Households with an appliance that isn’t cooling properly
You’re weighing up the cost of a repair against replacing the appliance. A quote and confirmation that the repair qualifies for the Repair Bonus can help you decide.
Who is this guide for?
Households short on chilled or frozen storage
You’re looking for a fridge, fridge freezer or freezer with usable capacity and dimensions to suit your home and the food you need to store.
Shoppers mindful of running costs
You’re comparing annual energy consumption and purchase price, perhaps with a refurbished appliance whose condition and warranty need checking.
What to compare before replacing a fridge or freezer
Repair
Worth considering: if a professional confirms the repair is possible and the quote fits your budget.
Bear in mind: eligibility for the Repair Bonus depends on the fault and the repairer. Ask for confirmation before accepting the quote.
New fridge
Worth considering: if your main need is keeping fresh food chilled and there’s a model to suit your available space.
Bear in mind: compare the fresh-food and freezer compartments separately in a fridge freezer, as well as its dimensions and kWh/year.
New freezer
Worth considering: if you mainly need extra space for frozen food and have a suitable spot for it.
Bear in mind: a separate freezer takes up space and uses extra electricity if you’re keeping your fridge too.
Refurbished or second-hand
Worth considering: if you find one that meets your needs and its condition, testing and seller are clearly documented.
Bear in mind: warranties vary depending on whether you’re buying from a professional seller or a private individual.
If a household fridge or freezer has broken down or isn’t performing well, first see whether it can be repaired. Then compare replacement options based on how you’ll use it.
| What matters | What to check | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cost and whether it’s worthwhile | Itemised quote, any warranty cover and confirmation that the repairer and repair qualify for the Repair Bonus. | If I can repair the appliance without spending an unreasonable amount, I’d rather compare the quote with the cost of a replacement. Around 29% of consumers concerned prioritise repairs. |
| Format and usable capacity | Dimensions and installation type; separate capacities in litres for the fresh-food and freezer compartments. | When space is limited, I want an appliance that fits properly and has compartments to suit what I store. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Energy consumption | On the model’s energy label: kWh/year, usable capacity and energy rating. | If I’m comparing running costs, I look at kWh/year for appliances with relevant functions and capacities, rather than the energy rating alone. Around 24% of consumers make energy consumption their priority. |
| Condition and warranties for second-hand appliances | The appliance’s condition and testing, the seller’s identity, warranties and delivery terms. | If I want to extend the life of an appliance that’s already been used, I want to know what’s been checked and what protections apply to my purchase. Around 18% of consumers prioritise giving an appliance a second life with verifiable warranties. |
Mistakes to avoid when replacing your appliance
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Looking only at a fridge freezer’s total capacity
The fresh-food and freezer compartments have separate capacities. The total can hide a compartment that’s too small for your needs.
Compare the capacity in litres for each compartment on the energy label and check the dimensions needed for installation.
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Confusing a refurbished appliance with a private sale
The legal guarantee of conformity depends, among other things, on who the seller is. The French Ministry of the Economy explains that it applies to purchases from a professional seller, but not in the same way to private sales.
Check who the seller is and ask for the terms in writing, as well as any information available about the appliance’s condition and testing.
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Assuming the Repair Bonus is automatic
The repair must meet the scheme’s conditions. In particular, it must be carried out out of warranty by a QualiRépar repairer and relate to an eligible fault.
Ask the repairer to confirm that the repair qualifies and to show any applicable Bonus on the quote or invoice. ecosystem offers a €25 discount for eligible repairs covered by the scheme; it doesn’t apply to excluded repairs.
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Confusing appliance take-back with bulky waste collection
Appliances containing refrigerant fluids need to be collected and treated appropriately, ADEME reminds us.
When you buy a new equivalent appliance, the DGCCRF describes free «one-for-one» take-back. Check the practical arrangements with the seller; otherwise, take your old appliance to a suitable collection point.
Brands to consider by appliance type
Bosch
The brand offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers; the KGN36NLEA is an example of a freestanding model.
- Bosch says that parts for its refrigeration appliances are generally available for 15 years, subject to the conditions set out by the brand.
- For the KGN36NLEA, Bosch lists No Frost cooling and a noise level of 42 dB(A). Check the specifications and parts availability for the exact model.
Beko
The brand offers freezers in a range of formats; the CF200EWN is an example of a freestanding chest freezer.
- For the CF200EWN only, Beko France lists 198 l, 199,94 kWh/year, 40 dB(A) and a stated 36 h storage time in the event of a power cut.
- This model has static cooling and its specifications list a single basket. Check that the interior layout and dimensions suit your needs.
Liebherr
The range includes freestanding and built-in fridges. The IRBc 4521 Plus BioFresh is a built-in fridge, not a freezer.
- Liebherr states that essential parts are available for 15 years for appliances designed after 2021.
- This is the manufacturer’s claim, not an independent measure of reliability. Check the niche dimensions and parts compatible with your chosen model.
Electrolux
The brand offers built-in and freestanding upright freezers. Compare them based on where you’ll place the appliance and how easily you can access your food.
- Electrolux recommends comparing factors such as dimensions, energy rating and capacity.
- The extended warranty for the Inverter compressor applies to eligible appliances and is not the same as a warranty covering the entire appliance.
Appliances available on Joybuy to compare formats
This selection features new freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, so you can compare formats and the specifications listed for each model. It doesn’t cover repairs or second-hand appliances.
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Bosch KGN497LDF, 440 L fridge freezer, D energy rating, grey
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with a stated capacity of 440 L.
The title lists a D energy rating. The description notes that it uses flammable R600a refrigerant: do not damage the refrigeration circuit.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L built-in fridge freezer, TwinTech No Frost, white, E energy rating
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 249 L built-in model featuring the TwinTech No Frost technology listed in its title.
Check that it’s compatible with your cabinet niche and sliding door installation. The description notes that it uses flammable R600a refrigerant: do not damage the refrigeration circuit.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer, Total No Frost, E energy rating
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a three-door model with a stated capacity of 360 L.
The title also mentions Wi-Fi and My Zone. The description notes that it uses flammable R600a refrigerant: do not damage the refrigeration circuit.
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Compact 92 L two-door fridge, D energy rating, retro black
Worth comparing if you need a compact format; the title lists a 28 L freezer compartment.
The title also lists a noise level of 45 dB and seven settings. The description notes that it uses R600a refrigerant and requires suitable ventilation.
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106 L two-door fridge, E energy rating, 46 L freezer compartment, silver
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a small fridge with a 46 L freezer compartment, as listed in the title.
The title lists a noise level of 45 dB and seven temperature settings. The description notes that it uses flammable R600a refrigerant: do not damage the circuit and ensure suitable ventilation.
Frequently asked questions about replacing a fridge or freezer
How do I compare the energy consumption of two new appliances?
Compare the kWh/year shown on the European energy label, taking into account each appliance’s function and usable capacity. Energy ratings range from A to G; the stated consumption isn’t a guarantee of what your energy bill will be.
Will the Repair Bonus always reduce the cost of a repair?
No. ecosystem offers a €25 Bonus for certain eligible out-of-warranty repairs to a fridge or freezer carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. Confirm that the fault and repair qualify before accepting the quote.
What warranties apply to a refurbished appliance bought in France?
The French Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies for two years from delivery when a private individual buys a refurbished appliance from a professional seller. Private sales aren’t covered by the same rules; check separately any commercial warranty that’s offered.
Can my old appliance be taken away when I buy an equivalent model?
The DGCCRF describes free «one-for-one» take-back of an equivalent used appliance when a new one is sold. Check the practical arrangements for your order and delivery with the seller. ADEME also lists suitable collection points for refrigeration appliances.
Do fridges need to display a French repairability or durability rating?
According to the categories currently listed by the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, fridges and freezers aren’t among the appliances covered by these ratings. They still need to display the European energy label, so compare the energy consumption, capacity and noise information for the specific model.