First, choose a fresh-food capacity and freezer space that suit your shopping habits. Then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of the same type and similar capacity, rather than looking at their energy rating alone. ADEME points out that fridges run continuously and that choosing an oversized appliance can push up your bills. The annual cost calculated from the energy label and your electricity tariff is only an estimate.
If you’re replacing a fridge, compare the annual energy use of the model you’re considering with its usable capacity. To estimate its electricity cost, use the kWh/year figure on its energy label and the kWh tariff on your plan. ADEME highlights the importance of size for an appliance that runs continuously.
If you don’t keep many frozen foods, start by looking at the fridge capacity and the space available in your kitchen. The label described by the European Commission lists the capacity of each compartment separately, so the total capacity alone won’t tell you how much room you’ll have for fresh food.
If you often store frozen food or home-cooked meals, check the freezer capacity separately from the fridge capacity. When choosing between a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer, also consider the annual energy use of each appliance, as both will run continuously.
First, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the energy use of appliances that meet the same needs.
Worth considering: if your shopping mainly calls for fresh-food storage, with little or no freezer space.
Keep in mind: if you need to store frozen food, check whether there’s a freezer compartment and how much space it offers.
Worth considering: if you need separate fridge and freezer compartments in one appliance.
Keep in mind: the split between compartments should suit your shopping habits, not just the total capacity.
Worth considering: if you regularly need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer can provide.
Keep in mind: this extra appliance takes up space and also runs continuously, as ADEME points out.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model and compare appliances of a similar type and capacity. Use your kWh tariff to estimate running costs. | If I’m replacing an appliance that runs day and night, I want to understand its electricity costs without choosing more capacity than I need. Around 42% of consumers would put keeping energy use under control at the top of their list. |
| Fresh-food capacity and overall size | Compare the fridge compartment’s capacity in litres with your usual shopping, then check the dimensions and make sure the doors can open where you plan to put it. | When my kitchen is short on space, I want enough room for fresh food without cluttering up the room. Fresh-food capacity and overall size would be the main priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer compartment’s capacity in litres. If you’re planning to have two appliances, take the kWh/year figure for each into account. | If I regularly store frozen food or home-cooked meals, I need freezer space I can actually use. This would be the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The rating letter doesn’t replace the annual energy use figure or the capacity of each compartment. According to the European Commission, this information is shown on the label and helps you assess what each appliance offers.
First compare the appliance type and fridge and freezer capacities, then look at kWh/year, noise levels and dimensions.
ADEME says that the size of an appliance and extra features can increase the running costs of a fridge that’s used continuously.
Think about how much food you usually store and how often you freeze food before choosing a capacity or an extra feature.
The energy use shown on the label is based on regulatory reference conditions set out in European Regulation 2019/2016. Your own usage and electricity tariff affect your actual costs.
To compare models, multiply their kWh/year figures by the same tariff per kWh, including VAT. Note the date of the tariff and make clear that the result is an estimate.
A built-in model must fit the dimensions of its housing. When replacing an old appliance, you’ll also need to consider access to the kitchen and arrangements for taking away the old one.
Before ordering, check the instructions for the exact model, its dimensions, the required clearances, delivery access and the advertised take-back arrangements.
Bosch offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers in France. Decide which type of installation you need before comparing capacities.
Whirlpool offers both built-in and freestanding fridge-freezers. Check how the fridge and freezer space is divided for each model.
Electrolux offers built-in and freestanding fridge-freezers to suit different kitchen requirements.
These appliances illustrate a range of storage needs: fridge-freezers, a large four-door model and upright fridges. Compare their capacity and energy labels against your needs, and bear in mind that different formats aren’t directly like for like.
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Worth considering if you want fresh-food storage and freezer space in one appliance. The stated total capacity is 333 L. Check how the space is divided between compartments, the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model and the clearances specified in its instructions.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of storage in one appliance. This four-door model is listed as having Total No Frost. Make sure its 467 L capacity suits the amount of food you store and that it will fit in your kitchen.
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Worth considering if you need less storage, provided the freezer compartment is large enough for your needs. Before buying, check the installation type and required clearances in the instructions for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for separate fridge and freezer space in one appliance. Check that the way the 344 L is divided suits your shopping, then check the kWh/year figure on the label and the dimensions before choosing where to put it.
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Worth considering if your priority is a small amount of fresh-food storage. If you also need to freeze food, check that this model meets your needs. Also check its dimensions and the clearances required for installation.
Multiply the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model by the price per kWh, including VAT, on your electricity plan. This is only an estimate: the energy use shown is based on the reference conditions set by European regulations, not the conditions in your kitchen.
No. According to the European Commission, the label also gives the annual energy use, compartment capacities and noise level. Compare these figures for appliances of a similar type and capacity to make sure they suit the storage space you actually need.
Check the temperature inside the appliance rather than relying only on the control setting. Anses points out that keeping food safely depends on maintaining an even temperature too. Check the instructions for advice on temperature settings and how to arrange food.
Yes. For a new fridge covered by energy labelling rules in France, the Ministry of the Economy confirms that the requirement also applies to online sales. Check the label for the exact model to find its kWh/year figure and the capacities of its compartments.