If your fridge or freezer is keeping food cold properly, don’t replace it based on age alone. Check its condition, energy use and how much capacity you actually need, then compare the cost of a repair with buying a like-for-like model. ADEME points out that newer appliances can use less energy, but a larger capacity or buying more than you need can also increase consumption. So the kWh/year figure for a new model won’t tell you how much your household will save. If the appliance isn’t keeping food cold enough, have it checked as a priority: Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge between 0 and +4 °C.
If your appliance isn’t cooling properly or seems to have developed a fault, check the temperature and look into having it repaired before choosing a replacement. Anses recommends checking your fridge temperature regularly.
If your appliance is still working, compare its known energy use with that of models offering the right function and capacity before deciding whether replacement is worthwhile. ADEME points out that size and buying more than you need can also affect energy use.
If you regularly run out of space, or have more chilled storage than you need, compare the usable capacities and appliance dimensions separately.
Start with the issue behind your decision, then check the details that will help you compare a repair with a replacement.
| What matters to you | What to check before buying | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping food cold | Temperature in the coldest part; appliance condition and repair quote. | If my fridge is no longer keeping food at a suitable temperature, I’ll have it checked before deciding whether to repair or replace it. This is a priority for around 40 % of consumers. |
| Annual energy use | kWh/year for the exact model; comparable functions and capacities. | If the appliance is working but I want to reduce its energy use, I’ll compare the kWh/year figures for models that suit my needs before working out whether a replacement is worthwhile. This is a priority for around 30 % of consumers. |
| Capacity and dimensions | Fridge and freezer capacities separately; appliance and available-space dimensions. | If the current capacity no longer suits what I store, I’ll check the usable capacity and available space before choosing a format. This is a priority for around 20 % of consumers. |
| Cost and how long you’ll use it | Repair quote; whether it’s new or second-hand and the terms of sale. | If I want to keep the upfront cost down or extend the life of my appliance, I’ll compare the repair quote, replacement options and purchase terms. This is a priority for around 10 % of consumers. |
ADEME says newer appliances can use less energy, but age alone won’t tell you how much your household could save. A larger capacity or buying more than you need can also increase energy use.
Compare the kWh/year figures for specific models with the right function and capacity. Then weigh up those figures against the condition of the appliance you’d keep and the cost of any potential repair.
A larger appliance or an additional appliance can increase energy use, while too little capacity can make it harder to use.
Assess fridge and freezer capacities separately, and take into account all the appliances you’d keep plugged in.
ADEME classifies refrigeration appliances separately and recommends using an appropriate collection service.
When replacing an appliance, check the take-back arrangements. Otherwise, find a collection point for refrigeration appliances.
The European Commission explains that the energy labelling rules for new appliances don’t apply to second-hand products.
Before buying, ask for the full model number, any available energy-use information and the terms of sale.
Freestanding fridge-freezers are available in a range of capacities, with different freezer technologies depending on the model.
The range includes fridges and fridge-freezers to compare by energy rating and the capacity you need.
Upright freezers may suit you if you need dedicated freezer capacity.
The French catalogue includes double-door fridges, fridge-freezers and larger appliances.
This selection mainly features fridge-freezers, along with one separate freezer. Compare the stated capacity and energy rating with your household’s actual needs.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer and its total capacity suits your needs.
Stated capacity: 344 L. Stated energy rating: E.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 360 L fridge-freezer and want to take its listed features into account.
Stated capacity: 360 L. E rated, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone are mentioned in the model name.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer and its total capacity suits your space and household needs.
Stated capacity: 336 L. B rated, Total No Frost and a noise level of 35 dB are mentioned in the model name.
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Worth comparing if you want to replace a separate freezer rather than a fridge-freezer.
Stated capacity: 140 L. E rated; a storage basket and counterbalanced lid are mentioned in the model name.
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Worth comparing if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer and its stated capacity suits your storage needs.
Stated capacity: 333 L. C rated; DoorCooling+ and LinearCooling+ are listed in the model name.
Compare the energy rating, annual energy consumption in kWh and compartment capacities of appliances designed for the same purpose. The European Commission explains that the current label uses ratings from A to G, and that the old A+ ratings have not been used for these categories since 2021.
Check the temperature regularly, for example with a thermometer. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part between 0 and +4 °C. If the appliance isn’t maintaining a suitable temperature, have the problem checked rather than assuming that a particular setting or replacement will fix it.
A fridge or freezer may qualify if it isn’t covered by a warranty and the repair is carried out by an approved repairer. The French Ministry of the Economy sets out these conditions in its information dated 11 September 2026. Check eligibility and get a quote before comparing the cost with a replacement.
When you buy a new equivalent appliance, free take-back under the ‘one-for-one’ scheme applies under the relevant sales arrangements, as the DGCCRF explains. For other collection options, ADEME directs consumers to an appropriate service for refrigeration appliances, including a dedicated area for electrical and electronic equipment at a recycling centre.
The EU energy labelling rules for new appliances don’t apply to second-hand products. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity also covers second-hand and refurbished goods bought from a professional seller, according to the French Ministry of the Economy’s information dated 9 September 2026. Check the model number, any available energy-use information and the seller’s status.