One person in a studio flat with an open-plan kitchen
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. In a small kitchen close to your sleeping area, compare the overall size and stated noise level too.
Who are these sizes suitable for?
A couple or regular guests at a second home
If you stay for several days at a time and often eat frozen food, check the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. A compact fridge freezer lets you compare both.
Someone with a home that is not heated much
If your second home is unoccupied for part of the year, compare the room’s possible temperatures with the temperature range for the model’s climate class. Whirlpool says this class is shown on the rating plate or in the technical specifications.
What sets these formats apart?
Your choice depends first on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then on the installation requirements and room conditions.
Table-top fridge
Consider it: if you live alone, have space under a worktop and mainly keep fresh food.
Bear in mind: a small built-in compartment should not be treated as a freezer for storing frozen food regularly.
Single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Consider it: if fresh food makes up most of your shopping and you only need to freeze food occasionally.
Bear in mind: capacity and compartment type vary between models, so check these details if you buy frozen food.
Compact fridge freezer
Consider it: if two people regularly stay at the property or frozen food is part of your usual meals.
Bear in mind: measure its height and the space needed to open the door before choosing a spot in a small kitchen.
| Criteria | What to check | How it applies to my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person; check this against the amount of food you actually store. | I shop for one person and mainly keep fresh food; a small ice box won’t replace a freezer if frozen food becomes a regular part of my diet. |
| Installation | Measure the width, depth and height, and check the door swing. Follow the ventilation clearances in the instructions for the exact model and check whether it is freestanding or built-in. | In my kitchenette, the appliance needs to leave enough room for the door to open and meet the ventilation requirements, not just fit into the measured space. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise emissions in dB(A) and the noise class on the European label, rather than relying on a general marketing description. | My kitchen opens onto the room where I sleep, so the stated noise level matters to me, even if the available space already limits my choice of format. |
| Room temperature | Check the model’s climate class and the corresponding ambient temperature range. According to Bosch’s guide, SN covers 10 to 32 °C and SN-T 10 to 43 °C. | If my second home is kept cool or gets very warm, I need to compare the room temperature with the range allowed for the appliance I choose. |
| Energy label | The European Commission says the label includes details such as the energy class, energy consumption, storage volumes and noise emissions. Compare appliances of a similar format and capacity. | I want to compare the stated energy consumption with the storage space I’ll actually use. |
What should you avoid before buying?
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Choosing a mini fridge just because it fits under the worktop
A fridge designed mainly for drinks may leave little room for your everyday shopping. Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person.
Think about the food you need to store during a typical week, then compare the fridge and freezer compartment capacities—not just the external dimensions.
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Measuring the space without allowing for ventilation
An appliance may fit in the space but still fail to meet the clearances required in its instructions. These depend on the model and how it is installed.
Check the instructions before ordering, and measure the space with the clearances, door opening and delivery access in mind.
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Assuming any fridge will suit a second home
The climate class sets the ambient temperature range for each model. A room that is unheated in winter or very warm in summer may fall outside that range.
Estimate the room temperature while you’re away and compare it with the climate class shown in the technical specifications or on the rating plate.
Which brands should you consider for these requirements?
Brand guidance can help you understand installation requirements or formats, but always check how it applies to the model you’re considering.
Beko
Beko’s instructions offer a practical example of the air circulation clearances required around a fridge.
- For the BCNA254E23SN model installed in a recess, the instructions specify 5 cm between the appliance and the ceiling and wall.
- This clearance does not apply to every Beko model: follow the instructions for the appliance you choose.
Bosch
Bosch guides can help you check the climate class, freezer layout and requirements for a built-in appliance.
- Bosch distinguishes between configurations designed mainly for fresh food and those that offer more storage for frozen food.
- Recess dimensions and ventilation requirements depend on the installation; a large Bosch fridge freezer may not be suitable for a studio flat.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers single-door fridges for smaller spaces and more limited storage needs.
- The brand explains where to check the climate class for an appliance intended for a room with variable temperatures.
- When choosing a specific model, check its usable capacity, noise level and climate class rather than making assumptions about the whole range.
Fridge freezers to explore on Joybuy
These models are fridge freezers for situations where having a separate freezer capacity is important. If you mainly want a small appliance that fits under a worktop, first compare table-top and single-door models with the space you have available.
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Comfee RCB169WH2(E), 174 L fridge freezer, 70/30
Worth considering if you want an integrated freezer in an appliance that stands 150 cm tall. The model name indicates a 4-star freezer, Low Frost technology, a reversible door, 39 dB and an E energy class. Check the full dimensions, ventilation clearances and climate class for your chosen location.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge freezer, silver
Consider it if regular stays mean you need separate space for fresh and frozen food: the model name indicates 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity. It also lists a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, 39 dB, Low Frost and an E energy class. Measure the height and depth too, and allow for the required clearances; check the climate class if the room’s temperature varies widely.
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Heinrichs, 253 L fridge freezer, stainless steel
With 182 L of fridge capacity and 71 L of freezer capacity listed in its name, this model is worth comparing with the food you actually store: its fresh-food capacity may be substantial for one person. The name also mentions No Frost and 39 dB. Check the full dimensions, ventilation and climate class before choosing this format for a second home.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity does one person need in a studio flat?
Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. Compare this with your usual shopping, and check the freezer capacity separately if you eat frozen food.
What should you compare on a fridge’s energy label?
According to the European Commission, the label includes details such as the energy class, energy consumption, storage volumes and noise emissions. When comparing appliances, take their format and capacity into account too.
Can you put a freestanding fridge in a recess?
Yes, provided the installation meets the dimensions and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions. For example, Beko’s instructions for the BCNA254E23SN specify 5 cm between the appliance and the ceiling and wall when it is installed in a recess. This clearance is not a rule for all fridges.
Will a fridge work in an unheated second home?
The room temperature must remain within the range specified for the model’s climate class. For example, Bosch gives a range of 10 to 32 °C for SN and 10 to 43 °C for SN-T. Check the climate class of the appliance you’re considering and the temperatures the room may reach while you’re away.