In a studio flat, choose an under-counter fridge without a freezer if you buy fresh food often and don’t need frozen food. A model with a 4-star compartment is suitable for more limited freezing needs. If you regularly store frozen food or shop for several days at a time, consider a compact fridge freezer instead. In every case, check the space needed with the door open, the clearances specified in the manual, the usable capacity, annual energy consumption and stated noise level.
An under-counter fridge without a freezer gives you more space for fresh food, as long as you don’t need to store frozen food. Que Choisir suggests considering a usable capacity of 100 to 150 l for one person. Compare this guide with how often you shop and the space available.
A fridge with a freezer compartment could be a good fit if you only need to store small amounts. Check the compartment’s capacity and star rating separately: according to Electrolux, a 4-star compartment reaches −18 °C or below.
A compact fridge freezer has separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. Before choosing this size, also measure its height and depth, and allow enough room to open the door and pull out the drawers.
Consider this if: you buy fresh food often and don’t use frozen food.
The trade-off: there’s no built-in freezer space.
Consider this if: space is limited, but you’d like to freeze small amounts of food.
The trade-off: the space available for fresh and frozen food depends on the capacity of each compartment in the model.
Consider this if: you regularly store frozen food and need a separate freezer.
The trade-off: check the available height and depth as well as the width.
| Consideration | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Compare the height, width and depth with the actual space available. Check the manual for ventilation clearances and make sure the door opens far enough to remove the bins and drawers, as Que Choisir advises. | I need to be able to move around the kitchenette and open the appliance without it being blocked by neighbouring units. |
| Capacity | Compare the capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food separately, not just the total capacity. If you plan to freeze fresh food, check the compartment’s star rating and freezing capacity; Electrolux says that a 4-star compartment reaches −18 °C or below. | Will most of my shopping go in the fridge, or do I also need regular space for frozen food? |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) and the airborne acoustical noise emission class shown on the energy label, as presented by the European Commission. Consider how close the appliance will be to where you sleep. | If the fridge is near my bed or desk, its stated noise level will be a factor in my choice. |
| Energy use and food storage | Compare the kWh/year on the energy labels of similar appliances with similar capacities: ADEME reminds consumers that a fridge runs continuously. Once installed, Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge compartment. | I want enough space for my food without choosing a capacity I won’t use, and I want to be able to check the temperature in the fridge. |
A fridge may fit in its space but still leave too little room to remove a bin or drawer. The appliance also needs the ventilation clearances specified for that model.
Measure the space, check the installation instructions and make sure the door can open without hitting nearby units.
The presence of a compartment doesn’t tell you its capacity or whether it can be used to freeze fresh food. Electrolux associates a 4-star rating with a temperature of −18 °C or below.
Check the star rating, capacity and freezing capacity listed for the model you’re considering.
Appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily meet the same storage needs. ADEME reminds consumers that fridges and freezers run continuously.
Compare energy consumption in kWh/year across sizes and capacities that suit your shopping, then check how much usable space there is for fresh and frozen food.
A small footprint doesn’t guarantee enough space for everyday meals. Que Choisir suggests a usable capacity of 100 to 150 l for one person.
Check the fridge capacity, any freezer space and the noise level before deciding whether this size will suit your needs.
The KTR15NWEA is an example of an under-counter fridge designed for fresh food.
The brand offers everything from under-counter fridges to slim fridge freezers. Compare individual models rather than judging by the brand alone.
The brand’s information helps you tell the difference between a fridge with a freezer compartment and a model designed for fresh food only.
These three fridge freezers combine fridge space with a separate freezer. For a small kitchen, compare their full dimensions and how the door opens before choosing a model.
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Worth considering if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food in an appliance that’s 150 cm tall. The product name states that it has a 4-star freezer, a reversible door, a noise level of 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Check the full dimensions, clearances and kWh/year in the product information and manual.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth comparing with the space available. The product name lists 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the 4-star freezer; it also states that the door is reversible and the energy rating is E. Check the height, depth, clearances and kWh/year before choosing.
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The product name lists a capacity of 182 l for the fridge and 71 l for the freezer; the stated noise level is 39 dB. For a small kitchen, check the width, depth and space needed to open the door. If you want to freeze fresh food, also check the freezer’s star rating and the kWh/year on the energy label.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh, capacities and noise levels across appliances suited to the same needs. For new fridges sold in France, the DGCCRF says the energy label must be displayed both in shops and online.
Look for a “4-star” rating and check the model’s freezing capacity. According to Electrolux, a 4-star compartment reaches −18 °C or below. Don’t assume that a compartment without this rating offers the same capabilities.
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C. Check the temperature once the appliance is up and running.
Yes, provided the space meets the ventilation clearance requirements in the model’s manual and the door can open far enough. Also measure the space needed to remove the bins and drawers, as Que Choisir highlights.