Households keeping an eye on kWh/year
You’re replacing an appliance that runs continuously and want to compare its annual energy use without overlooking differences in capacity between models.
Who is this choice for?
Households looking to adjust their storage capacity
You want enough room for fresh and frozen food without choosing capacity based solely on the number of people in your household.
Households with kitchen space constraints
You need to consider the available space, installation type and door opening, particularly if you’re replacing an integrated appliance.
Which criteria should you compare?
First, decide whether you need a separate freezer compartment. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, and that its size or extra features can affect its energy use.
Single-door fridge
Consider this : if you don’t need the separate freezer compartment found in a fridge-freezer and the fridge capacity suits your habits.
Bear in mind : this option won’t give you the freezer capacity of a fridge-freezer.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this : if you regularly store frozen food and need a separate freezer compartment.
Bear in mind : choose the fridge and freezer capacities to suit how you use them, rather than focusing only on the total capacity.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Check the kWh/year figure on the energy label or product listing, and compare appliances of the same type with similar capacities. | If energy use is my priority, I want to compare appliances with equivalent capacities. Around 39% of consumers put this first. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge capacity in litres separately and, for a fridge-freezer, the freezer capacity too. | I need enough room for my shopping and supplies without choosing an appliance that’s too large. The capacity actually needed is the priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Installation and features | Check the installation type, dimensions and door opening; review the features you want on the specific model. | For an existing kitchen, I first need an appliance that fits properly and has the features I’ll use. Around 23% of consumers prioritise these requirements. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on the energy label rating
The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you whether two appliances offer the same capacities and features.
Compare the kWh/year figures and the capacity in litres of each compartment across genuinely comparable models.
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Choosing a larger appliance without a clear need
ADEME notes that an appliance’s size and extra features can increase the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously.
Make a list of the food and supplies you usually store before deciding on the capacity and features you need.
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Relying on total capacity when replacing an integrated appliance
A suitable capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit the housing or that its door will open properly in your kitchen.
Measure the space and check the installation dimensions and door opening requirements in the manual for the exact model.
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Leaving your old appliance until delivery day
When replacing your fridge, you’ll also need to decide what to do with the old one.
Before ordering, check the collection options available for your old appliance and what you need to do on delivery day.
Brands and ranges to consider
Bosch
The range includes freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, with product listings that let you check dimensions, capacities and features.
- Bosch lists the freestanding KGN39AIAU fridge-freezer as a class A model, with 260 L of fridge capacity and 103 L of freezer capacity.
- These specifications apply to the KGN39AIAU. Check the details of any other Bosch model you’re considering.
Beko
The range includes freestanding fridge-freezers, with product listings detailing capacity, energy rating and cooling type.
- Beko lists the B5RCNE406HG as a class C model.
- The energy rating doesn’t replace comparing the kWh/year figures and capacities of the specific models you’re interested in.
Whirlpool
When considering an integrated fridge-freezer from the range, pay particular attention to the dimensions of the housing.
- Whirlpool lists the integrated WHC18T132FR as requiring a 54 cm housing, with a total capacity of 250 L and a class E rating.
- These specifications apply to the WHC18T132FR and can’t tell you whether another model will fit or how much energy it will use.
A model to consider on Joybuy
This four-door fridge-freezer is designed for households that need plenty of fresh and frozen storage, provided its capacity and dimensions suit your household and kitchen.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, four doors, 467 L
Worth considering if you need a fridge-freezer with a total capacity of 467 L. Make sure there’s enough room for the different types of food you store before choosing this capacity.
The model name indicates a class E rating and Total No Frost technology. Before comparing its energy use with another appliance, check its energy label for the kWh/year figure and the capacity of each compartment. Also check its dimensions and the clearance needed for installation.
Frequently asked questions
Should I look at the energy rating or the kWh/year figure?
Use the A to G rating as a guide, then compare the kWh/year figures for fridges of the same type with similar fridge and freezer capacities. The energy label and product listing required under EU regulations provide this information for the model you’re considering.
Is the number of people in my household enough to choose the capacity?
No. Also consider how often you shop, how much prepared food you need to store and how much frozen food you keep in reserve. Then check the capacities in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately.
What should I check before ordering an integrated fridge?
Measure the housing and check the manual for the exact model to confirm the installation dimensions, clearances and door opening requirements. If you’re replacing an appliance, also ask about the collection options available at delivery.