Start by choosing a capacity that suits your shopping habits and a format that fits your kitchen, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and features. Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with the stated noise level and repair options. For a refurbished model, distinguish the model’s specifications from the condition and warranty of the individual appliance for sale.
You buy only a few groceries at a time and want an appliance that fits into your kitchen without sacrificing useful storage. How often you shop matters just as much as the size of your household. Que Choisir Ensemble explores this distinction in its guide to choosing a fridge.
You stock up for several days and need to divide storage between fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir Ensemble’s guide recommends taking how often you shop into account.
You want to look at energy use, repair options, warranties and well-documented second-hand offers. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously; when buying refurbished, the details of the offer and the individual appliance matter too.
When choosing a fridge for everyday use in France, start with your shopping habits and the space available, then compare the annual energy consumption figures shown. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously, while the European Commission explains the consumption and capacity information on the energy label.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Choose a capacity that suits how much you stock up and how often you shop. | If you shop little and often, you could prioritise fresh-food capacity without giving up space for frozen food you don’t need. Around 31% of consumers are estimated to prioritise storage that suits their shopping habits. |
| Size and installation | Check the height, width, depth and door opening. For a built-in appliance, also check the housing, ventilation and door fixing against the installation guide. | If space is limited or you already have a housing, check that the appliance will fit and the door can open in your kitchen. Around 25% of consumers are estimated to prioritise compatibility with their available space. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures on the labels of appliances with similar capacities and features. Don’t confuse an old energy rating with the current scale. | If you want to limit the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously, you could prioritise kWh/year over extra capacity. Around 25% of consumers are estimated to prioritise electricity costs. |
| Maintenance and lifespan | Check the defrosting requirements, stated noise level, repair options and warranty terms. For a refurbished appliance, distinguish the model’s specifications from the condition of the individual appliance. | If you want to reduce maintenance or are considering a refurbished appliance, take a close look at its stated condition and the seller’s cover. Around 19% of consumers are estimated to prioritise maintenance and lifespan. |
Total capacity may include a large freezer compartment. Compare the litres available for fresh and frozen food separately, then choose storage that suits your shopping habits.
An oversized appliance can take up space and use more energy without meeting a genuine need. ADEME points out that a larger size and extra features can increase the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
The letters on an old label don’t translate directly to the current scale. Check the date and scale associated with the rating. Compare kWh/year and capacities carefully, without trying to convert the ratings yourself.
A commercial warranty is separate from the legal guarantee of conformity. Read the cover, exclusions and repair arrangements before taking out an extended warranty; it may partly duplicate rights you already have.
Delivery and installation services can vary. Check what’s included and the repair arrangements rather than comparing only the price shown.
Delivery to the building entrance, carrying the appliance to your home and positioning it may be separate services.
The documented examples cover a table-top model and a refurbished fridge-freezer; they don’t represent the entire range.
The KGN33NLEB is a documented example of a freestanding fridge-freezer.
The BCSA285K4SN is an example of a built-in appliance with sliding hinges, for a compatible fitted kitchen.
These models offer fresh and frozen food storage, with freestanding and built-in options. Check the capacities and your kitchen layout against the details for each model.
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For storing fresh and frozen food in a built-in appliance, the compartments are listed as 186 L and 62 L.
TwinTech Total No Frost and separate temperature controls are listed. Installation with sliding doors requires a compatible housing and kitchen furniture.
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For separating a large amount of fresh and frozen food, this model lists 311 L of fridge space and 156 L of freezer space.
Total No Frost is listed, along with energy consumption of 290 kWh/year and a noise level of 35 dB(A). Its stated dimensions are 83,3 × 65 × 181,5 cm.
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For everyday storage in a freestanding appliance, the product description divides the 174 L between 115 L of fridge space and 59 L of freezer space.
The model is listed as Low Frost, with an adjustable thermostat, LED lighting and a reversible door.
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For a kitchen with limited width, the product description lists a width of 54 cm and separate capacities of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer.
The model is listed as Low Frost, with a 4-star freezer rating, a reversible door and a stated noise level of 39 dB. It is shown as energy rating E.
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For prioritising fresh-food storage while keeping a small frozen-food compartment, the product description lists 163 L of fridge space and 16 L of freezer space.
Stated energy consumption is 148 kWh/year. The fridge defrosts automatically; the freezer needs to be defrosted manually. The stated dimensions are 54 × 122,1 × 54,5 cm.
Compare the A–G scale, kWh/year and the capacities of the fresh and frozen compartments; the label also shows the noise level and its class. The European Commission explains that the QR code links to further information in EPREL. Compare the exact model and capacities that suit your needs.
Check the model number, door-fixing type and installation guide against your kitchen furniture. The Beko BCSA285K4SN has sliding hinges; the external dimensions alone don’t prove that it will fit your housing.
According to Service Public Entreprendre, an appliance can be classed as refurbished only after tests of all its functions and, where necessary, work to restore them. The DGCCRF explains that the technical and cosmetic details must relate to the refurbished product, not just the new model.
For purchases from a business, the legal guarantee of conformity also applies to second-hand and refurbished goods, according to Service Public. For second-hand goods, a fault is presumed to have existed at the time of purchase for one year, compared with two years for new goods. This guarantee does not apply to private sales.
Fridges are not included in the list of product categories subject to this index, published by the Ministry of the Economy on 18 August 2026. To compare repair options, check the documentation, availability of spare parts and arrangements offered by the seller instead.