For a studio kitchenette, first choose a fridge that will fit through the entrance and can be installed with the clearances specified in its instructions. A table-top model is a good choice if you shop little and often and mainly store fresh food. If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, consider a small fridge-freezer instead. A built-in under-counter model is only suitable if its housing, ventilation and door fitting are compatible with the model you choose.
If you regularly top up your fresh food, a table-top fridge can do the job without taking up the height of a fridge-freezer. Que Choisir says this format is suitable for studios and suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person. Compare this with what you actually keep between shops.
If you batch-cook or often buy frozen food, look at freezer capacity separately from fridge capacity. Que Choisir distinguishes this kind of use from simply needing a small freezer compartment. A fridge-freezer is worth considering, as long as it fits in the space available.
In a living space, the stated noise level matters just as much as the appliance’s size. Compare the dB(A) rating and noise class of models suited to your space. Que Choisir cites less than 40 dB(A) as a guide to the quietest models.
When choosing an appliance for a studio kitchenette, start with the space you actually have, then think about your shopping habits. Next, compare noise and energy consumption across appliances with a capacity that suits your needs.
| What to consider | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, the delivery route and the door opening. Follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | If every centimetre counts, you need to be able to get the appliance in and open it without compromising its installation. Around 36% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the freezer compartment’s features. | If you shop less often or regularly keep frozen food, how the capacity is divided matters more than the total shown. Storage is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and electricity | Check the dB(A) rating, noise class and annual kWh consumption on the label. Compare appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. | If your fridge is near your bed or desk, you’ll want to know how noisy it is and how much energy it uses. Around 21% of consumers prioritise these features. |
| Under-counter housing | Check the housing dimensions, ventilation, plinth and door-fixing system required for the model. | If your kitchenette already has a cabinet for an appliance, finding a model that fits is your first priority. This compatibility matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
An appliance may fit in the space but leave too little room for the door to open or for ventilation. The delivery route may also be narrower than the kitchenette. Freestanding and built-in models have different requirements.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space and the access route, then check the door swing and installation instructions. For an under-counter model, also measure the housing and check how the door is fitted.
A fridge may use most of its capacity for fresh food and offer only a small freezer compartment. For example, Candy France says the Candy COT1S45EW has a total capacity of 106 L, including 2.6 L for the freezer compartment.
Compare the capacity of both compartments, the star rating and the defrosting method with how often you buy frozen food.
The letter rating on its own doesn’t tell you how much storage space is available or how noisy the appliance will be in your living space. According to the European Commission, the EU label for fridges and freezers also shows annual energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions.
Compare annual kWh consumption across models that offer similar storage, then check the dB(A) rating and noise class.
Choosing the right format doesn’t mean you can skip checking food storage conditions. Anses recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge.
Check the temperature regularly, leave space between food so air can circulate, and clean the inside of the appliance.
The KTL15NWEB is a freestanding table-top option with a small freezer compartment.
The COT1S45EW is a freestanding table-top fridge to consider when width is limited.
The URd 3600 Pure is an option for a kitchenette with an existing, compatible under-counter housing.
The RF207TWE1 is a small fridge-freezer to consider if you need space for frozen food and can accommodate something taller than a table-top model.
These models include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food, a built-in appliance with a freezer compartment, and a one-door fridge for those who shop little and often. Check the space and installation type before choosing one.
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Worth considering if you want separate space for fresh and frozen food. The product description lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and required clearances before deciding where to put it.
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Consider this for a kitchenette with compatible housing, where fresh food is the priority and freezer space is only needed in limited amounts. The product description specifies a single door, a top-mounted freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Check the housing dimensions and door-fixing system before buying.
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Worth considering if you want separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. The product description lists 120 L of fridge capacity, 50 L of freezer capacity, a noise level of 40 dB and an E energy rating. Measure the space and delivery route, then check the appliance dimensions before making a decision.
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Consider this if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer with a reversible door to suit a narrow kitchenette. The product description also mentions Low Frost defrosting. Check its height, width and depth, along with the required clearances. If it’s going near your bed, also compare the noise level shown on the label.
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Worth considering if you shop little and often and prefer a lower-capacity appliance. The product description mentions a freezer compartment and an E energy rating, but doesn’t specify the freezer capacity. Check this if you buy frozen food, and make sure you check the full dimensions before planning the installation.
For household fridges and freezers sold in the European Union, check the A to G energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise information. The European Commission says the QR code on the label takes you to detailed model information in EPREL.
Follow the instructions for your chosen model rather than relying on one clearance that applies to every appliance. For its freestanding models, Whirlpool recommends 5 cm above and 10 cm behind. Don’t apply these measurements to a built-in model: its housing and ventilation must meet the requirements in its own instructions.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a guide for one person. Adjust your choice to how often you shop, and look at freezer capacity separately if you regularly keep frozen food.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest point in the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check the temperature regularly, using a thermometer if needed, and avoid overfilling the appliance so cold air can circulate.