Fridges For Small Spaces

Lifestyle image of a kitchen featuring an undercounter Liebherr fridge

Tight on space in your kitchen? Whether you live in an apartment or have a compact kitchen, there are plenty of appliances designed to maximise your space. Here we’ll take a look at the best fridges for small spaces.

What is the smallest size refrigerator?

There are lots of different types of refrigerators to choose from. The largest being an American style fridge freezer, boasting spacious capacities for both fresh and frozen food. At the other end of the scale, the smallest fridges you’ll find are mini fridges. These are often used in hotel rooms or offices and only stock the essentials, like drinks and a few midnight snacks!

Most standard fridges will fit into a 60cm wide unit, however there are some 55cm wide fridges for smaller spaces. The height of your fridge depends on whether it will be integrated or freestanding. Our shortest fridges start from 80cm.

Fridge Types and Sizes

Largest fridge size: American style fridge freezer
American Style Fridge Freezer
Fridges for small spaces: Built Under Fridges
Built Under Fridge
Fridges for small spaces: freestanding undercounter fridges
Freestanding Undercounter Fridge
Smallest fridge size: a mini fridge
Mini Fridge

Are all fridges the same depth?

Whilst fridges usually fit into a standard 60cm width unit, the depth can vary depending on the design and how it is installed. Typically an integrated fridge would have a depth of approximately 55cm. Freestanding fridges have different depths; some are counter depth and others sit further forward. It is always important to check (and double check!) your space to be completely sure which size you require.

What size refrigerator can I fit in my space?

The average size of a kitchen in the UK is approximately 13 to 14 square metres. In that space most people will need the essentials including; an oven, hob, fridge freezer and a washing machine. Plus there’s other appliances some would consider as a luxury like a dishwasher or tumble dryer.

A fridge is arguably the most important kitchen appliance of all. Preserving your food for as long as possible means less trips to the supermarket and less food wastage. The fridge size you need depends on a couple of factors. You’ll need to consider how much fresh food and drink you need, how many people live in your household, and how much space you have in your kitchen. Another important thing to remember is you’ll need enough space to fully open the fridge door. You may also need to leave some room at the back for ventilation and plug sockets to connect the appliance. These factors are especially important in a small space.

The best fridges for small spaces

Maximising your space is important in any kitchen, but even more so in a compact space. There are different types of fridge that can help you successfully utilise your full kitchen.

Freestanding undercounter fridges

Freestanding under counter fridges are a popular choice when space is limited. Positioning your fridge under the counter means there’s more valuable worktop space for food prepping. A freestanding under counter fridge has more flexibility as to where it can be placed. All you need is enough room for ventilation and to connect to a power socket.

Despite their smaller size, you can still enjoy flexible storage solutions and premium features in an undercounter fridge.

Freestanding undercounter fridges are a flexible option for smaller spaces. They sit underneath your worktop, freeing up valuable counter space.
Built under fridges are ideal for small spaces as they fit directly behind your kitchen cabinets

Built under fridges

An integrated fridge sits discretely behind your furniture door. This can give the illusion of more space, as your appliances are out of sight. This sleek and streamlined style is popular amongst many modern kitchens.

Even though integrated fridges can be small, they are designed to make the most of every inch of space. Some integrated fridges even feature a pull out door for easy access to all of your fresh goods.

Fridges for small spaces: Features

Our smallest fridges come from the best refrigeration brands including AEG, Liebherr and Miele. Each fridge is packed with premium features and the latest technology to help your food last longer. There are plenty of creative storage features to help you maximise your fridge space. Adjustable shelving and door racks allow you to customise the interior to suit your needs. Some models have an ice box in the top so you can store a few frozen essentials too!

Flexible door shelving can be height adjusted to suit your needs

Air tight fruit and vegetable drawers are a useful feature in many of our fridges

Utilising your small space

Of course, as well as clever appliances, there are other ways you can make your compact kitchen feel bigger. Getting creative with storage solutions will help to make sure each item has a dedicated place. Choosing a fridge in either a light or neutral colour will help light to reflect around the room, making it feel bigger. Alternatively opting for an integrated fridge can feel more spacious as your appliance is out of view. Having handle-less cabinets can also make your kitchen feel larger.

For more small space inspiration, take a look at Ideal Home’s useful guide: 40 Ways to Make the Most of a Small Space.

Now we’ve talked you through the best types of fridges for small spaces, you should be ready to find your favourite model! Browse our full refrigeration collection to find the best matching freezer.

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