Households replacing their fridge
If your appliance runs continuously, compare its annual energy consumption with the capacity you actually need. ADEME recommends using the energy label when choosing a household appliance.
Who is this choice for?
Households that regularly store frozen food
The space you need for frozen food will help you decide between a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer. Compare the capacity of each compartment, rather than looking only at the total capacity.
Buyers with a small kitchen or restricted access
Measure the space, the delivery route and the clearance needed to open the doors. For ventilation, follow the instructions for your chosen model rather than using a clearance measurement intended for a different appliance.
What should you compare?
First, work out how much freezer space you need. Then compare the energy labels and dimensions of models suited to your requirements.
Single-door fridge
Worth considering: if you freeze very little or already have a freezer.
Bear in mind: without a suitable freezer compartment, you’ll need another way to store frozen food.
Fridge-freezer
Worth considering: if you regularly use frozen food and want to keep fresh and frozen items in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the available capacity is split between two compartments, so check that each one suits your needs.
Separate freezer
Worth considering: if you need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer can provide.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for a second appliance, as well as factoring in its annual energy consumption.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Check the energy efficiency class and kWh/year figure. Compare appliances of a similar size and capacity, as shown by the information on the label described by Gifam. | I want to take account of the electricity used throughout the year, rather than choosing on the basis of the class letter alone. |
| Capacity | Check the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately. Also look at the internal layout of the model. | Space for fresh food matters just as much as space for frozen food. A large total capacity doesn’t tell me how that space is divided. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the height, width and depth, access routes and door clearance. Check the instructions for ventilation requirements and compare the stated noise level. | In my kitchen, the appliance needs to be delivered, installed and used without obstructing the walkway or the doors. |
| Cooling system | Check which compartments have fan-assisted cooling or No Frost, and how food should be stored in them. Gifam recommends covering food exposed to fan-assisted cooling to help prevent it from drying out. | I want to keep frost-related maintenance to a minimum while ensuring the storage layout suits the food I keep. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based only on the energy efficiency class
A class letter on its own tells you neither the annual energy consumption nor the capacity. Gifam shows these details separately on fridge energy labels.
Compare the class, kWh/year and capacity in litres of models that meet similar storage needs.
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Ordering before measuring the space
The depth, door clearance or ventilation requirements could make installation difficult, even if the width seems suitable.
Measure your kitchen and the delivery route, then check the installation instructions for the model you’ve chosen. Bosch advises that its appliances should be installed in line with the instructions provided.
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Choosing a fridge-freezer without assessing your frozen food needs
A fridge-freezer splits its capacity between the fridge and freezer compartments. The space that suits one of your needs may be too small or unnecessarily large for the other.
Estimate your storage needs separately. Consider a single-door fridge if you already have enough freezer space, or a separate freezer if you need more.
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Assuming No Frost means food needs no special care
Fan-assisted cooling helps limit frost, but Gifam says food should be covered to prevent it from drying out.
Check which compartments are covered and how they’re laid out, then use suitable containers for delicate foods.
Brands to consider
Bosch
The range includes fridges and freezers in several formats, so you can compare models based on the capacity and configuration you need.
- Bosch says that spare parts made for its fridges and fridge-freezers are generally available for 15 years.
- Check which parts are covered, whether they’re available for the exact model and what the installation instructions say.
Liebherr
Some of the brand’s fridge-freezers feature BioFresh and NoFrost. Check these features for each model.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 L and a noise level of 34 dB for its CBNsdc 765i Prime.
- According to Liebherr, this model measures 185,5 × 74,7 × 67,5 cm. Check that you have enough space, and don’t assume the rest of the range has the same specifications.
Whirlpool
The brand offers, among other options, multi-door fridges with Total No Frost.
- Whirlpool describes Total No Frost as a feature designed to prevent frost from building up on applicable models.
- Before comparing this feature with another appliance, check the product details for each compartment’s capacity, kWh/year, noise level and dimensions.
Fridge-freezers available on Joybuy
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Compare their capacities and overall dimensions to suit your kitchen. To assess energy consumption, check the kWh/year figure for each model.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L, three doors
A fridge-freezer to consider if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The product title lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E class rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check how the capacity is divided, the kWh/year figure and the dimensions before comparing it with another model.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L, Low Frost, black
If kitchen width is a consideration, the product title lists a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm, with the capacity divided 70/30 between the compartments. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it: check the maintenance requirements and clearances in the instructions.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L, frost-free
Its listed total capacity of 444 L is worth comparing with the space you need for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a 40 dB noise level and an E class rating. Check the separate compartment capacities, dimensions and kWh/year figure to see if it’s right for your kitchen.
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Heinrich´s, 170 L fridge-freezer, black
The product title lists a capacity split of 120 L for the fridge and 50 L for the freezer. Check that this suits your storage needs. Before choosing, check the energy label, including the kWh/year figure and class, as well as the full dimensions.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L, silver
This fridge-freezer is listed as 54 cm wide, with its 227 L capacity split between 153 L of fridge space and 74 L of freezer space. The product title mentions Low Frost, a reversible door and an E class rating. Check the height, kWh/year figure and the clearance needed for the door and ventilation.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare two fridges beyond their energy efficiency class?
Compare models designed for similar uses and with similar capacities, checking their kWh/year figures, the capacity in litres of each compartment and their noise levels. As Gifam points out, these details appear alongside the class on the energy label. A letter on its own doesn’t tell you how much storage space you’re getting.
Does No Frost mean a fridge uses less energy?
No. This feature alone doesn’t mean an appliance uses less energy: compare the kWh/year figures for the specific models you’re interested in. Gifam says fan-assisted cooling prevents frost, but also recommends covering food to help prevent it from drying out.
What should I measure before my fridge is delivered?
Measure the available height, width and depth, the route into your kitchen and the space needed to open the doors. Then check the model’s instructions for ventilation requirements. The guidance Bosch provides for its appliances isn’t a universal set of measurements.
What temperature should I set my fridge to once it’s installed?
Anses recommends a storage temperature between 0 and +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. Check the temperature after installation and adjust the appliance settings as needed. Choosing the right model doesn’t replace this check.