Before replacing a fridge-freezer that is not cooling properly, ask a qualified professional to assess whether it can be repaired. ADEME presents this as an option, not an obligation. If you decide to replace the appliance, start with the space available and the net capacity you need for chilled and frozen food. Then check delivery and collection arrangements before choosing a fridge-freezer, two separate appliances or a refurbished model.
If you cannot wait long for a replacement appliance, check the delivery slot, access to your home, any installation service and the arrangements for removing your old appliance when you place your order. Boulanger, for example, describes a home collection service when a new appliance is delivered. The specific services available should be confirmed with your chosen retailer.
Measure the space before comparing freestanding and built-in appliances, or two separate appliances. Guide Topten France distinguishes between the net capacities of the fridge and freezer, and both figures matter just as much as the space available in your kitchen.
A professional assessment can help you decide whether to keep your appliance. If you then consider a refurbished model, check its condition, exact model number and the services included with the offer. Do not assume they will be the same as those for a new appliance.
First, find out whether a repair is worth considering. If you decide to replace the appliance, compare the format, storage capacity and delivery arrangements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Ask for a diagnosis and check the warranty, as well as whether the fault is eligible for the Repair Bonus. According to ecosystem, the bonus applies to appliances that are no longer under warranty, provided the other conditions are met. | I want to find out whether I can keep my current appliance before choosing another one. |
| Format | Measure the space and delivery route. For a built-in model, also measure the housing and check the fixing system. A fridge-freezer takes up one space; a separate fridge and freezer need two. | Does my kitchen require a built-in appliance, or do I have room to choose a fridge and freezer separately? |
| Storage | Compare the net capacities of the fridge and freezer separately, as Guide Topten France does. Do not rely on the total capacity alone to judge how much room there is for frozen food. | I need enough space in each compartment, not just a large advertised capacity. |
| Energy and noise | Check the energy label and compare annual energy use and noise levels where they are listed on a like-for-like basis. ADEME recommends using the energy label to help choose a household appliance. | In an open-plan kitchen, noise matters to me just as much as storage features. |
| Delivery and collection | Confirm the delivery slot, access to your home, installation and removal arrangements at checkout. In France, the ministry responsible for the environment says retailers must offer to take back a used appliance when a new one is bought, whether in store or remotely. | I want to know how the new appliance will be delivered and how my old one will be collected. |
| Refurbished | Check the appliance’s exact model number and condition, then review the delivery, installation and warranty terms for the specific offer. | If I’m considering a refurbished appliance, I want to know its condition and what services are included before I order. |
Total capacity does not tell you how much space is set aside for chilled and frozen food. An appliance may also not fit in its housing or through the access points along the delivery route.
Measure the space and delivery route, then compare the net capacity of each compartment and the installation dimensions for the exact model.
The take-back service offered when you buy a new appliance, as described by the ministry responsible for the environment, does not by itself explain how delivery and installation will be arranged at your address.
Before confirming your order, check the delivery slot, floor level, access requirements, installation service and how to request collection of your old appliance.
Poor cooling alone is not enough to determine whether a repair is worthwhile. According to ecosystem, access to the Repair Bonus depends, among other things, on the warranty and whether the fault is eligible.
Ask a qualified professional to diagnose the problem and check the bonus conditions before making your decision.
You should assess the appliance’s condition and the services included for the specific offer you are considering.
Check the model, dimensions, stated condition, warranty, delivery and collection arrangements before ordering.
These brands offer useful points of comparison for formats and features. Always check the details for the exact model you are considering.
Bosch offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, which you can compare to suit your kitchen layout.
Beko offers a range of fridge-freezers to compare according to their individual features.
Liebherr’s range of freestanding fridge-freezers lets you compare several total capacity categories.
These models are suited to replacing an appliance with a fridge-freezer. They include freestanding and built-in options. Compare their format with your available space before checking delivery and collection arrangements.
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Worth comparing if you want to replace your appliance with a four-door fridge-freezer. The model title lists a 467 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E energy rating and Smart Inverter. Measure the space and access points, then check which services are available at your address.
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This three-door fridge-freezer is worth comparing with the space available for replacing your current appliance. The model title lists a 360 L capacity, Total No Frost, an E energy rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the installation clearances, as well as the delivery, installation and collection services available at your address.
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Worth considering if you are replacing a fridge-freezer fitted into a kitchen. The model title lists a 249 L capacity, TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, then confirm the housing dimensions and the fittings needed for installation before ordering.
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Its stated width of 54 cm is worth comparing with a narrower space, while allowing for the clearance required. The model title lists a 262 L capacity, a height of 176 cm and a 70/30 split. If you want to avoid manual defrosting, check the maintenance requirements for this Low Frost model.
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This built-in model with a top freezer is worth comparing based on the housing dimensions and the space you need for frozen food. Its title lists a 188 L capacity and an E energy rating. Check that the cabinet door and sliding rail system are compatible; the cabinet door is not included.
No, repair is not a necessary first step. ADEME outlines options for repairing or replacing an appliance. A professional diagnosis can help you understand the fault and decide whether you want to keep the appliance.
According to ecosystem, a fridge or freezer may qualify for the Repair Bonus if it is no longer covered by a warranty and the fault is eligible. Check these conditions with a QualiRépar-certified repairer before the work is carried out. The bonus alone cannot tell you whether a repair is worthwhile.
Yes. In France, the ministry responsible for the environment says retailers must offer to take back a used appliance when you buy a new one, whether in store or remotely. When you order, check how collection will be arranged at your address, especially if you are requesting a home collection.
Use an appropriate take-back or collection service for refrigeration appliances. ADEME highlights options such as collection when replacing an appliance or dropping it off at a suitable facility. Find out what is available near you rather than leaving it with ordinary bulky waste.
Do not assume the services are the same: check the specific offer. Darty describes delivery, installation and collection services for its particular offer. Check what your seller provides, along with the condition and model number of the appliance you are interested in.