For a studio flat, first choose a fridge that fits the space, allowing for the open door and ventilation. A table-top fridge without a freezer is suitable if you shop for fresh food often. If you regularly keep frozen food, compare the capacity of an integrated compartment with that of a compact fridge-freezer. Built-in models also require a compatible housing unit and door fitting, as set out in the model’s instructions.
If you often shop for fresh food, a table-top fridge may suit your needs. Check its depth, how the door opens and the ventilation clearance it needs, though: a low height doesn’t guarantee it will fit under a worktop.
Compare the type and capacity of the freezer compartment with the food you usually buy. Your needs will differ depending on whether you’re storing a few items now and then or shopping less often and keeping frozen food regularly.
Measure the existing housing unit and identify the type of cabinet-door fitting. These details, along with the ventilation requirements in the instructions, determine whether a built-in model can replace the old one.
Start with your shopping habits and the space available, then compare the features of appliances that meet both requirements.
Worth considering: if you buy fresh food frequently and don’t store frozen food. Que Choisir lists table-top fridges among the formats suited to studio flats.
The trade-off: you’ll need another solution if you want to keep frozen food.
Worth considering: if space is limited but you’d like a separate compartment for occasional freezing, provided you check what it’s designed to do.
The trade-off: the presence of a compartment alone doesn’t tell you its capacity or which foods it can store.
Worth considering: if you shop less frequently or regularly keep frozen food, and have enough room for one.
The trade-off: measure the whole appliance and check the fresh-food and freezer capacities separately. The total capacity can hide a split that doesn’t suit you.
| Priority | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the door swing and clearances specified in the instructions. For a built-in model, also check the housing unit and door fixing. | I want to open the fridge without blocking the walkway or nearby cupboards. |
| Fresh-food capacity | Compare the fridge capacity with how often you shop. Check whether the shelves and drawers can accommodate your usual packaging. GIFAM recommends choosing an appliance suited to the size of your household and home. | If I buy fresh food often, I need enough room to store it without choosing more capacity than I’ll use. |
| Freezing | Check the compartment’s function, capacity and star rating. For a fridge-freezer, read the fridge and freezer capacities separately. | I regularly keep frozen food, so I shouldn’t choose an integrated compartment based on appearance alone. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A) of the models you’re considering. Also check the installation and ventilation requirements specified by the manufacturer. | My fridge will be close to my bed or desk, so the stated noise level matters when I choose. |
| Electricity | Check the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh on the label. Compare appliances of a similar type and capacity, once you’ve decided how much space you need. | I don’t want to cool space I don’t need. ADEME points out that an appliance that runs continuously may use more energy if it’s too large or has unnecessary features. |
A table-top fridge may be low enough but still too deep for the space. The door and airflow also need room.
Measure the available height, width and depth, then check them against the door swing and clearances required in the instructions.
An integrated compartment doesn’t tell you, on its own, how much it holds or whether it’s suitable for storing frozen food.
Make a list of the food you want to keep, then check the compartment’s function, capacity and star rating before choosing between a single-door fridge and a compact fridge-freezer.
Two appliances with different capacities or layouts may not meet the same needs. ADEME notes that a larger size and unnecessary features can affect electricity consumption.
First work out how much usable space you need, then compare the energy ratings and kWh per year of similar models.
The housing unit, ventilation and door fitting must also be compatible with the model. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 1 225 × 560 × 550 mm for the KFB1AE12S; these dimensions don’t apply to every built-in model.
Measure the inside of the cabinet and check its door system, then consult the installation instructions for the exact model.
If these details aren’t compatible, the cabinet may need modifying or the appliance may need replacing.
These examples show different formats; their features don’t apply to every appliance from each brand.
The KTR15NWEB is an example of a freestanding table-top fridge designed for refrigeration only.
Beko offers table-top fridges with different refrigeration configurations.
The KFB1AE12S is an example of a fridge designed for a kitchen fitted with built-in appliances.
These models include a compact fridge-freezer and two single-door appliances. Choose according to the space available and how much fresh or frozen food you need to store. Check the function of any integrated compartment for the specific model.
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Worth considering if you store both fresh and frozen food: the product title lists a 153 L fridge and a 74 L freezer, with a 4-star freezer rating.
The stated width is 54 cm; the door is reversible and the appliance has an E energy rating. Before deciding whether it will fit in your kitchen, also check the height, depth, door opening and ventilation clearances.
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Its single-door design and stated 92 L capacity are worth considering if you have limited space and buy a modest amount of fresh food.
The title mentions a freezer section and an E energy rating. Before storing frozen food in it, check exactly what the section is designed for and how much it holds. Also check the full dimensions, noise level and installation clearances.
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With a stated capacity of 45 L, it’s better suited to modest storage. Check that it can hold the amount of shopping you want to keep between trips.
The title lists an E energy rating, adjustable feet and a glass shelf. If you’re relying on a separate compartment for frozen food, check its function and the manufacturer’s instructions before buying.
Compare the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh of appliances with a similar type and capacity. For the fridges covered by EU rules, the European Commission presents the energy label as a guide to the product; it doesn’t replace choosing a capacity that suits your shopping habits.
Yes, but only if your kitchen can accommodate the built-in model you’ve chosen. Check the housing-unit dimensions, ventilation and door fitting in its instructions. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing unit measuring 1 225 × 560 × 550 mm for the KFB1AE12S, but this measurement doesn’t apply to other models.
Follow your appliance’s instructions and any guidance provided on delivery. In its installation advice, Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging the appliance in; check the guidance for your specific model.
If you’re buying a new appliance of the same type, ask the retailer how to hand over your old one. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition describes this as a ‘1-for-1’ take-back scheme, separate from other collection options.