In a very compact studio flat, a table-top fridge may be enough for one person who doesn’t store much food. If you share shopping or regularly buy frozen food, consider a fridge freezer instead, comparing the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Whatever you choose, measure the space and delivery route, then check the ventilation requirements and door opening direction for your chosen model.
If you don’t cook much and space is tight, a table-top fridge is worth considering, as long as its compartments suit your shopping. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop and how much room you need for frozen food.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food before looking at the total capacity. Que Choisir suggests adding around 50 l per extra person to the guideline for one person. This is only a starting point: when several people are storing their shopping, the space in each compartment matters too.
Measure the space, access points and room needed to open the door. Check the model’s manual for ventilation clearances and confirm whether the door is reversible, as these features vary by appliance.
Start with the space available and the food you usually buy, then compare the capacity of both compartments rather than looking only at the total capacity.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Table-top fridge | Measure the height and usable capacity. Gifam describes a table-top fridge as an appliance whose top is level with a worktop, at around 85 cm from the floor. Check separately how much space is available for frozen food. | I live alone in a very compact kitchen and don’t store much frozen food: this size could suit me if its capacity matches my shopping. |
| One-door fridge | Compare the fridge capacity and check whether the model has a freezer compartment, as well as its capacity. Check the dimensions of the installed appliance. | I mainly buy fresh food; I could consider a one-door model if I don’t need to store frozen food regularly. |
| Fridge freezer | Compare the capacity in litres of each compartment. Que Choisir describes a typical fridge freezer of around 300 l, with approximately two-thirds for refrigeration and one-third for freezing; check how the capacity is divided in the model you’re considering. | We share the shopping, or I regularly store frozen food: I want enough room in each compartment, not just a high total capacity. |
| Multi-door fridge freezer | Consider whether you’ll use the extra capacity, then measure the width, depth, door clearance and delivery route. Also compare the stated annual energy consumption of the models you’re considering. | If several people genuinely store a lot of food and the kitchen has enough room, I can consider this size without assuming it’s right for every shared house. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width, depth and delivery route. Follow the clearance requirements in the exact model’s manual; check which way the door opens and whether it can be reversed. | In my kitchenette, the door needs to open without blocking access, and the appliance must have the ventilation clearances it requires. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) and annual energy consumption in kWh/year, particularly for appliances with capacities that meet the same needs. | I sleep or work near the kitchen, so the stated noise level matters when I’m choosing. I also want to compare the energy consumption of models that will fit in my home. |
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may have different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food. You’re most likely to notice that a freezer compartment is too small after a big shop.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres with the amount of food you usually store over a week or two.
An appliance that fits in an alcove isn’t necessarily installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A Beko manual specifies at least 50 mm between the back of the appliance and the wall for the model it covers; this measurement doesn’t apply to every fridge.
Check the installation dimensions and clearance requirements in the manual for the model you’re planning to buy.
In a small kitchen, a door that opens the wrong way can get in the way or block access to cupboards.
Check which way the door opens when delivered and whether the product details or manual say it’s reversible. For an integrated appliance, also check that the hinges are compatible with the cabinet.
Extra capacity won’t help if the appliance blocks access or its compartments are rarely used.
First estimate how much food you’ll actually store, then measure the space, door clearance and delivery route. Compare the annual energy consumption of the models you shortlist.
These fridge freezers offer a range of fridge and freezer capacities to consider for a small home or shared shopping. Their inclusion here doesn’t replace the need to check the dimensions and installation instructions for each model.
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This fridge freezer could suit shopping that includes both fresh and frozen food, provided its compartment sizes work for you. Its product details list a total capacity of 262 L, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it, so check the ventilation clearances in the manual too.
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If you have a narrow kitchen but still need room for frozen food, compare its 153 L fridge capacity and 74 L freezer capacity with your shopping. The model name indicates a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and a 4-star freezer. Check the full dimensions and ventilation clearances before deciding where to put it; Low Frost still requires manual defrosting.
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This 174 L fridge freezer is worth considering if you need two separate storage spaces in a small home. Its model name indicates a reversible door, an adjustable thermostat and LED lighting. Compare the capacity of each compartment with your shopping, then check that you have enough space and ventilation for installation.
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Compare its total capacity of 360 L with the amount of food you’ll actually share, rather than simply counting the number of housemates. The model name indicates three doors, an energy rating of E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check how the capacity is divided, the space needed to open the doors, the delivery route and the ventilation requirements.
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For a small household, the stated fridge capacity of 120 L and freezer capacity of 50 L give you two figures to compare with your usual shopping. The product name indicates a noise level of 40 dB and an energy rating of E. Measure the space and check which way the door opens, as well as the clearances specified in the manual.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, the delivery route and the room needed to open the door. Then check the model’s manual for its ventilation clearances. A Beko manual requires at least 50 mm behind the appliance it describes, but you shouldn’t assume this measurement applies to another model.
No. Check the product details or manual for the appliance you choose to see if the door is reversible. For example, Electrolux lists reversible hinges for its KFF6DD18S4 integrated model; don’t assume this feature is available on other models.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 l of usable capacity as a starting point for one person, then around 50 l for each additional person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and compare the freezer capacity separately if you regularly buy frozen food.
ADEME says you can hand an old refrigeration appliance to the retailer or delivery driver when it’s replaced, or take it to the section for electrical and electronic equipment at a recycling centre. Use one of these options rather than leaving it with ordinary bulky waste.