For one person, UFC-Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity can help you choose a size. But the dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements will determine whether the appliance fits your kitchen. An under-counter fridge is worth considering if height is limited. If you regularly store frozen food, compare freezer compartments and the overall footprint of a fridge-freezer instead. In a studio where you sleep close to the kitchen, also look beyond the stated noise level and check detailed acoustic tests.
An under-counter fridge is worth considering if height is limited. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Be sure to measure the width and depth too, and allow enough room for ventilation.
The stated noise level can help you narrow down your options, but it doesn’t tell the whole story about how noisy a fridge will seem. UFC-Que Choisir advises against relying on this figure alone, especially if noise is a particular concern.
A separate freezer compartment may matter more than a small footprint. Compare its capacity and features, as well as the appliance’s overall height, before choosing a fridge-freezer.
Start by measuring the space you actually have. Then compare the formats based on your shopping habits, need for freezer space and how close the kitchen is to where you sleep.
| Feature | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Space and capacity | Measure the height, width and depth, then check the door swing and required clearances. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. | If I need to fit the appliance under a worktop, I’ll compare under-counter fridges with the available height. If I do bigger shops, I’ll check the usable capacity before choosing a shorter model. |
| Freezer space | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity and its features. Also compare the overall height of a fridge-freezer with that of a fridge-only or under-counter model. | I regularly buy frozen food, so the space set aside for it matters just as much as the fridge capacity. If I rarely store frozen food, I can prioritise space for fresh food instead. |
| Noise | Check the noise emissions stated on the label. UFC-Que Choisir says the dB figure alone isn’t enough to predict how noisy an appliance will seem; consult detailed tests if this is a deciding factor. | My bed or desk is close to the kitchen, so I want to compare noise levels using more than one stated figure. |
| Energy use | Compare the kWh/year figures for models with similar capacities and features, as well as their energy classes. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, and its size and features can affect its energy use. | I’m looking for a capacity that suits my shopping habits, without choosing a large freezer compartment I won’t use. |
| Installation | Check which way the door opens and read the ventilation instructions for the exact model. For an integrated fridge, also check the housing dimensions and door-fixing system. | If the kitchen already has a housing, I need to check all its dimensions before buying. In a narrow kitchen, the door must open without blocking access to cupboards. |
A suitable capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit under your worktop or that its door will open properly. Ventilation requirements also vary by model and installation type.
Measure the space, skirting boards and door swing, then allow for the clearances specified in the instructions for the model you choose.
In a studio, how noise is perceived can matter just as much as the stated level. UFC-Que Choisir notes that this figure alone isn’t enough to judge how disruptive the noise will be.
Use the label to narrow down your options, then consult independent acoustic tests if the appliance will be close to your bed or desk.
An extra compartment takes up space. ADEME points out that the size and extra features of an appliance that runs continuously can increase its energy use.
Match the fridge and freezer capacities to your habits, then compare kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and features.
These examples show different dimensions and configurations to compare. The features mentioned apply to the specific models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
The brand offers under-counter fridges and slimline fridge-freezers, with specifications that let you compare capacity, dimensions and stated noise levels.
Some Beko under-counter fridges are listed as 54 cm wide or have a reversible door, both useful features in a narrow kitchen.
Bosch’s installation guidance is useful for checking ventilation requirements, particularly if the appliance will be enclosed by kitchen units.
This selection includes freestanding fridge-freezers, integrated models and a fridge-only option for a small kitchen. Compare each configuration with your available space and how you use frozen food.
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Worth considering if you want a separate freezer compartment in a studio kitchen. The specifications list 115 L of fridge space, 59 L of freezer space, dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm, a reversible door and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the required ventilation clearances and the model’s kWh/year figure on the label; the stated noise level alone can’t predict how disruptive it will seem.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing, and if you regularly use the freezer. The specifications list 176 L of fridge space, 76 L of freezer space, dimensions of 1772 × 540 × 545 mm, a stated noise level of 34 dB(A) and energy use of 150 kWh/year. Check the housing dimensions, door fixing and ventilation requirements in the instructions. Its fridge capacity is above UFC-Que Choisir’s guide for one person.
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This model prioritises fridge space, with a small freezer compartment: the specifications list 174 L and 14 L respectively, along with a stated noise level of 35 dB and energy use of 146 kWh/year. The stated housing dimensions are 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm; check the ventilation requirements and sliding rail installation. The specifications say the door panel is not included, and the freezer needs to be defrosted manually.
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Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a narrow space, provided the height and depth work too. The specifications list 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a reversible door and a stated noise level of 39 dB. Check the full dimensions, ventilation clearances and kWh/year figure before deciding.
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Its stated width of 47 cm is handy if space is very limited, but its 92 L capacity falls below UFC-Que Choisir’s 100 to 150 L guide for one person. The door is listed as reversible. Check that the capacity suits your shopping habits, along with the full dimensions, noise level, kWh/year figure and capacity of the small freezer compartment.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and consider how much space you need for fresh food compared with frozen food.
No. UFC-Que Choisir uses a stated noise level below 40 dBA as a guide for narrowing down your options, but notes that this figure alone can’t predict how noisy an appliance will seem. If your bed or desk is nearby, also look for detailed acoustic tests of the model.
Follow the clearances given in the instructions for the specific model and installation type; there isn’t one measurement that suits every appliance. Bosch recommends at least 200 cm² of ventilation space behind and beneath the fridge in its installation advice. Check the requirements for the model you choose.
Only if the model’s specifications or instructions say the door is reversible. Beko lists this feature on some under-counter models. Once you’ve checked, make sure the chosen door swing leaves enough room to open it and reach the inside compartments.
According to the European Commission, the label includes information such as the energy efficiency class, energy use, storage capacities, whether there’s a freezer compartment and noise emissions. To compare two appliances for the same purpose, look at the kWh/year figures alongside their capacities and features, rather than relying on the energy class letter alone.