Studio flat renter with space under the worktop
If headroom is limited and you don’t keep much frozen food, a table-top fridge could be a good place to start. Measure the depth too, and allow for the clearances specified in the instructions.
Who is this option for?
One person who occasionally freezes food
A one-door fridge with a freezer compartment is worth considering if you want to keep a few frozen items without making room for a taller fridge-freezer. Check the capacity of the freezer compartment separately.
Studio flat dweller with an open-plan living space
If the fridge will be near your bed or desk, compare the stated noise levels of the models you’re considering. Que Choisir also assesses noise during operating cycles in its tests: the dB(A) figure alone doesn’t tell you how intrusive a fridge will feel.
What should you prioritise?
The right format depends mainly on how much space you have and how much frozen food you need to store. A slim appliance isn’t necessarily a short one, so check all its dimensions before comparing capacities.
Table-top fridge
Consider it if: you need a low-profile appliance under the worktop and mainly store fresh food.
Bear in mind: it may not have a freezer compartment. For example, Bosch lists the KTR15NWEB as having no freezer.
One-door fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider it if: you occasionally keep a few frozen items in a compact appliance.
Bear in mind: a small integrated compartment may limit how much frozen food you can store. Check the capacity of the specific model.
Slim fridge-freezer
Consider it if: you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food and have enough headroom.
Bear in mind: a narrow width doesn’t solve problems with height or depth. Candy lists the CNCQ2T518EB as around 55 cm wide, but it stands 182.5 cm tall.
| Factor | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the instructions for ventilation requirements and how far the door needs to open to remove the drawers. | In a narrow kitchen, I need to be able to install the appliance and open the door without it hitting the cupboards; around 36% of consumers make fitting it into their space a priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacities of the fridge and freezer separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, adjusted to suit their shopping habits. | If I keep meals and frozen food for the week, I prioritise capacity that suits those provisions; this is the main need for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the stated dB(A) levels of the models you’re considering and, if possible, look for a test that also assesses noise during operating cycles. | When my fridge runs near my bed, repeated noises affect my choice; around 21% of consumers put quietness first. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy label for appliances with similar capacities. Allow for the ventilation and maintenance specified for the model. | I want to factor in an appliance that runs all the time and the time needed to maintain it; around 14% of consumers make this their main concern. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Relying on the stated width alone
A fridge might fit between two cupboards but still not have enough room for ventilation, for the door to open, or to remove the drawers.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the required clearances and door swing for the model you’ve chosen.
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Assuming a table-top fridge has a freezer
The format doesn’t guarantee that it has a freezer compartment. For example, Bosch lists its KTR15NWEB as having 134 litres of fridge space but no freezer.
If you regularly buy frozen food, compare the exact layout of a one-door fridge with that of a fridge-freezer before opting for the smaller format.
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Choosing based on the energy rating alone
The energy rating letter doesn’t replace the annual energy consumption figure on the label, or a comparison of capacities suited to the same needs.
Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities, and follow the installation and maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
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Forgetting to get rid of your old appliance
In a studio flat, keeping an old fridge temporarily can make delivery and installation of your new one more difficult.
Ask the retailer about its collection service before ordering, and make sure there’s access to both appliances on delivery day.
Brands to consider for these formats
Beko
The TS190340N is worth looking at if space is particularly tight: Beko lists this model as 47.5 cm wide and 82 cm tall.
- These dimensions make it easy to compare this model with other compact options.
- Check the capacity, noise level and clearances for the model you’re considering; these figures don’t apply to the whole range.
Bosch
The KTR15NWEB table-top fridge is an option if you mainly want to keep fresh food in a small kitchen.
- Bosch lists 134 litres of usable fridge space and a noise level of 39 dB for this model.
- The KTR15NWEB doesn’t have a freezer compartment, so it won’t suit you if you need dedicated space for frozen food.
Liebherr
Two Liebherr table-top fridges show why it’s important to compare specific models rather than just the brand: the KTe550 is 55 cm wide, while the Rdi 1620 Plus is 60 cm wide.
- Liebherr lists 141 litres and 34 dB for the Rdi 1620 Plus; compare these figures with its width.
- Check the dimensions and specifications of each model: those of the Rdi 1620 Plus don’t apply to the KTe550.
Candy
The City Fresco 300 CNCQ2T518EB fridge-freezer is worth considering if space is tight on width but you can fit a tall appliance.
- Candy lists this model as around 55 cm wide, with a capacity of 280 litres.
- Its stated height of 182.5 cm means you’ll need to check the space, depth and clearances before choosing this format.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
These models suit two different needs in a small kitchen: two fridge-freezers with separate spaces for fresh and frozen food, and a one-door fridge with a small freezer compartment. Compare their overall dimensions before making your choice based on width alone.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer, silver
Worth considering if you need separate spaces for different types of food in a narrow kitchen, provided you have enough headroom.
Stated width: 54 cm; 153 L fridge capacity and 74 L freezer capacity. Reversible door, Low Frost and energy rating E are listed in the product title.
Check the overall height and clearances in the instructions, and compare the kWh/year figure on the energy label before assessing energy use.
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Comfee' by Midea RCB230BL2EU(E), 174 L fridge-freezer, black
Worth a look if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food and have room for a tall appliance.
Stated total capacity of 174 L; reversible door and Low Frost technology are mentioned in the product title. Low Frost doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never need to defrost the appliance.
If the appliance is near your bed, compare its noise level in dB(A). Also check the kWh/year figure on the energy label.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L one-door fridge, silver
Worth considering if you have limited provisions and would prefer an integrated freezer compartment rather than two separate spaces.
Stated total capacity of 92 L, with a freezer compartment; energy rating E is listed in the product title. This total capacity is below Que Choisir’s suggested 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person.
Check the height, depth and freezer compartment capacity to suit your shopping habits, then compare the stated noise level and kWh/year figure.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should I look for if I live alone?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop, and check separately how much room you need for frozen food: an appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for it.
Is under 40 dB(A) quiet enough for a studio flat?
It’s a useful way to narrow down your options, but it doesn’t guarantee that the fridge will be quiet near your bed. Que Choisir includes models rated below 40 dB(A) among the quietest and also assesses noise during operating cycles in its tests. If you’re particularly sensitive to noise, look for a test of the specific model.
How much space should I leave around a freestanding fridge?
First, follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. For a freestanding appliance, Que Choisir suggests allowing at least 5 cm at the sides and behind, and 10 cm above, in its installation advice; its energy-saving advice recommends 10 cm above and behind. Also check that the door can open far enough in your kitchen.
When can I switch on a fridge that was transported on its side?
Check the instructions for your model before switching it on after it has been transported horizontally. As Que Choisir points out, you should follow the appliance’s instructions for how long to wait rather than assuming the same time applies to every fridge.