Households dealing with cooling problems
A fridge that no longer gets cold enough or a freezer that is icing up unusually are both situations cited by ADEME. You’ll need to decide whether to arrange a diagnosis, repair the appliance or replace it.
Who is this for?
People with a fitted space or a small kitchen
Replacing a built-in appliance means checking the housing and door system, not just the external dimensions. For a freestanding model, you also need to allow for the clearances required for installation and opening the doors.
Households mindful of energy use and noise
Cooling appliances run continuously, as ADEME points out. If your kitchen adjoins a living area, annual energy consumption in kWh and noise levels in dB(A) matter just as much as the available capacity when choosing a model.
Which criteria should you check first?
A diagnosis will help you decide whether to keep your current appliance in use. If you need a replacement, refurbished and new appliances call for the same checks on space and intended use, but different questions about the appliance’s condition.
Professional repair
Consider this: if a professional can diagnose the fault before you decide whether to replace the appliance.
Bear in mind: the repair may not be possible, or it may not keep the appliance working reliably in the long term.
Refurbished appliance
Consider this: if you need a replacement and would like to choose an appliance that has been used and then prepared for resale.
Bear in mind: your choice will depend on the condition of the specific appliance on offer and the seller’s warranty terms.
New appliance
Consider this: if you need a particular layout, a built-in model or a specific defrosting system.
Bear in mind: even a recently made appliance may not suit you if it’s too large or its features don’t match how you use it.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers affected |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | Whether a professional diagnosis is possible and how long it will take to get the appliance working again. | If the cooling is failing, I want to know whether my appliance can be repaired without prolonging uncertainty about keeping food safe. Around 31% of consumers would prioritise this decision. |
| Installation | Appliance dimensions, any housing, door system and delivery access. | I’m replacing an appliance in a restricted space and need to be able to install it without blocking the doors. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise whether it fits the available space. |
| Storage and ice build-up | Usable fridge and freezer capacity separately; the defrosting system for the relevant compartment. | I store both fresh and frozen food, so how the space is divided matters more to me than the total capacity alone, as does how ice build-up is managed. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this need. |
| Energy use and noise | kWh/year and dB(A) on the energy label, for an appliance with a capacity that suits your needs. | My appliance runs near a living area, so I want to keep energy use under control and take everyday noise into account. This would be the main concern for around 19% of consumers. |
The European energy label shows, among other details, annual energy consumption, storage capacity and airborne noise emissions. Compare these figures for appliances that meet the same storage needs. An energy rating or No Frost feature shouldn’t take the place of assessing the model as a whole.
Mistakes to avoid
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Looking only at the total capacity
Two fridge-freezers with similar capacities may divide the space differently between fresh and frozen food. The European energy label shows the capacity of each type of compartment.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food separately before comparing models.
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Measuring only the width of a built-in appliance
The housing height, door system and clearances can all prevent installation, even if the appliance’s external dimensions are close to those of your old one.
Check the model’s installation instructions against the housing measurements, and make sure it can be moved through to its intended location.
If it doesn’t fit, you may need to modify the unit or start the installation again with a different appliance.
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Assuming a new appliance will always use less energy
According to ADEME, cooling appliances run continuously, and choosing a model that’s too large can increase energy use. The year it was made is therefore not enough to compare two different sizes.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models with capacities that genuinely suit your needs.
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Getting rid of your old appliance without arranging its disposal
A refrigerating appliance should go through an appropriate electrical equipment recycling scheme rather than being left with ordinary rubbish.
ADEME says collection can be arranged when you replace the appliance. You can also check how to take it to a recycling centre before setting off.
Brands to consider
These ranges offer a starting point for comparing formats and stated features, which vary between models.
Bosch
The range includes freestanding fridge-freezers and built-in models, with different cooling configurations.
- Bosch lists dimensions of 175.4 × 61.4 × 66.3 cm and a 189 L fridge compartment for its KGN33NWDA fridge-freezer. These details are useful when considering this specific model.
- Check the capacity, dimensions and installation requirements of the model you’re considering; they’re not the same across the entire range.
Electrolux
Its built-in fridge-freezers may suit households that need to fit a specific housing and require a particular split between fridge and freezer space.
- Electrolux lists a housing height of 1,780 mm and a total capacity of 249 L for model ENC8MC18S.
- The housing height of this example alone doesn’t confirm that the doors or other dimensions will suit your installation.
Beko
The range includes freestanding fridge-freezers, with capacities and cooling technologies that vary between models.
- Beko lists a total capacity of 286 L and a noise level of 35 dB(A) for the RCSE300K40SN. Consider both alongside its cooling configuration.
- The stated noise level for this model tells you nothing about the noise or defrosting system of other Beko models.
Whirlpool
The range includes fridge-freezers in different sizes, with a variety of defrosting features.
- Whirlpool product information can help you find models with features such as No Frost or an open-door alarm.
- Check the features and capacity of the model you choose. Just because some models in the range have them doesn’t mean they’re available on every appliance.
New appliances to compare on Joybuy
These new models are options to consider if you’re replacing an appliance. They include freestanding fridge-freezers, a built-in fridge-freezer and a separate freezer. Their formats suit different installations and storage needs, so check the product details before choosing a model.
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Samsung RB33B612EBN, 344 L black fridge-freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing a fridge-freezer and want to keep separate compartments for fresh and frozen food. Stated total capacity: 344 L; energy rating E. Check the dimensions and the space needed to open the doors before choosing this size.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L four-door fridge-freezer
Consider this if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food and have room for a four-door appliance. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an energy rating of E. Check the width, delivery access and clearance needed to open the doors.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L built-in fridge-freezer
Designed as a built-in replacement, subject to compatibility with your existing housing and door system. The title lists a capacity of 249 L, TwinTech No Frost and an energy rating of E. Confirm the installation dimensions and the capacity of each compartment in the product details.
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CHiQ JR227LSE, 227 L Low Frost fridge-freezer
Worth considering for a compact kitchen if the stated compartment sizes meet your storage needs: 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. The title mentions Low Frost and an energy rating of E. The listed widths differ between descriptions, so confirm the exact dimensions before deciding whether it will fit.
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Heinrich´s, 161 L No Frost freezer
Consider this if you’re replacing a separate freezer, not an appliance that also needs to keep fresh food chilled. The title lists a capacity of 161 L, No Frost and an energy rating of C. Check the model’s dimensions, kWh/year consumption and noise level to make sure it suits your space.
Frequently asked questions
Does a fridge that isn’t cooling properly always need to be replaced?
No. A drop in cooling performance means the fault needs to be assessed, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance needs replacing. ADEME lists insufficient cooling and unusual ice build-up as problems to investigate. A professional diagnosis can help you decide whether a repair is possible.
Can the Repair Bonus apply to a cooling appliance?
Yes, subject to certain conditions. ecosystem offers a Repair Bonus for fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers that are out of warranty, provided the fault is eligible and the work is carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. Check that your appliance and fault qualify before arranging a repair.
What should I compare on the energy label of a new appliance?
Compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise information. The European Commission provides these details for fridges and freezers. First, look for models with a capacity and format that suit your installation.
How should I dispose of my old fridge or freezer?
Arrange collection when you replace it, or take it to an appropriate electrical equipment recycling facility. ADEME mentions returning the appliance to the retailer or delivery team, or taking it to a recycling centre. Check the collection or drop-off arrangements before you set off.
Should I work on the refrigeration circuit myself?
No. Leave diagnosis and any work on the refrigeration circuit to a qualified professional. The French ministries responsible for ecological transition point out that some refrigerants have an impact on the climate. A loss of cooling is no reason to handle the circuit yourself.