Start by choosing the format that suits your storage habits, then compare the kWh/year of appliances with similar fridge and freezer capacities: the A–G rating alone is not enough. A fridge freezer is ideal when both compartments are used regularly; a separate appliance only makes sense if you have a genuine, long-term need for additional freezer space.
Compare the kWh/year of appliances with similar capacities and compartments, without mechanically converting the old A+, A++ or A+++ ratings to the new scale. The European Commission states that the current label runs from A to G and also shows annual consumption and capacities.
If you mainly store fresh food and only a small amount of frozen food, a single-door fridge or a compact fridge freezer may be enough. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, followed by around 50 litres for each additional person.
For bulk shopping, frozen meals or larger stocks, choose freezer capacity based on how you actually use it. Then check the kWh/year and, where possible, test results covering temperature retention in warm conditions or during a power cut.
Start by working out the useful split between fresh and frozen food, then compare the label data for similar formats and capacities.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable consumption | Compare the kWh/year, the litres in each compartment and the A–G rating between appliances of a similar format. | I want to estimate the relative consumption of appliances that provide the same service, without comparing capacities that are not like-for-like. |
| Capacity and format | Check the usable litres for fresh and frozen food separately. Match the capacity to the number of occupants and how often you shop. | My appliance should match my usual supplies, without adding a large freezer compartment that I would rarely use. |
| Temperature retention | Where independent tests are available, check temperature stability, consumption under real-use conditions and storage time during a power cut. | I want the appliance to remain suitable when the door is opened frequently, after a big shop and in a warm kitchen. |
| Useful features | Assess door alarms, holiday mode, dedicated compartments and connected features separately. Keep kWh/year and capacities as your main criteria. | A feature should meet a specific everyday need, rather than simply make the product page look more appealing. |
The A–G rating does not replace comparing kWh/year or fresh and frozen capacities. Since the label was revised in 2021, the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings cannot be transferred directly.
Create a shortlist of appliances with the same format and similar usable capacities, then compare kWh/year, litres per compartment, noise and EPREL data.
Fridge and freezer requirements should be considered separately. A simple freezer compartment will not meet the needs of someone who regularly stores frozen food, but unused capacity will not save you money.
For one or two weeks, note your shopping habits, frozen meals and fresh produce before deciding how many litres you need in each area.
Excess capacity or an additional appliance also runs continuously.
A door alarm or holiday mode can be useful, but it does not prove that an appliance uses less energy. Smart features do not replace consumption and capacity data.
Choose a feature only if you can link it to your daily routine, then compare the kWh/year and capacities of like-for-like models.
A fridge or freezer must be taken to a suitable collection scheme. Collection, access to your home and commissioning arrangements can also affect how you organise the replacement.
Before ordering, ask about collection of the old appliance, installation and commissioning, without assuming that these services are included.
Installation and extended warranties may be offered separately, depending on the seller and model.
In France, Bosch offers several domestic refrigeration formats, including fridge freezers, single-door appliances, freezers, multi-door models and American-style side-by-side models. The brand can be considered once you have defined the format you need.
Beko is worth considering if you are looking for domestic refrigeration presented with the current European energy label.
Whirlpool may suit shoppers looking for a fridge freezer with features such as Dual No Frost or holiday mode, depending on the model.
Joybuy options including fridge freezers and multi-door models, allowing you to compare fresh and frozen capacities as well as stated annual consumption.
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For a household using both the fridge and freezer areas every day, with a stated 183 L fridge compartment, 113 L freezer compartment and 37 L fresh-food zone.
Stated consumption: 169 kWh/year; stated noise level: 34 dB. Check that the capacity split suits your habits and consult independent tests if your kitchen is often warm.
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Suitable for a household that needs two full-size compartments, with a stated 230 L fridge compartment and 114 L freezer compartment.
Stated consumption: 254 kWh/year; stated noise level: 35 dB. Consider the E rating alongside the capacities and kWh/year, then check the clearance required for installation.
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A compact option for moderate frozen-food needs, with a stated 187 L fridge compartment and 75 L freezer compartment.
Stated consumption: 215 kWh/year. The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting of the freezer; the stated ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C.
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Designed for greater storage needs, with a stated 311 L fridge compartment and 156 L freezer compartment.
Stated consumption: 290 kWh/year. Its stated width of 83,3 cm and non-reversible doors require careful checks before choosing a location.
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Only consider this if you genuinely need substantial capacity, with a stated 330 L fridge compartment and 165 L freezer compartment.
Stated consumption: 301 kWh/year; stated noise level: 40 dB. The water and ice dispenser is a convenience feature, and the water connection requirements should be confirmed before purchase.
No. The label also shows annual consumption in kWh, the capacities of the fresh and frozen compartments, and the noise level. Compare these details between appliances with the same format and similar capacities; the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings cannot be converted directly to the current A–G scale.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres for one person, followed by around 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to your shopping habits, available space and the amount of frozen food you actually store.
No. It provides additional freezer capacity, but it also adds another appliance that runs continuously. Choose one if your long-term frozen-storage needs exceed those of a fridge freezer, then compare its annual kWh consumption with alternatives of a similar capacity.
According to the French Ministry for Ecological Transition, the “1-for-1” take-back scheme for household appliances applies with no minimum shop-floor area when buying equipment of the same type. The “1-for-0” scheme, without a purchase, applies to retail shops with at least 400 m² of sales area dedicated to this category. A collection point or recycling centre is another option.
Consult the model documentation and independent test results where available. Que Choisir’s testing protocol examines factors including temperature stability at 35 °C, door openings, the addition of food and the associated energy consumption.