Studio renter with very little space
In a kitchenette or narrow walkway, check the overall dimensions and how the door opens before comparing capacities. Electro Dépôt lists small homes with kitchenettes among the uses for a table-top fridge.
Which option is right for you?
Small household that buys frozen food
If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, distinguish between a small freezer compartment and a separate freezer. A compact fridge-freezer may suit your needs if you have enough height available.
Household replacing an integrated appliance
In a fitted kitchen, capacity alone won’t determine the right choice. Check the new model’s installation plan against the cabinet opening, door panel and hinges.
Which key criteria should you compare first?
Table-top fridge
Consider this if: a low height is essential and you only need limited everyday storage.
Bear in mind: freezer space is limited if there’s a compartment; the Beko TSE1285N has 13 L for frozen food.
Built-under fridge
Consider this if: you have a base unit designed to house the appliance and its door panel.
Bear in mind: installation depends on the cabinet opening and hinges being compatible; the Bosch KUR21VFE0, listed by the brand, has no freezer.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Consider this if: space for fresh food matters more than storing frozen food.
Bear in mind: check the freezer capacity and the compartment’s storage guidance for the model you choose.
Compact fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you regularly buy frozen food and have enough height available.
Bear in mind: it’s taller than a table-top fridge; check that you can get it through to the kitchen, too.
Integrated fridge
Consider this if: you’re mainly replacing an appliance hidden behind an existing kitchen door panel.
Bear in mind: the cabinet opening, door panel, hinges and ventilation all need to be compatible with your chosen model.
For these different formats, start with your main constraint, then check the specific model’s specifications. A format name alone doesn’t guarantee the capacity you need or that it will fit your kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and door opening | Measure the height, width, depth and door clearance. For an integrated appliance, also check the cabinet opening and hinges. | In a narrow kitchenette, I want to install the appliance without blocking the way through. Around 33% of consumers rank this setup as their top priority. |
| Freezer space | Compare the capacity for frozen food and the compartment’s storage guidance, rather than looking at total capacity alone. | If I often buy frozen food, a small freezer compartment might not suit my shopping habits. Freezer space is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Fridge capacity | Check the litres available for fresh food and the shelf layout to make sure they suit your shopping habits. | To leave more time between shops, I mainly need room for my everyday fresh food. This is the main requirement for around 20% of consumers. |
| Energy, noise and installation | Compare kWh/year and noise levels between appliances with similar functions and capacities; follow the ventilation clearances in the instructions. | If the fridge is close to my living space, I pay attention to the noise and energy use of an appliance that runs continuously. Nearly 20% of consumers prioritise these everyday considerations. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing appliance dimensions with the cabinet opening
An appliance that looks as though it will fit the width isn’t necessarily suitable as a built-under or integrated model. Bosch’s product details give the dimensions of its appliances, while the Electrolux ENP7MD19S listing specifies the dimensions required for installation.
Compare the installation diagram with your cabinet, door panel, hinges and the space required for ventilation.
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Assuming a freezer compartment is as roomy as a separate freezer
According to Beko, the TSE1285N has 13 L of freezer capacity out of 114 L in total. If you buy frozen food, that proportion may matter more than the overall capacity.
Check the litres available for freezing separately, and read the compartment guidance before choosing a format.
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Installing the appliance without checking ventilation
Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the fridge and keeping it away from heat sources. The space required depends on the instructions for the model.
Allow for the specified clearances before delivery and keep the ventilation openings unobstructed.
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Comparing energy ratings alone
ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously and that its size affects its energy use. The energy rating alone also doesn’t tell you about the appliance’s capacity or noise level.
For models with similar functions and capacities, also compare annual energy use in kWh, separate compartment capacities and the noise rating on the label.
Brands to consider
These models show a range of configurations; an appliance’s features don’t necessarily apply to the brand’s entire range.
Beko
Worth considering for table-top fridges and compact models with a small freezer compartment.
- According to Beko, the TSE1285N combines 101 L of fridge capacity with a 13 L freezer compartment and has a reversible door.
- This compartment isn’t a substitute for the capacity of a separate freezer, so check how much frozen food you need to store.
Bosch
Models to consider when your kitchen requires a built-under installation or an appliance fitted into a cabinet opening.
- According to Bosch, the KUR21VFE0 is a built-under integrated fridge, 820 mm high, with 134 L of fridge capacity.
- This model has no freezer compartment; check that it’s compatible with your cabinet and door panel.
Candy
The City Combi CCG3L517ES is an example of a compact fridge-freezer for anyone with a tall enough cabinet space.
- According to Candy, this 1,760 mm-high model has separate fridge and freezer compartments.
- Check the available height and the model’s defrosting instructions before choosing this configuration.
Integrated fridges on Joybuy
These two fridge-freezers are suited to fitted kitchens where an integrated appliance and a separate freezer compartment meet your needs. Before choosing, compare each installation plan with your cabinet opening and door panel.
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Hisense RB3B250SAWC, 252 L integrated fridge-freezer
Worth considering as a replacement for an integrated appliance in a fitted kitchen, provided the cabinet opening and hinges are compatible.
The product name lists a 252 L capacity, No Frost and a C energy rating. Check the installation plan for the required ventilation clearances.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L integrated fridge-freezer
Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if the space available can accommodate this integrated model and its fixing system.
The product name lists a 249 L capacity, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the cabinet opening, door panel and annual energy use in the model documentation.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person or a couple in a studio look for?
As a guide, Beko recommends 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity and around 40 L of freezer capacity for one person, then 150 to 200 L and around 60 L for two people. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop, the fresh food you buy and the space you actually have.
Should you leave space around the fridge?
Yes. Allow for the airflow clearances specified in the model’s instructions and don’t block its ventilation openings. Electrolux also recommends keeping the appliance away from heat sources and, in the installation guidance cited here, waiting at least four hours after transport before plugging it in.
Can you reverse the door on every small fridge?
No, whether the door can be reversed depends on the model. Beko lists this feature for the TSE1285N. For any other appliance, check its product details and the clearance required to open the door, as well as the hinges if it will have a kitchen door panel fitted.
What should you compare on the energy label?
For household fridges covered by EU energy labelling, compare the A to G rating, kWh/year, capacities and noise levels of models with similar functions and capacities. The European Commission states that the A to G scale has applied since 1 March 2021.
What should you do with an old fridge in France?
You can take it to a collection point or waste recycling centre, for example, following guidance from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. The ministry also explains the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme when you buy an appliance of the same type. Check the practical arrangements with the retailer if you’d like your old appliance collected from home.