Households that can wait for a diagnosis
You can get a quote before deciding, particularly if a warranty or the Repair Bonus could affect how much you pay. ecosystem explains that the bonus is subject to conditions.
Who is affected by a fridge breakdown?
Households that need a replacement quickly
You need to get back to storing food at the right temperature without a long wait. The actual delivery time on offer and the space available matter just as much as the appliance’s features.
Households open to buying second-hand
You can compare a used or reconditioned appliance with a new one, checking its condition, features and the seller’s status. ADEME lists reuse and collection points among the options for refrigeration appliances.
What should you compare after a breakdown?
Your decision mainly depends on how long you can wait, the diagnosis and whether a replacement will suit your kitchen and food storage needs.
| Your concern | What to check | Who is this most relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Getting suitable food storage back up and running | Confirmed delivery time; separate fridge and freezer capacities; dimensions and installation type. | When my appliance no longer keeps food cold, I want a solution that suits my food and home without waiting longer than necessary. Around 36% of consumers prioritise getting their fridge cold again quickly. |
| Comparing repair and replacement | Warranties and insurance; itemised quote and timescale; whether the fault and repairer qualify for the bonus. | If I can wait for a diagnosis, I want to know what I’ll have to pay and how long the appliance will be out of action before I buy. Around 29% of consumers put repair costs first. |
| Choosing an appliance that fits | Freestanding or built-in and dimensions; fridge and freezer capacities; annual energy consumption in kWh. | To avoid an appliance that doesn’t suit my kitchen or the way I use it, I compare dimensions and compartments, including for a second-hand model. Around 21% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable replacement or buying second-hand. |
| Planning what to do with the old appliance | Take-back arrangements for an equivalent appliance; any separate services; a suitable collection point if you’re not buying a replacement. | If I can no longer use my old fridge, I want to know how to have it taken away or drop it off at a suitable facility. Around 14% of consumers make take-back arrangements their priority. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
-
Buying before checking whether a diagnosis is possible
A rushed purchase could rule out a repair that might have worked. Costs and timescales depend on the fault and any support available.
If your food can be kept cold for long enough, ask a professional for a quote and check your warranties and eligibility for the Repair Bonus before deciding.
-
Choosing based only on total capacity or energy rating
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much space there is for fresh or frozen food. With a built-in model, the dimensions of the housing matter too.
Compare the capacities of each compartment, annual energy consumption in kWh, installation type and the dimensions of the exact model.
-
Assuming free take-back includes additional services
The DGCCRF distinguishes taking back an equivalent used appliance from separate services such as disconnection or installation.
Ask how take-back works and get a breakdown of any services before confirming delivery.
Brands to consider by fridge-freezer type
Bosch
The KGN39VLEB is a freestanding fridge-freezer worth considering if you want to compare fridge and freezer capacities separately.
- For this model, Bosch lists a 279 L fridge and an 89 L freezer, a width of 600 mm, an E energy rating, No Frost and a noise level of 39 dB(A).
- These specifications apply to this model. Check that its dimensions and capacity suit your household.
Electrolux
The KNT6ME18S4 is a built-in fridge-freezer to consider if your broken appliance is integrated.
- The manufacturer’s specifications list a housing size of 1780 × 560 × 550 mm, a 186 L fridge, a 62 L freezer and annual energy consumption of 217 kWh.
- Check the housing dimensions and which way the door opens. Claims about the benefits of TwinTech are made by the brand, rather than being based on an independent comparison.
Beko
The B5RCNE416HXB is a freestanding fridge-freezer to compare if you’re looking for a stated fridge capacity of 297 L.
- For this model, the manufacturer lists a C energy rating, a noise level of 35 dB(A) and annual energy consumption of 213.53 kWh.
- Beko’s claims about the food-preservation benefits of AeroFlow and HarvestFresh are brand claims, not the results of independent comparative testing.
Liebherr
The CNsfc 574i Plus NoFrost is a freestanding fridge-freezer to compare if its stated capacity suits the space you have available.
- The manufacturer lists a total capacity of 371 L, a width of 59.7 cm, a depth of 67.5 cm and a noise level of 35 dB.
- Check the capacity of each compartment and the label for the exact model. Claims about EasyFresh and NoFrost are the brand’s descriptions of this particular model.
Replacement fridges available on Joybuy
This selection features replacement fridge-freezers, including built-in and freestanding models.
Image unavailable
AEG NSC6M18FES — Built-in fridge-freezer, 249 L, white, E energy rating
Worth considering as a replacement in a fitted kitchen, if the housing and cabinetry suit this installation.
Fridge: 186 L; freezer: 62 L; stated dimensions: 59.2 × 58.5 × 186.2 cm; sliding-door installation. TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow and an inverter compressor are listed for this model.
Image unavailable
Haier HTW5618ENMG — 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L, E energy rating
Worth considering as a freestanding replacement if the separate capacities of the two compartments meet your needs.
Fridge: 235 L; freezer: 125 L; stated width: 59.5 cm; reversible door; stated annual energy consumption: 271 kWh. The product description lists Total No Frost.
Image unavailable
Hisense RQ758N4SWSE — Cross Door fridge, 606 L, E energy rating
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding model with several storage zones and its configuration suits your kitchen.
The product description lists a 390 L fridge, a 95 L freezer and compartments with variable temperatures. Total No Frost and an integrated water tank are also listed. The door is not reversible.
Image unavailable
Hisense RF632N4BCE — French Door fridge, 485 L, E energy rating
Worth considering as a freestanding replacement if the fridge and freezer capacities suit the way you use them.
Fridge: 336 L; freezer: 149 L; stated annual energy consumption: 295 kWh. The product description lists Total No Frost, an inverter compressor and a water dispenser with a tank.
Image unavailable
Sonlu CD‑350RW — Fridge-freezer, 310 L, E energy rating
Worth considering as a freestanding replacement if the width and compartment capacities suit your space and needs.
Fridge: 211 L; freezer: 99 L; stated width: 60 cm; reversible door. The product description lists an inverter compressor and a frost-free system.
Frequently asked questions after a fridge breakdown
How much is the Repair Bonus for a fridge in France?
The ecosystem rates in force since 1 January 2026 list a €25 bonus for a fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer. This amount is deducted from the bill for an eligible repair carried out by a QualiRépar-approved repairer; it is not a discount on a new appliance.
Does every repair automatically qualify for the bonus?
No, the bonus is subject to eligibility conditions. ecosystem says, among other things, that the appliance must be out of warranty and not covered by insurance, and that an eligible fault must be repaired by a professional with QualiRépar approval.
What should I check before installing a new fridge?
Measure the available space and check the installation type and dimensions of the exact model. For a built-in appliance, also compare the housing dimensions. The energy label shows information including annual energy consumption and storage capacities. Anses recommends keeping food at between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point.
Is a second-hand fridge bought from a private seller covered by the legal guarantee of conformity?
No, this guarantee applies to purchases from a professional seller. For a second-hand appliance bought from a professional, the Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years from delivery to make a claim under the guarantee.
Does the seller have to take away my old fridge for free when I buy an equivalent one?
The DGCCRF says that free ‘one-for-one’ take-back applies to an equivalent used product when you buy a new appliance, including online. Ask how collection is arranged, and check whether disconnection or installation are charged separately.
Where can I take an old fridge if I’re not buying another one?
Take it to a collection point that accepts electrical and electronic equipment, such as a recycling centre. ADEME advises against leaving it in a public place or putting it in a general bulky-waste skip.