Before replacing a broken fridge, ask a professional whether it can be repaired within a timeframe that works for your household. If you decide to buy a new appliance, choose a type that suits the available space and your freezer needs. For an integrated model, check the housing and hinges first, then compare the capacity, energy label and noise level of the exact model.
You need a working appliance again quickly, without ruling out a repair that may still be possible. A professional diagnosis can clarify what work may be needed and how long it could take before you decide on a replacement.
You want to keep your existing kitchen housing and cabinet door. Bosch notes that the dimensions and hinge type determine whether an integrated fridge can be replaced.
You want to adjust the space for fresh food and, if needed, frozen food to suit your usual shopping. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the features of the models you’re considering.
Once you’ve decided whether to repair or replace your fridge, check what can be installed before comparing capacity and features.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | Get a diagnosis and ask which parts may be needed and how long the repair is expected to take. | If my fridge breaks down, I want to know quickly whether it can be repaired and when I’ll have a working appliance again. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this decision. |
| Installation compatibility | For an integrated model, measure the housing and check the cabinet-door fixing and hinge type in the new model’s manual. | If I’m keeping my fitted kitchen, the new appliance needs to fit the existing unit. This is the main consideration for around 36% of consumers. |
| Storage capacity | Compare the fresh-food and freezer capacities separately, then check the internal layout. | My usual shopping needs enough room for fresh food and, if I buy it, frozen food too. Around 21% of consumers put the way storage is divided at the heart of their decision. |
| Energy use and noise | For models of a similar type, check the annual energy consumption and noise emissions listed for each model. | If my fridge runs every day in a living space, I want to take its energy use and stated noise level into account. These features are a priority for around 14% of consumers. |
If you’re replacing your appliance, a freestanding model avoids the need to fit a cabinet door, while an integrated model must match the existing housing. The right fridge-freezer also depends on how much freezer space you really need: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how that space is divided. For everyday use, ANSES recommends keeping the temperature at 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and avoiding overfilling it.
An appliance might be the right width but still not fit the height of the housing or the door fittings. Bosch recommends checking the dimensions and hinge type when replacing an integrated fridge.
Note down the housing dimensions, cabinet-door fixing system and, if you have it, the old appliance’s model number. Then check these against the new model’s manual.
If the appliance isn’t compatible, you may need to modify the unit or cabinet door.
Removal, delivery and installation are separate services. Don’t assume that arrangements for taking away your old fridge also include installing its replacement.
Before ordering, confirm the removal arrangements, access to your home and exactly what installation services are included.
An energy rating doesn’t tell you about usable capacity or layout. For a fridge-freezer, check how much space is allocated to each compartment.
Compare models with similar storage capacity needs using their product details and energy labels.
When you’re in a hurry, it may not be clear what fault has been diagnosed, which parts are needed or when the appliance will be working again.
Ask the professional to explain the proposed repair before deciding whether to go ahead or look for a new appliance.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridges, with or without a freezer compartment.
Whirlpool’s French website features freestanding, integrated and fridge-freezer models.
Liebherr provides energy labels and technical specifications for its refrigeration and freezer appliances.
These replacement models combine refrigeration and freezing in either a freestanding or integrated design. Start by choosing one that suits your available space and storage needs.
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A freestanding fridge-freezer to consider if you want separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Make sure there’s enough clearance around it for installation.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing an appliance in a fitted kitchen, provided the housing and door fittings are compatible. This single-door model has a top freezer compartment and an E energy rating. Check the sliding hinge system: the cabinet door isn’t included, and the freezer needs to be defrosted manually.
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Consider this model if you’re looking for a total capacity of 495 L split between refrigeration and freezing. This black model has an E energy rating. Before choosing it, check that you have enough space, that its climate class suits the room and that the water dispenser connection requirements are right for this version.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer is designed for households looking for fresh-food and freezer compartments in a 467 L appliance. The product title lists Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that its 83,3 cm width fits your space and that the non-reversible doors open the right way for your kitchen.
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Worth considering if space is limited but you still need both refrigeration and freezing. The product title gives a capacity split of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. It also lists a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the label for the exact model to compare its annual energy consumption and the freezer’s care requirements.
No, not under these new provisions alone as of 3 October 2026. Service-Public.fr explains that they are not yet fully applicable in France and are still being incorporated into French law.
First compare models that fit your space and storage needs, then check the capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption and noise emissions for the exact model. If the room temperature may be unusual, check its climate class too.
Measure the housing and identify the cabinet-door fixing and hinge type before ordering. Bosch says these must match when replacing an integrated appliance. Also check the installation requirements in the manual for your chosen model.