In a studio flat, first choose an appliance that will fit in the space once you’ve allowed for ventilation clearances. Then match its capacity to your shopping habits and how often you use frozen food. A tabletop or single-door model is worth considering if space is your priority and you only freeze food occasionally. If you regularly freeze food, compare compact fridge freezers, keeping an eye on their height, depth and noise levels in your living space.
A tabletop fridge could be a good fit if headroom is limited and you shop frequently. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a guide for one person. Compare this with the space you actually need for fresh and frozen food.
A single-door model with a small freezer compartment may suit occasional use. Before relying on this compartment, check its capacity, star rating and the uses specified in the manual for the exact model.
A compact fridge freezer with a separate freezer compartment is worth comparing if you store frozen food or prepare portions in advance. Also measure its height and depth, and check there’s enough room to open the doors in your studio flat.
Start with the space available and your shopping habits, then compare the specifications of models that meet both requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route and door clearance. Compare the usable capacity of each compartment separately and check the clearances required in the manual. | I want to store my usual groceries without giving too much space to the appliance. I’ll use UFC-Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person as a starting point, adjusting it to my habits. |
| Freezing | Check whether there’s a separate compartment, its capacity and star rating, and the uses permitted in the manual. Don’t assume it can freeze fresh food just because it’s labelled a “freezer”. | Occasional frozen food doesn’t need as much space as portions prepared regularly. If I freeze food often, I’ll look at compact fridge freezers and their dimensions. |
| Noise | Check the noise emissions in dB and the airborne acoustical noise class on the label. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the figure alone doesn’t tell you everything about how noticeable the noise will be. A test assessing noise during operating cycles can help you compare models. | In a room where I sleep or work, I want to consider sounds and vibrations, not just the stated dB rating. |
| Energy | The European Commission says that fridge labels have used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021. Also compare the kWh/year and fridge and freezer capacities of appliances with similar functions and sizes. | I want to choose a capacity that suits my shopping habits and understand the annual energy consumption shown, rather than relying on the energy rating alone. |
An appliance may fit in an alcove without leaving enough room for ventilation or the door to open. Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of ventilation space at the back and underneath the fridge, but the manual for the model you choose is the key reference.
Measure the space, the delivery route and the door swing, then allow for the clearances specified by the manufacturer.
A compartment designed for a few ready-frozen products may not be suitable for freezing fresh food or regularly storing portions.
Before choosing a single-door model, check the star rating, the compartment capacity and the uses specified in the manual.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, noise perception can’t be summed up by the stated level alone. The sounds made during operating cycles are especially important when the fridge is in your living space.
Use the dB rating and acoustical noise class to shortlist models. If available, consult an independent acoustic test, and follow the manual to ensure the appliance is level when you install it.
Appliances with different capacities or functions won’t meet the same needs. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously and that its size affects its energy requirements.
For models with similar uses, compare the energy rating, kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment shown on the label.
Beko offers freestanding tabletop fridges, including the TSE1284N, which has a top-mounted freezer compartment according to its product details.
Liebherr lists the KTe551 tabletop fridge as having a capacity of 111 l, dimensions of 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm and a noise level of 37 dB.
Bosch’s installation advice is a useful starting point when preparing a space for a fridge.
Whirlpool suggests a freestanding tabletop fridge as an option when headroom is limited.
These models suit two possible needs in a studio flat: a fridge freezer with a separate freezer for regular frozen food, or a small single-door fridge when space is the priority. Compare their full dimensions and compartments before you choose.
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Worth considering if you want a separate freezer in your studio flat: the product name lists 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space and a 4-star compartment. It also specifies a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, adjustable feet, an E energy rating and Low Frost technology. Before choosing this model, check its height and depth, ventilation clearances and kWh/year. The stated noise level of 39 dB alone doesn’t guarantee a comfortable noise level in your living space.
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This fridge freezer may suit a small household looking for separate fridge and freezer compartments, provided there’s enough room for it. Its description lists capacities of 182 L and 71 L respectively, and a height of 181 cm. The product name mentions No Frost and 39 dB. Measure the width and depth, and check the door swing, ventilation clearances and kWh/year. The stated noise level doesn’t tell you everything you might hear in a studio flat.
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This single-door model is worth considering if you mainly need fridge space and have limited width available: its product details list a capacity of 92 L, a width of 47 cm and an E energy rating. A cold compartment is mentioned, but check its capacity, star rating and intended uses before relying on it for frozen food. At 92 L, its capacity is below UFC-Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Compare it with your shopping needs, and check the full dimensions, ventilation requirements, kWh/year and stated noise level for your space.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop, and compare fridge space and freezer space separately.
Don’t assume so: having a small cold compartment doesn’t in itself tell you whether it can freeze fresh food. Check the star rating and the uses permitted in the manual for the exact model. If you often prepare portions to freeze, also compare fridge freezers with a separate freezer compartment.
Compare appliances with similar functions and capacities, then check their energy ratings and kWh/year. According to the European Commission, the label has used the A to G scale since 1 March 2021. It also shows the compartment capacities and noise emissions.
No. UFC-Que Choisir points out that noise perception doesn’t depend on the stated figure alone. The dB rating and acoustical noise class help you compare models, while a test assessing the sounds made during operating cycles can give you a better idea of what you’ll hear in your living space.
Before installing a fridge in an alcove, follow the ventilation clearance instructions in the manual. As general guidance, Bosch recommends leaving at least 200 cm² of clear space at the back and underneath the fridge. The instructions for the model you choose take precedence.