For one person, a usable capacity of 100 to 150 litres is a useful starting point: then tailor the size to how often you shop and how much frozen food you need to store. A table-top fridge is suitable for frequent shopping and limited height, while a small fridge-freezer provides a separate freezer compartment for weekly shops but requires more space. In an open-plan kitchen, Que Choisir cites less than 40 dBA as an initial guide, although this figure alone cannot predict how intrusive the noise will feel.
You live alone, have limited space and buy fresh food every few days: a table-top model or an appliance of around 100 to 150 l may be sufficient if frozen-food storage is not a priority. Que Choisir gives this range as a guide for one person.
If you tend to do a weekly shop or regularly keep frozen food, consider a small fridge-freezer or a fridge with a freezer compartment, checking the freezer’s actual capacity.
When the fridge is close to the living room or sleeping area, check the stated noise level. If you are replacing an integrated appliance, measure the housing unit, ventilation openings, door type and required clearances first.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity and frozen food | Compare the total usable capacity, the capacity dedicated to refrigeration and that of the freezer compartment. Distinguish between a freezer box and a separate compartment, and check its star rating. | I shop frequently: a capacity of 100 to 150 l may be a starting point for my fresh food. If I shop weekly or keep frozen food, I am looking for a separate freezer compartment. |
| Noise in the living space | Use dB(A) as an initial filter. Also look for listening tests or reviews that detail vibrations, compressor noise and cycling. | The fridge operates close to my bed, desk or living room. Que Choisir indicates that two appliances displaying the same noise level may be perceived differently. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width, depth, door swing and delivery route. For a freestanding model, Que Choisir cites 5 cm at the sides and rear, plus 10 cm above, unless the instructions specify otherwise. | I want to be sure the appliance will genuinely fit in my kitchen without blocking a door or compromising ventilation. For an integrated model, I also check the housing unit, ventilation openings and door-panel fitting. |
| Comparing everyday use | Consider the A to G energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, usable capacity and noise level together. Compare similar sizes and capacities. | I want to compare models without relying on a single sales claim. The European Commission’s EPREL database provides access to the main declared parameters for products covered by the energy label. |
An appliance may fit in terms of width without leaving enough room to open the door or release heat. An installation that is too tight may make the model unsuitable for the housing unit.
Measure the height, width, depth, delivery route and door swing. Add the clearances required in the instructions; for an integrated model, also record the housing-unit dimensions, ventilation openings and door-panel fitting system.
A fridge with a freezer box may suit occasional needs, but it does not necessarily provide the separate capacity required for regular frozen food or less frequent shopping.
Separate your fresh-food requirements from your frozen-food requirements. Check the compartment’s net capacity, star rating and freezing capacity rather than relying solely on the term “freezer”.
In a studio flat, the fridge operates day and night. Que Choisir points out that the dB rating alone is not enough to predict how intrusive it will be: appliances displaying 40 dB can be perceived very differently.
Use dB as an initial filter, then look for listening tests or reviews describing the type of noise. Also make sure the appliance is installed perfectly level.
A fridge is bulky, and replacing it can be complicated if collection of the old appliance has not been arranged before delivery.
Confirm free collection with the retailer before approving delivery. The order of 8 October 2014 notably provides for the collection of used equipment from the place of use when a new appliance is delivered.
Beko offers freestanding table-top fridges, including models with a top freezer compartment and a stated width of 54 cm.
Liebherr lets you compare several sizes, from table-top models of around 85 cm to integrated under-counter appliances and narrow fridge-freezers.
Electrolux is worth considering when a studio flat already has a compatible cabinet housing unit or integrated kitchen.
These Joybuy options include compact fridge-freezers and a single-door model for a small studio kitchen, depending on the available space and how often you shop.
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Worth considering for weekly shopping with frozen food, provided the available space can accommodate a fridge-freezer of this capacity.
153 l for the fridge and 74 l for the separate freezer; stated width of 54 cm, reversible door, Low Frost and a 4-star freezer.
Check the height, depth, door swing and ventilation clearances in the instructions before installation.
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This size is best suited to a narrow but sufficiently tall kitchen with regular frozen-food requirements.
262 l in total, stated width of 54 cm, height of 176 cm, 75 l 4-star bottom freezer with three drawers, reversible door and Low Frost.
The model is specified for an ambient temperature of 16 to 38 °C; also check the required ventilation clearances before installation.
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This option is designed for a very small kitchen and frequent shopping, with storage mainly dedicated to fresh food.
Stated capacity of 92 l, width of 47 cm, freezer section, reversible door, adjustable shelves, salad crisper and cooling drawer.
If you regularly store frozen food, check the net capacity and star rating of the freezer, as well as the full dimensions and noise level.
Use 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point for one person, according to Que Choisir. Stay towards the lower end of this range if you shop often and store little frozen food; choose more capacity or a fridge-freezer for weekly shopping with frozen products.
First consult the instructions for your chosen model. As a guide, Que Choisir indicates at least 5 cm on each side and behind a freestanding appliance, plus 10 cm above it; the instructions may specify different clearances.
No. Check the usable height, width and depth of the housing unit, the cabinet ventilation openings, door-panel fitting and door system. An integrated appliance is suitable only if these elements match its requirements.
Not necessarily. The stated noise level is a useful filter and Que Choisir cites less than 40 dBA for the quietest models, but its tests show that appliances displaying the same level may be perceived differently. Also look for listening tests or reviews detailing the type of noise.
When a new appliance is delivered, the order of 8 October 2014 provides for the collection of used electrical and electronic equipment from the place of use. Confirm the practical arrangements, delivery slot and access conditions with the retailer before delivery.