After a loss of cooling or unusual ice build-up, have a qualified repairer assess the appliance first: a fault does not necessarily mean it needs replacing. If you do need a new appliance, choose a fridge freezer to keep fresh and frozen food in one place, or a separate freezer if you mainly need extra freezer space and have room for one. Either way, check the capacity, installation requirements and collection arrangements for your old appliance before ordering.
If your home has lost its cooling, the first thing to find out is whether a repair can get the appliance working again in time to meet your needs. ADEME recommends considering repair rather than treating every fault as a reason to replace the appliance.
When replacing an appliance, the available space, delivery access and balance between fresh and frozen food will help determine which format to consider. An integrated model also requires a compatible housing unit and door fitting.
If you’re replacing your appliance because of defrosting or a lack of room for frozen food, compare the No Frost feature on the specific model and the usable capacity of its freezer compartment. A separate freezer gives you more room for frozen food, but not for fresh food.
First, find out whether the appliance can be repaired, then choose the right storage capacity and format for your home. The needs below apply to households looking to restore their food storage after a loss of cooling or unusual ice build-up.
| Concern | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Repair and getting the appliance working again | Ask a qualified repairer to assess the fault and confirm how soon they can carry out the work. | If my appliance has stopped cooling, I want to know whether it can be repaired quickly enough before replacing it. Around 36% of consumers put this repair decision first. |
| Capacity and location | Compare the litres allocated to fresh and frozen food; measure the space and access routes, and the housing unit for an integrated model. | When space is limited, I need an appliance that fits in my kitchen without reducing the storage I need. Around 29% of consumers prioritise finding the right capacity and fit. |
| Ice build-up and frozen food | Check whether the model you’ve chosen has No Frost and how much freezer capacity you’ll actually use. | If I store a lot of frozen food or want to defrost less often, I need to understand the difference between a fridge freezer and a separate freezer. Around 21% of consumers prioritise managing ice build-up or having more room for frozen food. |
| Sales terms and collection | Identify the seller of a second-hand appliance; confirm collection or find a suitable collection point for your old appliance. | When buying a second-hand appliance, I want to know who I’m buying from and how to have my old one taken away. Around 14% of consumers put the sales terms and end-of-life arrangements first. |
A loss of cooling alone does not mean the whole appliance needs replacing. ADEME recommends considering a repair.
Ask a qualified repairer whether a repair is possible and how long it would take. Don’t try to diagnose the fault remotely.
An appliance may offer the capacity you want but still not fit through the access routes or into the space you have. An integrated model, in particular, needs a suitable housing unit and door fitting.
Measure the space and access routes, then check the dimensions and required clearances against the instructions for the exact model.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a business, but not to private sales.
Before buying a second-hand appliance, identify the seller and check the model reference, condition and delivery terms.
ADEME says old fridges and freezers should be taken to a suitable collection point so their refrigerants can be handled through the appropriate recycling scheme.
When replacing an appliance, arrange collection with the retailer or find a collection point that accepts refrigeration appliances.
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, as well as separate freezers in France.
The range includes freestanding and integrated fridge freezers, with features that vary by model.
Some Beko fridge freezers feature NeoFrost Dual Cooling.
Electrolux offers freestanding and integrated fridge freezers to suit different kitchen layouts.
These appliances suit two different needs: replacing an appliance for fresh and frozen food with a fridge freezer, or getting a separate freezer for frozen food. Your choice will depend on the space available and how your old appliance can be collected.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a fridge freezer fitted into your kitchen. The model is listed with TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the housing unit dimensions and the capacity split in the product documentation.
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A replacement option that combines fresh and frozen food storage in a three-door appliance. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the overall dimensions and required clearances before delivery.
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Consider this if you need one appliance for both fresh and frozen food. It’s listed as having a 368 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check the compartment split, dimensions and delivery access.
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For households looking for a four-door fridge freezer with enough room for this format. The model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the available width, access routes and door opening direction.
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Consider this if you mainly need more room for frozen food and have space for a separate appliance. This freezer has a C energy rating, but it won’t replace a fridge for fresh food. Check its dimensions before choosing.
Yes. When you buy a new, equivalent electrical appliance in France, the retailer must offer free «1 for 1» take-back, including for distance sales. According to ecosystem, if the new appliance is delivered to the place where it will be used, the old one must be collected at the same time. Before ordering, confirm access arrangements, the delivery slot and any preparation required.
No. ADEME says old refrigeration appliances should be taken to a suitable collection point so their refrigerants can be treated properly. When replacing an appliance, arrange collection through the retailer or find a collection point that accepts these appliances.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to a refurbished or second-hand appliance bought from a professional seller in France. It doesn’t apply to private sales, so make sure you know who the seller is and keep your sales documents.
Compare their energy labels, taking capacity and format into account. According to the European Union’s Your Europe portal, the label helps you compare the energy use of appliances. This labelling doesn’t apply to second-hand appliances, so look up the exact model reference and its documentation if available.