First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances that meet those needs. A fridge-freezer combines both functions; a fridge on its own is suitable if you don’t freeze food, while a separate freezer gives you more storage capacity but means another appliance and additional energy use. Energy label figures are specific to each model and don’t guarantee how much energy it will use in your home.
You want to compare the kWh/year figure for a new appliance with that of your current one, without treating a national average as a personal saving. ADEME publishes consumption benchmarks by category, while the DGCCRF explains how to read the energy label.
You’ll need to assess freezer capacity and fridge capacity separately before choosing between a fridge-freezer and two appliances. Information from the European Commission and Whirlpool shows why it’s important to check the freezing capacity of the model you’re considering.
You’re looking for an appliance that fits the available space while offering a freezer compartment that suits your needs. Electrolux’s information on fridges with freezer compartments can help you identify the dimensions and capacities to check.
Choose this if: you store fresh food and don’t need to freeze anything.
Bear in mind: if you add a freezer, factor in its energy use and the space it takes up.
Choose this if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food, and the capacity of both compartments suits you.
Check: the total capacity alone doesn’t tell you how much space is allocated to each compartment.
Choose this if: space is limited and you don’t need much freezer capacity.
Check: the compartment capacity and, for an integrated model, the dimensions of the housing unit.
Choose this if: you need more freezer space than an integrated compartment can provide, or need to place the appliances separately.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for both appliances and should add their annual energy consumption figures together.
For a new fridge sold in France, whether online or in store, the DGCCRF says the energy label must be displayed. Compare the kWh/year figures and usable capacities of models that suit your needs.
| Consideration | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances that suit your needs; if you’re buying two, add their figures together. The cost also depends on your price per kWh. | When replacing an appliance, I want to compare its stated consumption with that of the model I’m considering, without mistaking these figures for a guaranteed bill. Around 33% of consumers put electricity use first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then compare them with the amounts of food you usually store. | If I regularly keep fresh and frozen food, I want each compartment to hold the quantities I need. Around 27% of consumers put this balance first. |
| Space and installation | Measure the space and access route; check the height, width, depth and installation instructions. For an integrated model, check the housing unit too. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I want to know whether the appliance will fit where I plan to install it. Available space is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Freezing capacity | Check the freezer capacity, the manufacturer’s specifications and the star rating of the compartment for the exact model. | If I stock up on frozen food, I want to make sure a small compartment won’t limit how much I can store. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
Consumption benchmarks published by ADEME, including those updated in May 2026, describe categories; they don’t show how much your old appliance or your next purchase will use.
Compare the known annual consumption of your current appliance with the figure stated for the model you’re considering. To estimate the cost, also take your electricity tariff and usage into account.
A separate freezer doesn’t keep fresh food cool, so its kWh/year figure doesn’t represent the same level of service as a fridge-freezer’s.
If you’re considering two appliances, add their stated consumption figures together and compare the fresh and frozen food capacities they provide.
Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide the space differently between the fridge and freezer. For example, the Electrolux LFB3AE88S model lists a total capacity of 124 L and consumption of 143 kWh/year in its French specifications.
For the exact model, check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres, the dimensions and the kWh/year figure. For an integrated model, check the housing unit too.
The RSSE265K40WN is an example of a single-door fridge without a freezer, designed for storing fresh food.
The KGN362WDF is an example of a freestanding fridge-freezer.
The LFB3AE88S is an example of an integrated fridge with a four-star freezer compartment.
The WHFF 6403 W4E is an example of a separate upright freezer for storing frozen food.
The Rd 5220 Plus is an example of a large-capacity single-door fridge for fresh food.
The models featured here are fridge-freezers, with a range of capacities and different balances between fresh and frozen food storage.
Image unavailable
This fridge-freezer lets you assess the capacity available for fresh and frozen food separately.
Total capacity: 310 L; fridge: 211 L; freezer: 99 L. Width: 60 cm. Energy rating E. Inverter compressor, reversible door and electronic temperature control are listed in the product name.
Image unavailable
This model is useful for comparing fresh and frozen food capacities when you need one appliance to meet both needs.
Total capacity: 355 L; fridge: 252 L; freezer: 103 L. Width: 60 cm. Energy rating E. Inverter compressor, reversible door and electronic temperature control are listed in the product name.
Image unavailable
The split between fridge and freezer space lets you assess a more compact fridge-freezer format.
Total capacity: 174 L; fridge: 115 L; freezer: 59 L. Height: 150 cm. Four-star freezer, Low Frost technology and reversible door are listed in the product name.
Image unavailable
This fridge-freezer offers a total capacity to compare with the space available and your storage needs.
Total capacity: 495 L. Black. Energy rating E.
Image unavailable
The separately listed capacities make it easy to check whether the balance suits the amount of fresh and frozen food you plan to store.
Total capacity: 525 L; fridge: 333 L; freezer: 192 L. No Frost technology is listed in the product name.
No. Compare the kWh/year figures for models with formats and capacities that suit your needs; if you use two appliances, add their figures together. The estimated cost also depends on your price per kWh, and actual consumption can vary depending on installation and usage.
Anses recommends monitoring your fridge temperature, keeping the coldest area at 4 °C, and avoiding overfilling it so that air can circulate. For home freezing, it recommends −18 °C; freezing doesn’t eliminate most micro-organisms.
Ask about taking back your old appliance when you buy: the French Ministry for Ecological Transition distinguishes, among other options, the « one-for-one » take-back of a product of the same type. If you buy from a professional seller, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies under its terms. Check delivery and installation services separately, along with any commercial guarantees.
Yes. The DGCCRF says the label must be displayed for new fridges sold both in shops and online. This requirement doesn’t apply to second-hand products.