Someone who lives alone and cooks every day
You need to store your shopping and prepare simple meals without giving up all your worktop space to appliances. The fridge’s capacity matters just as much as its external dimensions.
Who are these options for?
Someone living in a studio flat without an oven
You want to know whether you’ll use a combination microwave’s cooking functions often enough to justify giving it space, or whether a standard model will do the job.
Renter with kitchen connections available
A compact dishwasher could be an option if its position gives you access to a suitable water supply, drainage and electrical connection, without the need for any work.
Which needs should you prioritise?
First work out how much space and capacity you need to store food, then choose the cooking functions you’ll use. Automated washing comes next, once you’ve checked that the appliance can be installed.
| Need | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping food fresh | Measure the space and check that the door can open fully. Compare the fridge’s usable capacity and freezer compartment with the amount you buy; Que Choisir presents a table-top model as a suitable format for studio flats. | If I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for fresh food and, if necessary, frozen food. Around 36% of consumers would put this storage need first. |
| Cooking without a separate oven | Check the combination microwave’s cooking modes, then measure its depth and the ventilation clearances specified by the manufacturer. | Without an oven, I want to be able to cook or grill as well as reheat, without adding several appliances. This need for versatile cooking would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Reheating and defrosting | Compare a standard microwave with the functions you’ll actually use, and check the manual for installation guidance. | I mainly prepare simple meals and need to reheat or defrost food without giving up more space to oven functions. Around 21% of consumers would prioritise this use. |
| Washing up | Check the water supply, drainage and electrical connection, then compare the capacity with the worktop space it will take up. | For small amounts of washing up, I’d like to automate the job if my kitchen can accommodate the appliance. This would be the main need for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Checking only the width
An appliance might fit between two units but still need more depth or headroom, or extra room for its door to open. Whirlpool also reminds users not to block a microwave’s ventilation openings.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, check the door clearance and follow the clearances specified in the manual for your chosen model.
-
Choosing a combination microwave just to reheat food
Grill or oven-style functions only save space if you use them instead of another appliance. Que Choisir distinguishes this from simply reheating food.
Make a list of the types of cooking you do regularly. If you mainly reheat and defrost, start by comparing standard microwaves.
-
Assuming a mini dishwasher can go anywhere
A table-top design still needs the water, drainage and electrical connections Bosch specifies for dishwasher installation.
Before making room for one, check the connections available and the installation instructions for the exact model you’re considering.
-
Comparing energy ratings alone
Two appliances in the same category may have very different capacities. For the dishwashers and fridges in question, the energy-label information presented by the European Commission also includes indicators for consumption, capacity or volume, and noise.
Compare appliances that match your needs, then check the relevant information on their labels: for example, compartment volumes for a fridge, or capacity and water use per cycle for a dishwasher.
Brands to consider by appliance
Beko
A brand to explore for freestanding table-top fridges, with different configurations to consider depending on whether you need a freezer.
- Beko describes the TSE1504FN as a table-top model without a freezer. Bear this in mind if you store frozen food.
- Check the dimensions, capacity, noise levels and clearances for the model you choose rather than assuming these from its table-top format.
Whirlpool
A brand to explore for freestanding microwaves, with functions that vary by model.
- The range includes models that combine a microwave with a grill, as well as combination models to compare depending on the types of cooking you want to do.
- External dimensions can affect your choice: Whirlpool’s product details for the MWSC9133SB list measurements of 49 × 37,3 × 54 cm. Check the manual for your chosen model to find out how much clearance it needs.
Bosch
A brand to explore for freestanding compact dishwashers and their installation requirements.
- Bosch provides information about the water, drainage and electrical connections needed to install a dishwasher.
- Check the capacity, consumption and installation requirements for the exact model. Specifications for a different model won’t be enough.
Candy
A brand to explore for mini dishwashers and table-top models designed for smaller spaces.
- Candy’s range includes table-top models with a capacity of 6 place settings and dimensions of 550 × 501 × 443 mm.
- Even with this compact format, check the available space, connections and specifications for the model you’re considering.
Appliances to explore on Joybuy
These appliances cover three different needs in a small space: reheating meals, keeping food fresh and washing small amounts of crockery. First decide which functions and space you need, then compare the specifications of each model.
Image unavailable
Hkoenig VIO7, 23 L freestanding microwave, 900 W
Worth considering if you want to reheat meals in a small kitchen. The model name lists a capacity of 23 L and a power rating of 900 W. If you also plan to use it instead of an oven, check its cooking modes and the clearances specified in the manual.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HTG 8840 Schwarz, table-top dishwasher, 6 place settings
Worth considering for washing small amounts of crockery if your kitchen has the necessary connections. The product title lists 7 programmes, 47 dB and a D energy rating. Check its dimensions, weight and installation instructions before making room for it.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer
Worth considering if your shopping needs both fridge and freezer space. The model is listed with a 153 L fridge, a 74 L freezer and a width of 54 cm. Remember to measure its height and depth, as well as the clearances it needs.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L compact fridge
Worth comparing if you buy smaller amounts of food and want a compact fridge. The product title mentions a freezer compartment; check its capacity, the fridge’s full dimensions and its energy label to make sure it suits your storage needs.
Image unavailable
TCL RF60DWE0FR, 45 L table-top mini fridge
Worth considering if you want to keep a small amount of food and drink chilled. Its stated capacity is 45 L: compare this with the amount you buy, then check the dimensions and energy consumption listed for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Which fridge should someone living alone in a studio flat choose?
A table-top fridge could be suitable if it has enough capacity for your shopping and you have room to install it. Que Choisir recommends this format for studio flats. Check the space for fresh food and frozen food separately, as well as the dimensions and noise level of the model you’re considering.
When should you choose a combination microwave over a standard model?
Choose a combination microwave if you’ll use its cooking or grill functions instead of an oven. If you mainly reheat and defrost, start by comparing standard models. Que Choisir highlights the potential space-saving benefits of combination microwaves, but make sure to check their external dimensions and follow the ventilation requirements in the manual.
Can you install a compact dishwasher on any worktop?
No. Check that there’s enough room and that the surface can support its weight, as well as confirming that the necessary connections are available. Bosch says a dishwasher needs a water supply, drainage and an electrical connection. Check the manual for your specific model for its installation requirements.
What should you compare on a compact dishwasher’s energy label?
First compare models with a capacity that suits the amount of washing up you do. For the appliances in question, the European Commission lists energy consumption per 100 cycles, water use per cycle, capacity and noise among the energy-label information. These indicators are most useful when you’re comparing models with capacities suited to the same needs.