For a studio flat, start by measuring the space: an under-counter fridge is a good fit if you mainly store fresh food and only a few frozen items. For a shared house, or if you regularly buy frozen food, compare the fridge and freezer capacities of a fridge freezer, then check that its height, depth and door opening will suit your kitchen.
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop, first measure the available width, height and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. For reference, Beko lists the TS190340N as 47.5 cm wide and 82 cm high; Candy lists the COT1S45EW as 50 × 57 × 84 cm.
Allow enough storage space for everyone to have their own areas without overfilling the appliance. Agreeing which foods are shared and labelling separate shopping makes it easier to keep a shared fridge organised, as Flatzen suggests.
Compare the two compartments rather than looking at the total capacity alone. Bosch lists 214 L of fridge space and 94 L of freezer space for the KGV36VBEAS, compared with 218 L and 103 L for the KGN362WDF. Both models are 186 cm high and 60 cm wide, so check that they will fit in your kitchen.
Start with the available space, then compare the capacity of each compartment with your shopping habits and how you plan to share the fridge.
| What to consider | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compare the width, depth and height with the space available and the delivery route. Check that the door can open and allow for the clearance specified in the instructions. | My kitchenette needs an appliance that fits in its space without blocking the door or walkway. |
| Fridge and freezer capacities | Check the capacity of each compartment separately and look at the size of the freezer compartment. Candy lists a total capacity of 106 L for the COT1S45EW, but just 2.6 L of freezer space. | I mainly store fresh food, or I need a separate space for the frozen food I buy regularly. |
| Shared storage | Look at the shelves and drawers to see how you can organise food without overfilling the appliance. The Anses recommends leaving space for air to circulate and checking that the coldest area is at 4 °C. | In a shared house, everyone needs to be able to find their shopping. Separate areas and labels could help distinguish shared items. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the stated noise level, the energy consumption on the energy label and the defrosting method for each compartment. The European Commission explains that the label also gives the storage capacities and indicates whether the appliance has a freezer compartment. | If my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to compare the stated noise levels. I’d also like to know what defrosting the model requires. |
The total figure doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food. Candy lists a total capacity of 106 L for the COT1S45EW, including 2.6 L of freezer space.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately with your shopping habits, then check the defrosting method.
A fridge may be the right width, but that’s not enough if it sticks out into the walkway or the door can’t open properly in the room.
Measure the delivery route too, and check the instructions for the required clearances. Only count on being able to reverse the door if the model is designed for it.
According to Bosch, the KGV36VBEAS and KGN362WDF fridge freezers are both 186 cm high and 60 cm wide, with depths of 65 cm and 66.5 cm respectively.
Check all three dimensions and the door opening before choosing this size for a kitchenette.
Without an agreed way to organise shopping, a shared appliance can become overcrowded and it may be hard to tell which food belongs to whom. The Anses reminds us that air needs to circulate inside the fridge.
Agree on areas, labels and a cleaning routine. Follow the Anses’ advice to check that the coldest area is at 4 °C.
The details below relate to the models mentioned, not every model from each brand.
The TS190340N is a useful example of a compact, under-counter fridge for a kitchen where space is limited.
The COT1S45EW is an under-counter, single-door fridge to consider if fresh food storage matters more to you than freezer space.
The KGV36VBEAS and KGN362WDF fridge freezers are two examples with separate fridge and freezer capacities for larger shops.
These fridge freezers have compartments for fresh and frozen food. If you live in a studio flat or shared house, compare their size with the space available and their capacity with your shopping habits.
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A fridge freezer to consider if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance for a small home.
The model name indicates a height of 150 cm, a 70/30 split, a reversible door, Low Frost, a 4-star freezer, 39 dB and an energy rating of E. Measure the space and check the required clearances in the instructions.
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If several people will be using the fridge, consider how its compartments could accommodate separate shopping.
The product name indicates a total capacity of 333 L and an energy rating of C, but doesn’t specify how that capacity is split between the fridge and freezer. Check the dimensions, clearances and door opening before choosing it for your kitchen.
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Its stated width may make it worth considering if space in your kitchen is limited.
The model name indicates a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Check the depth, clearances and defrosting instructions before buying.
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If you share the shopping, compare the space for fresh and frozen food before choosing this fridge freezer.
The product name indicates a total capacity of 282 L, an energy rating of E and a stainless steel finish. Check the dimensions, door opening and stated noise level if the appliance will be near your living area.
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If you share a home where width is limited, compare the capacity of both compartments with the space everyone needs for their shopping.
The model name indicates 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door, Low Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the height, depth and installation clearances.
Measure the width, height and depth of the space, then compare them with the dimensions of the model you’re considering. Also check the delivery route, door opening and clearances specified in the instructions. The door can only be reversed if the model is designed for it.
No. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Candy lists a total capacity of 106 L but just 2.6 L of freezer space for the COT1S45EW, while Bosch lists freezer capacities of 94 L and 103 L for the KGV36VBEAS and KGN362WDF fridge freezers. Your choice also depends on how often you buy frozen food and how much you need to store.
Agree on what’s shared, set aside areas for separate shopping and label any relevant food. Don’t overfill the appliance: the Anses recommends leaving space for air to circulate and checking that the coldest area is at 4 °C.
When comparing these models in the European Union, check their energy rating, energy consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission says the label also indicates whether the appliance has a freezer compartment.