Don’t replace a fridge or freezer that still works just because you think it uses too much energy. First, compare its capacity and how you use it with the appliances you’re considering, then check the kWh/year figures on their energy labels: the rating alone doesn’t tell you enough. An unnecessarily large capacity can push up energy use, while your household’s electricity data on its own can’t tell you how much you’d save by replacing the appliance.
Your old appliance still works, and you want to separate its energy use from that of your whole household. According to ADEME, refrigeration appliances run continuously; however, Enedis says that Linky doesn’t break down energy use by appliance.
You’re deciding between a fridge, a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer. Think about how much space you actually need for fresh and frozen food: the total capacity doesn’t tell you how it’s divided between compartments.
You need to fit an integrated appliance into an existing housing unit or stay within a particular width. The installation type and dimensions can rule out a model before you even compare its energy use.
When deciding whether to replace an appliance, start with how you use the one you have: choosing the same type doesn’t mean you need the same capacity. The options below suit different storage needs.
Worth considering if: it works properly and you haven’t yet established how much energy it uses on its own.
Drawback: you’ll continue to use the same amount of energy; according to Enedis, household Linky data can’t isolate an individual appliance’s consumption.
Worth considering if: you mainly store fresh food and already have enough space for frozen food.
Drawback: a smaller capacity might not suit you if your shopping habits change.
Worth considering if: you need fresh and frozen food compartments in one appliance.
Drawback: the split between compartments should suit how you use them; choosing a larger model than you need won’t necessarily reduce energy use.
Worth considering if: a separate appliance suits your regular frozen food storage needs; if you rarely use that space, it’s worth considering a smaller capacity.
Drawback: reducing the available capacity leaves less room for bulk shopping.
| Consideration | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether replacement is worthwhile | Don’t confuse your household’s energy use with that of your old appliance. For a new one, compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with the same function and similar capacity. | Your appliance still works, and you want to know whether replacing it would genuinely reduce your electricity use. Around 36% of consumers put this question first. |
| Capacity and installation | Check the fresh and frozen food capacities separately, then check the dimensions and installation type. | A narrow housing unit or less frequent shopping trips can change how much space you need. For around 29% of consumers, getting the capacity and installation right is the priority. |
| Space for frozen food | Compare the freezer capacity you need with that of a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer. | If you regularly freeze food, you’ll need to decide whether a compartment is enough or if you need a separate appliance. This is the priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the noise level in dB(A) and the defrosting system on the specific model. | Noise matters more when the appliance is near a living area; having to defrost it can also affect your choice. Around 14% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
ADEME points out that the energy rating scale has changed. An old A+++ rating isn’t directly comparable with a current one, and the letter alone doesn’t tell you the kWh/year or capacity either.
Compare models with the same function, checking their annual energy use, capacity in each compartment and dimensions.
According to ADEME, a larger size and unnecessary extra features can increase energy use. A large amount of storage is only useful if it suits your shopping habits and the amount of food you freeze.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately before comparing the labels of models with similar capacities.
Enedis says that Linky records your household’s overall energy use, without a breakdown by appliance. A change in the total therefore doesn’t, on its own, measure the energy use of your fridge or freezer.
Use your household data as context, but don’t use it to calculate the energy savings you’d make by replacing a particular appliance.
Delivery, disconnection, installation and collection are separate services. How they’re arranged can affect whether the appliance can be replaced on the planned day.
Before ordering, check which services you’ve selected, the collection arrangements and any access restrictions at your home.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers in a range of sizes.
Liebherr offers fridge-freezers in a range of capacities, from compact models to larger ones.
The range includes integrated fridge-freezers to consider if your new appliance needs to fit an existing housing unit.
Beko also offers integrated fridge-freezers for kitchens where the available width is a key consideration.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, with different capacities and installation types. First choose the capacity and location that work for you, then check the energy label for the exact model. This selection can’t tell you how much energy you’d save by replacing your current appliance.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 344 L fridge-freezer. Check the model’s energy label for its kWh/year and the split between the two compartments, then make sure its dimensions suit the space you have in mind.
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Worth considering as a replacement for an integrated fridge-freezer if 252 L meets your needs. Check the dimensions of the housing unit, the fixing system and the kWh/year figure on the exact model’s energy label.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one 333 L fridge-freezer. Compare its label’s kWh/year figure with those of similar-capacity models and check how much space you’ll need to install it.
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This 495 L model is worth considering if you’ll genuinely use the extra storage space. Check its overall dimensions, kWh/year and the installation requirements for the water and ice dispenser before making your choice.
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Worth considering if a 282 L fridge-freezer suits your storage needs. Check the model’s specifications for the capacity split, kWh/year and noise level if it will be near a living area.
Start by comparing appliances with the same function and similar capacities. For a new appliance, the energy label gives you the kWh/year and capacity, among other details. For your old one, don’t treat your household’s Linky energy use as the appliance’s own: Enedis says it doesn’t provide a breakdown for each appliance. Without figures for the old appliance’s individual energy use, you can’t calculate your personal savings from this data alone.
No. The ratings on old and new energy labels aren’t directly equivalent. ADEME points out that the scale has changed, so when choosing between current models, compare their kWh/year and capacities rather than relying on the rating of your old appliance.
Don’t assume that collection, disconnection and installation will all happen together. In France, retailers required to take back old appliances must offer ways to collect used equipment. Check the arrangements for your order and which tasks you’ll need to organise separately.
Not necessarily. A larger capacity may suit you if you shop less often or need plenty of storage space. However, ADEME notes that a larger size and unnecessary extra features can increase energy use. Choose a capacity that suits your needs, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with the same function and similar capacities.