In a studio flat, first choose a fridge that fits the available space while leaving enough room for ventilation and for the door to open. A table-top model may suit your everyday fresh food needs; if you keep a few frozen items, compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. An integrated model is only an option if the housing and fixing system are compatible with the model you choose.
You want to fit your fridge under a worktop or in a narrow space without blocking the way through. Table-top models are designed for this kind of spot, but you’ll still need to measure the depth, clearance and space needed to open the door.
You shop regularly and want to keep a few portions frozen without giving up too much space to a freezer. Compare how the capacity is divided: Boulanger lists 97 L for fresh food and 16 L for frozen food in the ESSENTIELB ERT85-55mib6 table-top model.
If you already have a housing unit and a cabinet door in place, your choice depends as much on the dimensions and fixing system as it does on capacity. The installation specifications published by Whirlpool and Electrolux show why you need to check these details for the exact model.
Measure the space first, then work out how much capacity you need for fresh and frozen food. In a single-room home, it’s also worth checking the noise level before you order.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting and opening | Full dimensions and clearances specified in the manual; door swing and, for an integrated model, housing dimensions and fixings. | If the door hits a wall or the appliance blocks the way through, its usable capacity won’t solve the problem. Around 33% of shoppers put fitting and opening the appliance in their space first. |
| Space for fresh food | Fridge compartment capacity, separate from the total capacity; enough room for your usual shopping. | I want enough room to keep several days’ worth of fresh food and leftovers without taking up unnecessary space in the kitchen. This is the top priority for around 27% of shoppers. |
| A little freezer space | Freezer compartment capacity and the model’s guidance on freezing and defrosting. | A few frozen portions are part of my regular shop, but I don’t need to store large quantities. Around 20% of shoppers prioritise this small amount of freezer space. |
| Comfort in your living space | Published noise level and annual energy consumption; delivery options for your address. | In a single-room home, I’ll hear the fridge running, and I also need it delivered to my home. Noise, energy use and delivery access are the main concerns for around 20% of shoppers. |
A fridge might fit the measured space but leave too little room for ventilation or for the door to open.
Measure the height and depth too, check the clearances in the manual and make sure you can get the appliance to its final position. For an integrated model, check the housing and cabinet-door fixings.
The freezer compartment takes up space that won’t be available for fresh food.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately against what you buy between shopping trips.
A small freezer compartment is for occasional use, rather than storing large amounts of frozen food.
If frozen food makes up a significant part of your shopping, check the model’s capacity and freezing specifications instead of choosing based on the word ‘freezer’ alone.
In a block of flats or a home with difficult access, delivery and getting the appliance into position may not be the same service.
Before ordering, check with the seller whether delivery to your floor, installation and, if you’re replacing an appliance, collection of the old one are available at your address.
The RTT89BE is a compact under-counter fridge worth considering when space is tight.
The CNOQ2S58EX is an example of a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment at the top.
Whirlpool France lists the ARG94312FR integrated fridge for an 88 cm housing unit, with a sliding fixing system.
Electrolux lists a 1,225 mm housing height for the LRB3AE12S integrated fridge.
These models include a small fridge for frequent shopping trips, a format with a small freezer compartment and a larger fridge-freezer. Compare the space they need and how their cooling capacity is divided against your habits before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want to keep everyday groceries and a few frozen items in a small kitchen. The product listing gives it an E energy rating; check the full dimensions, the capacity reserved for freezing and the noise level for your space.
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Worth comparing if you need more space for fresh and frozen food, although its 74 L freezer capacity may be more than you need for occasional use. The model name indicates 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Also check the height, depth and noise level.
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Worth considering when space is limited and you shop very frequently; check that this capacity is enough for the food you usually buy. The model name indicates a 45 L capacity and an E energy rating; see the full product listing for storage guidance and annual energy consumption.
Start with how much fresh food you keep between shopping trips, then look at fridge capacity separately from freezer capacity. As a guide, Boulanger lists the ESSENTIELB ERT85-55mib6 table-top model with 97 L of fridge space and 16 L of freezer space; check whether this split suits your habits.
Check the clearances and door-opening requirements in the manual for the model you choose. Electrolux’s installation guidance for one specific model specifies 40 mm at the sides and above, and 30 mm at the back; these measurements don’t apply to every fridge.
Anses recommends keeping food between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check your appliance’s temperature and arrange food according to the zones shown in its manual, without overfilling the shelves.
Once you’ve shortlisted appliances with the right format and capacity, compare their energy ratings and the stated energy consumption and noise levels. ADEME describes the energy label as a tool to help you choose household appliances; it doesn’t replace checking the installation dimensions.
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Keep your order details and proof of purchase in case you need to report a lack of conformity; this guarantee is separate from a retailer’s returns policy.