Households deciding whether to repair
Your appliance still suits your needs, but you need to weigh up your warranties, quotes and timescales before making a decision. Check the Repair Bonus terms too.
Who is this choice for?
Households that need to replace their fridge
Your priority is to get refrigeration that suits your home and your needs. Compare the dimensions and capacity of the compartments, and don’t confuse total capacity with freezer capacity.
Buyers looking for a freezer or a second-hand appliance
You’re looking to restore a separate freezer capacity or considering a second-hand appliance. Either way, check the specifications and sale terms that suit your needs.
What to compare
Repair
Worth considering: if the appliance still meets your needs and an itemised quote helps you assess the work involved.
Weigh up: the net cost and timescale depend on the fault and the quote; the bonus is not automatic.
New fridge
Worth considering: if your main need is to restore suitable fridge space.
Weigh up: with a fridge-freezer, the total capacity alone won’t tell you how much freezer space is available.
New freezer
Worth considering: if you already have a working fridge and mainly need to restore your freezer capacity.
Weigh up: this appliance needs a separate space and won’t replace your fridge.
Second-hand
Worth considering: if you can check the appliance’s condition and specifications, as well as the delivery terms.
Weigh up: the warranties available depend, among other things, on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
After a breakdown, first work out whether you need a repair, refrigeration or freezer capacity. Then check whether a second-hand appliance meets your requirements.
| What matters | What to check | Who is it mainly for? |
|---|---|---|
| Whether a repair is possible and its net cost | Current warranty; quote and timescale; whether the fault is eligible for the Repair Bonus before deducting its value. | If the appliance still meets my needs, I want to compare a quote and its timescale before replacing it. Around 33% of consumers concerned prioritise repair. |
| Refrigeration that suits your home | Appliance type and capacity in litres for each compartment; appliance dimensions and the route to its intended position. | When I need space for fresh food again, I check the capacity and dimensions before choosing. Around 27% of consumers concerned prioritise this function. |
| Freezer capacity needed | Freezer capacity in litres; space needed for a standalone freezer, or the dedicated capacity in a fridge-freezer. | If my refrigeration needs are already covered, I mainly want to restore suitable freezer capacity. Around 20% of consumers concerned prioritise this need. |
| Risks of buying second-hand | Verifiable condition and specifications; whether the seller is a business or a private individual; delivery and what happens to the old appliance. | When considering a second-hand appliance, I want to be able to check its condition and find out what remedies apply to the sale. Around 20% of consumers concerned prioritise second-hand. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Always deducting €25 from the quote
The Repair Bonus depends, among other things, on the warranty, the type of fault and using a QualiRépar repairer. ecosystem states that the amount for fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers has been €25 since 1 January 2026, subject to conditions.
Ask for confirmation that the work is eligible and that the bonus will be deducted from the quote before comparing the net cost with the other options.
If the work isn’t eligible, you can’t count on this deduction.
-
Comparing a fridge-freezer and a freezer by total capacity alone
Fridge and freezer capacity refer to separate compartments. A standalone freezer also needs its own space.
Compare the usable capacity in litres for each function, then check the dimensions and stated annual energy consumption.
-
Assuming all second-hand sales come with the same warranties
The Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity for second-hand or refurbished goods applies to sales from a business to a private individual; it does not apply to sales between private individuals.
Check who the seller is, ask for the available information about the appliance’s condition, and clarify delivery and your options if something goes wrong before buying.
Transport and the remedies available can vary depending on the terms of sale.
-
Leaving arrangements for taking away your old appliance until delivery
According to Entreprendre Service Public, free ‘one-for-one’ take-back covers a used appliance that matches the type and quantity of the equipment purchased.
Check the take-back option before ordering. If you aren’t buying a new appliance, look for a local collection or donation option.
Brands to consider for specific models
These examples highlight the features of specific models. They don’t assess entire product ranges or indicate availability.
Bosch
The freestanding KGN36NLEA fridge-freezer is an example of a combined fridge and freezer in a stated width of 600 mm.
- Bosch Electroménager France lists 216 l of fridge capacity, 89 l of freezer capacity, an E energy class and NoFrost for this model.
- Its 89 l of freezer capacity may not be enough if you need more space; these specifications apply to this model only.
Liebherr
The FNd 5026 is an example of a freestanding upright freezer for a household that already has suitable refrigeration.
- Liebherr France lists a capacity of 238 l, a noise level of 36 dB and NoFrost for this model.
- It needs its own space and doesn’t include a fridge compartment. These details apply to this model, not the whole range.
LG
The GBV3100EPY fridge-freezer is an example to consider if overall capacity and the stated noise level are important to you.
- LG France lists a total capacity of 344 l, a stated noise level of 35 dB and an E energy class for this model.
- These specifications alone don’t show that it’s better than other models. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions too.
Beko
The B5RCNA346HG fridge-freezer is an example to consider if you plan to install it in a room that may get cold.
- Beko France states that this model can operate at an ambient temperature as low as −5 °C.
- Check the installation requirements and temperature limits for the model you choose.
Replacement appliances on Joybuy
These products are for replacing a fridge-freezer or a standalone freezer with a new appliance.
Image unavailable
Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 l fridge-freezer, black, E energy class
Worth considering if you need to restore both fridge and freezer functions with a combined appliance.
Stated total capacity: 344 l.
Image unavailable
Bosch KGN497LDF, 440 l fridge-freezer, D energy class, grey
Worth considering if you want to restore both cooling functions with a fridge-freezer.
Stated total capacity: 440 l.
Image unavailable
Heinrich´s, 161 l freezer, No-Frost, C energy class
Worth considering if you already have a separate fridge and need to restore your freezer capacity.
Stated capacity: 161 l; No-Frost and C energy class.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG, three-door fridge-freezer, 360 l, E energy class
Worth considering if you need to restore both fridge and freezer functions in a single appliance.
Total No Frost; Wi-Fi and My Zone are also listed for this model.
Image unavailable
Hisense RB440N4CCB, 336 l fridge-freezer, B energy class
Worth considering if you need to restore both cooling functions with a freestanding fridge-freezer.
Stated noise level: 35 dB(A).
Frequently asked questions
Does the €25 Repair Bonus automatically apply to my fridge or freezer?
No, it’s subject to conditions. ecosystem states that the amount has been €25 since 1 January 2026 for a fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer. Among other requirements, the appliance must be out of warranty, the fault must be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a QualiRépar professional. Check these criteria before comparing quotes.
How should I compare a repair with a replacement?
Compare the repair quote and timescale with the cost of an appliance that meets your needs, taking delivery and any take-back arrangements into account. Check your current warranties first, and only deduct the Repair Bonus once you’ve confirmed that it applies to the repair.
Does the seller have to take away my old appliance when I buy a new one?
According to Entreprendre Service Public, free ‘one-for-one’ take-back covers a used appliance of the same type and in the same quantity as the equipment purchased. Its guidance dated 18 August 2025 also covers distance selling. Before ordering, check what take-back option is available and how it will be arranged at delivery.
What should I do with my old appliance if I’m not buying a replacement?
If the appliance can still be used, you could look for a local donation option, or find a collection point or recycling centre. Service Public lists drop-off and collection options; check what’s available near you.
Which warranty should I check when buying a second-hand appliance?
For second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity is compulsory and can be claimed for two years from delivery. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals, so check who the seller is before buying.