First, choose the type of appliance and capacity you actually need, then compare the stated annual energy consumption of suitable models. A fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage; a fridge on its own or a separate freezer may be a better fit if your needs are very different. If you’ll have two appliances running, look at their combined energy consumption: ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that choosing a larger or more feature-packed model than you need can increase your bills.
If you want to reduce the energy used for refrigeration without giving up the space you need, compare the kWh/year, usable capacity and overall dimensions of the model you’re considering. ADEME notes that a larger size and more features than you need can increase energy consumption.
If you mainly store fresh food, or a lot of frozen food, check the capacity in litres of each compartment before choosing between a fridge, a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer.
Check the model number, condition and specifications of the actual appliance being sold. For a refurbished appliance, the DGCCRF says that the technical and cosmetic information must relate to that specific appliance, not simply to the equivalent new model.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need an integrated freezer.
The trade-off: if you also freeze food, you’ll need space for a separate freezer and should factor in the energy consumption of the appliance running it.
Worth considering: if you regularly use both fridge and freezer compartments in the same space.
The trade-off: capacity varies from model to model. A large total capacity doesn’t guarantee enough room in the compartment that matters most to you.
Worth considering: if you consistently need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer can provide, or need to keep frozen food elsewhere.
The trade-off: if you also have a fridge running, both appliances will run continuously. Compare their combined annual energy consumption.
| Factor | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the stated kWh/year and energy rating on the label for the exact model. Take account of the appliance type, its capacity and any other refrigeration appliances that will remain switched on. ADEME notes that a larger size and more features than you need can increase your bills. | I want enough space without running a larger or more feature-packed appliance than I need. |
| Capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Look at how the space is divided, not just the total capacity. | My fresh and frozen food shopping won’t necessarily take up the same amount of space. Which compartment is most likely to be too small? |
| Installation | Check the height, width, depth and door clearance. If the appliance will be placed somewhere where the temperature varies, check the permitted ambient temperature range for that model. | The appliance needs to fit in the space I have, and I need to be able to open its doors and access the compartments. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare the stated noise level in dB(A). Check the cooling system and whether the model needs defrosting. Don’t assume that a particular feature will reduce its energy consumption. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen. I also want to know whether manual defrosting will be necessary. |
| Second-hand | Ask for the model number and specifications of the actual appliance being sold, as well as its condition and the tests carried out if it has been refurbished. In France, according to economie.gouv.fr, the legal guarantee of conformity covers, among other things, second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. | Before buying a second-hand appliance, I want enough information about the exact one I’ll receive to assess its condition and energy consumption. |
An energy rating doesn’t tell you how much capacity you need or the model’s stated annual energy consumption. ADEME warns that a larger size and more features than you need can increase the bills for an appliance that runs continuously.
First work out which type and capacity you need, then compare both the energy rating and kWh/year for the models you’ve shortlisted.
Two fridge-freezers with a similar total capacity can divide the space differently between the fridge and freezer compartments.
Check the capacity of each compartment in litres, then check the appliance dimensions and door clearance.
Refurbishment relates to the appliance’s condition and the tests it has undergone; it doesn’t guarantee energy efficiency. The DGCCRF requires the information provided to describe the refurbished product itself.
Before comparing it with a new model, ask for the exact model number, available specifications, its assessed condition and details of the tests carried out.
The list of product categories covered, published by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition in July 2025, doesn’t include fridges or freezers. Their absence from the list isn’t an assessment of their repairability.
Instead, check the warranty terms, after-sales service and the information available about parts and documentation for the model.
The models named by their manufacturers offer specific points of comparison, but their features aren’t representative of every range from each brand.
Bosch France lists the KGN39VLEB fridge-freezer as having 279 l of fridge space, 89 l of freezer space, a noise level of 39 dB(A), an E energy rating and No Frost.
Liebherr France’s product information for the CNsfc 574i Plus NoFrost fridge-freezer lists a total capacity of 371 l, a noise level of 35 dB, EasyFresh and NoFrost.
Beko France lists the B5RCNE416HG fridge-freezer as having 297 l of fridge space, 118 l of freezer space, energy consumption of 213,53 kWh/year, a noise level of 35 dB(A) and a C energy rating.
Miele France describes the freestanding KFN 4375 CD fridge-freezer as featuring DailyFresh, NoFrost, DynaCool and DuplexCool.
These appliances combine fridge and freezer compartments. To decide whether a fridge-freezer is right for you, consider how much space you need for each type of food, where the appliance will go and the energy consumption stated for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a four-door fridge-freezer and have enough space to install it.
The product name lists a capacity of 467 l, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check how the space is divided between the compartments, the dimensions and the energy label for this model before you choose.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if a 344 l fridge-freezer suits your space and your needs for fresh and frozen food.
The product name lists an E energy rating. Before comparing it with other models, check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the kWh/year for the exact model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 333 l fridge-freezer and want to compare its energy consumption with appliances of a capacity that suits your household.
The product name lists a C energy rating, as well as NatureFRESH™, DoorCooling+™ and LinearCooling™ features. Check the capacity of each compartment and the energy label for the exact model; these features alone don’t tell you how much energy it uses.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if width is an important factor, but make sure the compartments suit your storage habits.
The product name lists a width of 54 cm, a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually, so check the care instructions for this model.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need a total capacity of 444 l, provided its compartment layout and overall dimensions suit your space.
The product name lists an E energy rating and a stated noise level of 40 dB. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the annual energy consumption for this model before deciding.
Start with the usable capacity of each compartment, then compare the stated kWh/year, noise level and dimensions of models that meet your needs. The energy label, regulated by the European Union, provides a useful guide, but annual energy consumption shouldn’t be considered without taking the appliance type and capacity into account.
The list of product categories covered, published in July 2025 by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, doesn’t include fridges or freezers. So don’t interpret the absence of an index as a poor score; check the availability of parts and documentation, as well as the after-sales service for the model you’re considering.
Anses recommends keeping the temperature between 0 °C and +4 °C at the coldest point and checking it regularly. This is worth doing whichever fridge-freezer you choose.
In France, according to economie.gouv.fr, the legal guarantee of conformity applies, among other things, to a refurbished appliance sold by a business to a consumer. Check the seller’s status and ask for information about the condition of the actual appliance and the tests carried out. Don’t confuse this legal guarantee with any commercial warranty the seller may offer.