For a studio flat, start by choosing a fridge that fits the space available, allowing for the door to open and for ventilation. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a typical guide for one person: a smaller table-top fridge means shopping more often, while regular frozen-food shopping makes it worth comparing fridge and freezer capacities separately. A built-in model is only suitable if it’s compatible with the niche and door system.
If you mainly store fresh food and are short on space under the worktop, a table-top fridge is worth considering. At 85 to 90 L, it falls below Que Choisir’s typical guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, so consider how often you shop.
A small fridge-freezer or a model with a freezer compartment could suit your needs. Check how many litres are set aside for frozen food, while keeping in mind how much room will be left for fresh food.
If you’re replacing a built-in appliance, measure the niche and check the door front, hinges and fitting system. The total capacity alone won’t tell you whether a built-in model will fit.
Measure the space, then compare the capacity available for each use. Noise, energy consumption and installation requirements can help you choose between models that fit.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare fridge capacity in litres, not just the total volume. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a typical guide for one person. | If I shop less often, I need enough room for fresh food between trips. If I shop regularly, I could consider a capacity below the typical guide. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres, its star rating and the manual’s guidance on freezing and defrosting. | I regularly buy frozen food, so I need to know how much space is available before choosing between a small freezer compartment and a fridge-freezer. |
| Size | Measure the width, height and depth, then allow for the clearances specified in the manual. Check the delivery route and make sure the door can open. | The width of the space isn’t my only constraint: I also need to be able to open the door and access the shelves in my kitchen. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the noise level in dB(A) and energy consumption in kWh/year on the energy label. Compare appliances designed for the same use. | My fridge will be close to the living area, so I want to consider both its stated noise level and its energy consumption. |
| Fitting | For a built-in model, check the niche, door front, door system and ventilation instructions for the exact model. | If my kitchen already has a niche, I need to confirm that the appliance and its door will fit, rather than choosing based on litres alone. |
According to Boulanger’s product specifications, the LISTO RMDL85-50hob2 splits its 85 L between 61 L of fridge space and 24 L of freezer space. The Beko BU1154HCN splits its 107 L between 92 L and 15 L. Similar total capacities don’t necessarily offer the same storage.
Compare the two compartments separately against the fresh and frozen food you usually buy.
Boulanger states that the Beko BU1154HCN is supplied without a door front. Electrolux specifies a niche height of 1 225 mm for its LFB3DE12S, so ‘built-in’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘under the worktop’.
Measure the niche and confirm the door type, hinges and fitting system before ordering.
Depending on the model and kitchen, you may need a door front or a suitable installation.
A product manual published by BUT specifies spacers to maintain space behind the appliance. Electrolux recommends transporting its appliances upright and waiting at least four hours after transport before plugging them in.
Follow the clearances and recommissioning instructions in your model’s manual, and check that the door can open fully.
In France, a commercial warranty is optional and comes in addition to legal warranties, according to the DGCCRF. The Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity can be claimed for two years on a new product bought from a professional seller.
Before taking out an extended warranty, compare its duration, terms and added services with the rights you already have.
These models show some of the available configurations. Your choice will depend on the dimensions and compartments of the specific model.
The range mentioned here includes a freestanding table-top fridge and built-in under-counter models.
The RT1325W G is a one-door table-top fridge designed primarily for storing fresh food.
The fridge-freezers mentioned here let you compare a compact model with a taller appliance.
The LFB3DE12S is an example of a built-in model designed for a tall niche rather than an under-worktop space.
These models are suitable for fitted kitchens with a niche, or spaces that can accommodate a tall, relatively narrow fridge-freezer. Measure the available space before comparing capacities: don’t assume that any of these tall appliances will fit under a worktop.
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Designed for a fitted kitchen, this one-door built-in model combines fridge and freezer space in a stated total capacity of 188 L, with an energy rating of E. Check the niche dimensions, door system and ventilation clearances. Also compare the freezer capacity with how much frozen food you buy.
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If you want separate storage for fresh and frozen food in a narrow kitchen, the model title states 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. It also lists a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost, a four-star freezer rating and an E energy rating. Check the height, depth and clearances needed for installation.
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This 252 L built-in fridge-freezer, with a C energy rating, is designed for a kitchen with a compatible cabinet. Its title mentions No Frost and an Inverter compressor. Before choosing this format, check the capacity of each compartment, the niche dimensions, door front and ventilation instructions.
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This 262 L Low Frost fridge-freezer is 54 cm wide and 176 cm high, according to its title, so it needs a tall space despite its relatively narrow width. The title states a 70/30 split; check the capacity of each compartment, the depth and the model’s ventilation clearances.
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This one-door built-in fridge is designed for a fitted kitchen where fresh food is the priority. Check its exact usable capacity before comparing volumes, then confirm the niche dimensions and installation clearances specified by the manufacturer.
Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a typical guide for one person, not a compulsory capacity. An 85 to 90 L appliance could work if you shop often and don’t store much fresh food at a time.
Check the model’s manual first. A product manual published by BUT specifies rear spacers to maintain ventilation, so measure the depth with the recommended clearances and allow enough space to open the door.
Follow the instructions for the appliance you’ve moved. Electrolux recommends transporting its appliances upright and waiting at least four hours after transport before plugging them in, to allow the oil to return to the compressor.
No. The ADEME says it can help you compare energy consumption and noise levels, among other things, but you should consider this information alongside the capacity and dimensions you need. If your fridge will be close to your living area, pay particular attention to its stated noise level in dB(A).