Households looking to keep their appliance
You want to find out whether a repairer can fix it, whether the part you need is available and whether the timescale works for you before deciding to replace it.
Who is this choice for?
Households needing a suitable replacement quickly
You’re looking for a fridge that fits the space available and has fresh-food and freezer compartments to suit your habits. Annual energy consumption and noise levels also matter when choosing.
Anyone considering reusing an appliance
You’re comparing second-hand and refurbished options, paying close attention to the appliance’s condition, the tests carried out and the seller’s status, which determines, among other things, whether the statutory guarantee of conformity applies.
What should you check first?
After a breakdown, your first question should be whether a professional can repair the appliance. If you need to replace it, check that it will fit and has enough capacity, then look at the terms of any second-hand or refurbished sale.
| What you need | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Have it repaired | Ask for a professional diagnosis, check whether the part you need is available and find out how soon the repair can be carried out. Check the Repair Bonus terms with an accredited repairer. | If my appliance could keep working after a repair, I’d rather explore that option before replacing it; around 33% of consumers would make repair their first choice. |
| Replace it with a new appliance | Measure the space and allow for the clearance needed. Compare fresh-food and freezer capacities separately, then check the kWh/year and noise levels of suitable models. | When I need to find a suitable capacity quickly, I want an appliance that fits in my home and suits my storage habits; around 42% of consumers would prioritise buying new. |
| Choose second-hand or refurbished | Check the model and its condition, the tests claimed for a refurbished appliance and the seller’s status. Make sure you understand the delivery terms. | If I want to prioritise reuse, I need to understand the appliance’s condition and the protections that apply to the sale; around 25% of consumers would put this option first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only for a repairability score
Fridges are not among the product categories covered by the mandatory repairability index presented by the French ministry responsible for ecological transition. So, the absence of a score alone doesn’t tell you whether a particular model can be repaired.
Ask which parts are needed for the exact model, how to order them and which professional can carry out the repair.
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Choosing based only on total capacity or energy rating
Fresh-food and freezer capacities should be considered separately. Annual energy consumption, noise and installation requirements all matter for different reasons, so no single figure is enough to make your decision.
Measure the available space, then compare each compartment’s capacity, kWh/year, dB and the climate class of the model you’re considering.
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Confusing second-hand with refurbished
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, a refurbished item has undergone full functionality tests. The statutory guarantee of conformity applies when a professional sells to an individual, but not when one individual sells to another.
Before committing, ask what tests have been carried out, which faults have been disclosed and who is actually selling the appliance.
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Leaving arrangements for your old appliance until delivery
Delivery and collection arrangements can affect an urgent replacement, particularly if getting into your home requires special arrangements.
Before ordering, check the terms for delivery, access to your home and collection of your old fridge.
If collection hasn’t been arranged, you’ll need to organise the disposal of your old appliance separately.
Brands to consider
There are no brands to feature in this section.
New fridges to compare
These models are for replacing your appliance with a new fridge, not for repairing it or buying second-hand. First, make sure the format and capacity suit your space and needs. Before ordering, confirm the key specifications of the model you choose.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L, black
Consider this fridge freezer if you want fresh-food and frozen storage in one appliance. It has a stated capacity of 344 L and an energy rating of E. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the availability of parts for this model.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four-door, 467 L
Its four-door design and stated capacity of 467 L are worth checking against the space you have and your storage needs. The model title specifies Total No Frost, an energy rating of E and a silver finish. Check its dimensions and installation requirements too.
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Samsung RF50C530EB1, 495 L, black
If you’re looking for a stated capacity of 495 L, check that this energy rating E model is suitable for your space. Pay particular attention to the door layout before buying, then check the clearance needed for installation.
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AEG NSC6M18FES integrated, 249 L
Consider this model when replacing an integrated appliance, after checking the housing space and door fitting. The title specifies a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost, an energy rating of E and a white finish. Compare its annual energy consumption before you decide too.
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Sonlu CD‑350RW, 310 L
For a fridge freezer with separately stated compartment capacities, this model offers 211 L of fridge space and 99 L of freezer space. The title specifies a width of 60 cm, a reversible door and an energy rating of E. Check the height, depth, noise level and annual energy consumption too.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fridge qualify for the Repair Bonus?
Yes, subject to the conditions of the French scheme outlined by the Ministry of the Economy: the appliance must not be covered by a warranty, the repair must be eligible and the work must be carried out by an accredited repairer. Ask the professional to confirm that these conditions apply to your breakdown.
What guarantee applies to a fridge bought from a professional?
In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to a new, second-hand or refurbished fridge sold by a professional to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Keep the seller’s details and information about the appliance’s stated condition so you can describe any fault accurately.
Does the statutory guarantee of conformity cover a sale between individuals?
No. The statutory guarantee of conformity described by the Ministry of the Economy does not apply to a sale between individuals. Before buying a second-hand fridge in this way, ask for details of its condition, any known faults and how the appliance will be handed over.
How can I assess whether a new fridge can be repaired?
For the exact model, check the information about spare parts and how to obtain them, rather than looking for a mandatory repairability score. Fridges are not among the product categories covered by the index, according to the French ministry responsible for ecological transition.
What should I confirm when arranging collection of my old fridge?
Check the collection arrangements before ordering: when it will be collected, access to your home and how collection will fit in with delivery of your new appliance. That way, you can organise the replacement without assuming these services will happen together.