Before replacing a fridge-freezer that seems to use too much energy, check its upkeep and choose the amount of fridge and freezer space you really need. To compare appliances with similar uses and capacities, check the kWh/year figures on their energy labels, as well as noise levels and installation requirements. A larger appliance or one with more features is only worthwhile if you’ll use the extra capacity or functions.
If you’re thinking of replacing an appliance that runs around the clock, compare the new model’s stated annual energy consumption with your old appliance’s specifications and how you use it. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
Depending on your shopping habits and how much you store, you may need a fridge-freezer, a fridge with a small freezer compartment, or mainly a fridge. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately rather than looking only at the total volume.
Before changing the type of appliance, check for ice build-up, inspect the door seals, clean the rear coils and consider where the appliance is positioned. These basic checks don’t replace a fault diagnosis.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. A fridge-freezer caters for both, while a fridge or a model with a small freezer compartment may better suit other habits. Then look at energy use and installation requirements for the type you’ve chosen.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures on the energy labels of appliances with similar uses and capacities. | My appliance runs day and night, so I want to choose carefully without confusing low energy use with low capacity; around 36% of consumers would put this continuous energy use at the top of their concerns. |
| Capacity split | Check the litres available for fresh food and frozen food separately. | I regularly store frozen food and need to know whether the freezer compartment will hold enough; this split would be the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Size and fit | Measure the space, then check the appliance dimensions, installation type and required clearances. | With limited room in my kitchen, I don’t want an appliance that won’t fit or one with unnecessary capacity; around 21% of consumers would put this fit first. |
| Maintenance and convenience | Check the condition of your old appliance; when choosing a replacement, look at the stated noise level and defrosting method. | Before buying, I want to rule out a maintenance issue and decide which features I’ll actually use every day; this would be the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Appliances in different energy classes won’t necessarily offer the same fridge and freezer capacities. The European Commission says the energy label also gives the annual energy consumption, capacities and noise level.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models designed for the same purpose and with similar capacities, checking each compartment.
ADEME points out that the size and extra features of an appliance can affect its energy use when it runs continuously. Extra capacity is only worthwhile if it suits your storage habits.
Work out how much fridge and freezer space you need before considering a larger model, extra features or a separate freezer.
According to the European Commission, rescaling the energy label can change a product’s rating letter without changing its energy consumption.
To compare an old appliance with a newer model, look at their kWh/year figures and capacities rather than assuming that the old and new rating letters are equivalent.
Before blaming high energy use solely on the appliance’s age, check for ice build-up, inspect the seals and consider the installation conditions. The French National Energy Ombudsman recommends defrosting when ice appears and maintaining the seals.
Carry out any accessible maintenance checks. If you suspect a fault with the refrigeration system, ask a professional to diagnose it.
Bosch offers larder fridges, fridge-freezers and other household formats. Its range can help you compare installation types and how the capacity is split.
Liebherr is worth considering if you’re looking for specific food-storage compartments or separate temperature settings for the fridge and freezer.
Samsung offers fridge-freezers, larder fridges and multi-door models. Compare them based on the capacity you actually need.
These models combine fridge and freezer storage in one appliance, with capacities and formats to compare against your available space and frozen food needs. Before choosing, check the annual energy consumption on the exact model’s energy label.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in the same appliance. The title gives a total capacity of 344 L and an E energy rating; check how the capacity is split between compartments, the dimensions and the model’s kWh/year figure on the energy label.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer and want to compare similar capacities without focusing only on total volume. The title gives a capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating; check the capacity of each compartment and the model’s kWh/year figure on its energy label.
Image unavailable
Worth considering as a replacement for a built-in appliance if you don’t need much freezer space. The title gives a total capacity of 188 L and an E energy rating; check the freezer capacity, whether it fits your housing unit and sliding-door installation, and the defrosting method.
Image unavailable
Consider this if you mainly refrigerate fresh food and only freeze food occasionally. The title gives a total capacity of 179 L; check the freezer compartment capacity and confirm the installation type before buying, as the installation details for this model are contradictory.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if your space requires a built-in fridge-freezer. The title gives a capacity of 249 L, an E energy rating and TwinTech No Frost; check that it fits your housing unit and consult the kWh/year figure on the energy label before comparing energy use.
First compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar uses and capacities. According to the European Commission, the energy label also shows the energy rating, storage capacities and noise level; the model’s product information gives you more detail about these features.
The letter alone doesn’t tell you. The European Commission explains that rescaling the labels can change the displayed rating without changing the product’s energy consumption. Compare the kWh/year figures and capacities of the appliances instead.
Check for ice build-up, inspect the seals, make sure the rear coils are clean and keep the appliance away from heat sources. The French National Energy Ombudsman recommends these maintenance steps; they don’t replace a professional diagnosis if you suspect a refrigeration fault.
Check the kWh/year figures on their energy labels, and compare them only if the appliances serve the same purpose and have capacities that suit your needs. The actual energy consumption of your old appliance and its replacement may differ from the label figures depending on installation and use.