In a studio flat, first choose a fridge that will fit and can be opened properly, then match the fridge and freezer capacity to your shopping habits. A table-top model can work well when space is very limited and you buy small amounts often. A compact model with a freezer compartment, a freestanding fridge-freezer or an integrated model will only be suitable if its dimensions, layout and installation requirements are right for your kitchenette.
If the appliance needs to fit under a worktop or between two units, check its depth, door clearance and ventilation too. Que Choisir recommends considering a table-top model for studio flats, but you’ll need to check that it fits your actual space.
The space for frozen food matters just as much as the total capacity. Depending on whether you store frozen food occasionally or regularly, compare a small freezer compartment with a separate freezer, checking each capacity individually.
If your room also serves as a bedroom, check the noise emissions stated on the model’s energy label. Compare them with those of similar-sized appliances, but don’t assume that the same noise level will sound the same in every home.
Once you’ve measured the space, choose a balance of fridge and freezer capacity that suits your shopping habits. Then check the noise level and installation requirements.
Consider this if: you have limited clearance beneath the worktop and shop often, buying only a small amount of frozen food.
The trade-off: its compact size means less storage space. Check whether it has a freezer compartment and review its specifications.
Consider this if: you need to store a few frozen items but want to keep the appliance footprint small.
The trade-off: the freezer compartment takes up some of the available capacity. Check its star rating and capacity, as well as the fridge capacity separately.
Consider this if: you have a dedicated floor space for a separate freezer to store larger amounts of food regularly.
The trade-off: check all the dimensions. Bosch’s KGN39VWDT fridge-freezer is 203 cm high, 60 cm wide and 66,5 cm deep.
Consider this if: your kitchen has a housing unit and cabinet door that are compatible with your chosen model.
The trade-off: housing dimensions, ventilation, door fixing and hinges all affect which models will fit.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and door clearance | Measure the width, height and depth, as well as the delivery route. Check the manual for ventilation requirements and door clearance. | If my kitchenette has little room to spare, I want to install the appliance without blocking the door or walkway. Around 40% of consumers rank size as their top priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Check the compartment specifications if you plan to freeze fresh food. | If I shop less often or regularly store frozen food, how the capacity is divided becomes crucial. For around 30% of consumers, fresh and frozen food storage is the main priority. |
| Noise and energy use | Check the dB(A), kWh/year and capacities on the energy label; compare appliances with a similar layout. | If I sleep near the kitchen, I want to take the stated noise level into account without overlooking energy use. These two factors are the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Installation and replacement | Follow the manual after transport. If you’re replacing an appliance, confirm the delivery and collection arrangements. | After moving house, I want to know when to plug in the appliance and what to do with the old fridge. Around 10% of consumers prioritise these arrangements. |
An appliance might fit between two units but still be awkward to use if its door hits a wall or the ventilation requirements in the manual aren’t met. For an integrated model, the cabinet dimensions and appliance dimensions are not the same.
Measure the depth and height too, and check the delivery route. Then consult the installation diagram for the exact model and make sure its door can open in the direction you need.
The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room is left for fresh food. A small freezer compartment and a separate freezer may not suit the same shopping habits.
Check the capacity of each compartment and its star rating, as well as its freezing capacity if you want to freeze fresh food.
An old A+ rating and a letter on the current A to G scale aren’t directly comparable. The European Commission says that fridge and freezer labels also show energy use, capacities and noise levels.
For the models you’re considering, compare the kWh/year and capacities shown on their current energy labels, then take the layout you need into account.
If you’re replacing a fridge, having it collected may affect the delivery arrangements and free up space for the new appliance.
Before placing your order, confirm the collection options available for your delivery and make sure there’s a clear route for both the old and new appliances.
Its table-top model specifications let you explore freestanding options for smaller kitchens.
Its integrated models are worth considering if your kitchenette already has a cabinet designed for one.
Its freestanding fridge-freezers can be useful for comparison if your studio has dedicated floor space.
Its integrated model specifications make it easy to distinguish fridge capacity from freezer capacity.
These two compact appliances offer different storage options for a small kitchen. Check their full dimensions and installation requirements against the space you have available.
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Worth considering if you regularly store fresh and frozen food but still want a compact appliance. The product name lists 153 L of refrigeration capacity, 74 L of freezer capacity, a width of 54 cm, a 4-star freezer rating, a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Check the height, depth and clearances specified in the manual before choosing where to put it.
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Worth considering if you shop often and want to keep the space used for storage to a minimum. The product name lists a capacity of 92 L and mentions a freezer compartment. If you plan to store frozen food, check the compartment’s capacity and specifications. Also check the full dimensions, ventilation requirements and stated noise level to make sure it’s right for your kitchenette.
Choose a capacity that suits how often you shop and what you store, rather than looking only at the total capacity. If you prepare meals in advance or buy frozen food, compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately.
No. Having a cabinet doesn’t, by itself, confirm which type of installation you need. Measure the housing space and check the ventilation, cabinet door fixing and hinges. For example, Electrolux specifies a housing space of 1225 × 560 × 550 mm for its LFO5SE12R model, but these dimensions don’t apply to other models.
Check their energy labels and compare appliances with similar capacities and layouts. The European Commission says the label shows energy use, storage capacities and noise emissions, so one figure alone won’t tell you which fridge is right for a studio flat.
First, follow the appliance manual and its instructions for after transport. Electrolux support recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging it in, to allow the oil to flow back into the compressor. Always check the instructions for your specific model.
If your purchase is replacing an existing appliance, confirm the collection arrangements with the seller before finalising delivery. In particular, check where the old fridge needs to be placed for collection and how its removal will fit in with the installation of the new one.