In a studio flat, first choose a fridge that fits the space available, allowing for the door to open and the required ventilation clearances. A table-top fridge is a good choice when space is very limited and you only store a few groceries at a time. If you buy more fresh food or regularly stock up on frozen food, compare a single-door fridge or a small fridge-freezer instead, provided you have room to install it.
If your fridge needs to fit under a worktop or in a narrow corner, a table-top model is worth considering: Que Choisir recommends this type for studio flats. Also measure the space needed to open the door and follow the clearances specified in the model’s instructions.
If you bring home several days’ worth of fresh food in one trip, shelf space matters just as much as the fridge’s external dimensions. A taller appliance could work if your kitchen allows for it. Que Choisir’s testing protocol takes account of adding food each day and doing a full weekly shop.
The amount of freezer space you need will vary depending on whether you buy frozen food occasionally or regularly. Compare the type and capacity of the freezer compartment separately from the fridge capacity. The European Commission includes these figures in the information shown on the energy labels for refrigerating appliances.
Start with the things you can’t change — the available space and the door opening — then consider how much room you need for your groceries and frozen food, as well as how noisy the fridge will be in your living space.
Consider this if: worktop space is your priority and you only store a few groceries at a time.
Bear in mind: a compact design offers less room for food, so check the capacity of the specific model.
Consider this if: you prioritise fresh food but still want to keep a small amount of frozen food.
Bear in mind: having a freezer compartment doesn’t necessarily mean there’s enough space for regular frozen food shops.
Consider this if: you regularly keep frozen food and have enough vertical space.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the overall dimensions and door clearance carefully before installation.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Overall dimensions, door opening and clearances specified in the instructions; distinguish between freestanding and integrated models. | In a kitchen where every centimetre counts, I need to be able to install the appliance and open it without blocking the way. Around 31% of consumers put installation requirements first. |
| Space for fresh food | Usable fridge capacity in litres and shelf layout, based on your usual shopping habits. | If I shop for several days at a time, I need enough room for fresh food without making extra trips. This capacity is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Freezer space | Type of freezer compartment and usable freezer capacity in litres, listed separately from fridge capacity. | If I regularly buy frozen food, a very small compartment may not give me enough storage space. Around 19% of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Noise and energy use | Noise emissions in dB and energy consumption in kWh/year on the label; compare appliances with similar capacities and layouts. | If my kitchen shares a room with my living space, the appliance’s noise level may influence my choice, as will its annual energy consumption. Around 19% of consumers put these features first. |
A table-top fridge may fit in your kitchen but still not have enough room for your usual shop. Que Choisir gives a typical guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, which you can adjust to suit your own habits.
List the food you usually keep between shops, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Que Choisir points out that a basic freezer compartment isn’t enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. The fact that an appliance has a freezer compartment doesn’t tell you how much you’ll be able to store in it.
If you regularly buy frozen food, check the type and capacity of the compartment before choosing between a single-door fridge and a small fridge-freezer.
The depth and height, door movement and required clearances can all affect whether the appliance will fit or be practical to use. Freestanding under-worktop models and integrated models have different installation requirements.
Measure the available space, then compare it with the dimensions and installation instructions for the exact model.
The European Commission says the label also shows annual energy consumption, capacity and noise emissions. In a studio flat, this information can help you compare appliances with similar capacities and layouts.
Look at the kWh/year and dB figures together. Que Choisir gives less than 40 dBA as a guide to the quietest appliances, but this doesn’t guarantee that your fridge will be silent in your home.
Beko France offers a range of table-top fridges with filters for features including freezer compartments and noise levels.
Candy France offers freestanding under-worktop table-top models as well as integrated models.
Electrolux France offers compact integrated fridges, including the SpaceSmart 600 EXB3AE82R, which the brand says can be installed beneath a hob.
This selection features a mini fridge for a compact kitchen and limited storage. Choose its capacity to suit your shopping habits rather than its size alone.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact appliance for a smaller shop. Check that it offers enough space for the fresh and frozen food you usually keep.
The model name indicates a capacity of 45 L, an E energy rating, adjustable feet and a shelf made from toughened glass. Check its dimensions and door clearance against the space available.
Que Choisir gives a typical guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this to suit how often you shop, how much fresh food you need to store and how much space your frozen food takes up, while keeping within the available space.
Check the noise emissions in dB and annual energy consumption in kWh on the energy label described by the European Commission, then compare appliances with similar capacities and layouts. For a studio flat, Que Choisir gives less than 40 dBA as a guide to relative quietness, not a promise that an appliance will be inaudible.
No. Freestanding and integrated models have different installation requirements. Check the overall dimensions, the space needed to open the door and the ventilation clearances specified in the instructions for your chosen model.
Not necessarily. Electrolux explains that the setting on a mechanical thermostat doesn’t correspond directly to a temperature in degrees. Check the actual temperature inside the appliance: for food storage, Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C.