Studio flat with a very small kitchenette
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or between two units, check its height and depth, how the door opens and the clearances specified in the instruction manual before comparing capacities.
Which format is right for you?
Someone who lives alone and mainly buys fresh food
If you shop regularly and don’t store much frozen food, a table-top fridge without a freezer means you won’t lose part of the appliance’s capacity to a compartment you rarely use.
Someone who is sensitive to noise and buys frozen food
If your fridge will be near your bed or desk, compare the stated noise levels. If you also buy frozen food, check the capacity and specifications of the freezer compartment separately.
Which features should you compare?
Table-top fridge without a freezer
Worth considering: if you mainly buy fresh food and don’t need to store frozen food.
The trade-off: there’s no space for frozen food.
Table-top fridge with a freezer compartment
Worth considering: if the available height means you need a small appliance and you keep a few frozen items.
The trade-off: the compartment reduces the fridge capacity; according to UFC-Que Choisir, a small freezer compartment isn’t enough if you regularly eat a lot of frozen food.
Compact fridge freezer
Worth considering: if frozen food is a regular part of your shop and there’s room for a separate compartment.
The trade-off: check the height, depth and door clearance carefully before choosing this format.
When choosing or replacing a fridge in a studio flat, first rule out any appliances that can’t be installed in accordance with their instruction manuals. Then compare the remaining options based on your storage habits.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the instruction manual for ventilation clearances and door clearance. | When every centimetre counts in a kitchenette, I need to be able to install the appliance without blocking a unit or the way through. Around 36% of consumers would put fitting it into their space at the top of their list. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the usable capacities of the fridge and freezer compartments; check the freezer specifications if you buy frozen food. | If I buy a mix of fresh and frozen food, I want enough space for both without choosing a compartment that doesn’t suit my habits. This would be the priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) and read reviews for the exact model, but don’t treat the figure as a guarantee that it will be silent. | With the fridge near my bed or desk, I want to take into account the noise it might make in the room. About 21% of consumers would make quiet operation their top priority. |
| Energy use | Check the energy rating and stated annual energy consumption for appliances with a similar function and capacity. | Once I’ve found an appliance that meets my space and storage needs, I want to compare how much energy it uses. Around 14% of consumers would make this their main priority. |
Mistakes to avoid before you buy
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Measuring the width and nothing else
A fridge may fit between two units but be too deep for the available space, get in the way when a door opens or fail to meet the ventilation clearances specified in its instruction manual.
Measure all three dimensions of the space and check the installation instructions for the exact model before you order.
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Choosing a freezer compartment without considering what you buy
The compartment takes up space that could be used for fresh food. UFC-Que Choisir says a small freezer compartment isn’t suitable if you regularly eat a lot of frozen food.
Compare your usual shopping with the capacity and specifications of the compartment in the model you’re considering.
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Assuming a noise figure means it will be silent
The stated level in dB(A) helps you compare product specifications, but on its own it doesn’t tell you how disruptive the noise might feel near your bed.
Compare the exact models, install your chosen appliance in line with its instruction manual and read reviews, without treating a single person’s experience as a general measure.
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Leaving your old appliance until delivery day
In a studio flat, having two fridges in the room, even temporarily, can take up valuable space.
If you’re replacing an appliance, ask the retailer how to arrange for the old one to be taken away when your new fridge is delivered.
Brands and models to consider
Beko
The TSE1504FN is an example of a table-top fridge dedicated to fresh food, suited to a small kitchen.
- According to Beko France, this model is 54 cm wide, has a reversible door and doesn’t have a freezer.
- Check the depth and usable capacity of the TSE1504FN on its product page before deciding whether it suits your space and shopping habits.
Bosch
The KTL15NWEB is a table-top fridge with an integrated freezer compartment to consider.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists this model as measuring 85 × 56 × 58 cm, with 106 L of fridge capacity.
- Check whether the freezer compartment leaves enough room for your shopping, and read the model’s installation instructions.
Liebherr
The KTe551 is another example of a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment.
- Liebherr’s product information lists this model as measuring 85 × 55 × 60,7 cm, with a total capacity of 111 L and a 4-star freezer compartment.
- Check that its 60,7 cm depth fits your space and allows for the required clearances. These specifications don’t apply to other models from the brand.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These models include two fridge freezers for shopping that combines fresh and frozen food, as well as two single-door fridges to consider for a small kitchen. Check the space they’ll actually take up and their compartments on a model-by-model basis.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer, silver
Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food and have limited width in your kitchen.
- The product name lists 153 L for the fridge, 74 L for the 4-star freezer and a width of 54 cm.
- The door is listed as reversible; check how it opens and the ventilation clearances in the JR227LSE instruction manual.
- If you rarely buy frozen food, consider whether you’ll use all 74 L of the freezer compartment.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L fridge freezer, black
Worth considering if you want a fridge freezer for fresh and frozen food and have enough height available.
- The product name lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm and a 70/30 split.
- Also measure the available depth and check the instruction manual for door clearance and installation clearances.
- Check that the total capacity of 262 L suits the amount of food you usually store.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge, matt silver
Worth considering if a small single-door fridge suits your shopping habits and the space available.
- The product name lists a capacity of 92 L and a freezer compartment, but doesn’t specify its capacity or freezing performance.
- Check the full dimensions, installation clearances and what the freezer compartment is suitable for before choosing it for frozen food.
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COMFEE' RCT87WH2EU(E), freestanding fridge, white
Worth considering for a small kitchen only once you’ve confirmed its dimensions and usable capacity.
- The product name mentions removable shelves and reversible doors.
- The dimensions listed for this model don’t match its description as a fridge designed to sit on a worktop. Confirm the height, width and depth before ordering.
- If you plan to store frozen food, check the specifications of any freezer compartment separately.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person choose for a studio flat?
Choose a usable capacity that suits the amount of food you store between shops, then look separately at how much space is given to frozen food. A small appliance may be enough if you shop often for fresh food; less frequent shopping or storing more frozen food will change the capacity you need.
Can any table-top fridge be installed under a worktop?
No. Its dimensions alone don’t prove that it can be installed there. Check the model’s instruction manual for ventilation clearances, then measure the space needed to open the door.
Can you always reverse a fridge door?
No, it depends on the model. Check that the door is listed as reversible and read the relevant instructions in the manual. Bosch Electroménager France notes that the method can vary from one appliance to another.
How can you compare the energy use of two small fridges?
Compare their energy ratings and stated annual energy consumption, taking their capacity and function into account. The A to G scale shown by the French ministries responsible for ecological transition doesn’t remove the need to check that each appliance suits your kitchen and shopping habits.