If you mainly buy fresh food and have space beneath a worktop, start by comparing under-counter fridges without a freezer compartment. A table-top fridge with a freezer compartment suits occasional frozen food; if you freeze food regularly, consider a small fridge-freezer instead, provided there’s enough height. An integrated model needs a compatible housing and ventilation, while its stated noise level alone won’t tell you how disruptive it may be in a room where you sleep, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
A table-top fridge is worth considering if your kitchenette has a low-level space for it and you don’t usually buy frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir lists this size as suitable for studio flats, but be sure to measure the space before choosing a model.
A table-top fridge with a freezer compartment lets you store this type of food without immediately opting for a taller appliance. Compare the fresh-food capacity and the compartment’s specifications. For example, the Bosch KTL15NWEB has a freezer compartment and 106 l of fridge space, according to the manufacturer’s product information.
Check the stated noise level, then look for tests or reviews that describe how noisy the fridge is in use. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the figure on the label alone can’t tell you whether a fridge will disturb your sleep.
Your need for freezer space will help you choose the right type of fridge. Its dimensions and installation requirements will determine whether it can actually fit in your kitchenette.
Consider this if: you mainly buy fresh food and have space for a table-top appliance.
The trade-off: it won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Consider this if: you want to keep a few frozen items but still prefer a table-top fridge.
The trade-off: check how much space is left for fresh food and what the freezer compartment can do.
Consider this if: you freeze food regularly and have enough height for a fridge-freezer.
The trade-off: it may take up more vertical space than a table-top fridge. Check the depth too, and make sure the door can open fully.
Consider this if: your kitchenette already has a housing suitable for an integrated appliance.
The trade-off: the housing, door fixing and ventilation must all meet the requirements in the instructions for the exact model.
| What to consider | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth of the appliance and the space it will go in. Check the door clearance and ventilation requirements in the instructions for the exact model. An integrated appliance also needs a compatible housing and installation. | I want to be able to move around the kitchenette without the door getting in the way or interfering with the manufacturer’s installation requirements. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Compare the fridge capacity with how often you shop. If you store frozen food, distinguish between an integrated freezer compartment and a separate freezer, and check the specifications of the compartment in question. | A few frozen items now and then don’t need the same amount of space as food I freeze regularly. I’ll choose according to what I actually store. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels and, where possible, read detailed tests or reviews. UFC-Que Choisir explains that the figure on the label alone can’t predict whether the fridge will disturb your sleep. | If my bed or desk is near the fridge, I don’t want to make a decision based on the decibel rating alone. |
| Energy use and lifespan | Check the energy label and the information for the exact model, then compare the annual energy consumption of appliances in a similar category and with a similar capacity. Look at any available information on durability and repairability. ADEME recommends using the energy label to help choose household appliances. | As a fridge runs continuously, I want to take its energy consumption into account, along with any information that could help me make it last. |
An integrated appliance must also be compatible with the housing, door fixing and ventilation in the unit. Similar external dimensions don’t necessarily mean it can replace a freestanding model.
Measure the housing and read the installation instructions for the model you’re considering. Don’t assume the clearance requirements for another model will apply.
In a single-room home, the noise you hear can matter just as much as the stated level. UFC-Que Choisir says the figure on the label alone isn’t enough to predict whether the fridge may disturb your sleep.
Use the decibel rating for an initial comparison, then look for tests or reviews describing the noise in use, and follow the installation instructions.
A freezer compartment takes up space in a small appliance. As two separate examples, Bosch lists 106 l of fridge space for its KTL15NWEB, which has a freezer compartment, while Liebherr lists 125 l in total for its KTe550. These figures aren’t measurements of two identical appliances.
For a week or two, keep track of the food you actually want to freeze. Then compare the fresh-food and freezer capacities of the models you’re considering separately.
When replacing a fridge, plan how to send the old one to an appropriate collection point. The French authorities point out that electrical and electronic equipment can contain hazardous components as well as materials that can be recovered.
Ask the retailer about their take-back service, and check with your local council to find out what collection options are available.
These models are useful for comparing different sizes and specifications; they don’t represent every range from each brand.
The specifications for the KTe550 table-top fridge and the CTele 2131 fridge-freezer illustrate the difference in size between the two types.
The KTL15NWEB, with its freezer compartment, and the integrated under-counter KUR21VFE0 let you compare two different types of installation.
Beko France describes the TS190340N as a freestanding table-top fridge with a freezer compartment at the top.
These Joybuy options include an integrated model and upright fridge-freezers for a kitchenette. Check their height, installation type and freezer capacity against the space you have. This selection doesn’t replace comparing table-top models.
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Worth considering if your kitchenette has a housing for an integrated fridge-freezer and you’d also like to store a few frozen items. The product name lists a total capacity of 188 l, a top-mounted freezer and an energy rating of E. Check the instructions for this model’s housing dimensions and installation and ventilation requirements.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer may suit someone who needs both fridge and freezer space, provided there’s enough height for it. The product name lists 153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the freezer, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Check the height, depth and clearance needed to open the door. Low Frost doesn’t mean completely frost-free.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer may suit someone who wants to store fresh and frozen food in one upright appliance. The product name lists a capacity of 174 l, a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Before choosing it for a studio, check its dimensions, installation clearances and the stated noise level for the exact model.
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The stated split may suit someone who regularly uses both compartments: the product name lists 120 l for the fridge and 50 l for the freezer, as well as an energy rating of E. Measure the space, then check the dimensions, installation clearances and noise level in the product information and instructions before choosing this appliance for a single-room home.
Follow the requirements in the instructions for your model and its installation type rather than allowing for a standard clearance. For example, the instructions for an Electrolux integrated fridge-freezer specify openings of at least 200 cm². This applies to that model and shouldn’t automatically be used for a freestanding table-top fridge.
No. The stated noise level is a useful point of comparison, not a guarantee that the fridge will be quiet in your room. UFC-Que Choisir says the figure on the label alone can’t predict whether it will disturb your sleep. If possible, supplement it with tests or detailed reviews about the noise.
Check the information for the exact model, including its energy rating, annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and stated noise level. ADEME recommends using the energy label to help you choose. When comparing energy consumption, also take the category and capacity of the appliances into account.
Before replacing your fridge, check whether the retailer offers a take-back service or find out about suitable local collection options. The French authorities point out that electrical and electronic equipment can contain hazardous components as well as materials that can be recovered.
Read the connection instructions for the model you’ve bought and make sure the plug will still be accessible after installation. Beko’s instructions for the TS190340N specify both points and say that this model must be properly earthed for electrical safety. Don’t apply these instructions to another appliance without checking its own manual.