Before replacing an appliance that no longer keeps food properly chilled, ask for a professional diagnosis: according to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus is €25 for a fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer from 1 January 2026, subject to eligibility conditions. If replacement is necessary, compare the fresh and frozen food capacities, annual energy consumption and noise level on the energy label, then arrange the appropriate collection or take-back of your old appliance.
If you can no longer rely on your appliance to keep food fresh, your first step should be to request a professional diagnosis or arrange a replacement. ADEME recommends sending end-of-life refrigeration appliances through an appropriate collection scheme.
If you are deciding between a fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer, compare the usable capacity of each compartment, annual energy consumption and noise level rather than looking only at the total capacity.
The energy label makes it easier to compare new appliances. For a second-hand or refurbished model, choose a professional seller and look for an invoice and clearly stated warranty terms.
The European Commission states that the energy label for fridges and freezers shows, among other details, the energy class, annual consumption, storage capacities and noise level. Compare these points across models of the same type.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh and frozen food capacities | Compare the litre capacities of the fresh-food and frozen-food compartments separately. Check whether a standalone appliance or a fridge-freezer best suits your habits. | I mainly cook with fresh ingredients, or I want to store more frozen food without adding a second appliance. |
| Electricity consumption | Check the annual consumption in kWh and the A to G energy class. Compare appliances with similar capacities and configurations. | I want to estimate the long-term running cost rather than choosing solely according to the displayed class. |
| Noise and installation | Check the airborne acoustical noise emissions and their class on the label. For a built-in appliance, confirm the required niche dimensions, fixing method and ventilation. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, the stated noise level matters just as much as the appliance’s footprint. |
| Repair and end of life | Ask whether the fault can be repaired by a certified professional. Before delivery, also confirm the take-back of your old appliance or the appropriate collection point. | I want to avoid replacing the appliance prematurely and send the old one through a scheme intended for refrigeration equipment. |
An appliance that is out of warranty may sometimes be repairable. The Repair Bonus is a reduction on the cost of an eligible repair; it is not a guarantee that every fault can be fixed.
Ask for a quote or diagnosis from a QualiRépar repairer and check that the appliance is no longer covered by a warranty or insurance policy.
According to ecosystem, the official Repair Bonus is €25 for a fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer from 1 January 2026.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity can offer a very different split between fresh and frozen food storage. A poorly proportioned model may not provide enough useful capacity for everyday needs.
Make a list of your fresh and frozen food requirements, then compare the litre capacity of each compartment separately on the energy label.
Delivery, access to your home and the removal of your old appliance can all affect how you organise the replacement.
Before paying, ask for the delivery timeframe, advertised charges, access requirements and old-appliance take-back procedure in writing.
The French Ministry for the Economy reminds shoppers that the seller must provide the delivery price in writing before purchase.
Refrigeration appliances contain components and fluids that require specialist treatment.
Use the take-back service offered by the seller or delivery driver, an appropriate collection point or a recycling centre that accepts electrical and electronic equipment. Do not tamper with the refrigeration circuit.
In France, Bosch offers fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers in both freestanding and built-in formats.
On its French website, Whirlpool sells freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, among other products.
Beko’s French range includes fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers, with built-in and fan-assisted cooling models.
These Joybuy options are fridge-freezers for households that need to store both fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
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This fridge-freezer is a good option if you are looking for a 54 cm-wide appliance with a 70/30 split between fridge and freezer space.
262 L, Low Frost, 176 cm high and reversible door.
The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting. Also check that the temperature in the installation location is suitable for the appliance.
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This model could suit a household looking for a three-door fridge-freezer with Total No Frost features.
360 L, energy class E, Wi-Fi and My Zone compartment.
Check the required ventilation clearances around the appliance before installation.
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This built-in fridge-freezer is worth considering for a fitted kitchen that needs both refrigeration and freezing in an existing niche.
249 L, TwinTech No Frost and energy class E.
Before ordering, confirm the niche dimensions, door-panel type and compatibility of the fixing system.
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This compact fridge-freezer could suit a small kitchen that needs to store fresh and frozen food in a 54 cm-wide appliance.
227 L, including 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space, reversible door and energy class E.
Low Frost reduces frost build-up but does not eliminate the need for manual defrosting. Check the energy label for annual consumption.
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This compact fridge-freezer could suit a small household that prioritises fresh food and uses relatively little frozen food.
179 L, with freezer compartment and reversible door.
The 16 L freezer compartment is limited in size and requires manual defrosting.
Yes. According to ecosystem, the official rate applicable from 1 January 2026 is €25 for a fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer. The Ministry for the Economy specifies that the appliance must no longer be covered by a warranty or insurance policy, among other conditions; the fault must be eligible and the repair must be carried out by a certified repairer.
Yes. The DGCCRF states that the “one-for-one” take-back obligation requires the retailer to collect an equivalent used product free of charge when selling a new one. Ask for the take-back arrangements in writing before ordering, especially when buying online with delivery.
ADEME states that a replaced refrigeration appliance can be handed to the seller or delivery driver, or taken to a recycling centre that accepts electrical and electronic equipment. Confirm the seller’s procedure before your delivery slot.
No. ADEME recommends taking fridges and freezers only to appropriate collection points so that their fluids and components can receive specialist treatment.
Compare the A to G energy class, annual consumption in kWh, the capacity of the fresh and frozen compartments, and the noise emissions and their class. The European Commission states that the QR code on the label may provide access to the information declared for the relevant model in the EPREL database.