For one person who mainly buys fresh food, a table-top fridge may be enough for a studio flat: Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. If you regularly store frozen food, compare models with a separate freezer compartment instead, making sure the height, depth and door opening suit your kitchen. If the fridge will be close to your living area, check the stated noise level too; Que Choisir classifies the quietest models as those below 40 dBA.
If you often shop for small amounts and don't use much frozen food, start by comparing table-top fridges. Que Choisir describes them as suitable for studio flats and recommends an average of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person.
If you only need to store a few frozen items now and then, look at a table-top fridge with a freezer compartment. If you regularly store more, compare the capacity of a separate freezer with the space you have available.
The stated noise level deserves as much attention as the appliance's footprint: Que Choisir classifies the quietest models as those below 40 dBA. If your delivery is going upstairs, measure the access routes too and tell the delivery company about any access restrictions, as Electrolux recommends.
Start with your shopping habits and how you use the freezer, then check the dimensions and installation requirements of the model you're considering.
| Factor | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Storage capacity | Compare the fridge's usable capacity with how often you shop. Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 L for one person; check freezer capacity separately. | I often buy small amounts of fresh food, or I need more space between less frequent shopping trips. |
| Freezing | Check whether there's a freezer compartment and how much it can hold. A small compartment in a table-top fridge won't meet the same storage needs as the separate freezer in a fridge-freezer. | Will a few frozen items now and then be enough, or do I need to store frozen food regularly? |
| Space and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check how far the door swings open. Follow the instructions for the exact model for airflow and permitted room temperature, as Electrolux advises. | I want to be able to open the door fully without blocking the way, while meeting the installation requirements. |
| Noise and delivery | Check the stated noise level; Que Choisir classifies the quietest models as those below 40 dBA. Measure doorways, stairs and the lift too, then confirm the delivery service available. | The kitchenette is close to where I sleep, and the appliance needs to fit through the access routes to its place in my home. |
Two appliances with similar widths can take up very different amounts of space: Beko and Bosch list dimensions of 170.8 × 54 × 57.4 cm for the RCSA270K40SN and 175.4 × 61.4 × 66.3 cm for the KGN33NWDA, respectively.
Measure the space in all three dimensions and check the door opening and the clearances specified in the instructions.
The Liebherr KTe551 has a 4-star freezer compartment, while the Beko RCSA270K40SN fridge-freezer has a stated freezing capacity of 87 L. The right choice depends on how much frozen food you need to store.
Compare the stated freezer capacity for each model, rather than looking only at the appliance's total capacity.
Que Choisir classifies the quietest fridges as those with a stated noise level below 40 dBA. However, this figure alone doesn't tell you how comfortable the appliance will be in your space.
Compare the stated noise levels and follow the installation and ventilation instructions for the model you choose.
Stairs, a lift or a narrow access route can make it difficult to get an appliance into the kitchen. Whether installation or removal of your old appliance is available depends on the service you choose.
Before ordering, tell the delivery company which floor you live on and about any access restrictions. If you're replacing an appliance, confirm the arrangements for taking the old one away.
The KTe550 and KTe551 table-top fridges make it easy to compare two models of the same size, with or without a freezer compartment.
The KTL15NWEB and KGN33NWDA illustrate the choice between a table-top fridge and a taller freestanding fridge-freezer.
The RCSA270K40SN is an example of a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and a stated width of 54 cm.
These four fridge-freezers are for people who want a separate freezer compartment in a small home. Compare their stated dimensions with the available space and delivery access routes. This selection isn't a substitute for choosing a table-top fridge if you mainly need under-counter refrigeration.
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Worth considering if you want a freezer in an appliance listed as 150 cm tall. The product title states a capacity of 174 L, a noise level of 39 dB, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer and a reversible door. Check the depth, ventilation clearances and delivery access for your installation.
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Its stated width of 54 cm may suit a narrow kitchen, provided you have enough height too. The title states that it is 176 cm tall and has Low Frost. Check the depth, door opening and required ventilation before choosing this style.
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According to the product title, this model offers 153 L of fridge capacity and 74 L of freezer capacity in a 54 cm-wide appliance. It is also described as having Low Frost, a 4-star compartment and a reversible door. Check its height and depth, along with the specified clearances, before deciding where to put it.
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The title states that it has 182 L of fridge capacity and 71 L of freezer capacity. Compare these figures with your usual shopping before choosing an appliance of this capacity for one person. It also lists a noise level of 39 dB, No Frost and a reversible door hinge. Measure the width and depth needed for installation.
Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. Adjust this guide to how often you shop and, if you buy frozen food, check the freezer capacity separately.
Yes, if you mainly buy fresh food and its capacity suits your shopping habits. Que Choisir describes this format as suitable for studio flats; still, check its depth and installation requirements. For example, according to their manufacturers' specifications, the Liebherr KTe550 and KTe551 measure 85 × 55 × 60.7 cm.
Check the installation instructions for the model you're considering rather than assuming the same clearance applies to every appliance. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance and keeping it within the ambient temperature range specified for its operation.
Measure the doorways, corridors, landings, stairs and lift all the way to the intended spot. Electrolux advises telling the delivery company which floor the property is on and about any access difficulties, including narrow or steep stairs, and clearing the route.
Check the energy label and EU product information sheet for the exact model on the retailer's or manufacturer's website. EPREL, the European Commission's public database, also provides energy-labelling information for the household fridges covered by the scheme.