Start by thinking about what you need to store: choose a single-door fridge if you mostly keep fresh food, a fridge-freezer if you need fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a separate freezer if your frozen food regularly exceeds the space available in the freezer compartment. Then compare the annual kWh figures on the energy label for appliances with a similar capacity and features to suit your needs. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you how much energy an appliance uses. The ADEME points out that these appliances run continuously, and that their size and features can affect your energy bills.
If you don’t buy many frozen foods, focus on the fridge capacity you’ll actually use. To compare the stated energy use, look at appliances of a similar size and capacity, using the capacities and annual kWh figures shown on the energy label.
A fridge-freezer combines a fridge and a separate freezer compartment in one appliance, as Bosch explains. Check that each compartment has enough space: the total capacity doesn’t show how it’s divided up.
If the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer regularly isn’t big enough, a separate freezer could provide the capacity you need. However, you’ll need to make room for it and bear in mind that this extra appliance will also run continuously, as the ADEME points out.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and don’t need much space for frozen food.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment, if there is one, may not be suitable if you regularly buy frozen food.
Consider this if: you want to store fresh and frozen food in two separate compartments in one appliance.
Bear in mind: each compartment needs to have enough space for your needs; the total capacity alone won’t tell you that.
Consider this: as an additional appliance if your frozen food regularly exceeds the capacity of your fridge-freezer.
Bear in mind: it takes up extra space and also runs continuously. It won’t replace the fridge you need for fresh food.
Once you’ve chosen a type, compare usable capacity, stated annual energy use and installation requirements. The European Commission says that the energy label for fridges and freezers includes details such as capacity, kWh per year and noise levels.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stated energy use | Compare the annual kWh figures and energy ratings for appliances with similar types, capacities and features. | I want to replace an appliance that runs continuously without choosing a capacity that’s larger than I need. Around 40% of consumers put stated energy use at the top of their list of concerns. |
| Space for fresh and frozen food | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, then check the external dimensions. | I store both types of food at home and need enough room for each in one appliance; for around 30% of consumers, this balance is the priority. |
| Space for frozen food | Work out how much freezer space you need before adding a separate freezer, and check its stated annual kWh figure. | My bulk shopping or batch cooking regularly takes up more space than my current freezer compartment. A large freezer capacity comes first for around 20% of consumers. |
| Installation and replacement | Measure the space and access route; check the manual for ventilation requirements and find out about the take-back service when you order. | My new appliance needs to fit in my kitchen, be installed correctly and replace the old one without logistical difficulties. These requirements are a priority for around 10% of consumers. |
The rating alone doesn’t tell you how much capacity you’ll have or the stated annual energy use. The European Commission shows this information separately on the label.
First decide which type of appliance and capacity you need, then compare the annual kWh figures and features.
The ADEME says that an appliance’s size and extra features can increase the energy bills for an appliance that runs continuously.
Think about your shopping and storage habits, then look at the usable capacity in litres rather than just the appliance’s external size.
A small freezer compartment and the separate freezer section in a fridge-freezer won’t necessarily offer the same amount of space for your frozen food.
Check the freezer capacity before deciding whether a fridge-freezer is enough or whether an additional appliance would better suit your needs.
The right capacity won’t make up for dimensions that don’t fit your kitchen, access routes that are too narrow or ventilation requirements that differ from those in the manual.
Measure the space and delivery route, check the manual for the exact model and find out when you order whether the old appliance can be taken away.
These brands offer different ways to store food. Compare the specifications of the exact model you’re considering, rather than assuming that the figures or features of one model apply to the whole range.
Worth considering for a single-door fridge, particularly if you mainly store fresh food.
Worth considering for fridge-freezers, and if you’re choosing between freestanding and integrated models.
Worth considering if usable capacity and noise levels are important when choosing a fridge-freezer.
The appliances below combine refrigeration and freezing in one unit. If you’re considering a single-door fridge or a separate freezer instead, follow the same order when making your choice: work out the capacity you need, then compare stated energy use for appliances of a similar size.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The product title lists an E energy rating; check the label for the capacity split and annual kWh figure before comparing it with another fridge-freezer.
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Worth considering if your needs justify a total capacity of 467 L for fresh and frozen food. The title mentions Total No Frost and an E energy rating; check the capacity of each compartment, annual energy use and the space needed for this four-door design.
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Worth considering if a 368 L fridge-freezer meets your storage needs. Joybuy’s product information for this model lists an E energy rating and 238 kWh/year; this stated figure isn’t a prediction of your actual energy use. Also measure the space and delivery access.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for an appliance with a bottom freezer for fresh and frozen food. The title lists a total capacity of 282 L and an E energy rating; check the label for the separate compartment capacities and annual kWh figure before choosing.
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Worth considering if a large capacity for fresh and frozen food suits your storage habits. The title lists a capacity of 495 L and an E energy rating; check the door and compartment layout, then confirm the annual kWh figure on the label for the exact model.
No. When comparing appliances that meet the same needs, also compare their annual kWh figures, capacities and features. The European Commission shows these details separately on the label; the rating alone doesn’t tell you the capacity available or the stated annual energy use.
Check the dimensions of the housing unit, the installation type and the ventilation clearances specified in the manual for the exact model. Bosch provides installation instructions for its appliances, but ventilation dimensions for one model shouldn’t be applied to every other model.
Check the options offered by the retailer when you order your new appliance, including where and when the old one will be collected if it’s being delivered. For replacing a household appliance with an equivalent new one, ecosystem describes a free take-back service. Check the details when you place your order.
Take it to a suitable collection point for refrigeration appliances rather than putting it out with your general rubbish. ecosystem says that collected appliances are depolluted before their materials are sorted. You can check which take-back or collection services are available near you.