fit in any kitchen unit?
No. The housing unit dimensions, depth, door fitting and ventilation openings must all match the instructions for your chosen model. Measure the unit before ordering, and check there’s enough room to open the door too.
When should you plug in your fridge after delivery?
Follow the waiting time given in the instructions for the appliance you’ve received. Published guidance varies: Electrolux recommends waiting at least 4 hours in its installation advice, while Whirlpool recommends 24 hours after delivery. Keep the appliance upright during transport and check which guidance applies to your model.