For one person, UFC-Que Choisir recommends a usable capacity of 100 to 150 litres. In a studio flat, choose a style that fits the space you actually have and your freezing needs: a small fridge without a freezer saves space, while an integrated freezer compartment or a fridge-freezer suits different frozen food shopping habits. Before ordering, also measure access to the kitchen, the door opening and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or in a narrow space, start by measuring its external dimensions. Then compare its usable capacity with your shopping habits. Don’t assume a small appliance will offer enough room inside.
An integrated freezer compartment may be enough for occasional use. If frozen foods are a regular part of your shopping, compare the freezing capacity of a compact fridge-freezer with the space it will take up.
A cabinet space, cupboard door or under-worktop position means you’ll need to check the dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements for the exact model. Capacity alone won’t tell you whether it can be installed.
First decide where the appliance can go, then work out how much space you need for your shopping and frozen food. A freestanding fridge placed under a worktop doesn’t become an integrated model: check the installation requirements set by its manufacturer.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the delivery route, door opening and ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. | In a narrow kitchen, I want to be able to install and open the fridge without blocking the way; around 42% of consumers would prioritise size and installation. |
| Fridge capacity | Compare the usable fridge capacity with your shopping. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres as an average guide for one person. | If I cook several meals in advance, I need room to store them without taking up unnecessary space in my studio flat; around 33% of consumers would prioritise capacity that suits their shopping. |
| Freezing | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its separate capacity and the product information on defrosting. | When frozen food is part of my shopping, I want to know whether a small compartment will do or if I need a fridge-freezer; freezing is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
For an appliance with a freezer, the total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is left for fresh food. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide for one person refers to usable capacity.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities listed for each model separately.
The depth, door swing and route to the kitchen could all prevent installation. The appliance also needs space for ventilation: Beko France recommends leaving 5 cm at the sides and rear in its installation advice, but this doesn’t replace the instructions for the model you choose.
Measure all three dimensions of the appliance and its intended space, then follow the clearances specified in the instructions.
According to Bosch Électroménager France, you need to check that an integrated appliance is compatible with the cabinet. An existing cabinet space and door won’t necessarily suit another model.
Measure the cabinet space and check the hinge system, door fixing and airflow before choosing your appliance.
An incompatible door or hinges may mean you need to adapt the cabinet.
Models to consider if you’re looking for an under-counter fridge with a freezer compartment or an appliance to fit into an existing cabinet.
Freestanding under-counter fridges to consider, especially if you don’t need a freezer.
Under-counter fridges to compare if a few centimetres of width or a difference in capacity could affect installation.
These appliances show a few options for a small home: single-door fridges, an integrated model and a fridge-freezer. Before choosing, compare the stated capacity and style with the space you have.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a single-door appliance with a small freezer compartment for a compact kitchen.
Stated capacity of 92 L; energy rating E. Check the separate fridge and freezer capacities, as well as the full dimensions and installation clearances.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your home already has a cabinet that can accommodate an integrated fridge-freezer.
Stated total capacity of 188 L, top freezer and energy rating E. Check the capacity of each compartment, the cabinet dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements for this model.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you regularly store frozen food and have more space to dedicate to an appliance.
153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing; stated width of 54 cm, reversible door, Low Frost and energy rating E. If you live alone, compare this capacity with your actual shopping habits, then check the height, depth and required clearances.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your shopping takes up little space and you’re looking for a small-capacity single-door fridge.
Stated capacity of 82 L and energy rating E. Before comparing it with your needs, check the usable fridge capacity, whether it has a freezer compartment, its external dimensions and its installation requirements.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends an average usable capacity of 100 to 150 litres for one person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop and how much room your batch-cooked meals take up. For an appliance with a freezer, compare the capacity reserved for fresh food separately.
Only if the space meets the installation requirements for that model. Beko France recommends leaving at least 5 cm at the sides and rear in its ventilation guidance, but this doesn’t apply to every fridge. Check the instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
Freestanding and integrated models have different cabinet and fixing requirements. Bosch Électroménager France points out that an integrated model is more complex to install. Check the cabinet dimensions, hinges, door and ventilation rather than relying on the available width alone.
Compare their energy labels and the stated energy consumption of models with capacities that meet your needs. According to the European Union’s Your Europe portal, energy ratings run from A to G. The rating alone doesn’t replace comparing the capacity and stated energy consumption of each appliance.