First, choose the fridge and freezer capacity your household needs, then compare the annual energy use in kWh of appliances with a similar type and capacity. The energy rating, noise level and features can help you decide. According to ADEME, choosing an appliance that is too large or has more features than you need can increase your energy bill, even if it offers extra capacity or convenience.
If your appliance runs continuously, check the annual energy use listed for a potential replacement rather than relying on general promises of savings. ADEME reminds us that refrigeration appliances run all the time.
Before choosing between a fridge, a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer, work out how many litres you need for fresh and frozen food. The European Commission says these capacities are among the details shown on the energy label.
If manual defrosting or connected monitoring is an important factor in your decision, check which features the model you choose offers and what’s needed to use them. Whirlpool describes No Frost as a way to help prevent frost build-up; Samsung notes that some connected features require Wi-Fi and an account.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need much freezer space.
Limitation: check how much space is available for frozen food before ruling out a fridge-freezer.
Worth considering: if you regularly need to store both fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Limitation: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how many litres are available in each compartment.
Worth considering: if you regularly need more frozen food storage than a suitable fridge-freezer can offer.
Limitation: when used alongside a fridge, it becomes a second appliance that runs continuously.
Whatever you choose, compare capacities that suit the way you use your appliance. The energy label described by the European Commission includes the annual energy use, capacities and noise level. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell the whole story, so check these details too.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare kWh/year and the A to G rating across appliances of a similar type and capacity. | If my priority is keeping the electricity use of an appliance that’s always switched on under control, I want to compare capacities that meet the same needs. Around 42% of consumers would put the stated energy use first. |
| Capacity and appliance type | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then measure the space available. | If I mainly store fresh food or mostly frozen food, I don’t want to run an appliance with capacity I barely use. Around 33% of consumers would make this the priority. |
| Convenience and maintenance | Check which compartment has No Frost, the stated noise level and what’s required to use connected features. | In an open-plan kitchen, or if I want to avoid manual defrosting, everyday convenience may matter more to me than other criteria. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this. |
Two appliances with different capacities or different proportions of fridge and freezer space may not suit the same needs. The European Commission also lists kWh/year and capacities on the energy label.
First decide which type of appliance and capacity you need, then compare kWh/year across similar models.
ADEME points out that choosing an appliance that is too large or has too many features can increase the energy bill.
Work out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store before opting for a larger model or extra features.
An appliance that suits your needs must also be able to reach its intended spot and be installed in line with the instructions.
Measure the space and delivery access. Also check that the door can open fully and that you can leave the clearances specified by the manufacturer.
Whirlpool describes No Frost as a feature that helps manage frost. Samsung says that the results of its AI Energy mode can vary depending on conditions and how the appliance is used.
Choose these features for the convenience they offer, then compare the exact model’s kWh/year and check whether any digital features have requirements.
A brand to explore when comparing energy label details, capacities, noise levels and features across its refrigeration models.
Worth a look if you’re searching for as much usable capacity as possible within a particular size.
Worth a look if frost management and maintenance are important to you.
Worth a look if you’d like to monitor energy use with a connected feature.
These three fridge-freezers combine fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Their stated capacities vary, so first choose the size that suits you, then check each model’s energy label to compare kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 360 L fridge-freezer. The model name indicates Total No Frost, an E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year on its energy label.
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Worth considering if a 282 L fridge-freezer meets your storage needs. The model name indicates a bottom freezer and an E rating. Compare the capacities of both compartments and the kWh/year on the energy label.
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Worth considering if you need a total capacity of 444 L. The model name mentions a frost-free design, 40 dB and an E rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the kWh/year before choosing.
Compare annual energy use in kWh and compartment capacities across appliances that meet the same needs. The European Commission also lists the A to G rating and noise level on the label. You can scan its QR code to find the model’s details in EPREL.
Yes, for appliances covered by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016. The DGCCRF says this has applied to domestic fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers, among other appliances, since 1 March 2021. It covers mains-powered appliances with a capacity greater than 10 L and less than or equal to 1,500 L. Check that the appliance you’re considering falls within this scope.
No. The presence of No Frost isn’t enough to conclude that a model will use less energy. Whirlpool describes it as a feature that helps prevent frost and manual defrosting. When comparing two appliances, check their kWh/year and respective capacities.
Measure the space and delivery route, then follow the clearance and ventilation instructions in the manual. UFC-Que Choisir also recommends keeping refrigeration appliances away from heat sources. Installation and how you use the appliance matter, as well as the energy use shown on the label.