To replace a fridge-freezer while keeping energy use in check, compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar layout and usable capacity, then choose one with compartments suited to your shopping habits. Check the installation space and noise level too. Choose No Frost if reducing frost matters to you, but don’t assume this means the appliance uses less energy.
Your appliance runs continuously. As ADEME points out, that’s a good reason to check the kWh/year figure for the model you’re considering, rather than assuming a new appliance will necessarily use less energy in your home.
You need room for the weekly shop, as well as a balance between fridge and freezer space that suits what you store. Que Choisir’s tests include adding a full weekly shop to the appliance, among other things.
If the appliance is near a living area or needs to fit into an alcove, its dimensions, door clearance and noise level could rule out a model that otherwise seems to have enough capacity.
First, choose a configuration that works in your kitchen. Then compare the usable capacity and annual energy consumption of models that meet the same needs.
Consider this if: you’re replacing a freestanding fridge-freezer and have a suitable space for it.
Bear in mind: a wider or deeper model may restrict movement and prevent the doors from opening fully.
Consider this if: the appliance needs to fit into a housing unit and take a compatible cabinet door.
Bear in mind: the housing unit, fixing system and ventilation requirements specified for the model will determine how it can be installed.
Consider this if: your needs call for two appliances and you have two suitable spaces for them.
Bear in mind: add their annual energy consumption figures together to assess the total.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | The kWh/year figure and energy rating for the exact model, compared with appliances of a similar capacity and configuration. | If I’m replacing an appliance that’s always switched on, I want to know its annual energy consumption without buying more capacity than I need; around 33% of consumers make this a priority. |
| Capacity and layout | The usable capacity of each compartment and how much space you really need for groceries and frozen food. | When I put away the weekly shop, I need enough room in both the fridge and freezer; this is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Noise and size | The stated noise level, full dimensions, access routes and door clearance. | In an open-plan kitchen or a narrow alcove, capacity alone isn’t enough to help me choose; around 20% of consumers prioritise how well the appliance fits and how noisy it is. |
| Frost and everyday use | The cooling system in each compartment and the features that suit your habits, without overlooking the kWh/year figure. | If defrosting is a hassle or I open the appliance frequently, I first look at how it keeps food cool; for around 20% of consumers, this is the main consideration. |
The rating doesn’t tell you whether the capacity suits your needs. An unnecessarily large appliance may not be the right choice for your household.
Once you’ve worked out how much space you need in each compartment, compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar size and capacity.
Specifications published by Bosch and Whirlpool show that fridge-freezers can vary considerably in width and depth. The Bosch KGN36VXCT is 60 cm wide and 66,5 cm deep, compared with 70 cm and 74,5 cm for the Whirlpool WHK26494X6E.
Measure the space and delivery access routes, then check the clearance and door opening for your chosen model.
No Frost is a feature designed to manage frost and circulate cold air. On its own, it doesn’t mean an appliance uses less energy.
Choose a cooling system to suit your preferred level of maintenance, then check annual energy consumption, capacity and noise separately.
A fridge-freezer runs at night too. Que Choisir points out that the noise level on the label doesn’t necessarily tell you how intrusive the appliance will sound.
Compare the stated noise levels and consider how close the appliance will be to a living area or somewhere you relax.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer around 60 cm wide and want to compare the capacity of the two compartments.
Worth considering if a high-capacity freestanding fridge-freezer suits your storage needs.
Worth considering if you want to compare the noise level and annual energy consumption of a specific model.
These models offer a range of capacities and configurations to consider when replacing your fridge-freezer. Before deciding, compare the annual energy consumption on the label for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a three-door fridge-freezer with Total No Frost. The product name lists a capacity of 360 L and an energy rating of E. Compare the compartment sizes with your shopping needs, and check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model.
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Consider this if you need a large capacity for your shopping and your kitchen can accommodate a four-door model. The product name lists Total No Frost and an E rating. Measure the space and compare the kWh/year figure before opting for this capacity.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing an integrated appliance and a top-freezer layout suits your needs. The product name lists a capacity of 188 L and an E rating. Check that the housing unit and fixing system are compatible, then check the annual energy consumption for the exact model.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a compact, one-door fridge-freezer. The product name lists a capacity of 179 L. Check the freezer capacity and kWh/year figure, and make sure you confirm the installation type before buying, as the installation details conflict.
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Worth considering if you prefer a bottom freezer and a total capacity of 282 L. The product name lists an E rating. Check the kWh/year figure, noise level and installation type for the exact model if these factors will determine your choice.
Check the energy label and product information for the exact model. The annual consumption in kWh is more useful when considered alongside the capacity of the compartments. For appliances covered by the rules in the European Union, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016 sets out the requirements for energy labelling.
No. Compare it across appliances with a similar configuration and usable capacity. ADEME points out that size and features affect energy consumption. An appliance that doesn’t meet your storage needs isn’t a good choice based on this figure alone.
Choose this feature if reducing frost build-up matters to you. Que Choisir distinguishes between several cooling systems; No Frost doesn’t replace the need to compare the specific model’s annual energy consumption, capacity and noise level.
As a starting point, Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, then an extra 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this guideline to how often you shop and how much frozen food you keep, checking the capacity of each compartment separately.
Check the stated noise level and the space needed for installation before comparing the models you’re interested in. Que Choisir points out that the figure on the label isn’t always enough to predict how intrusive the noise will seem.