Renter with a very restricted alcove
You need to fit the appliance under a worktop or next to a wall, while allowing for the clearances specified in its manual and leaving enough room to open the door and remove the drawers.
Who are these formats for?
Single person who prefers fresh food
You want storage that suits your regular shopping, without giving up a large part of the space to frozen food. Usable capacity and the interior layout matter more than the external dimensions alone.
Small household that regularly buys frozen food
You need a separate freezer compartment. A compact fridge-freezer suits this way of organising food, as long as its height, doors and capacity split work for your kitchenette.
How do the formats compare?
In a studio kitchenette, first rule out any appliances that cannot be installed properly. Then choose the balance between fridge and freezer space that best suits your shopping.
Table-top fridge
Consider it: when the available space calls for a low appliance and frozen food makes up only a small part of your shopping. Que Choisir lists this format as suitable for studio flats.
Bear in mind: its capacity may limit your everyday storage. Check whether it has a freezer compartment, rather than assuming it is a separate freezer.
One-door fridge
Consider it: when fresh food is your priority and you have room for a taller appliance.
Bear in mind: the height and door opening need to suit the space. Check separately whether your chosen model has a freezer compartment and what type it is.
Compact fridge-freezer
Consider it: when frozen food is a regular part of your shopping and needs its own compartment.
Bear in mind: the capacity is split between two compartments. Check that the height and door clearance also allow you to remove the drawers.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and door clearance | Compare the appliance dimensions with the available space, then check the clearances and door swing specified in the manual. For a freestanding appliance, Que Choisir recommends at least 5 cm at the sides and back, and 10 cm above. | If I need to fit the fridge into an alcove, I want to make sure it can be ventilated and that I can remove the drawers without hitting the furniture. This is the top priority for around 42% of consumers. |
| Fridge and freezer capacity | Compare the usable capacities and layout of the compartments with how often you shop. Check whether you need a separate freezer compartment for frozen food. | I want enough room for my usual shopping, whether that is mainly fresh food or regularly includes frozen food. This balance of storage is the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the declared noise level in dB(A), energy rating and annual energy consumption on the label for the exact model. Compare appliances with similar capacities and intended uses. | When the fridge is close to my living or sleeping area, I want to take its noise and energy use into account. These are the top considerations for around 25% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid before buying
-
Measuring only the space the appliance will occupy
A fridge may fit into its alcove but still lack the required clearance, or the door may not open far enough to remove the drawers.
Measure the space, check the manual for ventilation and door clearance, and make sure the delivery route is wide enough too.
-
Assuming a small freezer compartment is the same as a separate freezer
If frozen food regularly features on your shopping list, the presence of a compartment alone does not tell you how much it can hold. A fridge-freezer also splits its capacity between the fridge and freezer.
Start with the food you usually buy, then check the type, capacity and layout of the freezer compartment in the model you are considering.
-
Assuming a small fridge will be quiet
A compact format alone does not tell you how noisy or energy-efficient a model is. In a studio flat, having the fridge close to your sleeping area can make its noise level especially important.
Compare the declared values on the energy labels of models that already meet your capacity and installation needs.
-
Confusing a retailer’s guarantee with your statutory rights
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity that applies to a new fridge sold by a trader to an individual is separate from an optional commercial guarantee, as the Ministry of the Economy explains.
Before taking out an extended guarantee, compare its terms with the rights you already have and ask how any service visit or repair would be arranged.
Brands to know
There are no brands to feature in this section.
Fridges for a studio kitchenette
These Joybuy models illustrate the options covered here: a small freestanding appliance, two one-door fridges and a compact fridge-freezer. Compare their capacity with your shopping needs, then check each model’s manual for installation requirements in your kitchenette.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L silver fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food separate in a small kitchen.
The product title lists 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
Check the height, ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door and remove the drawers before choosing it.
Image unavailable
CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L one-door fridge
One to consider if you prioritise fresh food storage in a small home.
The title lists a capacity of 92 L and an E energy rating. If you buy frozen food, check the type of freezer compartment: the descriptions of this model contradict each other on this point.
Also check the full dimensions and the clearances required for installation.
Image unavailable
TCL RF60DWE0FR, 45 L table-top mini fridge
Worth considering for a low space and small quantities of food. Check that its capacity suits your usual shopping.
The title lists a capacity of 45 L, adjustable feet, a toughened glass shelf and an E energy rating.
Check the ventilation clearances and the space needed to open the door. If you store frozen food, check the capacity and type of freezer compartment separately.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CS-100L, 82 L one-door fridge
Worth considering if your shopping is mainly fresh food: the product information says this model does not have a freezer compartment.
The title specifies a capacity of 82 L and an E energy rating.
Before installing it, check the full dimensions, ventilation clearances and which way the door opens.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before buying a fridge for a kitchenette?
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the appliance dimensions and the clearances specified in its manual. For a freestanding appliance, Que Choisir recommends at least 5 cm at each side and at the back, and 10 cm above. Also check that the door opens far enough to remove the drawers and shelves.
Can you change which way the door opens?
It depends on the model, so do not assume the door is reversible. If the fridge will be placed against a wall or between units, check the manual and make sure the door can open far enough to access the storage compartments.
What should I compare on a fridge’s energy label?
Compare the energy rating, stated annual energy consumption, compartment capacities and noise information for the exact model. Energy labelling for refrigeration appliances is regulated across the EU. When choosing between two formats, also consider the capacity you actually need.
Does a new fridge come with a statutory guarantee in France?
Yes. When a trader sells a new fridge to an individual in France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies, as stated by the Ministry of the Economy. It is separate from any commercial guarantee, so check the terms of the latter separately before taking it out.
What should I do with my old fridge when replacing it?
Ask the retailer how to arrange collection of your old appliance before your new one is delivered. The Ministry for Ecological Transition distinguishes, among other things, between take-back when buying an appliance of the same type and certain take-back options without a purchase, which have their own conditions.