One person with very little space
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or leave a clear walkway, check its dimensions, how far the door opens and the ventilation requirements in the manual before choosing its capacity.
Who are these formats for?
Someone who cooks and shops every week
The fridge needs enough room for ingredients, leftovers and prepared meals without overloading the compartments. Living alone doesn’t, by itself, determine the capacity you need.
Someone who often stores frozen food
The capacity and type of freezer compartment become crucial: a small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you regularly buy frozen food.
How do the formats compare?
In a studio flat, first check how much space you can really use, then weigh up fresh-food capacity against freezer space. Noise and energy consumption can help you compare models that meet those needs.
Table-top fridge
Consider this if: space under the worktop or in the available walkway dictates the size, and you don’t store much frozen food.
The trade-off: check that the usable capacity suits your shopping habits; a compact size doesn’t, on its own, solve your storage needs.
Fridge with a freezer compartment
Consider this if: fresh-food storage is your priority and you only need to freeze a small amount.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment takes up some of the internal space; its star rating and capacity determine what you can use it for.
Compact fridge-freezer or fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you regularly store frozen food or freeze portions, and want a separate freezer compartment.
The trade-off: compare the capacity in litres of each compartment and check that the compact or standard model will fit in the space you have.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the appliance and how far its door opens; check the installation method and clearances against the instructions in the manual. | If my fridge needs to fit under a worktop, I still want to be able to open the door and move around. Around 29% of consumers put where it will go at the top of their list. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge’s usable capacity in litres, not just its total capacity, with how often you shop. Que Choisir and Beko suggest 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person. | If I cook at home and keep leftovers until my next shop, I need enough room for fresh food; around 29% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Freezing | Check the freezer capacity and type of compartment separately, including its star rating. | If I regularly store frozen food or prepared portions, I can’t choose based on the presence of a freezer compartment alone. This is the top priority for around 24% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Once you’ve found models with the capacity you need, compare their stated dB and noise class, as well as their kWh/an. | In an open-plan living space, I pay attention to how noisy the appliance is and how much energy it uses over time; around 18% of consumers make this their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a table-top fridge just because it fits under the worktop
An appliance may fit in that space but still not have enough room for your usual shopping or frozen food.
Compare the usable capacity of each compartment with what you actually store. Que Choisir and Beko’s 100 to 150 L guide for one person still needs to be adapted to your habits.
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Assuming every freezer compartment is suitable for storing frozen food
A few ice cubes, the occasional frozen purchase and regular food shopping require different amounts of freezer space.
Check the star rating and the compartment’s capacity. If frozen food makes up a significant part of your shopping, also compare appliances with a separate freezer compartment.
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Measuring the space without allowing for the door or ventilation
A tight fit may stop the door opening properly or block the airflow the appliance needs.
Check how far the door opens, the installation method and the required clearances in the manual for your chosen model. Electrolux’s guidance also recommends allowing for nearby heat sources.
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Looking at the energy rating alone
In a studio flat, the stated noise level can be just as important for everyday comfort; the energy rating alone won’t tell you the annual energy consumption.
For models with the capacity you need, compare their kWh/an as well as the noise level and noise class shown on the energy label.
Brands to consider
Beko
Beko’s guidance can help you compare table-top and single-door formats when looking for an appliance for one person.
- Beko suggests 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity as a guide for one person and, depending on the model, distinguishes between 2-star and 4-star compartments.
- This is a guide, not a substitute for checking the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the type of compartment fitted in your chosen model.
Bosch
Bosch’s guidance is useful for understanding the noise information for a model intended for a studio flat or open-plan kitchen.
- Bosch points out that the energy label shows the noise level in decibels and a noise class.
- This doesn’t mean all Bosch fridges make the same amount of noise: compare the figures for the specific model you’re considering.
Electrolux
Electrolux manuals and advice can help you plan the installation when space is limited.
- They highlight the importance of airflow, clearances and keeping the appliance away from heat sources.
- The required distances and installation method depend on the manual for your chosen model.
Fridges on Joybuy
Matching products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
What fridge capacity do you need when you live alone?
Que Choisir and Beko suggest 100 to 150 L of fridge capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop and the meals you store, then check the freezer capacity separately if you buy frozen food.
Can you put a fridge against a wall or in an alcove?
Yes, as long as the space meets the installation and clearance requirements in the model’s manual and doesn’t block its ventilation openings. Electrolux advises leaving room for air to circulate around the appliance; check the exact distances and make sure the door can open before ordering.
How do you compare the noise and energy consumption of two small fridges?
First check that each fridge has the capacity you need, then compare its stated noise level in dB, noise class and energy consumption in kWh/an. Bosch says the noise information is shown on the energy label; annual energy consumption gives you a more precise comparison than the energy rating alone.
What temperature should you keep your fridge at?
Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point. Check the temperature regularly and avoid overfilling the appliance so that cold air can circulate.