For one person, UFC-Que Choisir’s guideline of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity points towards a compact model if you don’t need much freezer space. For two people, or if you regularly store frozen food, compare models with a separate freezer compartment too, while bearing in mind how much space they take up. In an open-plan living space, a stated noise level below 40 dB(A) is a useful first filter, but it won’t tell you how intrusive the sound will be.
If you shop often and rarely freeze food, it’s worth comparing a table-top or single-door fridge. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guideline for one person; also check that the appliance will fit in the space you have available.
A separate freezer compartment can be useful if you regularly buy frozen food. Compare its capacity with that of the fridge section, then measure the height and width, and allow enough room to open the doors.
The stated noise level matters more when the fridge is near your bed or sofa. However, UFC-Que Choisir points out that this figure alone can’t predict how noisy it will seem. Tests or reviews describing vibrations and the type of noise can help you look beyond the technical specifications.
First decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then check the stated noise level and the installation requirements for the model you’re considering.
Worth considering: if you live alone, have limited space and don’t freeze much food.
The trade-off: it may not have a freezer compartment, or the compartment may be too small if you regularly store frozen food.
Worth considering: if there are two of you, or you regularly keep frozen food in a separate compartment.
The trade-off: even a narrow model may be too tall or offer more capacity than you need in a studio flat.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer sections separately. UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person, as a general guideline. | I want enough room for my usual shopping without giving up too much space to an oversized appliance. |
| Freezer space | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, as well as its capacity and features. A small integrated compartment may not suit the same needs as a separate freezer. | If I often keep frozen food or freeze meals, I need to allow enough space for this rather than choosing based on the total capacity alone. |
| Noise | UFC-Que Choisir cites a stated noise level below 40 dB(A) as a useful selection guideline. If the appliance will be near somewhere you relax, also look for information about vibrations and the type of noise it makes. | My bed, sofa or desk is near the fridge, so how noisy it is when running matters just as much as the figure on the label. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, then check that the door can open properly and allow for the clearances specified in the manual. Electrolux’s installation guidance reminds you to leave room for air to circulate around the appliance. | The door needs to open without blocking the way, and the space must allow for the ventilation clearances specified for the model. |
Near a bed, vibrations or the pitch of the noise may still be disruptive, even if the stated level seems suitable. UFC-Que Choisir stresses that the perceived noise can’t be judged by the figure alone.
Use the dB(A) rating to narrow down your options, then look for tests or reviews that describe exactly what the appliance sounds like when running. Check the installation requirements too.
A small amount of freezer space may limit how much frozen food you can store, even if the fridge’s total capacity suits you.
Make a list of the foods you usually freeze, then compare the freezer compartment’s specifications rather than looking only at the appliance’s total capacity.
An appliance may fit in the space, but its door might not open fully or there may not be enough room for air to circulate as specified in the manual.
Compare the overall dimensions with the available depth, the door’s opening clearance and the space required for the model you’ve chosen.
A fridge-freezer can give you the freezer space you need, but may take up a significant amount of room in a studio flat. UFC-Que Choisir’s capacity guideline can help you choose a size that suits the number of people in your household.
Think about your shopping and freezing habits before choosing a larger model.
The KTe551 and Rdi 1620 Plus table-top fridges are two examples of capacities worth comparing if you live alone.
The KTR15NWEB is a useful point of comparison for a table-top fridge without a freezer compartment.
The RDSA280K40SN two-door fridge-freezer shows the balance between a compact width and greater storage capacity.
These options include a 92 L single-door fridge and two fridge-freezers with capacities of 227 and 253 L. Compare their freezer capacity and overall size with the space you have at home.
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Worth considering if you need a separate freezer and have a space 54 cm wide. Be sure to check the other dimensions and ventilation requirements too.
The model name indicates 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a 4-star freezer rating and a reversible door. Its total capacity of 227 L is above UFC-Que Choisir’s general guideline for one person, so compare it with your usual shopping needs.
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This model is suited to anyone needing more fridge and freezer space than a small single-door appliance can offer. Measure the space before choosing it for a studio flat.
The product name indicates 182 L of fridge capacity, 71 L of freezer capacity, reversible door hinges and a stated noise level of 39 dB. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, this figure alone can’t tell you how disruptive it may be near a bed. Check the width, depth and required clearances too.
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Worth a look if your space and shopping habits suit a very small fridge: at 92 L, it falls below UFC-Que Choisir’s general guideline of 100 to 150 L for one person.
The product name mentions a compact freezer compartment but doesn’t specify its capacity. If you regularly freeze food or plan to place the appliance near your bed, check the compartment specifications, stated noise level, dimensions and installation clearances.
UFC-Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a general guideline for one person, then around 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food.
Not necessarily. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the stated noise level alone can’t predict how loud an appliance will seem. If the fridge is near your bed, look for tests or reviews that describe its vibrations and the pitch of the noise as well.
Follow the model’s instructions on clearances, installation and how long to wait before plugging it in. Electrolux’s installation guidance recommends, among other things, leaving room for air to circulate around the appliance and waiting at least four hours before plugging in the relevant appliances. For other models, follow the instructions supplied with the appliance.
France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition lists three options for electrical equipment: a collection point or recycling centre, a retailer, or a social and solidarity economy organisation. Check with your chosen location before you set off.