Someone living in a studio flat
You need to fit the appliance into a small space and open the door without it getting in the way. Then check whether you really need a freezer compartment.
Who is this guide for?
A couple or small house share
You need enough fridge space for several people’s shopping, with storage that everyone can access. Work out separately how much room you need for frozen food.
Someone who regularly buys frozen food
You’ll need to weigh up freezer capacity, the space left for fresh food and the appliance’s dimensions. Also check what the compartment is designed for, depending on what you want to store or freeze.
Which criteria should you compare?
Start with the dimensions and installation requirements, then choose the fridge and freezer capacities you need. Next, compare the noise levels and energy consumption of models that meet those needs.
| Criteria | What to check | Who should prioritise it? |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions and installation | Measure the height, width and depth; check the door opening and clearances specified in the manual. | If I need to fit the appliance into a small kitchen, I want to keep the walkway clear and be able to remove the drawers. Around 25% of consumers prioritise size and installation. |
| Capacity and storage | Compare the fridge capacity in litres, shelves and drawers with your usual shopping. UFC-Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 l for one person, plus 50 l for each additional person, adjusted to suit how you use it. | When we share a fridge, I want enough room for fresh food between shopping trips. Around 25% of consumers prioritise fridge capacity and shared storage. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity in litres and its star rating; a small compartment is not the same as a large freezer. | If I often buy frozen food or prepare food to freeze, separate freezer capacity matters more than the total capacity shown. Around 20% of consumers put frozen food storage at the top of their list. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions shown on the models’ labels, especially if the appliance will be near a space where you sleep or work. | In a studio flat, I’d rather know the stated noise level before placing the appliance near my bed or desk. Around 15% of consumers prioritise a quieter living space. |
| Energy consumption | On the EU energy label, compare the kWh/year, energy rating and compartment capacities for the specific model, as recommended by the European Commission. | As the fridge runs every day, I want to weigh up its energy consumption against the capacity I actually need. Around 15% of consumers prioritise electricity consumption. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based on total capacity alone
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide the space very differently between fresh and frozen food.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in litres and picture how you’ll store your usual shopping before you choose.
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Confusing available space with a suitable location
The appliance needs the specified clearances for ventilation, and the door must open wide enough for you to remove the drawers. A poorly chosen spot may also mean you need to rethink your layout.
Before ordering, check the dimensions, door swing and ventilation instructions in the model’s manual.
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Assuming every freezer compartment is a full-sized freezer
The star rating describes the compartment’s storage or freezing function, not how much food it can hold. A small space may soon prove inadequate if you regularly buy frozen food.
Check the star rating and capacity in litres, as well as how often you shop for frozen food.
Brands and models to know
Liebherr
The KTe500 is an example of a slim table-top fridge designed to prioritise refrigeration in a small space.
- Liebherr France lists the KTe500 as measuring 85 × 50 × 60,7 cm, with a total capacity of 110 l and a noise level of 35 dB.
- Check separately whether this model meets your freezer needs; these specifications apply to this model, not the entire brand.
Beko
The TSE1284N is an example of a 54 cm-wide table-top fridge with a freezer compartment at the top.
- Beko’s product information lists a reversible door and static cooling for this model.
- Check the capacity of each compartment in the full product details and make sure the door opens in the right direction for your space.
Candy
The CCTOS 544WHN is an example of an under-counter, single-door fridge with a small freezer compartment.
- Candy lists a 95 l fresh-food capacity, a 14 l freezer capacity, a four-star compartment and a noise level of 40 dB for this model.
- The door is listed as non-reversible, so check that it can open fully if the appliance will be placed against a wall. These specifications don’t apply to the whole brand.
Whirlpool
The WHK22373X6EA is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer to consider if a separate freezer compartment becomes a priority.
- Whirlpool lists this model as having 252 l of fridge capacity, 118 l of freezer capacity and dimensions of 59,5 × 186,5 × 67,3 cm.
- Its dimensions and capacity may be too large for some studio flats. The benefits of Dual No Frost mentioned by the manufacturer are the brand’s own claims.
Bosch
The KTR15NWFA and KTL15NWEBP models show why it’s important to check the full model number and whether a freezer compartment is included.
- Bosch’s product information lists 136 l of fridge capacity with no freezer for the KTR15NWFA, and 106 l with an integrated compartment for the KTL15NWEBP.
- Bosch says these two models are no longer available on its website. They illustrate different configurations and don’t confirm current availability.
Fridges available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge-freezers, integrated models and compact fridges. Compare their separate capacities and installation requirements with the space available and your shopping habits.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 l fridge-freezer, E rating
For a small household looking for two separate compartments, the stated capacities are 115 l for the fridge and 59 l for the freezer.
The model is listed with Low Frost technology, a reversible door, adjustable shelves and a noise level of 39 dB.
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SMEG S4L120E, integrated single-door fridge, 188 l, E rating
If fresh-food storage is your priority, this integrated single-door fridge has a stated capacity of 188 l.
A noise level of 34 dB and automatic defrost are listed. Installation requires a housing unit that fits the model’s dimensions.
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SMEG S4C122E, integrated single-door fridge-freezer, 188 l, E rating
For fridge and freezer storage in a fitted kitchen, the stated capacities are 174 l for the fridge and 14 l for the freezer.
The stated noise level is 35 dB and the door is reversible. Installation requires a 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm housing unit; the furniture door is not included.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 l fridge-freezer, 54 cm wide, E rating
To divide your shopping between fresh and frozen food, the stated capacities are 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer.
Its stated width is 54 cm. The model is also listed with a reversible door, a four-star freezer, Low Frost technology and a noise level of 39 dB.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 l compact fridge, E rating
For a narrow space, this compact 92 l model includes a small freezer section and has a stated width of 47 cm.
The door is listed as reversible. UFC-Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 l for one person, so compare this capacity with your usual shopping before you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Does a table-top fridge always have a freezer compartment?
No: ‘table-top’ describes the format, not a guaranteed freezer compartment. Check the freezer capacity in litres and the star rating in the model details. A four-star compartment can also freeze fresh food, but it may be too small if you regularly buy frozen food.
What should you check before installing a fridge under a worktop or between two units?
Measure the appliance and check that the door can open wide enough for you to remove the drawers. Also follow the ventilation instructions in the manual for the model you’ve chosen: general installation advice doesn’t replace the clearances specified by the manufacturer for that model.
How should you store food in a shared fridge?
Anses recommends storing raw meat and fish in the coldest part of the fridge, at below 4 °C, covering opened food and avoiding overfilling the fridge. A thermometer can help you check the temperature.
What should you look at when comparing energy use and after-sales support?
Compare the kWh/year shown on the EU energy label with the capacities and features you need. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity covers, among other things, new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to an individual; it is separate from a paid commercial warranty, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.
What information does a fridge energy label show?
The European Commission says that labels for the relevant fridges show an A to G energy rating, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise emissions. Check the label for the exact model rather than a similar one.