Start by checking the temperature at the coldest point, carrying out any accessible maintenance and, if necessary, arranging a diagnosis before replacing an appliance that is still working. A new model makes it easier to compare kWh/year, capacity and noise; a refurbished appliance may be suitable if its condition, testing, warranty and delivery terms are clearly stated.
This applies to households whose fridge seems less cold, noisier or runs for longer, without it yet being certain that replacement is necessary. Start with simple measurements and checks before comparing models.
This approach is suitable if you want to compare energy consumption, capacity, noise and purchase cost without assuming that savings come from the energy class alone. The EU energy label and EPREL product information sheet make it possible to compare the kWh/year, capacities and noise levels of current models.
A refurbished appliance may be worth considering if you check its actual condition, the tests carried out, the legal guarantee, delivery, any installation service and collection of your old appliance before ordering.
Follow this order: check your current appliance, define the capacity and space you need, then compare the specifications of the exact model rather than relying on a single indicator.
| Priority | Points to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Food storage | Check the temperature at the coldest point with a thermometer; ANSES recommends a range of between 0 and +4 °C. Also compare usable capacity and the interior layout. | I want to know whether the temperature is genuinely stable before deciding that the appliance needs replacing, then choose a capacity suited to the fresh and frozen food I store. |
| Comparable energy consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacity, compartments and configuration. Check the energy label and the EPREL product information sheet for the exact model. | I want to limit energy consumption without assuming that a new model will automatically pay for itself. My own electricity tariff is still needed to estimate running costs. |
| Noise and installation | Check the noise level in dB, dimensions, depth with the door open, door-opening direction and the ventilation clearances specified for the model. | In an open-plan or narrow kitchen, I want an appliance that will fit through the access points, can be installed correctly and will not take up more space than necessary. |
| Condition of a refurbished appliance | Check the tests carried out, exact reference, cosmetic and technical condition, warranty, after-sales service, delivery and collection. The DGCCRF states that a refurbished product must undergo working-condition tests before being sold. | I want to distinguish a refurbished appliance from a simple second-hand one and know which services apply to the appliance and my address before paying. |
New noises, continuous running or reduced cooling may justify an inspection, but on their own they do not identify the cause or show whether replacement would be financially worthwhile. ADEME states that in France, one in two appliances returned to an after-sales service is not actually faulty.
Measure the temperature, check any accessible maintenance points, record energy consumption over a comparable period if possible, and request a diagnosis or quote when a fault is suspected.
The class letter does not summarise the capacity, compartments or annual consumption. Two appliances in the same class may show different kWh/year figures depending on their capacity and configuration.
Compare kWh/year, usable capacity, noise, dimensions and EPREL information for the exact model before calculating the total cost.
The term “refurbished” implies that functionality tests have been carried out, but the technical and cosmetic description must also match the unit being sold.
Before ordering, check the reference, cosmetic defects, tests carried out, energy class if available, legal guarantee, after-sales service, delivery to your address and collection of the old appliance.
Installation, collection of the old fridge and the terms of any commercial warranty may vary depending on the seller, location and model.
A large fridge will not automatically meet a genuine need, and its dimensions are not interchangeable with those of a compact or built-in model.
Measure the recess, doors, hallways, depth with the door open and the required ventilation clearance before ordering. Also check the installation and collection services available in your area.
The CHiQ models mentioned include the 92 L JR92DSE compact fridge and the 227 L JR227LSE fridge freezer, both listed with an E energy rating. They may be worth considering for a compact format or a narrow fridge freezer.
The models mentioned range from the 330 L RB5K330GSFC fridge freezer to the 591 L RQ768N4GBE multi-door fridge freezer. They may be considered when you need greater capacity or a multi-door layout.
The 350 L RP455BBE0FR fridge freezer illustrates a fridge-freezer configuration with frost-free cooling, a reversible door and an E energy rating.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers, with both freestanding and built-in models, to compare according to the space available, fridge and freezer capacity, and maintenance requirements.
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For a household needing separate compartments in a narrow kitchen, with a listed width of 54 cm.
187 L fridge, 75 L four-star freezer, stated consumption of 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), reversible door and dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm. The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting; the stated ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C.
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For a household looking for a mid-sized fridge freezer with separate compartments and a reversible door.
182 L fridge, 71 L freezer, No Frost system, LED lighting and a stated noise level of 39 dB. The listing states a D energy rating; check the kWh/year, dimensions and installation clearances for the exact model.
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For a fitted kitchen with a compatible housing unit and a household with a moderate need for frozen-food storage.
174 L fridge, 14 L freezer compartment, stated consumption of 146 kWh/year and 35 dB. The listed housing dimensions are 56 × 122.5 × 55 cm, with a reversible door and sliding-hinge installation; the freezer requires manual defrosting.
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For a fitted kitchen looking for a built-in fridge freezer with separate compartment controls.
The listed capacities are 186 L for the fridge and 62 L for the freezer, with TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow, 37 dB(A) and reversible doors. Check the housing unit, ventilation, kWh/year and exact total capacity of the model.
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For a small kitchen requiring a separate freezer, with a listed width of 54 cm.
153 L fridge, 74 L four-star freezer, 39 dB, adjustable shelves, reversible door and adjustable feet. Low Frost does not eliminate the possible need for defrosting; check the kWh/year, depth and ventilation.
Check the temperature regularly with a thermometer, particularly on an older appliance. ANSES recommends a temperature of between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point; an unusual reading justifies a more thorough inspection, but cannot by itself diagnose the fault.
First record the actual consumption of the old fridge over a representative period using a suitable meter. For new models, compare kWh/year between appliances with similar capacity and configuration, then apply your own price per kWh; the A to G rating alone cannot be used to calculate your individual savings.
Yes. The DGCCRF states that refurbished products must undergo tests guaranteeing that they are in good working order before being offered for sale. Also check that the technical and cosmetic description applies specifically to the refurbished appliance being sold.
The legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual. According to the DGCCRF, a guarantee claim must be made within two years of delivery of the goods; any commercial warranty is additional to this framework and is subject to its own terms.
No. A fridge is electrical and electronic equipment that must enter the WEEE recycling stream, particularly because it contains components or substances requiring specific treatment. Check the collection arrangements with the seller or use a suitable collection service.