One person in their first studio flat
If you shop little and often, start with Que Choisir’s recommended guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this to the space your fresh and frozen food actually takes up.
Who are these sizes suitable for?
A renter with a small kitchen
Before choosing an under-counter or taller model, measure its space, the route to the kitchen and the clearance needed to open the door. The CAF recommends measuring the spaces set aside for appliances when furnishing your first home.
Someone who often stores frozen food
A small freezer compartment may not be enough if your regular shopping includes frozen food. Compare its capacity with that of a compact fridge-freezer before deciding whether to make room for one.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with your shopping habits and available space, then compare the noise levels and energy use of appliances with similar capacities.
Under-counter fridge
Consider this if: you shop often and have a low space available for it.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment may be too small for regular storage.
Single-door fridge
Consider this if: you want to prioritise capacity for fresh food.
Bear in mind: depending on the model, the freezer compartment may be small or missing altogether. Check the height too.
Compact fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you store frozen food every week and want a separate freezer compartment.
Bear in mind: it must fit in your kitchen and be able to pass through the delivery route.
Built-in fridge
Consider this if: your kitchen already has a cabinet space suited to your chosen model.
Bear in mind: the width, depth, door fixing and ventilation must all meet the instructions for the model, not just fit the visible space.
| Criteria | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare fridge capacity with how often you shop. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 litres as a general guide for one person; check the freezer space separately. | I don’t keep much in reserve, so I’d rather use the available space for the food I actually store. |
| Dimensions and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the route to the kitchen and door clearance. For a built-in model, also check the cabinet space, hinges and ventilation against the model’s instructions. | My kitchenette is small, or it has a cabinet space: the appliance needs to fit, and I need to be able to open the door. |
| Freezer capacity | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, what type it is and how much it holds. Distinguish a small integrated icebox from a separate freezer compartment. | If frozen food is part of my weekly shop, I need to know how much I can really store. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) between models of a similar size. Check the actual figure, not just the noise class. | Noise matters particularly if I sleep or work near the kitchen. |
| Electricity use | Compare the annual energy use of appliances with similar capacities and sizes, as well as their energy ratings from A to G. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously. | I want to choose a capacity that suits my shopping habits without overlooking the appliance’s annual energy use. |
| Delivery and seller | Make sure the appliance can be brought all the way to its intended spot and check the delivery arrangements. If buying second-hand or refurbished, identify the seller and keep your proof of purchase. | If I’m buying an appliance for the first time or purchasing second-hand, I want to be able to install it and know who to contact if there’s a problem. |
What should you avoid in a studio flat?
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Relying on the width alone for a built-in model
A width that looks right doesn’t guarantee the depth will fit or that the hinges and door will be compatible. Bosch says that an integrated appliance needs a dedicated space.
Measure the cabinet space and check the fixing, door opening direction and clearances against the installation instructions for your chosen model.
If it doesn’t fit, you may need to adapt the cabinet or arrange another delivery.
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Treating a small freezer compartment like a separate freezer
A small compartment may mean you have to limit how much frozen food you keep from one week to the next.
Think about a typical week’s shopping, then compare the stated freezer capacity with that of a compact fridge-freezer.
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Buying second-hand without identifying the seller
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity described by economie.gouv.fr covers, among other things, second-hand or refurbished appliances sold by a business to a private individual.
Check the seller’s identity, the appliance model and that it works, and keep your proof of purchase.
A few brands to consider
These examples highlight points to check on specific models; they don’t represent every appliance made by each brand.
Beko
A brand to consider for an under-counter fridge in a small kitchen.
- Beko France lists the TSE1234FSN as 54 cm wide.
- Even so, measure the space and check the clearances required for this model. Width alone isn’t enough to confirm it will fit.
Bosch
A brand to consider if your studio flat already has a cabinet space for an integrated fridge.
- Bosch France lists the appliance dimensions for the KIL42NSE0 as 1221 × 541 × 548 mm.
- Bosch says that an integrated appliance needs a dedicated space. Check the measurements and fixing requirements for your chosen model.
Whirlpool
A brand worth exploring when comparing small fridges and their dimensions.
- Whirlpool France points out that the dimensions of small fridges vary from one appliance to another.
- If access to a spare part matters to you, search for it on the brand’s parts website using the exact appliance model number.
Fridges to compare on Joybuy
These models include single-door fridges, appliances with a freezer compartment and built-in models. First choose the size that suits your shopping habits, then check each model against your kitchen.
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SMEG S4C122E, 188 L built-in fridge-freezer
Worth considering if your studio flat has a cabinet space and you want a freezer compartment. This model is listed as a built-in fridge-freezer with a top freezer and an E energy rating. Check the cabinet space, door fixing and capacity for frozen food before choosing it.
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Candy CIO 225 EE/N, 179 L single-door fridge-freezer
This single-door model combines refrigeration and freezing. Before making space for it in a kitchenette, check the instructions to see whether this model is freestanding or built-in. Also make sure the freezer compartment suits your needs.
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SMEG S4L120E, single-door built-in fridge
Consider this for a kitchen that already has a cabinet space, if your priority is keeping fresh food chilled. Check the usable capacity for this model, then make sure the cabinet dimensions and door fixing are right, and consider whether you’ll need freezer space.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L Low Frost fridge-freezer
If your regular shop includes frozen food, this fridge-freezer offers 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. Its stated width is 54 cm and the door is reversible. Also measure the available height and depth, and check door clearance. It has an E energy rating.
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Sonlu CS-100L, 82 L single-door fridge
This model may suit you if you shop little and often for fresh food. At 82 L, it’s below Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres for one person. Check that the capacity is enough for you, along with the appliance dimensions and your freezer needs. It has a stated E energy rating.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person allow for in a studio flat?
Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this starting point to how often you shop, and check separately how much space you need for frozen food.
What should I measure before placing an order?
Measure the space, the route to the kitchen and the clearance needed to open the door. For a built-in model, also check the cabinet dimensions, hinges, door fixing and ventilation against the instructions for the exact model.
Is an under-counter fridge enough if I eat frozen food?
It depends on how much you store: a small integrated compartment may not be enough for regular supplies. Compare its capacity and type with the separate freezer compartment in a compact fridge-freezer.
How do I compare the energy use of two models?
Compare appliances of a similar size and capacity, then check their annual energy use in kWh and their energy ratings from A to G. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously, so choosing a capacity that suits your needs is also important.
Does the legal guarantee cover a second-hand fridge bought from a business?
Yes. According to economie.gouv.fr, France’s legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual. Identify the seller and keep your proof of purchase; this is different from a sale between private individuals.