First, choose an appliance based on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the kWh/year shown on the energy label for models of a similar size and capacity. A fridge with a single door may suit you if you rarely freeze food or already have a freezer. A fridge-freezer combines both uses, while a separate freezer is a good option if you need extra storage in the long term. If you’re buying second-hand or refurbished, check the appliance’s condition and the seller’s status too.
If you’re replacing an old appliance, compare the stated kWh/year without choosing a capacity or features you won’t use. ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously, and their size can affect energy consumption.
If you use your freezer regularly, check the capacity of each compartment as well as the appliance’s dimensions. The energy label and product specifications can also help you compare estimated annual consumption and noise levels.
Check the model number, condition, checks carried out and the seller’s status. In France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies, among other things, to second-hand or refurbished appliances sold by a business to an individual.
Decide how much freezer space you need for everyday use before comparing the stated energy consumption of suitable appliances.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Running costs | The kWh/year on the energy label, comparing appliances of the same type and similar capacity. | When an appliance needs to stay plugged in all the time, I want to avoid wasting energy. Around 33% of consumers prioritise running costs. |
| Capacity and format | The capacity in litres of each compartment and the dimensions of the space available. | After moving house or changing my habits, I need enough space for fresh and frozen food without an oversized compartment. Capacity and format come first for around 27% of consumers. |
| Features and maintenance | Which useful features are included and how they work, particularly frost-free technology, followed by the kWh/year. | If frost makes maintenance difficult or I need to organise certain foods, I look for features that address that need. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this aspect. |
| Second-hand or refurbished | The exact model and its condition, documented checks and the seller’s status. | When buying an appliance that’s already been used, I want to be able to assess its condition and know who to contact if there’s a problem. Around 20% of consumers prioritise these checks. |
The letter alone won’t help you choose between two appliances of different sizes or configurations. France Rénov’ describes the annual consumption shown on the label as a theoretical figure.
Compare the kWh/year and usable capacity of models that meet the same needs. Check the noise level and dimensions too.
According to ADEME, a larger or feature-heavy cooling appliance that runs continuously can use more energy.
Think about what you usually refrigerate and freeze before opting for a large compartment or adding a separate freezer.
No Frost can make maintenance easier, but the feature alone doesn’t tell you how much energy the model uses.
Check the feature on the exact model, then compare its kWh/year with appliances of a similar capacity.
In France, the legal guarantee of conformity described by the Ministry of the Economy applies when a business sells a second-hand or refurbished product to an individual, but not to a direct sale between individuals.
Check who the seller is and ask for the exact model, any reported faults and details of documented checks or repairs.
Bosch’s French range includes fridge-freezers, single-door fridges and freezers to explore.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with freshness compartments or separate cooling circuits, depending on the model.
Worth considering for freestanding or built-in fridge-freezers. Check the features included with each model.
Worth looking at if a separate freezer meets your long-term storage needs.
These models combine fridge and freezer space in one appliance. To compare them, look at usable capacity, the space available and the annual consumption shown on each model’s energy label.
Image unavailable
A fridge-freezer to consider if you want fridge and freezer space in one appliance, with a stated total capacity of 344 L. The title lists an E energy rating. Compare the kWh/year on its energy label and check the capacity split against your needs.
Image unavailable
For anyone who needs fridge and freezer space in a 333 L appliance. The title lists a C energy rating and the NatureFRESH, DoorCooling+ and LinearCooling names. Check which features are useful for you, and the model’s kWh/year on its energy label.
Image unavailable
Its total capacity of 444 L is worth considering if you need more storage space in the long term. The title mentions an E energy rating and a frost-free feature. Check the dimensions, the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year before deciding on this size.
Image unavailable
This fridge-freezer may suit you if its 211 L fridge and 99 L freezer capacity matches how you use it. The title lists a width of 60 cm and an E energy rating. Check the kWh/year on the energy label to assess its running costs.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need 252 L of fridge space and 103 L of freezer space. The title lists a width of 60 cm and an E energy rating. Check the full dimensions of the space available and the kWh/year on the energy label before comparing this model with the CD‑350RW.
Start by comparing the kWh/year for appliances of the same type and similar capacity. Then check the energy rating, the capacity of each compartment and the noise level. France Rénov’ explains that the annual consumption shown is theoretical: installation and use affect actual consumption.
No. You need to consider it alongside the kWh/year and the capacity you need. ADEME points out that a larger or feature-heavy appliance can use more energy, so compare models designed for the same purpose.
Ask for the exact model number, its working condition, details of documented checks and repairs, and its stated energy consumption if available. Also check whether the seller is a business: this status matters for the legal guarantee of conformity in France.
Yes, if a business sells the appliance to an individual, according to the Ministry of the Economy. The guarantee also covers refurbished goods sold in this way. It doesn’t apply to a direct sale between individuals, so check who the seller is before you buy.