Households keeping an eye on ongoing energy use
If you’re replacing a cooling appliance, start with the capacity you actually use. The annual consumption shown on the energy label can then help you compare models that meet the same need.
Who is this choice for?
People who store both fresh and frozen food
If you use both compartments every week and want just one appliance, consider a fridge-freezer. Check how much space is allocated to each use rather than focusing on the total capacity alone.
Households that regularly freeze large quantities
If you batch-cook meals or buy in bulk, a separate freezer may be worth considering if a fridge-freezer’s compartment isn’t large enough. You’ll also need to find space for it and factor in its annual energy consumption.
What should you look for when buying?
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the energy labels of models suited to that use. ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously and recommends using the energy label to help you choose.
Fridge
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and don’t need an integrated freezer compartment.
Trade-off: you’ll need another solution if you start freezing food regularly.
Fridge-freezer
Consider this if: you regularly store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Trade-off: the balance between the two compartments varies by model and can’t be judged from the total capacity alone.
Separate freezer
Consider this if: you regularly freeze large quantities and your current capacity isn’t enough.
Trade-off: this additional appliance takes up space and runs continuously; it doesn’t replace the fridge you need for fresh food.
| What matters | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing energy use | Compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label for appliances with the same purpose and a similar capacity; don’t focus on the A to G rating alone. | If I want to avoid powering more storage space than I use, annual energy consumption matters more than extra features. Around 40% of consumers rank reducing ongoing energy use as their top priority. |
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, then consider the overall size of the fridge-freezer. | If I regularly shop for both fresh and frozen food, I’m mainly looking for a balance that works for me in one appliance. Around 40% of consumers put this need for balance first. |
| Freezing capacity | Work out how much freezer space you actually use. For a separate appliance, also check its energy consumption in kWh/year and the space available. | If I often freeze meals or bulk purchases, I don’t want to run out of room to store them. Regular freezing capacity is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
What pitfalls should you avoid?
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Choosing based on the energy label letter alone
An A to G rating doesn’t tell you on its own whether the capacity and compartments suit your habits. ADEME recommends using the energy label to compare appliances; the kWh/year figure also gives you an indication of the model’s energy consumption.
Compare appliances designed for the same purpose and with a suitable capacity, looking at both their kWh/year figures and usable capacities.
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Adding a freezer for occasional use
A separate freezer won’t keep food that needs to stay chilled, and it adds another appliance that runs continuously.
Think about your freezing habits over several weeks before deciding whether a fridge-freezer compartment is enough.
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Measuring the space, but not the access route
An appliance may fit in your kitchen but be difficult to get through the doors, up the stairs or into the lift. For example, Liebherr lists dimensions of 185,5 × 74,7 × 67,5 cm for its CBNsdc 765i fridge-freezer. Check the dimensions of each specific model.
Measure the delivery route and allow enough space to open the doors. Also check the installation requirements in the manual.
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Assuming old-appliance collection works the same everywhere
In France, the collection of electrical and electronic equipment is subject to regulated obligations, but the practical arrangements depend on the order and the retailer.
Before you order, confirm where and when your old appliance will be collected, and whether you need to prepare it in any way.
Brands to consider
Bosch
Bosch offers single-door fridges, fridge-freezers and freezers in France, so it’s worth exploring the range if you’re still deciding which format is right for you.
- Bosch says that some models, including the KGN39AIAU fridge-freezer, have the Total NoFrost function.
- Features and energy label details vary by model; check the information for the one you’re considering.
Liebherr
Liebherr fridge-freezers are worth considering if the balance between compartments and frost-management features are important to you.
- Liebherr lists a total capacity of 423 l and a noise level of 34 dB for its CBNsdc 765i fridge-freezer.
- These figures apply to this specific model. Check its dimensions too, along with the access route to where it will be installed.
Beko
Beko offers large-capacity fridges, among other options, which are worth considering if how you organise your food matters as much as the total capacity.
- Beko lists some models with a capacity of more than 500 litres.
- Check the capacity, food-preservation features and energy consumption for the exact model rather than assuming they apply across the whole range.
Fridge-freezers to consider on Joybuy
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. First choose a storage layout that suits your habits, then compare the energy label and dimensions of each model with your home.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4-door fridge-freezer, 467 L
Worth considering if you need a large fridge-freezer for fresh and frozen food. The model name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check that it will fit in your kitchen and along the delivery route, then compare its kWh/year figure with those of models with a suitable capacity.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3-door fridge-freezer, 360 L
Consider this if you regularly store both fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model is listed with Total No Frost, Wi-Fi, My Zone and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure before comparing it with other fridge-freezers.
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Bosch KGN33NLEB, 282 L fridge-freezer
This bottom-freezer design is worth considering if you’re looking for a 282 L fridge-freezer. The model name lists an E energy rating. Check that the freezer space suits your habits, and look at the kWh/year figure, noise level and door-opening direction required for your installation.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, 444 L fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with plenty of storage space. The model name lists a capacity of 444 L, an E energy rating and a noise level of 40 dB. Check the capacity split between the compartments and the external dimensions before deciding whether it meets your needs.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L fridge-freezer
Consider this if your space is limited to a width of 54 cm and capacities of 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer meet your needs. The model name lists a reversible door, Low Frost and an E energy rating. Check the energy label for the exact model to find its kWh/year figure, and read the freezer-care instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare two appliances without looking at their energy rating alone?
Compare models that meet the same storage needs, then look at their kWh/year figures, usable capacity in each compartment and noise levels together. ADEME recommends using the energy label; the A to G rating doesn’t replace checking how much space you’ll actually use.
What dimensions should I check before ordering a fridge-freezer?
Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the doors, stairs and lift along the delivery route. Then check the chosen model’s external dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions.
How can I arrange collection of my old appliance in France?
Article R. 541-160 of the French Environmental Code, published by Légifrance, states that the take-back obligations referred to in Article L. 541-10-8(I) apply without a threshold. Before placing your order, ask the retailer how your old appliance will be collected, including the location, time slot and any preparation required. Take-back without a purchase in store is subject to different conditions.
Does the energy label apply to domestic fridges and freezers?
Yes, for appliances covered by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016, which sets energy-labelling requirements for refrigerating appliances. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control states that household fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers are covered by the labelling rules in force since 1 March 2021. Check the label for the specific model you’re considering.