Households keeping an eye on kWh
You’re replacing an appliance that runs all the time and want to compare its stated energy use without choosing more capacity than you need.
Who is this choice for?
Households that mainly store fresh food
You need space for chilled food, but little or no room for frozen food, so the split between compartments matters when choosing.
Households that store lots of frozen food
You need to decide whether a fridge-freezer’s freezer compartment is big enough, or whether an extra freezer is worth the space and energy it requires.
What should you compare before buying?
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that a larger size or more features than you need can increase energy use. So compare kWh/year with the capacity you’ll actually use, rather than choosing based on total capacity alone.
| What matters | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use over time | Compare the kWh/year and energy rating of the exact model; add together the kWh/year if you’ll be running two appliances. | If I’m replacing an appliance that runs all year round, I want to compare its energy use without choosing more capacity than I need. Around 33% of consumers prioritise kWh over time. |
| Capacity for fresh food | Check the litres allocated to chilled food and the internal layout. | When I mainly store fresh food, I want to know how much space is actually available without paying for extra capacity taken up by a large freezer compartment. Around 27% of consumers prioritise capacity for fresh food. |
| Freezing capacity | Compare the litres in the freezer compartment; for a separate appliance, also check its dimensions and add together the kWh/year of the appliances you’ll be using. | If the fridge-freezer’s compartment isn’t big enough for my frozen food, I’m looking for extra capacity while keeping the space and energy use of the appliance in mind. Around 27% of consumers prioritise frozen food storage. |
| Installation | Check the dimensions, the ambient conditions specified for the model and its stated noise level. | In a kitchen or other room where space is limited, I want to make sure the appliance can be installed in the conditions specified. Around 13% of consumers prioritise installation requirements. |
Mistakes to avoid when choosing
-
Comparing only the energy rating letter
The rating doesn’t replace comparing kWh/year and the usable capacity for fresh and frozen food.
Check the rating, kWh/year and compartment capacities together on the product details page for the exact model.
-
Adding a freezer without accounting for the appliance that keeps fresh food chilled
A separate freezer meets your need for frozen food, but it doesn’t replace the everyday refrigeration of fresh food.
Work out how much freezer capacity you need, then add together the declared kWh/year of the appliances you’ll be using.
-
Confusing total capacity with the space available in each compartment
On a fridge-freezer, total capacity includes the freezer compartment; it doesn’t tell you on its own whether each compartment will be big enough.
Check the litres allocated to fresh and frozen food separately, then look at the model’s internal layout.
Brands to consider for different configurations
Whirlpool
The French range includes larder fridges; the WHMLF 6442 XP4 is an example of a high-capacity option for fresh food.
- Whirlpool France lists 365 L of usable capacity, a D energy rating and 35 dB for the WHMLF 6442 XP4.
- Check the dimensions and compartments of the exact model: a single door doesn’t tell you what freezer configuration it has.
Bosch
The KGN392XCF fridge-freezer is an example of a configuration that combines refrigeration and freezing, with capacities listed separately.
- Bosch France lists 260 L for the fridge, 103 L for the freezer, a C energy rating and 35 dB(A) for this model.
- The stated height is 203 cm, so check you have enough space before installation. No Frost is a feature stated by the brand, not proof of energy savings.
Liebherr
The CFd 2505 Plus chest freezer is an example of a separate frozen food storage solution, to use alongside an appliance for fresh food.
- Liebherr lists a capacity of 359 L and dimensions of 82 × 167 × 71 cm for this model.
- The brand says FrostProtect allows the appliance to operate in certain unheated rooms. Check the instructions for the specified conditions and make sure you have enough space for this model.
Samsung
The RB34C705CB1/EF fridge-freezer is an example of another split between fresh and frozen food, which you can compare with the model’s energy data.
- Samsung lists a total capacity of 344 L, a C energy rating and No Frost for this model.
- The brand’s claim about AI Energy mode is subject to activation and usage conditions; also compare the model’s declared kWh/year.
Products available on Joybuy
This selection includes fridge-freezers for fresh and frozen food, as well as separate freezers for extra frozen food storage.
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Sonlu CC-520WE, fridge-freezer
For keeping both fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
E energy rating; stated energy use of 289 kWh/year; 252 L for the fridge and 103 L for the freezer; stated width of 60 cm; reversible door.
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Sonlu CD-350RW, 310 L fridge-freezer
Combines fresh and frozen food storage in a 310 L fridge-freezer.
211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer; E energy rating; 60 cm wide; inverter compressor; reversible door; stated frost-free system.
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Sonlu CD-400RW, 355 L fridge-freezer
For separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
252 L for the fridge and 103 L for the freezer; E energy rating; 60 cm wide; inverter compressor; reversible door; stated frost-free system.
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TCL CF182EWE0FR, 140 L freezer
For extra frozen food storage; this freezer doesn’t replace an appliance for fresh food.
Stated capacity of 140 L; E energy rating; storage basket, counterbalanced lid and wheels stated.
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TCL CF126EWE0FR, 98 L freezer
For extra space for frozen food; you’ll also need a separate appliance to keep fresh food chilled.
Stated capacity of 98 L; E energy rating; storage basket, counterbalanced lid and wheels stated.
Frequently asked questions
What should I compare between a fridge, a fridge-freezer and a freezer?
For each model, compare its declared kWh/year, the litres allocated to fresh and frozen food, its energy rating and its stated noise level. If your set-up includes two appliances, add their kWh/year together; this total is still based on declared figures.
How can I check the storage temperature for fresh food?
Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C and checking the temperature regularly, for example with a thermometer. It also recommends not overfilling the appliance, to help cold air circulate.
What warranty and take-back service should I expect when replacing an appliance?
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a professional to a private individual; it is separate from any optional commercial extended warranty. For replacing a household appliance with one of the same kind, the Ministry for Ecological Transition describes a “1-for-1” take-back scheme. Agree the practical arrangements with the seller, particularly if your new appliance is being delivered.
Does the energy label have to be visible when buying online in France?
Yes. The European Commission states that the label for products covered by the rules must be clearly displayed at the point of sale, including online. Fridges and freezers are among the product categories covered; EPREL also lets you look up information registered for specific models.