For a studio flat, first choose a fridge that fits the space while allowing the door to open and leaving the clearances specified in its manual. A table-top or one-door model could suit you if most of your shopping is fresh; if you regularly store frozen food, compare the freezer section of a small fridge-freezer with an integrated freezer compartment, bearing in mind that the appliance may be taller. In a single-room home, also check the stated noise level and its airborne acoustics class.
You need to fit the appliance into a measured space without blocking access to the drawers or getting in the way. A table-top fridge is worth considering if most of your shopping is fresh; check its height, width and depth, along with the clearances specified in the manual.
You need to compare the capacity and features of the freezer section, not just the appliance’s external size. A small integrated compartment and the separate freezer in a fridge-freezer may not suit the same shopping habits.
Your fridge will be near your bed or desk. The dB(A) noise level and airborne acoustics class shown on the label can help you compare models, but they don’t guarantee that operating noises will be imperceptible.
For one or two people in a small home, start with the space you actually have, then choose between a table-top fridge, a one-door model with a freezer compartment and a small fridge-freezer based on how you store food. Finally, compare noise levels if the appliance will run in the room where you sleep or work.
| Feature | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Actual space required | Measure the height, width and depth; check that the door can open and note the clearances specified in the manual. | In a kitchen where the space is next to a wall or cabinet, I want to be able to open the door and remove the drawers without blocking the way. Around 36% of shoppers would prioritise this fit. |
| Freezer section | Compare the fresh-food and frozen-food capacities separately, check the compartment’s star rating and, if stated, its freezing capacity in kg/24 h. | If frozen food regularly features in my meals, I don’t want to rely on a compartment that’s too small for my shopping. This would be the top priority for around 29% of shoppers. |
| Noise | Compare the noise emissions in dB(A) and the airborne acoustics class on the label, without treating the stated figure as a promise of silence. | When I sleep or work from home near the appliance, its operating noises matter when I’m choosing. Peace and quiet would be the main consideration for around 21% of shoppers. |
| Fresh-food storage | Check the fridge capacity and the layout of the shelves, drawers and bottle storage. | If I keep vegetables and prepared meals between shops, I want to store them easily without a compact format making them hard to reach. Around 14% of shoppers would prioritise everyday storage. |
The total capacity in litres doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for frozen food. Two appliances with a similar capacity may divide the space between fridge and freezer differently.
Check the capacity of each compartment on the label, then look at the star rating and freezing capacity in kg/24 h if you plan to freeze food.
An appliance may fit in its space but leave too little room to open the door or remove a drawer. It also needs the clearances specified for that model to ventilate properly.
Measure the space with the door open, allow for any nearby wall and follow the installation clearances in the manual. For its mini fridges, Bosch recommends leaving 5 to 10 cm at the sides and back; follow the instructions for the model you buy.
The dB(A) figure makes it easier to compare models, but how you perceive noise also depends on the room, the floor and the appliance’s operating cycles.
If the fridge is near your bed or desk, compare its airborne acoustics class too. Que Choisir uses under 40 dB(A) as a guide when looking for a quiet appliance; install your chosen model on a stable floor.
In a studio flat, moving an old fridge and clearing access to your home may take some advance planning.
If you’re replacing an appliance, arrange for the retailer to take the old one away before delivery and confirm the access arrangements for your home.
These examples highlight features to look for in the specifications of the particular model, rather than qualities shared by every fridge from a brand.
The TSE1284N is an example of a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment to consider when width and door opening direction matter.
The CNOQ2S58EX is an example of a freestanding model measuring 85 cm high, with a freezer section.
The KTL15NWEB provides a point of comparison for a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
These models suit two different studio-flat needs: fridge-freezers with separate fresh and frozen food storage, and a smaller one-door fridge with a freezer section. Compare their full dimensions with your available space before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want separate storage for fresh and frozen food in a narrow kitchen. The product listing gives 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and required clearances; if you use the freezer frequently, also check its freezing capacity in kg/24 h.
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Worth comparing if you need separate storage for fresh and frozen food. The product listing gives 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, No Frost and 39 dB. Measure the full space and check the freezer features that suit your needs.
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Worth considering if you want two compartments in a freestanding appliance and have enough height available. The product listing mentions a reversible door, adjustable thermostat and Low Frost. Check the dimensions and clearances; if the appliance will be near your bed, look up its noise level in dB(A) and its airborne acoustics class.
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Worth considering if your priority is a small-capacity one-door fridge for everyday shopping. The product listing gives a capacity of 92 L, a compact freezer section and an E energy rating. Check that the capacity is enough for you, then look at the full dimensions, the features of the freezer section and the stated noise level before deciding.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop and how much you keep chilled, then check the fridge capacity separately from the freezer capacity.
Below 40 dB(A) is a comparison guide cited by Que Choisir, not a guarantee that the noise won’t disturb you. Also check the airborne acoustics class on the label: the floor, the room and the operating cycles all affect how loud the appliance seems.
It depends on how the door opens and the clearances required in the model’s manual. Before buying, check that you can reach the drawers with the door open and that the available space allows the ventilation specified by the manufacturer.
The EU energy label lets you compare features including the A to G rating, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities, noise emissions and their airborne acoustics class. If the appliance has both fresh-food and freezer sections, check their capacities separately.
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 °C and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. A thermometer placed inside lets you check the actual temperature, which can’t be determined from the thermostat setting alone.