First, choose an appliance with fridge and freezer capacities that suit your shopping habits and that will fit properly in your kitchen. Then compare the kWh/year figures for suitable models. A single-door fridge may be right if you don’t store many frozen foods; a fridge freezer gives you separate compartments, while an extra freezer is worth considering mainly if you genuinely need more space for frozen food. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that an appliance that’s too large can push up your energy bills.
You regularly store fresh and frozen food. Compare the usable capacity and kWh/year figures separately for the model you’re considering, taking your shopping habits into account. ADEME and the European Commission offer guidance on checking energy consumption and the information on the energy label.
You need to check that the appliance will fit in the available space and that its doors can open properly, without choosing more freezer capacity than you need. UFC-Que Choisir’s advice highlights the importance of shopping habits and how much frozen food you keep in reserve.
If you usually keep more frozen food in reserve than a fridge freezer suited to the rest of your household can hold, compare the extra capacity you need with the space available and the energy consumption of both appliances. UFC-Que Choisir’s advice and ADEME’s guidance can help you assess these factors.
To avoid choosing capacity you won’t use, start with what you actually store. Then compare the usable capacities with the dimensions and kWh/year figures shown.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities in litres with the amounts you usually store. | If I regularly buy fresh and frozen food, I check the usable capacity of each compartment separately; around 31% of consumers prioritise capacity that suits their shopping. |
| Electricity use | Compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet the same needs; add together the consumption figures if you’ll be running two appliances. | When replacing an appliance that runs continuously, I compare its annual consumption with that of models with a similar capacity; electricity use is the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Space for frozen food | Check whether the fridge freezer’s compartment is big enough. If not, compare the capacity, dimensions and kWh/year figures of a separate freezer. | If my fridge freezer can’t hold the amount I usually keep in reserve, I assess the capacity and energy consumption of a separate appliance; extra capacity is the priority for around 23% of consumers. |
| Size and noise | Measure the height, width and depth; check the clearance needed, door opening and stated dB level. | In a small kitchen or near a living area, I check the fit and noise level before choosing a model; how well it fits into the home comes first for around 15% of consumers. |
The rating doesn’t replace comparing kWh/year and usable capacity. An appliance that’s bigger than you need may have unused capacity while still running continuously.
First compare the capacity you need in each compartment, then check the stated annual consumption of suitable models.
A separate freezer gives you more storage, but takes up space and also runs continuously.
Check whether the fridge freezer’s compartment can hold the amount you usually keep in reserve. If you’re considering two appliances, add their stated kWh/year figures to compare their combined annual consumption.
Height, depth, clearance and door swing can also affect installation and access to the compartments.
Measure all three dimensions and check the model’s instructions for the required clearances and to make sure the door can open fully.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a small fridge with a freezer compartment.
Worth considering for a fridge freezer with separate stated capacities for fresh and frozen food.
Worth comparing with other fridge freezers when capacity, annual consumption and noise matter to you.
Worth considering among larger fridge freezers, particularly if the stated energy rating is one of your criteria.
Worth considering if a genuine need for extra storage means you’re looking at a separate freezer.
This selection features fridge freezers. Compare their fresh- and frozen-food capacities and stated annual consumption with your needs and the space you have available.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with separate fresh- and frozen-food capacities.
Fridge: 311 L; freezer: 129 L; stated consumption: 223 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB.
Stated width: 70 cm. Check it will fit your space.
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Worth comparing if you’d like to consider a three-door fridge freezer with separate fresh- and frozen-food capacities.
Fridge: 235 L; freezer: 125 L; stated consumption: 271 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB(A).
Stated dimensions: 59,5 × 66,7 × 185 cm.
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Worth comparing if you need a large fridge compartment and want to check the freezer capacity at the same time.
Fridge: 322 L; freezer: 115 L; stated consumption: 254 kWh/year; noise level: 38 dB.
The stated freezing capacity is 5,5 kg/24 h. The freezer needs manual defrosting. Stated width: 70 cm.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge freezer with separate fresh- and frozen-food capacities and a stated annual consumption figure.
Fridge: 238 L; freezer: 98 L; stated consumption: 135 kWh/year; noise level: 35 dB(A).
The specifications state that the door can open to 90° for installation. Check this works with your kitchen layout.
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Worth comparing if you need separate compartments and want to look at a zone with an adjustable temperature.
Fridge: 304 L; freezer: 87 L; stated consumption: 293 kWh/year; noise level: 37 dB(A).
The specifications also list a 92 L two-star compartment and an adjustable My Fresh Choice zone, from +5 °C to −18 °C.
Check the kWh/year figures for each model that meets your needs. If you’re keeping a separate fridge and freezer, add their stated annual consumption figures together. To estimate the cost based on your tariff, multiply the total by your own price per kWh.
No. Compare the kWh/year figures and compartment capacities too. The European Commission says that the label for fridges and freezers also gives information about energy consumption, storage capacity and noise. It’s most useful to compare appliances that meet similar needs.
Measure the height, width and depth, then check the model’s instructions for the required clearances and to make sure the doors or drawers can open. The external dimensions alone don’t guarantee that the appliance will fit properly in your kitchen.
It depends on the system specified for the model, so check its product details and instructions. Liebherr says SmartFrost on the KTe551 reduces frost build-up, while Bosch lists No Frost for the KGN39VLCT. These manufacturers’ descriptions don’t mean the two systems are the same.
The French Ministry of the Economy says that energy labelling applies to fridges sold both in shops and online. When you buy from a trader, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods, subject to the relevant conditions. The DGCCRF explains that under the ‘one-for-one’ take-back scheme, when selling a new product, the retailer must take back an equivalent used product free of charge.