When replacing a fridge-freezer with energy use in mind, first choose a format and capacity that suit the fresh and frozen food you store. Then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar capacities and features. If the appliance will be near a living area, check the noise level too. Actual energy use depends on factors such as size, installation and how you use it, so an energy rating alone cannot guarantee lower consumption in your home.
If you want to keep energy use in mind without losing useful space, compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with similar formats and capacities. Choosing a larger appliance than you need changes the comparison, even if its energy rating looks appealing.
Check the freezer capacity separately from the total capacity. A small freezer compartment will not meet the same needs as a freezer section designed for regular stock-ups.
Noise deserves as much consideration as the space available. Check the dB(A) figure and noise class. UFC-Que Choisir considers appliances with a stated noise level below 40 dBA to be among the quietest.
Consider this if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food in a single appliance.
The trade-off: you need to size both compartments appropriately, rather than choosing an unnecessarily large appliance just to get more space in one section.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and only occasionally need to freeze items.
The limitation: a small freezer compartment is not suitable for storing large quantities of frozen food, as UFC-Que Choisir points out.
Consider this if: you need more freezer capacity than a fridge-freezer can offer.
The trade-off: you will need space for two appliances, and should compare the combined stated annual energy consumption.
| Criteria | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Check the A to G rating and kWh/year figure on the EU energy label, then compare appliances with similar formats, capacities and features. | I want to account for an appliance that runs continuously, without assuming its energy use in my home will match the label figure. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person; adjust this to suit what you store. | My shopping needs to fit without reserving space I will not use. If I stock up on frozen food, freezer capacity matters just as much as total capacity. |
| Noise | Check the stated dB(A) figure and noise class on the label. UFC-Que Choisir uses below 40 dBA as a benchmark for appliances it considers among the quietest. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to check the noise level before choosing an appliance that will be near my living area. |
| Installation and your old appliance | Measure the space and delivery route, and check the clearances required for the model. Confirm delivery, removal and installation arrangements with the seller. | I need to make sure the new appliance will fit through the door and arrange for the old one to be taken away, without confusing these separate services. |
The rating alone does not tell you how much an appliance of a particular size uses each year. ADEME points out that size and features affect energy consumption.
Also compare the kWh/year figures, the capacity of each compartment and the features you genuinely need.
Two appliances with similar total capacities may allocate space differently between fresh and frozen food. A small freezer compartment may not be suitable if you regularly stock up.
Think about what you usually store in each compartment, then compare those needs with the stated usable capacities.
According to Samsung's tests of its AI Energy mode, the stated results vary depending on settings, conditions and usage habits. They cannot predict the energy consumption of every household.
When comparing appliances, start with the kWh/year figure on the label. Then consider connected features in light of how you will use them.
Delivery, removal and installation all need separate arrangements, particularly if access to your home or the delivery route is restricted.
Before you order, confirm delivery and removal arrangements with the seller, as well as what is included for disconnecting or installing the appliance.
These examples highlight features to compare with your needs; they do not represent every model in these brands' ranges.
The Samsung RB34C600CSA fridge-freezer featured by Joybuy France has a stated capacity of 344 L and a C rating.
For its GBB72BM9CQ1 fridge-freezer, LG France states a capacity of 387 L, a C rating, 174 kWh/year and a noise level of 35 dB.
Bosch France lists the KGN36VLED fridge-freezer as having 237 L of fridge space, 89 L of freezer space, an E rating, 39 dB(A) and a No Frost function.
These models are fridge-freezers, making them a suitable choice if you want one appliance for both fresh and frozen food. Compare their stated capacities with your needs, then check the kWh/year figure, noise level and dimensions on each product page before choosing.
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A fridge-freezer worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one 333 L appliance. Check the capacity split, kWh/year figure and dimensions on the product page to make sure it suits your space.
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Its stated capacity of 390 L is worth comparing with the amount of food you actually store. Check the freezer capacity, kWh/year figure and noise level separately, and make sure you have enough room for installation.
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This 355 L fridge-freezer features Total No Frost. If freezer maintenance is important to you, check its kWh/year figure too, and make sure the capacity and dimensions suit your home.
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The three-door design and stated 360 L capacity may be worth considering if storage organisation is a priority. Check the E rating alongside the kWh/year figure, and make sure the capacity of each section and the space needed for installation are right for you.
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Its stated width of 54 cm could suit a narrow space, but check that its 262 L capacity and freezer space are sufficient too. Low Frost does not mean you will never need to defrost it manually, so check the care instructions and kWh/year figure on the product page.
Compare their kWh/year figures on the EU energy label, after checking that their formats, capacities and features suit similar needs. The label also shows the A to G energy rating, storage capacities and noise level, so the letter alone does not tell you everything.
No. The result depends on factors such as the size of the new appliance and how you use it. In its table published in 2026, ADEME gives 315 kWh/year for an average fridge-freezer and 100 kWh/year for a particularly energy-efficient new A-rated appliance. These figures cannot predict the difference between your old appliance and the model you choose.
Size the two compartments separately, based on what you usually store. For usable capacity, UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. If you stock up on frozen food, check the freezer capacity rather than looking at the total capacity alone.
Check the model's stated dB(A) figure and noise class on its label. UFC-Que Choisir uses below 40 dBA as a benchmark for appliances it considers among the quietest. Also make sure the capacity and energy use suit your needs.
Confirm the removal arrangements with the seller when you place your order, particularly if the new appliance is being delivered to your home. Check access to your home, delivery, removal, disconnection and installation separately so you know what is included on the agreed day.