For one person, Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point. A table-top fridge may be suitable if headroom is limited and you only buy frozen food occasionally. If you regularly freeze portions, consider a compact fridge-freezer instead, provided it will fit, its door can open fully and you can follow the clearances specified in the manual. If the appliance will be close to your bed or desk, compare the stated noise levels for each model too.
If you mainly buy fresh food and very little frozen food, start by comparing table-top fridges. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person; then check that the appliance and the required clearances will fit the space.
A fridge-freezer with a separate freezer compartment is worth considering if you regularly need space for frozen food. Narrow models are available, but check their height and whether you can get them into your studio flat.
If the fridge will be near your bed or desk, compare the stated noise levels. Que Choisir considers anything below 40 dB(A) among the quietest appliances; this is only a guide and doesn’t guarantee you won’t notice the noise in your home.
Consider this if: headroom is limited and you mainly need fridge space.
The trade-off: a small four-star compartment may not provide enough space for regular freezing. According to its product specification, the Beko TSE1284N has a 13 L compartment.
Consider this if: you want plenty of room for fresh food and don’t prioritise storing frozen food.
What to check: check the capacity and features of any freezer compartment on the exact model, rather than relying on the number of doors alone.
Consider this if: you regularly store frozen food or meals prepared in advance.
The trade-off: a narrow appliance isn’t necessarily a short one: the Candy CCG3L517EW is 176 cm tall, according to Candy France.
Once you’ve chosen a style, check how each model fits your actual space and shopping habits.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge capacity with Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 L for one person. Check the freezer compartment’s capacity and features separately. | I want space for my shopping and a few meals without wasting room on capacity I won’t use. |
| Size | Measure the appliance’s width, depth and height, as well as the delivery route. Check how far the door opens and the clearances specified in the model’s manual. | My kitchenette is narrow, so I need to be able to install the appliance, open its drawers and allow air to circulate around it. |
| Noise | Compare the stated dB(A) level and noise class. For an appliance near your living space, Que Choisir suggests using below 40 dB(A) as a guide when choosing. | My fridge will be near my bed or desk, so I want to consider its noise level before prioritising secondary features. |
| Everyday use | Check the energy rating and kWh/year figures for models with similar capacities. Check the defrosting method and temperature setting too: Anses recommends keeping the coldest part between 0 and +4 °C. | I want to compare energy use without overlooking maintenance or the space needed to store food safely. |
A narrow fridge-freezer can still be tall, and the appliance needs the clearances specified for installation. For an alcove installation, the Beko TSE1284N manual requires at least 5 cm above, behind and at the sides.
Also measure the depth, delivery route and space needed to open the door. Follow the clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose.
There may be limited room for frozen food: Beko’s specification for the TSE1284N lists a 13 L four-star compartment and a freezing capacity of 2 kg/24 h.
Think about what you usually store, then compare the compartment’s capacity and freezing capacity if you often prepare portions to freeze.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything. Capacity, annual energy consumption and noise also affect your choice in a studio flat.
Compare kWh/year, usable litres and dB(A) across appliances that offer similar storage capacity.
A fridge that fits in your kitchenette may still be difficult to get up a staircase, into a lift or along a narrow hallway.
Before you order, check the exact delivery point, access to your floor, whether the packaging will fit through and what services are included.
These models are examples of different styles to compare; their features won’t apply to every model from the same brand.
Beko’s product information includes the 114 L TSE1284N table-top fridge and the 54 cm-wide RCSA270K40SN fridge-freezer. These are two styles to consider depending on how much room you need for frozen food.
Candy France lists the 106 L COT1S45EW table-top fridge and the City Combi CCG3L517EW fridge-freezer. Their dimensions make them suitable for different layouts.
BUT’s product listings include Frigelux table-top fridges with capacities of 91 L, including an 11 L freezer compartment, and 120 L.
These two CHiQ models suit different needs in a studio flat: a small one-door fridge and a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer compartment. Before choosing, check their installation dimensions and the features that matter for your space.
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Worth considering if you regularly freeze food but have limited width available. This model is listed with 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person, so make sure this larger capacity suits your shopping habits. Before deciding where to put it, also check its height, door clearance, the clearances in the manual and its kWh/year figure.
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Worth considering if you buy small amounts of food and have very little floor space. This 92 L model is listed with a footprint of 0,22 m², a freezer section and an energy rating of E. Its 92 L capacity is below Que Choisir’s guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, so compare it with your habits and check the freezer section’s capacity if you store frozen food. Measure the space and check the full dimensions, stated noise level, kWh/year and required clearances.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person. Then tailor your choice to how often you shop, how much space you need for fresh food and how much frozen food you use.
It depends on how much you store and freeze. Check its capacity, star rating and freezing capacity. For example, Beko’s specifications for the TSE1284N list a 13 L four-star compartment and a freezing capacity of 2 kg/24 h.
Compare the stated dB(A) figures for each model. Que Choisir considers appliances below 40 dB(A) among the quietest. This doesn’t guarantee complete silence in your studio flat; the location and installation matter too.
Yes, provided the space meets the instructions for your chosen model, particularly those relating to air circulation. For an alcove installation, the Beko TSE1284N manual requires at least 5 cm between the appliance and the ceiling, back wall and side walls. This clearance doesn’t automatically apply to other appliances.
Check the planned delivery point and measure doors, hallways, turns and access to your floor, including the space needed for the packaging. Also confirm whether delivery includes taking the appliance to the room where it will be installed.