First, choose fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits. Then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances that meet similar needs. A fridge, a model with a small freezer compartment and a fridge-freezer are designed for different requirements. Neither the format nor the energy rating alone can predict how much energy an appliance will use in your home.
If you’re replacing an appliance that runs continuously, compare its stated energy use without choosing a capacity or features you don’t need. ADEME highlights how size and unnecessary features can affect energy consumption.
How often you shop and how much room you need for frozen food will help you decide on the right capacity. Que Choisir Ensemble provides a guide to capacity per person. Use it as a reference alongside your own habits, rather than as a strict requirement.
Height, width, depth and installation type can help you choose between a fridge, a model with an integrated freezer compartment and a fridge-freezer. The dimensions published by Liebherr show why it’s worth checking the exact format of the model you’re considering.
First work out how much space you really need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the annual energy use and dimensions of models that meet those needs.
| What matters | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Check the A to G rating and kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model. Compare appliances with similar capacities and features. | If I’m replacing an appliance that runs continuously, I want to check its energy use without sacrificing the storage space I need. Around 27% of consumers prioritise kWh/year. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately. Que Choisir Ensemble suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then 50 L for each additional person. Adapt this guide to your shopping habits. | When my shopping varies and frozen food takes up space, I want a split between fridge and freezer capacity that suits me. Around 27% of consumers prioritise storage capacity. |
| Size and installation | Check the height, width, depth, door opening and ventilation clearances specified for the model. Where possible, keep the appliance away from heat sources. | If space is limited, I need to make sure the appliance and its installation will fit. This is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Maintenance and features | Check which compartments have No Frost and which features you’ll actually use. Read the conditions attached to any energy-saving claims. | I want to keep maintenance to a minimum without using more energy to run features I don’t need. Around 13% of consumers prioritise maintenance and features. |
| Second-hand appliances | Ask for the full model reference, check the condition and any available energy-use information, then find out whether the seller is a business or a private individual. | If I’m considering a second-hand appliance, I want to check its condition and energy use before comparing the purchase and running costs. Around 13% of consumers put checking a second-hand appliance first. |
The rating doesn’t tell you the kWh/year figure or whether there’s enough space for the food you need to store. Excess capacity or features you don’t use can also increase energy consumption.
First compare the fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits, then check the kWh/year figures for suitable appliances.
The total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is in each section. An integrated compartment may not provide enough freezer space for a household.
Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, and choose according to your storage habits.
Without the exact model reference or energy-use information, the purchase price alone won’t tell you how much it will cost to run. The EU labelling rules mentioned here don’t apply to second-hand products.
Ask for the model reference, check its condition and any available energy-use information, and find out what type of seller you’re buying from before comparing your options.
Samsung’s claims about the benefits of its AI Energy mode are subject to certain conditions. A manufacturer’s claim is no substitute for comparing the stated kWh/year figures. ADEME also warns that unnecessary features can increase energy use.
Check the conditions for using the feature, then compare the energy figures for the models you’re considering.
The Rdi 1620 and Rdi 1621 are examples of a compact fridge and a model with a freezer compartment respectively.
The KGN39AIAU and KGN39VLEB fridge-freezers show the range of energy ratings and capacity splits available within the product range.
The RB34C600CSA/EF fridge-freezer is an example of a 344 L appliance with a connected feature, which is worth considering if it suits the way you use your fridge.
These fridge-freezers let you compare capacities and the split between fridge and freezer space. Check the kWh/year figure, energy rating and dimensions of each model to see how well it meets your needs.
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Worth a look if you’re after a fridge-freezer with separate fridge and freezer compartments.
The product details list 135 kWh/year, 238 L for the fridge and 98 L for the freezer.
The listing mentions Total No Frost, reversible doors and a noise level of 35 dB.
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Consider this model if you’re looking for a 375 L fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and Total No Frost.
This model has a B energy rating.
The product details recommend leaving at least 50 mm at the sides and 100 mm at the back for ventilation.
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Worth a look if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food.
The product details list 223 kWh/year, 311 L for the fridge and 129 L for the freezer.
The listed dimensions are 70 × 203 × 66,7 cm. Check that you have enough room for it.
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Consider this model if you’d like to compare a fridge-freezer with several storage compartments.
The product details list 169 kWh/year, 183 L for the fridge, 113 L for the freezer and a 37 L compartment.
Total No Frost is listed. The product details recommend ventilation clearances of at least 5 cm at the back, above and at the sides.
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Worth a look if you’re after a large four-door model with a variable-temperature zone.
The product details list 293 kWh/year, 304 L for the fridge and a combined capacity of 179 L for the freezer and variable-temperature zone.
The detailed listing states that the door is not reversible.
For appliances that meet similar needs, compare the kWh/year figure, the A to G rating and the separate fridge and freezer capacities. The European Commission says the QR code on the label takes you to the model information in EPREL. The old scale with “+” ratings has not been used for the fridges concerned since 2021.
The page from the French Ministry responsible for the ecological transition, updated on 30 June 2025, describes the mandatory rollout of this index for televisions and washing machines, not fridges. When assessing a fridge, don’t confuse this rating with the energy label. Check the service and spare-parts information for the specific model instead.
Check the ventilation clearances specified for the model and, where possible, avoid placing the fridge near a heat source. Maintain the seals and rear grille according to the appliance instructions. Que Choisir Ensemble also highlights the importance of keeping it away from heat sources.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy and Finance, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when a private individual buys a second-hand item from a professional seller, and may be used for two years from the date it is supplied. It does not apply in the same way to a private sale, so check who the seller is before relying on this protection.
No. The DGCCRF says that when you buy a new product, the retailer must take back an equivalent used product free of charge under the “one for one” take-back scheme. Check the practical arrangements with the seller when arranging delivery.