Student or renter with a kitchenette
If space is tight, check the appliance dimensions, door swing and ventilation requirements before choosing a capacity.
Who is this choice for?
Someone living alone who rarely freezes food
Fridge capacity matters more for your everyday shopping. A small freezer compartment could work if you only keep a few items in it.
Studio flat resident who often buys frozen food
Compare freezer capacity separately from the total capacity. A compact fridge-freezer is worth considering if you have enough height.
What should you look for?
A table-top fridge may also be a single-door model with a freezer compartment. First check the installation requirements, then consider how much room you need for fresh and frozen food.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space | Compare the height, width and depth with your measurements. Check the door swing, installation type and clearances specified in the model’s manual. | I need to be able to install and open the fridge without blocking the way through my kitchenette. |
| Capacity | Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as an average guide for one person. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the compartment specifications. | I shop for one person, but how much room I need for frozen food depends on what I want to store at the same time. |
| Noise | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A). Que Choisir also points out that vibrations, frequency and the type of sound affect how noisy an appliance seems. | If my bed or desk is near the fridge, the figure on the product listing alone won’t tell me how comfortable it will be. |
| Energy use | Check each model’s energy rating and stated annual consumption in kWh. Remember to take their respective capacities into account too. | I want to compare the energy use of appliances that genuinely meet my storage needs, rather than relying on their external size alone. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Measuring only the alcove
A fridge may fit in the space but still be difficult to open, or its installation may not meet the manufacturer’s requirements.
Measure the delivery route and door-opening space too, then check the manual for the exact model for installation and ventilation guidance.
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Assuming a small freezer compartment is the same as a freezer
Que Choisir says that a basic freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. The appliance’s total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space is set aside for it.
Think about which items you want to store at the same time, and check the stated capacity and specifications of the freezer compartment.
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Choosing based on dB(A) alone
According to Que Choisir, vibrations and the type of sound can affect how noisy an appliance seems. This is particularly noticeable in a single-room home.
Use the stated noise level as a first point of comparison and, if possible, look for an independent review if the appliance will be near your bed or desk.
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Leaving the old appliance until delivery day
In a small home, keeping two fridges while you arrange to dispose of the old one can quickly take up valuable space.
If you’re replacing an appliance, check the collection options available when you order and arrange for the old one to be taken away before delivery.
Brands and models to know
Beko
The TSE1285N freestanding table-top fridge is a good example of a compact model with a freezer compartment.
- According to Beko France’s product information, this model is 54 cm wide and has a total capacity of 114 L, including 13 L of freezer space. Its door is reversible.
- Consider whether 13 L of freezer space is enough for your frozen food shopping. Check the manual for installation requirements.
Candy
The COT1S45EW is a freestanding under-counter model for a space where width is limited.
- Candy France lists this model as 50 cm wide and 84 cm high, with a total capacity of 106 L and a reversible door.
- Before settling on this size, check that its capacity and freezer compartment specifications suit your needs.
Bosch
The KIL42NSE0 is a different type of appliance, designed for a kitchen with a built-in fridge alcove.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists this model as having 172 L of fridge space and dimensions of 122,1 × 54,1 × 54,8 cm.
- It is not a direct replacement for a freestanding under-counter appliance. Check that it will fit your alcove and follow the installation instructions in its manual.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These models are mainly aimed at anyone considering a fridge-freezer with useful freezer capacity; the last is a single-door fridge for a smaller floor space. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for each one before choosing a model for your studio flat.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you need a fridge-freezer and have room for an appliance that is 150 cm high. The product name lists a capacity of 174 L, a 4-star freezer, 39 dB, a reversible door and Low Frost technology. Check the full dimensions, ventilation clearances and annual energy consumption before buying.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer
Compare this model if you’d like more room for frozen food without taking up much width. The product name lists 153 L of fridge space, 74 L of freezer space, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. Check the required height and depth too, then consult the ventilation instructions.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L fridge-freezer
This fridge-freezer is suited to a narrow space with room for a tall appliance. Its name lists a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm, with a total capacity of 262 L. Compare this capacity with your usual shopping and check the clearances required for installation.
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CHiQ JR92DSE, 92 L single-door fridge with freezer compartment
Consider this model if floor space is your priority and you don’t store much food. The product name lists a capacity of 92 L and a footprint of 0,22 m². Que Choisir’s average guide for one person is 100 to 150 L of usable capacity, so check whether 92 L will be enough for you. If you buy frozen food, also check the freezer compartment’s capacity and specifications.
Frequently asked questions
What capacity should one person allow for in a studio flat?
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity as an average guide for one person. Adjust this to how often you shop, and check freezer capacity separately if you buy frozen food.
Is a freezer compartment enough if I often buy frozen food?
Not necessarily. Que Choisir says that a basic freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food. Compare its capacity and specifications with those of a compact fridge-freezer that will fit in your home.
Can dB(A) ratings tell me how noisy a fridge will be in a studio flat?
They’re useful for an initial comparison, but they don’t tell you everything about how comfortable an appliance will be to live with. Que Choisir also highlights the effect of vibrations, frequency and the type of noise. An independent review may help if the fridge will be near your bed.
Do all small fridges have reversible doors?
No, so check each model individually. The Beko France product information for the TSE1285N and Candy France product information for the COT1S45EW both list reversible doors, but this feature isn’t standard on every compact appliance.