Start by working out how much fridge and freezer space you actually need, then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar size and type. A fridge-freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance; a fridge on its own means freezing very little or having another solution, while separate appliances need more space and you’ll need to compare their combined energy consumption. Noise levels and installation requirements can then help you narrow down your options.
You’re replacing an appliance that runs constantly and want to compare its stated annual energy consumption without compromising on the usable capacity you need. ADEME highlights how much the size of these appliances can affect household energy use.
Your kitchen layout means you need to check access, the available space and door clearance. If your kitchen opens onto your living area, the stated noise level is another important factor.
You shop less often or regularly freeze food. In that case, the split between fridge and freezer capacity matters more than the total number of litres stated for the whole appliance.
When replacing a fridge-freezer, start with how much fresh and frozen food you need to store. This will help you choose a style before comparing energy labels.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and rarely need to freeze anything, or already have a suitable solution for frozen food.
Bear in mind: you’ll need another way to store frozen food.
Consider this if: you regularly store both fresh and frozen food and only have room for one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity may disguise a split between compartments that doesn’t suit your habits.
Consider this if: you regularly need plenty of freezer space and have two suitable locations for the appliances.
Bear in mind: you’ll need room for two appliances and should compare their combined annual energy consumption.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the stated kWh/year figures for appliances of a similar type and capacity. Don’t focus on the energy rating alone. | I want to limit the energy use of an appliance that’s always switched on, without reducing the storage space I need; around 33% of consumers say this is their top priority. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, based on your shopping and storage habits. | If I shop less often, an unsuitable split between fresh and frozen storage will make it harder to organise my food. Capacity is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Measure the access route and the space available. Check door clearance, the installation instructions and the stated noise level in dB(A). | In an open-plan kitchen or a narrow space, I don’t want disruptive noise or a door I can’t open properly; around 20% of consumers put these practical considerations first. |
| Food storage and freezing | Check the cooling system, the layout of the compartments and the features included on the exact model. | I regularly freeze food or store items that need separate spaces; these needs come first for around 20% of consumers. |
The same rating doesn’t tell you whether two appliances have the same capacity or layout. Size and usage also affect energy consumption, as ADEME points out.
Work out which style and usable capacity you need, then compare the kWh/year figures for similar models, as well as their dimensions and noise levels.
An appliance might have the right capacity but still not fit through the delivery route or leave enough room to open a door properly.
Measure the route and the space, then check them against the dimensions, door-opening direction and ventilation instructions in the manual for your chosen model.
If the planned installation isn’t possible, you may need to arrange another delivery or have the appliance taken away.
Freshness compartments and lighting technologies vary between models. A brand’s claims about how long food stays fresh don’t apply to every appliance it makes.
Check that the exact model includes the feature and consider whether it suits the food you usually store. Don’t overlook capacity, kWh/year and noise levels.
Having your old appliance taken away doesn’t, by itself, explain how it will be removed from your home.
Before ordering, ask the seller to confirm the collection arrangements, access requirements and how to prepare your old appliance.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer with features for organising food and adjusting temperatures separately, depending on the model.
Worth considering if freshness compartments, NoFrost and the stated noise level are important to you.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with air circulation features or compartments for fresh food, depending on the model.
These appliances combine fridge and freezer storage in one unit. Compare their capacity and layout with your needs, then check the energy label and dimensions for each model before choosing.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance and prefer a model whose title states an A rating.
Stated total capacity: 333 L. No Frost feature listed. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year and the dimensions to make sure it will fit.
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Worth considering if a three-door layout and a My Zone compartment suit the way you organise your food.
Stated total capacity: 360 L. Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and an E rating are listed in the product name. Compare the kWh/year and compartment capacities before deciding.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity and a four-door layout, provided the doors can open comfortably in your kitchen.
Stated total capacity: 467 L; Total No Frost and an E rating are listed in the product name. Check the access route, door clearance and kWh/year before ordering.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of capacity in a multi-door appliance and have enough space for it.
Stated total capacity: 495 L; an E rating is listed in the product name. Check the split between fridge and freezer space, the kWh/year and the installation requirements for your chosen layout.
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Worth considering if you store plenty of fresh and frozen food and have room for a side-by-side appliance.
Stated capacities: 333 L for the fridge and 192 L for the freezer. The product name lists No Frost, 37 dB, a reversible door and an E rating. Check the label for the kWh/year and measure the space before ordering.
No. It’s mainly useful for comparing the stated annual energy consumption of appliances of a similar type and capacity. ADEME points out that size and usage affect actual energy consumption, so a difference in kWh/year won’t necessarily lead to the same result in your home.
Start with your storage habits, then check the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 litres as a starting point for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this to how often you shop and how much you use the freezer.
Compare the stated noise levels in dB(A) for models that already meet your capacity needs. In its guide, Que Choisir gives below 40 dBA as a benchmark for the quietest appliances and also assesses noise during testing. Check results for the specific model where available.
Ask the seller about the collection arrangements before completing your order. Confirm whether collection is from your home, any access requirements and how to prepare your old appliance. Don’t assume that delivery of the new one covers all these steps.
If a business sells an appliance to a consumer in France, the legal guarantee of conformity may apply if the appliance doesn’t match its description. The official information from the French Ministry of the Economy states that it can also cover certain installation faults when installation is the seller’s responsibility or the instructions are inadequate. Tell the seller about the problem and explain what happened.