Start by working out how much space you need for fresh food and how much room to set aside for frozen food. A fridge-freezer suits regular freezer use, while a fridge without a large freezer compartment may be enough if you rarely or never use one. Then compare the kWh/year figures for models with a similar capacity and format. ADEME points out that an appliance that is too large or has more features than you need can increase your electricity bill.
If you want the same usable capacity without keeping space you don’t need, work out how many litres you need and compare the kWh/year figures for the models you’re considering. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously and that its size can affect your electricity bill.
How much room you need for frozen food will help determine which format to consider. Que Choisir notes that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you eat a lot of frozen food.
To compare a used appliance with a new model, check its model number, working condition and stated energy consumption. Also check whether the seller is a business: in France, this affects how the legal guarantee of conformity applies.
Work out how much storage you need, then compare the stated energy consumption of appliances that suit the way you’ll use them.
| Feature | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the litres available for fresh food and in the freezer, not just the total capacity. Que Choisir gives an average guide of 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. | My usual groceries should fit without me choosing a capacity that will go unused over time. |
| Freezing | Check whether the appliance has no freezer compartment, a small freezer compartment or a separate freezer. Que Choisir notes that a small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly eat frozen food. | I regularly store frozen food, so I need to check the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer. For the occasional item, a small compartment may be enough. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures and energy ratings of models with a similar format and capacity. The European Commission’s EPREL register lets you check the stated capacity and energy consumption of registered appliances. | I want to know the stated energy consumption for the capacity I need, rather than choosing based on the label’s letter alone. |
| Installation and use | Measure the space and check the ventilation clearances specified for the model. Consider the room temperature, settings and maintenance too: Que Choisir distinguishes these conditions of use from the consumption shown on the label. | My fridge needs to fit in the space available and have enough ventilation to work properly there. |
| Second-hand or refurbished | Check the exact model number, working condition, energy consumption data and seller’s status. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer, but not to sales between private individuals. | If I’m considering a used appliance, I want to be able to compare its capacity and energy consumption, and know who I’m buying it from. |
Unused capacity or features your household doesn’t need can add to the energy consumption of an appliance that runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
List your needs for fresh food, frozen food and features separately, then compare the kWh/year figures of models that meet them.
Different formats don’t do the same job. ADEME gives average annual energy consumption figures of 180 kWh for a fridge and 315 kWh for a fridge-freezer. These category averages don’t compare appliances with the same capacity and can’t predict the consumption of a specific model.
Look at the kWh/year figures alongside usable capacity and the split between fridge and freezer space. Focus on appliances that offer a comparable amount of storage.
Settings, ventilation and ice build-up all affect energy consumption in use. According to Que Choisir, a layer of ice more than 3 mm thick can increase energy consumption by 30%.
Leave the clearances specified for your model, set the fridge between 4 °C and 5 °C, and defrost it if required.
In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity covers second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer; it doesn’t apply to goods sold by a private individual.
Check the seller’s status, as well as the appliance’s model number and condition, before comparing offers.
These brand examples highlight features to check on each model; they don’t describe every product in each range.
Some Bosch fridge-freezers offer different food-preservation and temperature-control features, depending on the model.
Liebherr describes BioFresh as a system of compartments kept at close to 0 °C on some appliances.
French product information for some Whirlpool models makes it easy to compare capacity with stated energy consumption.
In some ranges, Beko describes AeroFlow as a temperature-distribution system and HarvestFresh as lighting for the fruit and vegetable compartment.
These models are fridge-freezers for households looking to store fresh and frozen food in the same appliance. Before choosing, compare their capacity with your actual needs for each compartment and check the energy label for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you want both fridge and freezer storage in one appliance. The product title lists a 333 L capacity and No Frost. Check how the capacity is split between compartments, the energy label and the space needed for installation.
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The built-in format is suited to a fitted kitchen, as long as you check the housing dimensions and door fixing. The product title lists a 252 L capacity and No Frost. Also check the capacity of each compartment and the energy label.
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This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you need space for both fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a 333 L capacity and mentions NatureFRESH™, DoorCooling+™ and LinearCooling™. Check the usable capacity, installation clearances and energy label rather than assuming these features mean lower energy consumption.
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The 344 L capacity listed in the product title gives you an initial idea of the storage available, but doesn’t show how much space each compartment has. Check the split, the kWh/year figure on the energy label and the ventilation space required.
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The three-door format and 360 L capacity listed in the product title are worth comparing with your storage needs. No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone are also mentioned. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and installation clearances before deciding whether these features are right for you.
Compare the kWh/year figures and usable compartment capacities for appliances with a similar format and capacity. The European Commission’s EPREL register also lets you check these stated figures for registered models.
No. It helps you compare models, but energy consumption at home also depends on how you use the appliance. Que Choisir’s testing protocol takes account of factors such as door openings, adding food and warm periods. Also check the appliance’s settings and ventilation at home.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals, so check the seller’s status before buying.
Que Choisir recommends setting the fridge between 4 °C and 5 °C, allowing enough air to circulate around the appliance and defrosting it if needed. For clearance requirements, also follow the instructions for the model you’ve installed.