Before replacing an appliance, check its settings, any ice build-up, the capacity you actually use and how often you use the freezer compartment. When comparing a replacement, look at kWh/year, separate fresh-food and frozen-food capacities, noise levels and features on appliances designed for the same purpose. A fridge freezer is suitable for everyday storage of fresh and frozen food, while a separate freezer is only worthwhile if you regularly need additional storage.
Compare the capacity you actually use, the stated kWh/year and the features of the model you are considering. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that a larger size or excessive features can increase consumption.
This decision is relevant to households storing both fresh and frozen food, but they need to assess whether a dedicated frozen-food reserve is used often enough to justify an additional appliance.
Moving house, children leaving home or buying fewer frozen foods can make a large capacity less suitable. Check how consistently the compartments are filled before choosing a new capacity.
Start with your storage needs, then compare appliances intended for the same use by looking at the energy label information and installation requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances that meet the same storage needs. Read the energy class alongside the usable capacities and noise emissions. | I want to estimate consumption using comparable data, rather than estimating my bill from a single energy-class letter. |
| Fresh and frozen-food capacities | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately in litres. Confirm that the label includes a freezer compartment rather than assuming it based on the format. | My shopping is mainly fresh food, or I regularly need a frozen-food reserve. The right capacity is the one that matches what I actually store. |
| Settings and maintenance | Check +4 °C for the fridge and -18 °C for the freezer. Also check for ice build-up and whether defrosting is required. | I want to rule out a settings or maintenance issue before deciding that replacement is necessary. |
| Noise and installation | Measure the available space, any housing unit and the required clearances. Compare the noise level, freestanding or integrated installation and the door-opening direction. | In an open-plan, narrow or fitted kitchen, the appliance must suit the space without reducing the usable capacity I need. |
The class should be considered alongside kWh/year, usable capacities and noise. Two appliances with different capacities or intended uses do not meet the same need, even if their energy classes appear favourable.
Compare kWh/year and fresh and frozen-food capacities between appliances capable of meeting the same requirements. The European Commission states that the EU label brings together this information for fridges and freezers.
A separate freezer provides dedicated reserve space, but it runs continuously. A reserve that is rarely used can increase consumption without meeting a lasting storage need.
For several weeks, monitor how full the frozen-food compartment is, how often you buy in bulk and how much food you freeze at home before adding another appliance.
An additional appliance means continuous electricity consumption, which varies according to its capacity, model and conditions of use.
Incorrect settings can affect food preservation, while ice build-up can indicate that maintenance is needed. These checks alone cannot determine the technical condition of an appliance.
The French Ministry of Agriculture recommends +4 °C for the fridge and -18 °C for the freezer, along with regular defrosting and cleaning of the freezer.
A used fridge or freezer is waste electrical and electronic equipment. The practical arrangements for collection may depend on the delivery and the seller.
In France, Légifrance states that the distributor must collect, or arrange the free collection of, used equipment up to the quantity and type of equipment sold, including when the sale is made at a distance. Ask for confirmation before delivery.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, including combined models that bring fresh and frozen-food storage together in one appliance.
Liebherr offers freestanding and integrated fridges and fridge freezers, from compact formats to large-capacity models.
Whirlpool sells standard fridges and No Frost fridge freezers in a range of formats, capacities and installation configurations.
These Joybuy options are combined fridge freezers for households that need to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Compare their capacities, stated annual consumption, noise levels and dimensions with your actual needs.
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For everyday storage of fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
Stated data: 235 L fridge capacity, 125 L freezer capacity, 271 kWh/year, 35 dB(A) and a width of 59,5 cm. Total No Frost and reversible door specified.
The total capacity should match the storage space you actually use. Check the installation clearances and the QR code or regulatory reference for the exact model.
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An option to consider for a household that prioritises fresh food while needing a moderate frozen-food reserve.
Stated data: 187 L fridge capacity, 75 L freezer capacity, 215 kWh/year, a width of 54 cm and a reversible door. The freezer is advertised as Low Frost.
The freezer requires manual defrosting, advertised as necessary approximately once or twice a year. The appliance is rated for an ambient temperature of 16 °C to 38 °C; check the QR code or regulatory reference for the exact model.
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This format is suited to a lasting need for substantial fresh and frozen-food storage.
Stated data: 311 L fridge capacity, 156 L freezer capacity, 290 kWh/year, 35 dB(A) and a width of 83,3 cm. Total No Frost specified.
Check the housing unit, delivery access and ventilation clearances. The large capacity and additional features are only worthwhile if they match the way you use the appliance.
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Worth considering for a large household that regularly needs fresh and frozen-food storage in one appliance.
Stated data: 330 L fridge capacity, 165 L freezer capacity, 301 kWh/year, 40 dB and dimensions of 177,6 × 81,7 × 71,5 cm. No Frost and a water and ice dispenser advertised.
Depending on the configuration, the dispenser may require a connection to a mains drinking-water supply. Check the exact door configuration, installation requirements and whether you will make real use of this capacity.
First compare appliances that meet the same storage needs. The European Commission states that the energy label for refrigeration appliances shows the A to G class, annual consumption in kWh, fresh and frozen-food capacities and noise level. You therefore need the kWh/year and separate capacities to interpret the class correctly.
No. ADEME states that newer models may be more economical, but that a larger size and excessive features can increase your bill. Average consumption figures cannot predict the savings for an individual household.
Set the fridge to +4 °C and the freezer to -18 °C, in line with the recommendations of the French Ministry of Agriculture. Also check for ice build-up and arrange regular defrosting and cleaning of the freezer before deciding to replace the appliance.
When a household electrical or electronic appliance is sold, including at a distance, the distributor must collect, or arrange the free collection of, the used equipment up to the quantity and type of equipment sold, according to Légifrance. Confirm the collection arrangements with the seller before delivery.
Yes. The European Commission states that the QR code provides access to EPREL, the public database containing more detailed information about models placed on the European Union market. Use it to check the information for the exact model you are considering.