When replacing a fridge, start by choosing a size and capacity that suit your household’s shopping habits and freezer needs. A fridge-freezer is a good choice if you regularly store frozen food; if you don’t, a single-door fridge with a suitable capacity may be enough. Then compare the energy rating and annual energy consumption of appliances with a similar capacity. ADEME points out that a larger appliance or one with more features than you need can increase your energy bill.
If you’re replacing an appliance that runs day and night, compare its energy consumption without looking at its energy rating in isolation from its size. ADEME points out that a larger appliance or one with more features than you need can increase your energy bill.
Think about whether you mainly need to keep fresh food chilled or regularly store frozen food. You’ll also need to consider how much space you have for the appliance.
Choose a capacity that suits the size of your household, how often you shop and your freezing habits. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person as a starting point. Adjust this guide to suit how you use your fridge.
First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the energy consumption of appliances that meet the same needs.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use in everyday use | Compare the energy ratings from A to G and the stated kWh/year for appliances of a similar size and capacity. | My fridge runs all the time, so I want to limit the electricity it uses without choosing a capacity I don’t need. Around 30% of consumers say energy consumption is their main concern. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then measure the space available. | If my shopping often fills the whole appliance, I need enough storage, but not so much that some of it goes unused. For around 30% of consumers, choosing a capacity that suits their household comes before other criteria. |
| Freezer space | Check the type and capacity of the freezer compartment, based on how often you store frozen food. | I regularly store frozen food, so a small compartment wouldn’t meet my needs. Having enough freezer space is a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Installation and food storage | Check the appliance’s dimensions, the clearances specified in the instructions and the stated noise level. You should also plan to check the temperature after installation. | In a kitchen where space is limited, I want an appliance that fits properly and lets me organise food without overfilling it. These installation and usage considerations are a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
The rating doesn’t tell you whether the capacity is right for your household. ADEME points out that a larger appliance or one with more features than you need can increase your energy bill.
Compare the stated kWh/year too, but only between models with similar capacity and freezer requirements.
A small freezer compartment can become restrictive if you regularly store frozen food.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately before choosing a single-door fridge or a fridge-freezer.
Choosing a fridge doesn’t replace setting it up correctly or arranging food so air can circulate. Anses recommends keeping the temperature at 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge.
After installation, follow the instructions, check the temperature in this area and store food that needs to be kept chilled there.
Your old fridge needs to be taken to an appropriate collection point for electrical and electronic equipment.
Before delivery, find out whether the retailer offers a take-back service or where you can drop off your old appliance nearby.
If home collection isn’t available, you’ll need to arrange transport for the old appliance.
These fridge-freezers and multi-door models are for households looking to combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Choose a capacity that suits how you use it, and check the model’s energy label to compare its annual consumption with appliances of a similar capacity.
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Worth considering if you need a large-capacity fridge-freezer with four doors. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, how the capacity is divided and the annual energy consumption in the model documentation before deciding.
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Worth a look if a 360 L fridge-freezer suits your refrigeration and freezing needs. The title mentions Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and annual energy consumption before buying.
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Consider this model if your needs justify a total capacity of 495 L. The title lists an E energy rating and a black finish. Check the exact door layout, dimensions and capacity of each compartment before choosing this model.
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Worth looking at if you want a 333 L fridge-freezer rather than a large multi-door model. The title lists a C energy rating and a white finish. Check the energy label and confirm the separate capacities of the fridge and freezer.
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Worth considering if a 444 L fridge-freezer suits your household. The title lists frost-free operation, a noise level of 40 dB and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, the capacity of each compartment and the annual energy consumption before comparing this model with others.
Compare the energy rating from A to G and the annual consumption in kWh for appliances of a similar size and capacity. The ministry responsible for the ecological transition sets out the A to G scale. ADEME also points out that size and features affect energy use in everyday use.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person, as an average guide. Adjust this according to how often you shop, whether you prepare meals in advance and how much space you need for frozen food. It isn’t a fixed capacity for every household.
No. Choose a fridge-freezer if you genuinely need a separate freezer compartment. Otherwise, consider single-door fridges with a suitable capacity, then compare the stated energy consumption of appliances that meet the same needs. ADEME points out that a larger appliance or one with more features than you need can increase your energy bill.
It mainly affects how you use the fridge after installation. Anses recommends keeping the temperature at 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge and avoiding overfilling it. Neither the energy rating nor the capacity means you can overlook these precautions.
Arrange for it to be collected or dropped off before your new appliance arrives. Electrical and electronic equipment in France must be taken to a dedicated collection point. Ask the retailer or your local authority which options are available for your appliance.