Don’t replace a fridge freezer just because your electricity bill is high. First, compare its measured or cautiously estimated consumption with the kWh/year shown for the model you’re considering. If replacing it still makes sense, choose a capacity that suits your fresh and frozen food storage separately. Then check the noise level, dimensions and maintenance features, without assuming that a better energy rating alone guarantees lower consumption.
If your fridge freezer is still working but you’re concerned about its consumption, the new model’s kWh/year figure is more useful to compare with your current appliance than its energy rating alone. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously.
A freezer compartment that’s too small, or a large fridge that’s rarely used, may be a reason to rethink how the capacity is divided. The European Commission’s label shows storage capacities separately: compare them with your habits and the space available.
If your fridge is close to your living space, check its stated noise level in dB(A) too. This information appears among the details on the energy label described by the European Commission; installation can also affect how loud the appliance seems.
Start by checking whether your current fridge freezer is really the cause for concern, then compare models with capacities suited to how you use them. You can then weigh up their annual consumption and installation requirements.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual consumption | Compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet the same storage needs with the measured or cautiously estimated consumption of your current appliance. The A to G rating is no substitute for this comparison. | If my priority is to reduce the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously, I want to know the difference in consumption before replacing it. Around 39% of consumers are said to consider this their main concern. |
| Capacity and layout | Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then measure the space available. The European Commission lists these volumes among the comparable details on the label. | If I’m short of freezer space, a large total capacity won’t help if the freezer compartment is still too small. Capacity is said to be the top priority for around 31% of consumers. |
| Noise and features | Check the stated dB(A) level and find out which compartment a feature such as No Frost applies to. Compare the specific model’s kWh/year figure too. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to minimise noise; if easy defrosting matters to me, I need to know which compartment the feature applies to. Around 15% of consumers are said to put ease of use at the top of their list. |
| Keep or replace | Check the settings and condition of your appliance. If a repair might be possible, ask for a quote before deciding. When buying a new one, confirm the arrangements for taking away the old appliance. | A higher bill isn’t enough to convince me that the fridge is the problem: I want to look into maintenance or repairs before buying a replacement. This is said to be the priority for around 15% of consumers. |
The right configuration depends on how much storage you need. A fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance, but its capacity is divided according to the specific model. A fridge with a separate freezer may suit different freezing needs. In that case, compare the capacities, space required and kWh/year figures for both appliances, without assuming you’ll save energy. If your fridge freezer is too large for your needs, consider a smaller capacity, provided it still meets your needs without requiring an extra appliance.
You can’t compare two fridges of different sizes or capacities by looking at their ratings alone. The label described by the European Commission also shows annual consumption and compartment volumes.
Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances suited to the same storage needs. Scan the label’s QR code to view the model’s details in EPREL.
A satisfactory total capacity can hide a freezer compartment that’s too small for your needs.
Work out how many litres you need for fresh and frozen food separately before comparing models.
You may need an extra freezer if the new compartment isn’t big enough.
According to ADEME, refrigeration appliances run continuously, but your bill also reflects other electricity use in your home. So an increase doesn’t prove, on its own, that you need to replace your fridge freezer.
If possible, measure the appliance’s consumption, check its settings and condition, then compare these findings with the kWh/year figure for the model you’re considering and any repair quote.
An old fridge should be sent for appropriate electrical equipment collection; having it removed also requires some practical planning.
Before you order, ask the retailer how collection will work, including the appointment and access requirements for your home.
The ranges below provide models to compare; they don’t guarantee the consumption or suitability of every model.
Bosch offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers in a range of capacities and configurations.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in fridge freezers, among other models, with different names for its cooling features.
Electrolux offers built-in fridge freezers whose product details include capacity and annual consumption.
Beko lists fridges and freezers by features including installation type, capacity and noise level.
These fridge freezers combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Their stated capacities and energy ratings can help you narrow down the size options. Before choosing one to reduce your consumption, compare the energy label for the exact model with that of your current appliance.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. The title lists a capacity of 344 L and class E; check the label for the kWh/year figure and the capacity of each compartment.
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Consider this model if its capacity suits your storage needs in both compartments. The title lists a capacity of 333 L and class C; check the kWh/year figure, how the capacity is divided and the clearance required for installation of this model.
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Compare this model if you’re looking for a 368 L fridge freezer rather than a more compact option. The title lists class E; check the kWh/year figure, the capacity of each compartment and the noise level if the appliance will be close to your living space.
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Consider this model if your needs justify a 440 L fridge freezer and you have enough space for it. The title lists class D; check the dimensions, compartment capacities and kWh/year figure before comparing its consumption with that of a smaller appliance.
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Worth considering if a 282 L fridge freezer meets your fresh and frozen food storage needs. The title lists class E; check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the noise level if the fridge will be installed near your living space.
No. Also compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet the same storage needs. According to the European Commission, the label for refrigeration appliances also shows capacity and noise level. A rating letter alone doesn’t tell you the annual consumption of two appliances with different capacities.
Compare the measured or cautiously estimated annual consumption of your fridge freezer with the kWh/year figure on the label of the model you’re considering. The difference is only an indication: settings, room temperature, how often the door is opened and the condition of your old appliance can all affect its actual consumption.
No. Choose this feature if you want to reduce manual defrosting, and check the product details to see which compartment or compartments it applies to. Its presence doesn’t mean the appliance uses less energy: compare the kWh/year figures separately.
Arrange for the retailer to take it away or use an appropriate electrical equipment collection service, and confirm the arrangements before delivery. The Ministry for Ecological Transition points out that these appliances may contain components that need special handling; don’t put them out with general waste.