Living alone in a studio flat
If you often pop out for a few groceries, check how much space you really have, the appliance’s depth and how noisy it is if it will be near your living area.
Who are these formats for?
A couple moving into a small flat
Work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food before opting for a fridge-freezer that’s taller than a table-top model.
A tenant whose kitchen is next to the bedroom
Compare the noise level and noise class, then check which way the door opens and follow the installation instructions for the model you choose.
What should you check before choosing?
Start with the space available and your usual shopping habits. These will help you choose a format before comparing noise levels and energy labels.
| Factor | What to check | To suit your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting | Compare the height, width and depth with the available space and the delivery route. Check how far the door opens and the clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | In my small kitchen, the door needs to open without hitting nearby units, and the appliance must be installable according to its instructions. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Distinguish a small built-in compartment from a freezer that can handle regular frozen-food shops. | I mainly buy fresh food, so a table-top fridge, with or without a small freezer compartment depending on how I use it, may be enough. If I freeze food often, I’ll compare a fridge-freezer’s capacity and how much room it takes up in the kitchen. |
| Noise | Compare the dB(A) ratings and noise classes of the models you’re considering. The European Commission says that fridge energy labels show noise emissions. | The fridge will be near my living area or bed, so its noise level matters when I’m choosing, even if the model is small. |
| Electricity | Compare the energy class and annual consumption in kWh of models suited to your needs. The European Commission says this information is shown on the energy label. | I want to know the stated energy consumption of the appliance I plan to install, rather than estimating it from its size or energy class alone. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Focusing only on the total capacity
Appliances with different capacities can also divide the space very differently between fresh and frozen food. Bosch lists 106 L of fridge capacity and an integrated freezer compartment for the KTL15NWEB; Whirlpool lists 223 L of fridge capacity and 97 L of freezer capacity for the WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezer.
Make a note of how much capacity you need for each use, then compare the figures separately for the models you’re considering.
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Measuring only the width of the space
An appliance may fit the width but still cause problems because of its depth, the space needed to open the door or the clearances required for installation.
Measure the space and the delivery route, then check the installation instructions for the exact model before ordering.
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Assuming a small appliance will be quiet
Size alone doesn’t tell you how noisy an appliance is. Darty lists the Beko TSE1264FMGN at 36 dB, while Bosch gives 39 dB(A) for the KTL15NWEB.
If the kitchen is near your bedroom, compare the dB(A) ratings and noise classes of the appliances that will fit.
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Choosing a large freezer you don’t need
A fridge-freezer can give you more room for frozen food, but its height and other dimensions still need to work in a studio flat.
Choose a freezer capacity that matches your usual shopping habits and check the appliance’s full dimensions before settling on this format.
A few leading brands and models
Bosch
The KTL15NWEB offers a useful point of comparison for a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment.
- According to Bosch France’s KTL15NWEB product information: 850 × 560 × 580 mm, 106 L fridge capacity, energy class E and 39 dB(A).
- These specifications apply to the KTL15NWEB, not to all Bosch fridges.
Beko
The brand offers table-top fridges and fridge-freezers; compare the specifications of each model individually.
- Darty describes the Beko TSE1264FMGN table-top fridge as having 101 L of fridge capacity, 13 L of freezer capacity and a stated noise level of 36 dB.
- The features and capacities listed for some Beko fridge-freezers may not apply to its table-top models.
Whirlpool
The WFNF82EOXFR shows what to expect from a fridge-freezer when frozen food makes up a significant part of your shopping.
- Whirlpool lists 223 L of fridge capacity, 97 L of freezer capacity and three freezer drawers for this model.
- Check its dimensions and installation instructions before choosing this format for a small home.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
These models include fridge-freezers and a single-door fridge with a freezer section. Compare them according to the space available and your storage needs in a small home.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you want to freeze food and have room for an appliance that’s 150 cm tall. The model name indicates a 70/30 split, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer, a reversible door, 39 dB and energy class E. Check the installation clearances in the instructions.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L fridge-freezer
Worth comparing if you need freezer space and have room for an appliance that’s 176 cm tall. The model name indicates a 54 cm width, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Also measure the depth and delivery route, and check the clearances specified in the instructions.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer
Consider this model if its stated 54 cm width and separate fridge and freezer capacities suit your kitchen and shopping habits. The model name indicates 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, as well as a reversible door, Low Frost and energy class E. Check its height and depth, along with the ventilation instructions, before choosing.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge
This format is worth comparing if you mainly store fresh food and would like a small freezer section. The model name indicates a 92 L capacity and energy class E. Check the freezer section’s capacity, the full dimensions and the stated noise level to see if it meets your needs.
Frequently asked questions
What should I measure before ordering a fridge for a studio flat?
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the delivery route. Allow room for the door to open, and check the exact model’s instructions for installation clearances. The appliance dimensions alone aren’t enough.
Is an integrated freezer compartment enough for storing frozen food?
It may suit you if you only need to keep a small amount of frozen food and the capacity and model specifications meet your needs. If you regularly buy frozen food, compare the capacity of a separate freezer section. For example, Whirlpool lists 97 L of freezer capacity for its WFNF82EOXFR fridge-freezer.
How do I compare the noise levels of two fridges?
Compare their noise levels in dB(A) and their noise classes, especially if the kitchen is near your bedroom. The European Commission says fridge energy labels show noise emissions. Check the figures for each model you’re considering rather than relying on its format.
Does the energy label also show storage capacity?
Yes. The European Commission says fridge labels show information including the energy class, annual consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions. Check the capacities for fresh and frozen food separately to see how they match your shopping habits.