CHiQ CTT107BDU Under Counter Fridge Freezer” review

Have we ever wished we could fit a proper fridge and freezer into a small kitchen, office, or studio flat without sacrificing performance?

What Kind of Appliance Is the CHiQ CTT107BDU?

When we look at the CHiQ CTT107BDU, we are looking at a compact under counter fridge freezer designed for smaller spaces but with very practical features. It combines a 94L fridge compartment with a 13L 4-star freezer, all wrapped in a sleek black exterior.

This model is meant for those of us who want real food storage and freezing capability without needing a full-size appliance. It balances capacity, energy use, noise control, and usability in a footprint that fits easily under most standard worktops.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Before we get into personal impressions, it helps to see the main specs in one place. This summary gives us a quick snapshot of what we are getting with this unit.

Design and Build Quality

We often judge an appliance first by how it looks and feels, and this model does a solid job in that respect. The CHiQ CTT107BDU has a minimalist black steel exterior that fits naturally into modern interiors.

Because it is only 84.5 cm high, it goes under most standard kitchen counters while still offering a good internal volume. The metal finish feels more premium than basic white plastic units, and it helps this fridge freezer blend into offices, studios, and small apartments.

Compact Size with a Space-Saving Footprint

We usually expect compact units to compromise heavily on capacity, but here the footprint is used intelligently. With roughly 0.3 m² of floor space, it still manages 107L of total capacity, which is quite respectable.

The 54.9 x 55.6 cm base means we can tuck it into corners or under desks where a standard full-size fridge would never fit. This makes it suitable for shared offices, student accommodation, or as a secondary appliance in a larger home.

Fridge Capacity and Layout

Inside the main fridge compartment, we get 94L of space that is organized to be genuinely useful. It is designed to hold fresh food, drinks, and daily essentials without feeling cramped.

We can store bottles, jars, leftovers, and vegetables in a way that remains accessible. It is not the same as a large family fridge, but for one or two people—or as a secondary fridge—it works very well.

Shelving and Food Organization

We appreciate that the internal layout focuses on flexibility. The shelves and door balconies help us group items logically:

• One or more main shelves for containers, plates, and packaged food
• Door storage for bottles, sauces, and condiments
• A low area suitable for fruits and vegetables

The layout supports everyday usage, from breakfast essentials to meal-prep containers. We can easily see what is inside without needing to move too many things around, which reduces food waste.

Humidity Control for Fresher Produce

One of the more interesting features for a compact model is the humidity control. Built-in humidity management helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh up to 30% longer.

This means our leafy greens, herbs, and softer produce are less likely to wilt too quickly. For those of us who shop weekly or like to keep fresh ingredients on hand, this feature adds real value and reduces the amount we throw away.

Freezer Performance and the 4-Star Ice-Box

Often, under counter units only offer a very basic ice compartment, but this CHiQ model includes a 4-star freezer with 13L of dedicated space. That means proper freezing capability, not just a token ice cube tray.

A 4-star rating typically indicates that the freezer can reach temperatures suitable for longer-term storage of frozen foods, not just short-term cooling.

Independent 13L Freezer Compartment

We might not expect a separate, meaningful freezer at this size, yet this 13L compartment is genuinely useful. It is enough for:

• A small stock of frozen vegetables
• Ice cream, ice cubes, and desserts
• Ready meals or backup frozen dinners
• Meat or fish stored for later use

Because it is an independent space, we can treat it more like a small integrated freezer rather than a shared cool box inside the fridge area.

Quick Chilling for Drinks and Snacks

The product details highlight that this freezer quickly chills drinks from room temperature to icy cold. For shared spaces—like offices or staff rooms—this is particularly useful.

If we occasionally host guests or share the space with colleagues, it is convenient to have chilled beverages and frozen treats ready without waiting half a day for them to cool down.

Vario Box and Flexible Storage

One of the standout features in terms of practicality is the patented Vario Box. Although compact fridges are often quite rigid inside, this unit tries to give us more configuration options.

The Vario Box can be repositioned or used in different ways to help us store various food items efficiently. This is particularly handy if we buy a lot of snacks, small jars, or packets.

Adjusting Space for Different Lifestyles

Our storage needs change based on how we live. Students might store more ready meals; couples might keep fresh ingredients; office users might focus on drinks and lunch boxes.

The Vario Box gives us the flexibility to adapt the space, whether we need more room for bottles one week or more space for small containers another week. This adjustability makes the fridge and freezer feel more tailored and less restrictive.

Temperature Control and Cooling Performance

A compact appliance still needs precise temperature control if we want food safety and good preservation. The CHiQ CTT107BDU provides 7 adjustable settings that cover a range from about -18°C to 8°C.

We can adjust the internal environment based on how much we load the fridge, the season, and our climate. That way, our food remains at a safe and effective temperature.

7-Step Adjustable Thermostat

With 7 settings, we are not limited to one or two basic levels. We can fine-tune:

• Colder settings for hot environments or heavier loads
• Moderate settings for normal use
• Slightly warmer settings if the fridge is only lightly loaded

The thermostat lets us find a balance between cooling performance and energy use. Having this level of control is reassuring when we want to avoid partially frozen items in the fridge area or soft ice in the freezer.

Sealed Cooling Technology

The sealed cooling system contributes to stable internal temperatures and helps prevent external humidity from interfering too much with the cooling cycle. It also supports consistent performance even when the door is opened multiple times per day.

This kind of design tends to improve reliability and reduce temperature swings, which is key to keeping dairy, meat, and fresh produce safely stored.

Noise Level and Everyday Use

Noise can be an overlooked factor—until we place the fridge in a bedroom, studio flat, or quiet office. With this model rated at 39 dB, it is distinctly quieter than many older or cheaper units.

We can place it in spaces where we work, sleep, or relax without constant mechanical humming or loud compressor cycles interrupting our day.

Living with a 39 dB Appliance

To give us a sense of context, about 39 dB is quieter than an average conversation and is usually comparable to a quiet library or a low background hum. For a fridge freezer, that is very respectable.

In practice, we might hear the occasional soft compressor sound, but it should not be disruptive. For anyone sensitive to noise or using it in an open living area, this low-noise operation is a strong selling point.

Energy Consumption and Efficiency

Energy efficiency matters not just for the environment but also for our electricity bills. This fridge freezer has an Energy Class D rating and a stated consumption of around 0.296 kWh per 24 hours.

While Energy Class D is not the very top of current energy labels, it is still reasonable, especially considering the cooling performance and the presence of a proper 4-star freezer.

What Does 0.296 kWh / 24 h Mean in Practice?

Roughly speaking, using around 0.296 kWh in a day puts this device in a relatively modest consumption bracket for its size. Over a year, that adds up, but for a compact under counter unit that includes a freezer, it is in a sensible range.

We can further optimize energy use by:

• Avoiding frequent long door openings
• Not overpacking the fridge so air can circulate
• Using appropriate thermostat settings for the season

This way, we keep our running costs closer to the lower end of realistic expectations.

Balancing Efficiency with Performance

We often see very efficient appliances sacrifice some performance or internal volume. Here, the brand has chosen a balanced approach: strong cooling power, frozen storage, and manageable energy use.

For a small household, couple, or office, the operating cost should remain acceptable while still enjoying genuine freezing capability and a decent fridge compartment.

Manual Defrost: What We Need to Know

This unit uses manual defrost rather than an automatic defrost system. That is common in compact fridge freezers, but it is something we need to keep in mind.

Over time, frost and ice can build up in the freezer compartment and along certain internal surfaces. We should plan to defrost periodically depending on how heavily we use the appliance.

How Often Might We Need to Defrost?

The exact interval depends on humidity levels, how often we open the door, and what we store. Many users will find that defrosting once or twice a year is enough, but more frequent defrosting may be needed in very humid conditions.

When frost buildup becomes clearly visible and starts reducing the usable space or efficiency, that is a good sign that defrosting is overdue.

Simple Steps for Manual Defrosting

The defrost process is usually straightforward:

1. Turn off the unit and unplug it.
2. Remove all food from the fridge and freezer.
3. Let the ice melt naturally, using towels to catch the water.
4. Wipe down and dry the interior completely.
5. Restart the fridge freezer and allow it to cool before restocking.

This does require some planning, but manual defrost systems tend to be simpler and sometimes more durable because they avoid extra defrosting components.

Installation and Setup

The CHiQ CTT107BDU is designed to be easy to install without specialist tools. We can typically handle setup ourselves, as long as we have an appropriate space and power socket.

The pre-adjusted leveling feet help us get the fridge stable, which improves performance and reduces noise and vibration.

Tool-Free Installation

Most of what we need is already integrated. We simply:

• Position the fridge freezer where we want it (allowing some space around it for ventilation)
• Adjust the leveling feet as needed by hand
• Plug it into a suitable electrical outlet
• Let it stand and cool for a while before loading food

We do not need to assemble complex parts, drill fixtures, or carry out tricky adjustments. The included EU-certified manual explains the basic steps and safety considerations.

Placement Under Counter or in Open Spaces

Because it is 84.5 cm high, this unit fits under many standard kitchen countertops. It can also be used freestanding in a corner, near a desk, or in a utility room.

We just need to ensure:

• Adequate ventilation around the sides and back
• A stable, flat surface
• No direct exposure to intense heat sources like ovens or radiators

Correct placement extends the life of the appliance and keeps it running efficiently.

Included Accessories and Documentation

The package includes a few simple but useful items to help us get started. We do not have to hunt for basic accessories right away.

We receive:

• An egg tray
• The main refrigerator-freezer unit
• An EU-certified manual with instructions and safety guidance

Starting to Use It Right Away

There is no complicated assembly. Once we have placed, leveled, and plugged in the fridge, we can begin loading it once it reaches an appropriate temperature.

The egg tray is a small but nice complement for organizing eggs safely on a shelf or door, helping prevent breakage and making them easy to access.

Everyday Usability and User Experience

When we use a fridge every day, details like shelf arrangement, door feel, and temperature stability become more important than fancy specifications. The CHiQ CTT107BDU aims to make daily interactions simple and reliable.

We open, grab what we need, close the door, and trust that our food remains fresh and safe, without constant tweaking.

For Small Homes, Flats, and Studios

In a small flat, space is everything. This fridge freezer provides enough capacity for singles or couples to store:

• Basic groceries and leftovers
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Dairy products and drinks
• A modest selection of frozen items

It works especially well when we shop a few times a week rather than stocking up for an entire month.

For Offices and Shared Spaces

In office environments, we usually want noise control, compact size, and simple organization. This unit fits in nicely under a counter in a kitchen area or even near a break corner.

Colleagues can use the fridge space for lunches and snacks while keeping ice and frozen treats in the 4-star freezer. The low noise level prevents disruption in open-plan spaces.

Strengths of the CHiQ CTT107BDU

This fridge freezer has a number of strengths that make it appealing for its target audience. When we consider space constraints and modern living, these advantages stand out.

We can summarize the main benefits as follows.

Space Efficiency and Design

We get a solid 107L combined capacity in a small footprint and a height designed to fit under counters. The black steel look is more refined than plain white, making it suitable for modern kitchens and professional environments.

We can place it in multiple locations without it feeling out of place, and it visually blends well with darker cabinets and appliances.

Quiet, Controlled Operation

With a 39 dB noise level and sealed cooling technology, it runs quietly and maintains stable temperatures. This is especially important in open living spaces, studios, and workplaces.

We can work, study, or sleep nearby without being constantly reminded that the fridge is running, which adds a significant comfort factor.

Functional 4-Star Freezer

Instead of a simple ice compartment, we get a meaningful 13L 4-star freezer area. That gives us real freezing capability for meats, vegetables, desserts, and ice cubes.

For many of us, this removes the need for a separate compact freezer, saving money and space while still allowing us to store frozen items for more than just a couple of days.

Flexible Internal Layout with Vario Box

The Vario Box adds extra flexibility, letting us rearrange storage depending on what we buy. Whether we are storing snacks, small containers, or extra bottles, we can tweak the interior to keep things organized.

This reduces clutter, prevents items from being hidden at the back for months, and helps us make smarter use of every liter of capacity.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

No product is perfect for everyone, and it is helpful for us to know where this model might not meet specific expectations. That way, we can decide thoughtfully.

The CHiQ CTT107BDU is optimized for compact living rather than large-family needs or ultra-premium features.

Not Intended for Large Households

At 107L total capacity, this is best suited to one or two people, or as a secondary appliance. A large family doing big weekly grocery shops may find the volume insufficient for all food and drinks.

If we want to store large baking trays, big beverage collections, or bulk purchases, we might need a full-size fridge or an additional freezer elsewhere.

Manual Defrost Requires Occasional Maintenance

The manual defrost system means we must occasionally take time to clear out the freezer and remove accumulated ice. Some of us may prefer a frost-free or automatic defrost model, even if it costs more or uses more power.

We should decide whether occasional manual defrosting is acceptable in return for simplicity and lower purchase cost.

Energy Rating Class D

Although the daily energy consumption is reasonable, this is not among the top efficiency classes under current European standards. For those of us who prioritize the highest possible energy rating above all else, we may want to compare alternatives.

However, we need to balance that with the fact that it still uses a modest amount of electricity, particularly given the inclusion of a genuine freezer.

Who Is This Fridge Freezer Best For?

When we match features to lifestyle, the CHiQ CTT107BDU stands out for certain types of users. Knowing which category we fall into helps us determine if this model suits us.

This is not a universal appliance for every possible household, but it is well targeted for a specific segment.

Ideal Users and Use Cases

We see this fridge freezer working especially well for:

• Students or single occupants in small flats or shared houses
• Couples with limited kitchen space who shop regularly in smaller quantities
• Offices or workplaces needing a quiet, compact fridge freezer for staff use
• Guest rooms or annexes where visitors may want their own small fridge freezer
• Secondary storage in a utility room or garage for drinks and overflow items

If we value space-saving design, quiet operation, and practical freezing in a compact form, this unit fits those needs well.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the CHiQ CTT107BDU

To maximize performance and satisfaction, we can adopt a few simple habits when using this fridge freezer. These practices help maintain food quality, reduce energy use, and extend the appliance’s lifespan.

Following them does not require much effort but can make a noticeable difference.

Smart Loading and Temperature Settings

We should:

• Avoid overcrowding shelves so cold air can circulate freely
• Place raw meats or fish on lower shelves to prevent drips onto ready-to-eat foods
• Use door shelves mainly for drinks, sauces, and less temperature-sensitive items
• Choose a thermostat setting that keeps food cold but does not freeze items in the fridge area

Regularly checking that the fridge feels cold—but not icy—and that the freezer keeps items frozen solid is a good habit.

Maintenance and Cleaning

We can keep the unit running efficiently by:

• Wiping spills quickly to prevent odors or stains
• Cleaning door seals occasionally so they remain flexible and airtight
• Defrosting the freezer as soon as ice buildup becomes noticeable
• Leaving a gap around the back and sides for proper ventilation

Taking a little time now and then protects our investment and ensures steady performance.

Comparison with Typical Alternatives

When we consider compact fridge freezers in general, we can place this CHiQ model roughly in the mid-range of features and quality. It is not the absolute budget minimum, but also not a high-end luxury appliance.

We often see very cheap models with only a tiny ice box and louder compressors. In contrast, this one provides a real 4-star freezer and quieter operation, which we tend to appreciate in everyday living.

Where It Stands Out

We would highlight these differentiators:

• 4-star 13L freezer instead of a basic chill box
• Humidity control to preserve produce for longer
• Low 39 dB noise level suitable for living and working spaces
• Flexible internal layout with the Vario Box for adaptable storage

These features combine to make it feel more like a scaled-down full-featured fridge freezer rather than just a basic mini-fridge.

Our Overall Impression

Looking at the CHiQ CTT107BDU as a whole, we see a thoughtful balance of compact size, functional features, and user comfort. It aims to give us real everyday usefulness rather than just ticking boxes on a specification sheet.

If we are in a small space, want quiet operation, and need both refrigeration and genuine freezing, this model is a strong candidate.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

Our conclusion is that this fridge freezer is particularly suitable if:

• We have limited floor space or need an under counter solution
• We value low noise and reasonable energy use
• We want an actual 4-star freezer, not just an ice cube section
• We are comfortable with manual defrost in exchange for a simpler design and a lower purchase cost

For students, couples, small households, and shared offices, the CHiQ CTT107BDU offers a practical, modern, and reliable compact refrigeration option that fits smoothly into everyday life.

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