If you live alone and shop little and often, a table-top fridge may be all you need: UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as a starting point. If frozen food is a regular part of your shop, also compare models with a proper freezer compartment or a compact fridge-freezer. In a studio flat, check the space needed to install the appliance and open the door, as well as its capacity and stated noise level.
If you mainly store fresh food, start by comparing table-top fridges. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person gives you a helpful way to compare models with your shopping habits.
A small freezer compartment may suit occasional use, but check its capacity and star rating. The fridge’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is left for fresh food.
If you regularly store frozen food, compare the separate capacities of compact fridge-freezers and fridge-freezer combinations. Before settling on this size, also measure the height, depth and clearance needed around the appliance.
A table-top fridge is a good choice when you need space for fresh food but have little room; a single-door model with a freezer compartment adds a small space for frozen food, which is worth checking carefully. If you regularly buy frozen food, compare the separate capacities of compact fridge-freezers and fridge-freezer combinations, then make sure the appliance will actually fit in your room.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the total capacity and, if there’s a freezer, the capacity of each compartment. UFC-Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 L for one person: adjust this guide to suit how often you shop. | I shop little and often, and would rather keep space in my kitchenette than set aside a large area for capacity I’m unlikely to use. |
| Freezing | Check whether there’s a freezer compartment, its capacity and its star rating. If you regularly store frozen food, compare the space available in compact fridge-freezers and fridge-freezer combinations; the word ‘freezer’ alone doesn’t tell you what it can do. | A few frozen items now and then don’t need as much space as frozen food I buy every week. |
| Noise | Check the stated noise level in dB(A). UFC-Que Choisir considers appliances rated below 40 dB(A) among the quietest, but notes that vibrations and the type of sound also affect how noisy an appliance seems. | My fridge will be near my bed, sofa or desk, so the noise it makes during its cycles matters just as much as the figure on the label. |
| Installation | Measure the height, width and depth, check how far the door opens, and measure the delivery route. UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm of clearance above and behind the appliance; also check the distances specified for your model in its manual. | The appliance needs to fit in my kitchen without blocking the door or stopping air from circulating. |
| Energy use | Compare the annual energy consumption shown on the energy label for appliances of a similar size and capacity. Also check that the space allows for the ventilation clearances required. | I want to compare the running costs of two sizes that both suit my shopping habits, rather than relying on the energy rating alone. |
A fridge may fit into an alcove without leaving enough room for air to circulate or for the door to open. UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm of clearance above and behind it.
Measure the delivery route and how far the door swings open, too, and follow the clearance instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
Keeping a few frozen items and having a regular stock of frozen food are two different needs. The size and star rating of the compartment matter just as much as whether it’s included.
Check its capacity and star rating. If frozen food is part of every big shop, compare appliances with a separate freezer compartment, too.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, the pitch of the sound and vibrations can affect how noisy an appliance seems. This is especially important if it will be running in your living space.
Use the stated noise level to narrow down your options, then, if possible, read a review that assesses noise during the fridge’s cycles. Also make sure the appliance is stable when you install it.
End-of-life refrigeration appliances must be taken to a dedicated collection point, separate from ordinary rubbish.
When replacing an appliance, ADEME says you can hand it to the retailer or delivery driver, or take it to the electrical and electronic equipment area at a household waste and recycling centre.
Beko’s French range includes table-top fridges. Its TSE1284N is a model with a top-mounted freezer, which Beko lists as 54 cm wide.
Liebherr publishes the dimensions, total capacity and stated noise level for several of its table-top fridges.
Electro Dépôt’s French range includes Valberg top-mount fridges with capacities of 102 L and 126 L.
These three CHiQ models suit two different needs: the JR263LGE and JR227LSE offer more capacity for shops that include frozen food, while the JR92DSE is a smaller option for people who shop frequently. Compare their full dimensions and compartment layouts with your available space and shopping habits.
Image unavailable
Consider this model if frozen food is a regular part of your shop and a 176 cm-high appliance will fit in your room.
Listed as 54 cm wide, with a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Its 262 L capacity is well above UFC-Que Choisir’s 100 to 150 L guide for one person, so check that you’ll use the space and that you can allow for the required installation clearances.
Image unavailable
If you regularly buy frozen food, it’s worth checking whether the balance of fridge and freezer space suits your shopping habits.
The model name indicates 153 L for the fridge, a 74 L four-star freezer and a width of 54 cm. It also has a reversible door, adjustable feet, Low Frost technology and an E energy rating. Measure its full height and depth before deciding whether this 227 L appliance will suit your studio flat.
Image unavailable
Its compact capacity may suit frequent shops for fresh food when space is very limited.
The model name indicates a 92 L capacity, a footprint of 0.22 m² and an E energy rating. At 92 L, it’s below UFC-Que Choisir’s 100 to 150 L guide for one person. Check that there’s enough usable space for your shopping, and find out exactly what the small cold compartment is designed for before storing frozen food in it.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends an average of 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person. Use this as a starting point and adjust it to how often you shop and how much space you need for frozen food: the same total capacity can be divided differently between the fridge and freezer.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends leaving at least 10 cm of clearance above and behind the appliance so air can circulate. Check your chosen model’s manual for its installation clearances, too, and avoid placing it near a heat source.
No. The stated noise level is a useful starting point, but UFC-Que Choisir highlights that vibrations, pitch and the type of sound affect how noisy an appliance seems. If your fridge will be near your bed or desk, look for an assessment of its noise during its cycles as well.
Compare the annual energy consumption shown on the labels when the models are a similar size and capacity and suit similar needs. Energy labelling for refrigeration appliances is covered by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016; the energy rating alone won’t tell you how much space is available or what installation conditions are required.
According to ADEME, you can hand it to the retailer or delivery driver when your new appliance arrives, or take it to the electrical and electronic equipment area at a household waste and recycling centre. Plan this before your new appliance arrives, especially if access to your studio flat is narrow.