When replacing a cooling appliance, start by deciding what you need it to do: keep fresh food, store both fresh and frozen food, or store frozen food only. Then check the dimensions and usable capacity in litres for each compartment. When comparing models suited to the same purpose, look at kWh/year rather than energy rating alone, as size and extra features can also affect energy use.
You’re replacing an appliance that has become too big, too small or poorly split between fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir recommends taking into account the food you store and the space available when choosing the right size.
Your appliance runs continuously, and you want to compare models that do the same job without confusing energy rating, capacity and annual energy use. ADEME points out that size and extra features can affect your bills; the European Commission lists kWh/year and capacity among the details shown on the energy label.
You need space for frozen food and are deciding between the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer, taking available space and accessibility into account. Que Choisir also highlights ease of use as an important factor when choosing a freezer.
First, choose the type of appliance to suit what you need to store. Then compare the capacity, location and energy use of models that meet that need. Que Choisir describes the available formats and capacity criteria, while ADEME notes that size and features can affect energy use.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and already have enough freezer space.
Check: whether it has a freezer compartment and, if so, its capacity. “One door” alone doesn’t tell you either of these things.
Consider this if: you’re replacing both your fresh-food storage and a supply of frozen food with a single appliance.
Check: the capacity in litres of each compartment. Total capacity alone won’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food.
Consider this if: your main need is to store frozen food, or the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer won’t hold enough.
Check: the space available and how easy it is to reach your food. Chest and upright freezers are organised differently.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity use | Compare kWh/year for appliances that meet the same need, and check their capacity. Don’t focus on the A to G rating alone. | If I want to keep electricity costs under control without choosing an appliance that’s too small for my needs, I compare the annual energy use of suitable models. Around 28% of consumers put this first. |
| Capacity and size | Measure the space, access route and door clearance. Compare the usable capacity in litres of each compartment, not just the total capacity. | When space is limited or storage habits change, I look for enough capacity to fit the room. Around 28% of consumers put usable capacity and overall size first. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Assess your fresh and frozen food storage needs separately. For a separate freezer, consider the space available and how easy it is to access. | If I store a lot of frozen food, I check whether a fridge-freezer compartment will be enough or whether a dedicated appliance better suits my needs. Around 22% of consumers prioritise this capacity. |
| Features and maintenance | Check the features and interior layout on the product details for the exact model. Don’t assume that a brand’s food-preservation claims apply to its entire range. | To make maintenance easier, I look at the cooling system and features that suit the way I store food. Around 11% of consumers put easy maintenance and practical features at the top of their list. |
| Delivery, removal and support | Ask about delivery and collection of your old appliance. Check who the professional seller is and keep your proof of purchase. | If I need to arrange for an old appliance to be taken away and a new one delivered, I check the arrangements before ordering. Around 11% of consumers prioritise a straightforward replacement and the services involved. |
The rating alone won’t tell you the annual energy use or whether the capacity is right for your household.
First decide what you need the appliance to do and how much capacity you need, then compare the kWh/year of suitable models.
The capacities of the fresh-food and freezer compartments are listed separately. A poor split can make an appliance impractical, even if the total capacity looks sufficient.
Assess how much fresh and frozen food you need to store before choosing between a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer.
The appliance dimensions alone won’t confirm that it can be brought into your home or used in the space you have in mind.
Measure the route in and the space available, then check the model’s instructions for installation requirements and, if necessary, its permitted ambient temperature range.
If the appliance can’t be installed, you may need to rearrange delivery or installation.
A manufacturer’s claims about food preservation or convenience apply to the specific model and conditions described.
Check the features listed for the model you’re considering, and distinguish the manufacturer’s stated specifications from the results of an independent test.
Beko France’s range of one-door fridges is worth considering if you mainly need space for fresh food.
The 2D 60 Series 7 PRO HDPW7620AANPK fridge-freezer is worth considering if its stated width of 595 mm suits your space.
The GBB92MCB2P fridge-freezer is worth considering if its stated capacity split of 384 L, including 107 L for freezing, suits your needs.
The freestanding KGN392I1F fridge-freezer is worth considering if its stated split of 260 L for the fridge and 103 L for the freezer meets your needs.
The FNe 5006 Pure NoFrost upright freezer is worth considering if you’re looking for separate frozen-food storage.
These options cover replacing a fridge-freezer or choosing a separate freezer. Compare capacity, dimensions and kWh/year to suit the way you’ll use it.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a combined appliance with plenty of storage for both fresh and frozen food.
Stated capacities: 347 L for the fridge and 197 L for the freezer; 254 kWh/year, D energy rating. Dimensions: 911 × 1786 × 615 mm. Check the space and access route before installation.
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Worth considering if you want a freestanding fridge-freezer and would like to compare its annual energy use with models that meet the same needs.
Stated capacities: 238 L for the fridge and 98 L for the freezer; 135 kWh/year, B energy rating. The product details state 35 dB and a reversible door that opens to 90° without protruding.
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Worth considering if you need several fresh and frozen food compartments and have enough space for a four-door appliance.
The product details state 390 L for the fridge and a 216 L freezer or variable-temperature zone, 320 kWh/year and an E energy rating. The variable zone is stated to be adjustable from around −20 °C to +5 °C; the door isn’t reversible.
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Worth considering if your main need is frozen food storage and a chest freezer suits the space you have available.
Stated capacity: 291 L; 226 kWh/year, E energy rating. Dimensions: 1100 × 597 × 872 mm. This model can be converted into a fridge and opens from the top.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and can allow the required clearance for installation.
Stated capacities: 183 L for the fridge, 113 L for the freezer and 37 L for the chill compartment; 169 kWh/year, C energy rating. Stated width: 597 mm. The product details require at least 5 cm of clearance at the back, above and on the sides, as well as a dedicated earthed socket.
No. Compare kWh/year and the fresh and frozen food capacities too, then choose appliances with a suitable function and capacity. The European Commission explains the annual energy use and capacity details shown on the label. The DGCCRF states that the current scale runs from A to G, as of 1 March 2021.
Compare the kWh/year shown on the labels of models that meet the same needs for fresh and frozen food. ADEME points out that size and extra features can affect your bills, so energy rating alone won’t help you choose the right capacity.
It depends on the permitted ambient temperature range for the specific model. Check the instructions before choosing a garage or cold pantry. The words “freezer” or “NoFrost” alone aren’t enough to confirm that it’s suitable.
In France, when you buy a new appliance, the retailer must take back an equivalent used product free of charge under the “one-for-one” take-back scheme. The DGCCRF explains this requirement. Ask how the collection will be arranged, as this doesn’t mean installation is free.
If you’re a private individual who bought goods in France from a professional seller, contact that seller. The Ministry of the Economy states that this mandatory guarantee applies to new, second-hand and reconditioned goods. An optional commercial warranty doesn’t replace it.