For one person, UFC-Que Choisir recommends starting with 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity, then adjusting this to suit your shopping habits and available space. A table-top fridge is suitable if you mainly store fresh food; if you buy frozen food, check the freezer capacity separately. Only choose a built-in model if its housing, ventilation and door system are compatible with your kitchen. In a studio flat, also compare the stated noise level and annual energy consumption of appliances with similar sizes and capacities.
If you mainly buy fresh food, compare the dimensions of a table-top fridge with the space you have available. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a guide for one person, which you can adapt to your habits.
An appliance with a small freezer compartment may suit occasional frozen-food shopping. Compare its freezer capacity separately from the space for fresh food. If you buy frozen food more regularly, consider a fridge freezer with a separate compartment.
If you already have a housing unit for a fridge, measure it and check the ventilation and door-fixing system required by the built-in model. A similar width alone does not guarantee compatibility.
Start with your shopping habits and the space available, then compare the features of models that meet both requirements.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge capacity with UFC-Que Choisir’s recommended 100 to 150 litres for one person. If the appliance also has a freezer, check the capacity of each compartment rather than just the overall total. | I want enough room for my usual shopping without taking up too much space with capacity I’m unlikely to use. |
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, as well as access routes and door clearance. For a freestanding model, follow the ventilation instructions. For a built-in model, check the housing dimensions, ventilation and door-fitting system for the exact model. | My kitchenette needs to accommodate the appliance, allow the door to open and provide the clearances required for installation. |
| Noise and energy consumption | Check the stated noise level in dB(A) and energy consumption in kWh/year. UFC-Que Choisir classifies models below 40 dB(A) as quiet; compare noise and energy consumption between appliances of similar type and capacity. | If I sleep or work near the fridge, noise matters as much as its size. I also want to compare its annual energy consumption with that of similar models. |
| Food storage | Make sure there’s enough room for air to circulate freely. Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point and checking it regularly. | I need to be able to store perishable food in the coldest part without overfilling the shelves. |
A compact design doesn’t guarantee enough room for your fresh food. UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point for one person, which you can adjust to suit your shopping habits.
Think about what you’d buy in a typical week, then compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Insufficient clearance can restrict heat dissipation. As a general guide for freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends leaving 5 cm above and 10 cm behind the fridge.
Check the installation instructions for your chosen model before measuring the space. Built-in models have their own specific installation requirements.
An incompatible housing depth or door system can prevent installation, even if the width seems right.
Measure the three internal dimensions, then check the ventilation and door fixing against the instructions for the exact model number.
Your fridge may be close to your living space. For food storage, Anses recommends 0 to +4 °C at the coldest point.
Compare the stated noise levels of similar models. Once the appliance is installed, check its temperature and avoid overfilling it.
These features relate to the models listed, not every appliance from each brand.
These two table-top models show the difference a freezer compartment can make.
The models listed show two different installation options: a freestanding table-top fridge or a built-in model.
The ENA6LE18S is an example of a built-in fridge freezer to consider if you have a fitted kitchen and need a separate freezer.
This selection includes freestanding fridge freezers with separate freezer compartments, as well as built-in models for fitted kitchens. Compare their capacities with your shopping habits and, for each built-in model, check that the housing is compatible before choosing.
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This freestanding fridge freezer is suited to those who need a separate freezer compartment. It has 187 L of fridge capacity and 75 L of freezer capacity. Its stated dimensions are 1760 × 540 × 550 mm, with a noise level of 39 dB(A) and energy consumption of 215 kWh/year. Its fridge capacity is above UFC-Que Choisir’s recommended 100 to 150 L for one person, so check that it suits your shopping habits. The Low Frost freezer needs to be defrosted manually.
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This single-door model is suitable for a kitchen where the housing and sliding door system meet its requirements. It has 174 L of fridge capacity and 14 L of freezer capacity, with a noise level of 35 dB and energy consumption of 146 kWh/year. The stated housing dimensions are 56 × 122,5 × 55 cm. The small freezer compartment needs to be defrosted manually, and the furniture door is not included.
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For a fitted kitchen where you need a separate freezer, this model has 176 L of fridge capacity and 76 L of freezer capacity, with a noise level of 34 dB(A) and energy consumption of 150 kWh/year. The appliance measures 540 × 1772 × 545 mm. Before deciding whether it can be installed in your kitchen, check its instructions for the required housing dimensions, ventilation and door fixing.
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With 153 L of fridge capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity and a stated width of 54 cm, this freestanding fridge freezer is worth measuring against your kitchenette and shopping habits. Its stated noise level is 39 dB. Check its height, depth and annual energy consumption to assess how it will fit and compare its energy use. The Low Frost freezer may need to be defrosted periodically.
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This freestanding fridge freezer has 182 L of fridge capacity and 71 L of freezer capacity. It measures 181 cm in height and has a noise level of 39 dB. Its fridge capacity is above UFC-Que Choisir’s recommended 100 to 150 L for one person, so consider whether it suits your shopping habits. Also check its width, depth and annual energy consumption before comparing its installation and use with other models.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity as a starting point for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop and the space available. If you buy frozen food, check the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity.
Yes, especially if the fridge is near your bed. UFC-Que Choisir classifies models below 40 dB(A) as quiet. Compare the stated noise levels of appliances with similar sizes and capacities; the noise you hear will also depend on your home.
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as access routes and the clearance needed to open the door. Then check the model’s ventilation instructions. As general guidance for freestanding appliances, Whirlpool recommends leaving 5 cm above and 10 cm behind the fridge.
Not based on width alone. Check that the housing dimensions, ventilation and door-fixing system meet the new model’s instructions. The appliance’s own dimensions aren’t enough to confirm that it can be installed.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Check it regularly, avoid overfilling the appliance and store perishable food in the coldest part.