First, choose a format that fits the space actually available, including ventilation clearances and the door-opening area. A tabletop fridge without a freezer is suitable when space is extremely limited and frozen food is only an occasional purchase, while a compact fridge freezer is better for regular freezing if its height and depth fit your kitchen.
When width, depth or the height beneath the worktop is limited and you mainly buy fresh food, compare the usable capacity, installation dimensions and door-opening direction first. UFC-Que Choisir presents the tabletop format as suitable for studio flats.
A compact appliance with a freezer compartment may be suitable for ice cubes or small quantities of frozen food. Check the fridge capacity separately and make sure it has a proper freezer compartment.
A compact fridge freezer may be the more practical choice if you regularly store prepared meals and frozen food, provided that the freezer capacity, ventilation and full dimensions are compatible with your kitchen.
Measure the space before comparing capacities, then choose the balance between fresh and frozen storage that genuinely matches your shopping habits.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Available installation space | Compare the height, width and depth with the measured space. Also check the door swing, opening direction and ventilation clearances specified in the instructions. | I want to be able to move around the kitchenette and open the door without blocking a cupboard or walkway. |
| Fresh and frozen storage capacity | Read the fridge and freezer capacities separately. A freezer compartment can be useful occasionally, but it sometimes reduces fresh-food space in an appliance of a similar size. | I mainly buy fresh food, but I want to know whether a few frozen items or ready meals will fit too. |
| Continuous energy use | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and compartment layouts. Consider the energy class alongside these figures rather than using it on its own. | I am looking for a capacity that suits my needs without choosing an unnecessarily large appliance, as it runs continuously. ADEME highlights that size and excessive features can increase energy consumption. |
| Food storage | Check the temperature setting for the coldest area, the shelf layout and air circulation. Avoid overfilling the interior. | I want to keep perishable food in a sufficiently cold area while maintaining practical everyday storage. Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest area. |
Two models of a similar size can divide their capacity very differently between fresh and frozen storage. For example, Bosch lists 106 L of fridge capacity with a freezer compartment for the KTL15NWEB, compared with 134 L without a freezer for the KTR15NWEB.
Make a list of the food you store over a week, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Depth, door opening and ventilation clearances can prevent correct installation. These clearances depend on the instructions for each model.
Before ordering, note the appliance dimensions H × W × D, the space needed with the door open and the distances specified by the manufacturer.
A small freezer compartment is mainly intended for occasional use and reduces fresh-food storage space. Anses explains that freezing at -18 °C stops bacterial growth, but does not eliminate most micro-organisms.
If you regularly buy frozen food or batch-cook, look instead for a fridge freezer with a clearly stated freezer capacity.
A fridge runs continuously, so its energy class should be considered alongside its kWh/year figure, capacity and compartment type. ADEME points out that size and excessive features affect energy consumption.
For comparable appliances, compare the stated annual energy consumption and choose the capacity you actually need.
In France, Beko offers freestanding tabletop fridges, including models without a freezer. The brand presents the TSE1504FN as a freestanding model without a freezer and with a reversible door.
Bosch offers freestanding tabletop fridges with or without a freezer compartment. The KTL15NWEB and KTR15NWEB have stated dimensions of 850 × 560 × 580 mm, but meet different freezing needs.
Electrolux offers small under-worktop and built-in fridges. The brand presents the SpaceSmart 600 Combo EXB3AE82R as a solution that can be installed beneath a hob.
Joybuy options including compact fridge freezers, a one-door fridge with a freezer compartment and tabletop formats for a studio flat.
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This fridge freezer is suitable for shopping that includes frozen food or meals to freeze, provided your kitchenette can accommodate a tall appliance.
Stated capacities of 153 L for refrigeration and 74 L for freezing, with a width of 54 cm, reversible door and adjustable feet.
Stated dimensions: 1760 × 540 × 550 mm. Compare the 215 kWh/year figure with appliances offering similar capacities and compartment layouts, then check the clearances and door swing in the instructions.
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This model is aimed at regular fresh and frozen food storage in a narrow kitchen with sufficient height available.
Stated capacities of 187 L for refrigeration and 75 L for four-star freezing, with a width of 54 cm, depth of 55 cm and reversible door.
Stated dimensions: 1760 × 540 × 550 mm. Energy class E and 215 kWh/year are specified; check the ventilation clearances and door opening in the instructions.
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This compact option may suit someone who mainly buys fresh food and wants a freezer compartment for occasional use.
Stated capacity of 92 L, width of 47 cm, reversible door, adjustable feet and adaptable interior storage.
The capacity and temperature of the freezer compartment are not specified here: check the technical specifications before planning to store frozen food regularly, as well as the full dimensions and kWh/year figure.
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This tabletop fridge is designed for a very small space and for small quantities of drinks, snacks or fresh food.
42 L of refrigeration, a stated 3 L compartment between 5 and -5 °C, dimensions of 449 × 485 × 512 mm, glass shelf and adjustable feet.
The 3 L compartment should not be considered a freezer for long-term storage of frozen food. Check the clearances, opening direction and kWh/year figure in the instructions.
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This freestanding format may suit limited refrigeration needs in a small space.
Stated features include a reversible door, removable glass shelves, interior lighting, adjustable thermostat and adjustable feet.
Check the usable capacity, dimensions in the correct units, whether a freezer compartment is included, the clearances and the kWh/year figure before buying.
Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest area. Keep meat, fish and cooked dishes there, check the temperature according to the instructions or with a thermometer if necessary, and avoid overfilling the appliance so that air can circulate.
No. First compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities, then the kWh/year figures shown on the label and product information. The European Commission regulates energy labelling for refrigeration appliances, while EPREL lets you view the declared energy and environmental data for relevant models in the European Union.
Not necessarily. A freezer compartment can be handy for a few frozen items or ice cubes, but it sometimes reduces the space available for fresh food in an appliance of a similar size. If you regularly store frozen food or freeze prepared meals, choose a fridge freezer with a clearly stated freezer capacity.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, then allow for the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. Also check the door swing, opening direction and available socket; after moving the appliance, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on transport and how long to wait before plugging it in.