Who are these formats suited to?

One person in a studio flat or with a kitchenette

If space is limited in width or height and you shop often, a tabletop fridge is worth considering. Just make sure its compartments can hold the food you usually buy.

One person who stocks up on frozen food

If you regularly keep several frozen meals, compare the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. A fridge freezer could suit your needs, as long as it fits comfortably in your kitchen.

Anyone replacing an integrated appliance

If your fridge is concealed behind a cabinet door, measure the housing and check the door fixing, opening direction and ventilation instructions in the manual before choosing a model.

What should you check before choosing?

Start by measuring the available space, then work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. Next, compare the noise levels and energy consumption of the formats that fit.

Factor What to check Think about your needs
Capacity and frozen food Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100–150 litres as an average guide for one person, to be adjusted according to how often you shop and how much frozen food you eat. I often do small shops, so a large capacity could take up space I don’t need. If I store several frozen meals, I also need to check the capacity of the dedicated compartment.
Space and installation Measure the width, height and depth, then check how far the door swings open. For an integrated model, compare the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the model’s manual. My appliance needs to fit under a worktop or inside an existing cabinet without obstructing the door.
Noise and energy consumption Compare the stated noise level in dB(A). Also check the energy rating and annual consumption in kWh, comparing appliances with similar capacities and formats. In a room that doubles as a living space or bedroom, I want to be able to assess the stated noise level rather than assume a small appliance will be quiet.
Food storage Check the temperature settings and the features of the freezer compartment. Anses recommends keeping food at between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. I want to be able to control the temperature for fresh food and know what the freezer compartment is designed for before storing frozen food in it.

What mistakes should you avoid?

  • Choosing based only on total capacity

    Two appliances with a similar total capacity can allocate space differently between fresh and frozen food. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be enough, depending on how much frozen food you eat.

    Estimate how much you usually keep in each compartment, then compare their capacities separately. Use the 100–150-litre guide for one person as a starting point, not a fixed rule.

  • Relying only on the height of your old integrated fridge

    A similar height doesn’t guarantee that the housing, depth or cabinet-door fixing will be right. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing size of 880 x 560 x 550 mm for the LFB3AE88S, compared with 1780 x 560 x 550 mm for the ENS3LE18S.

    Measure the cabinet’s three internal dimensions and check the installation manual for the model you’re considering, including the door and ventilation requirements.

  • Assuming a small fridge will be quiet

    In a studio flat, the appliance may run close to where you sleep or work. Its size alone won’t tell you how noisy it is.

    Check the dB(A) level on the product information or label for models that already meet your space and storage needs.

A few models from well-known brands

These models illustrate different width and built-in installation requirements. Their dimensions are no substitute for measuring your kitchen.

Beko

Two tabletop models to consider when width is a key concern.

  • According to Beko France, the TS190340N is 47,5 cm wide and 82 cm high, with a reversible door. The TSE1284N is 54 cm wide and has a top-mounted freezer compartment.
  • Before choosing between these formats, compare their usable capacity and the precise specifications of their freezer compartments.

Electrolux

Integrated models in different sizes for kitchens with an existing housing.

  • Electrolux France lists a total capacity of 124 l and a housing size of 880 x 560 x 550 mm for the LFB3AE88S. The ENS3LE18S has 198 l of fridge capacity and 73 l of freezer capacity.
  • The ENS3LE18S needs a housing measuring 1780 x 560 x 550 mm. Its total capacity of 271 l may be more than one person needs if they shop little and often.

Bosch

An integrated model to consider if you need plenty of fresh-food storage and have the space for it.

  • Bosch Home Appliances France lists 246 l of fridge capacity, an integrated four-star freezer compartment and a noise level of 35 dB(A) for the KIL82NSE0.
  • Check the installation dimensions and cabinet-door fixing. Its fridge capacity is above the average guide for one person given by UFC-Que Choisir.

A compact option on Joybuy

This 92 l single-door fridge could suit a small kitchen if its capacity meets your needs. Check separately what you can store in its freezer compartment.

CHiQ JR92DSE single-door fridge, 92 l, matt silver finish

CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 l single-door fridge with freezer compartment

Its stated capacity of 92 l could suit people who shop little and often, but it’s below the 100–150-litre guide for one person given by UFC-Que Choisir. The product name indicates a freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Check the freezer’s capacity and star rating against your frozen-food needs, as well as the full dimensions, noise level and annual energy consumption, before choosing.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What capacity should one person look for?

UFC-Que Choisir gives 100–150 litres as an average guide for one person. Adjust this according to how often you shop, and compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately.

Is a small freezer compartment enough for frozen food?

It may be enough for occasional use, but UFC-Que Choisir points out that a small freezer compartment may not be sufficient, depending on how much frozen food you eat. Check its capacity and star rating rather than relying on its presence alone.

What should you measure before buying an integrated fridge?

Measure the internal height, width and depth of the housing, then check the cabinet-door fixing, door opening and ventilation requirements in the manual. For example, Electrolux France specifies a housing size of 880 x 560 x 550 mm for the LFB3AE88S and 1780 x 560 x 550 mm for the ENS3LE18S.

What temperature should you aim for when storing fresh food?

Anses recommends a temperature between 0 and +4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Check the setting and monitor the appliance’s temperature, especially when the amount of food inside changes.

How do you compare the energy consumption of two fridges?

Check the stated annual consumption in kWh and the energy rating, then take usable capacity and appliance type into account. An energy rating on its own won’t tell you how much space you need.