If your fridge-freezer is no longer cooling properly, have a professional assess the fault before deciding whether to replace it. If you do need a new appliance, choose a format that suits your storage needs, then check that its dimensions, energy consumption and noise level are right for your home.
If your fridge-freezer is not keeping food cold enough, a professional diagnosis can identify the fault and possible repairs before you order a new appliance. A repairer accredited with the QualiRépar label can also check whether the Repair Bonus offered by ecosystem applies.
In an alcove or open-plan kitchen, width alone will not tell you whether a model is suitable. You also need to check its depth, door clearance, the space required according to the manual, and the route in for delivery. Noise levels can also make a difference day to day.
If your storage needs for fresh and frozen food have changed, compare the usable capacity of each compartment. A fridge, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer will each suit different storage needs.
Start by having the fault assessed. If you replace the appliance, choose between a fridge and a fridge-freezer based on your storage needs. Consider a separate freezer only if your frozen food storage needs and available space justify it.
| What matters | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | Ask a professional to diagnose the fault and check with a QualiRépar repairer whether it qualifies for the Repair Bonus. | If my appliance is no longer cooling properly, I want to find out whether it can be repaired before replacing it; around 27% of consumers would put this first. |
| Installation and delivery | Measure the space and delivery route; check the manual for requirements relating to the alcove, door clearance and ventilation. | In a kitchen with narrow access, I need to be able to get the appliance in and install it without obstructing the doors or ventilation; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this compatibility. |
| Fresh and frozen storage | Compare the usable capacity and internal layout of each compartment separately. | I regularly store frozen food and do not want to reduce the space for fresh food; around 20% of consumers would put this balance at the top of their list. |
| Energy use and noise | For models with a similar format and capacity, check the annual energy consumption on the current energy label and the noise level in dB. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to factor in noise while comparing the electricity used by an appliance that runs continuously; around 20% of consumers would make this their priority. |
A width that fits the space between your cabinets does not guarantee the appliance will fit through the delivery route, that its doors will open, or that there will be enough room for ventilation.
Measure the access route and final space, then compare them with the exact model’s dimensions and installation instructions. Check the requirements for freestanding and built-in appliances separately.
The scheme described by ecosystem depends on factors including the appliance, its warranty status and whether the fault is eligible; it is not a substitute for a diagnosis.
Speak to a repairer accredited with the QualiRépar label and check the conditions that apply to your appliance before making a decision.
A rating alone does not tell you the capacity, annual energy consumption or noise level. According to the European Union’s Your Europe portal, the current label uses a scale from A to G.
Compare appliances of a similar type and capacity using the full energy label, including the stated energy consumption and decibel rating. Do not compare an older label with ‘+’ ratings directly with the current scale.
A No Frost system or a specialist compartment cannot make up for a lack of space for the food you usually store.
First work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food, then look at the maintenance features and compartment layout of the model you have chosen.
These range examples can help you identify features to compare. The details given apply to the models listed, not to every appliance from each brand.
Bosch offers a range of freestanding fridge-freezers. Its KGN36VLED product details list 237 l of fridge space, 89 l of freezer space and a noise level of 39 dB.
The Whirlpool models listed include a built-in fridge-freezer and an upright freezer: two formats for different installation needs.
Liebherr lists a capacity of 362 l and a noise level of 33 dB for its CBNstb 579i Peak fridge-freezer, which features BioFresh Professional and NoFrost.
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing in one unit. They give you several capacities and formats to compare, including a built-in model and a side-by-side model, if you have decided to replace your fridge-freezer.
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Worth considering if you want to replace your current fridge-freezer with a large-capacity model. Check its overall dimensions, the delivery route and the clearances specified in the manual.
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A fridge-freezer to consider if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. If your kitchen is open-plan, check the exact model’s noise level before choosing.
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Compare this model if you are looking for a fridge-freezer with a bottom freezer and a total capacity of 282 l. Check the installation clearances and noise level if your space requires it.
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Worth considering if you are replacing a fridge-freezer built into a fitted kitchen. The model name includes TwinTech No Frost; above all, check the niche dimensions in the manual and the annual energy consumption on its energy label.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space in both compartments: the product details list 333 l for the fridge and 192 l for the freezer, as well as 37 dB and No Frost. Check its dimensions, the delivery route and annual energy consumption before opting for this format.
Yes, subject to certain conditions. ecosystem includes fridge-freezers in its QualiRépar scheme for appliances owned by households and bought in France. Ask an accredited repairer to check the appliance’s warranty status and whether the fault qualifies.
The ‘one-for-one’ take-back service applies when you buy an appliance of the same type, as the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains for household appliances in France. Before placing your order, check the collection or take-back arrangements with the retailer, particularly if access to your home is difficult.
Yes. The French Ministry for the Ecological Transition lists collection points and household waste recycling centres as options for electrical appliances. Take your refrigeration appliance to an appropriate recycling facility rather than putting it in general waste.
Follow the clearance requirements in the manual for the model you choose; they are not the same for every appliance. Samsung gives clearance measurements for some of its appliances but notes that they can vary. Do not apply them to another model, particularly a built-in one.
Compare the annual energy consumption shown on the energy labels of appliances with a similar type and capacity. The European Union’s Your Europe portal sets out the current A to G scale. Also consider capacity and noise level, rather than looking at the rating alone.