A household without a working fridge or freezer
You need to keep food safe and find out how long a repair or delivery will actually take before deciding what to do.
Who is affected by a fridge or freezer breakdown?
Owners weighing up a repair
Your appliance isn’t working properly and you want to compare the diagnosis, parts, quote and replacement options, rather than relying on its age alone.
Buyers responsible for the old appliance
You’re considering a replacement and need to arrange collection or find a suitable place to take the old appliance.
What should you check before repairing or replacing an appliance?
After a breakdown, your priorities may be getting the appliance cold again, arranging a diagnosis, choosing a suitable replacement or getting rid of the old appliance. Anses recommends keeping the temperature at 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge.
| Concern | What to check | Who is most affected? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping food cold | Actual temperature, a temporary way to store food, and the repair or delivery date. | If there’s perishable food in the appliance, I need to know when it will be cold again and where to keep the food in the meantime. Around 40% of consumers prioritise restoring refrigeration. |
| Repair cost and feasibility | Appliance model, warranty, diagnosis, part availability, timescale and itemised quote. | I want to know what’s wrong, how much it will cost and how long it will take before deciding whether a repair makes sense. Around 30% of consumers prioritise assessing a repair. |
| Choosing a replacement | Installation type, dimensions, usable capacity and the annual energy consumption stated for the exact model. | I need to replace the appliance’s lost function with one that suits my home and how I use it. Around 20% of consumers prioritise finding a suitable replacement. |
| Collection of the old appliance | Collection method, location or appointment, any preparation required and possible additional services. | I want to know who will take the old appliance away, where it will go and what I need to do beforehand. Around 10% of consumers prioritise collection. |
What mistakes should you avoid when an appliance breaks down?
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Following a blanket rule based on the appliance’s age or the quote
The fault, part availability, warranty, cost and timescale can all affect whether repair or replacement is the better option.
Ask for a diagnosis and compare the full cost and timescale of the available options. Don’t assume the same solution is right for every household. If your out-of-warranty appliance is eligible, ask whether a repairer with the relevant certification can apply the repair bonus described by the French Ministry of the Economy.
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Choosing an integrated or freestanding appliance based on capacity alone
An appliance may not fit the housing, door fittings or access routes, even if its capacity seems suitable.
Check the old appliance’s model number and measure the space, access routes and door clearances before choosing a model.
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Assuming collection of the old appliance includes every delivery service
Collection and installation or transport services are separate. Make sure you understand the arrangements for the appliance you’re buying.
Before paying, ask the seller how collection works, what preparation is needed and whether any services are charged separately.
Additional services or a second visit can make arrangements more complicated if you haven’t confirmed the terms in advance.
Brands to consider for different replacement needs
Beko
The RFNE448E35W is a freestanding upright freezer to consider if you’re replacing a separate freezer.
- The manufacturer’s product information confirms that this model is a freestanding appliance.
- Check its dimensions, energy label and availability. This information doesn’t show that it will fit in an integrated housing.
Electrolux
The EUN7NE18S integrated freezer is worth considering if your existing kitchen requires an integrated model.
- Electrolux describes this model as featuring No Frost technology.
- Check the housing and installation requirements before comparing it with a freestanding freezer.
Liebherr
The ICNe 5103 integrated fridge freezer is worth considering if you’re replacing both your fridge and freezer in a fitted kitchen.
- The manufacturer’s product information gives the housing dimensions and installation details for this model.
- You’ll still need to check that the housing and hinges are compatible. This information isn’t enough to conclude that the appliance is more reliable.
LG
Que Choisir Ensemble lists the GBV3100EPY fridge freezer among recently tested models, which may be a useful starting point if you’re looking for a freestanding replacement.
- The model appears on Que Choisir Ensemble’s list of recently tested appliances.
- This listing doesn’t provide a ranking or individual test result here. Check the available results and confirm the exact specifications.
New replacement appliances from Joybuy
These Joybuy models are for replacing your appliance with a new fridge or fridge freezer. They won’t, on their own, tell you whether repairing your existing appliance would be a better option.
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AEG NSC6M18FES, 249 L integrated fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing an integrated fridge freezer and can check that the sliding-door installation is compatible.
Total capacity: 249 L. TwinTech Total No Frost technology. Energy rating E.
As this is an integrated model with a sliding door, check the housing and door fittings.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 360 L three-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing an appliance that provides both refrigeration and freezing, and have space for a freestanding model.
Capacity: 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer. Stated annual energy consumption: 271 kWh. Stated power-cut storage time: 11 hours. Stated noise level: 35 dB(A). Energy rating E.
The product information lists a reversible door and Total No Frost technology.
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Compact two-door fridge, 92 L
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact appliance that also has a freezer compartment.
Total capacity: 92 L, including a four-star 28 L freezer. The product information lists seven temperature settings.
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Two-door fridge, 106 L
Worth considering if you’re replacing a small fridge and want to keep some food in a freezer compartment.
Total capacity: 106 L, including a 46 L freezer. Stated annual energy consumption: 166 kWh. The product information lists seven temperature settings and dimensions of 42.4 × 44.5 × 102 cm.
Energy rating E. Check that the dimensions suit the space you have available.
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Hisense RF632N4BCE, 485 L French-door fridge freezer
Worth considering if you’re replacing a fridge freezer and want a freestanding model. Check the available space before choosing.
Capacity: 336 L for the fridge and 149 L for the freezer. Stated annual energy consumption: 295 kWh. Stated power-cut storage time: 10 hours. Energy rating E.
The product information lists Total No Frost technology and a water dispenser with a refillable tank, so no fixed water connection is needed.
Frequently asked questions about fridge and freezer breakdowns
What should I do with food if my appliance is no longer keeping it cold?
Check the actual temperature and find a suitable way to store perishable food. Anses recommends 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. It advises eating defrosted food promptly and not refreezing it. Getting a new appliance doesn’t mean that food left in the old one is safe to eat.
Does the repair bonus automatically cover a fridge or freezer?
No. Whether the bonus applies depends, among other things, on whether the appliance and repair are eligible. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the scheme applies to an out-of-warranty product repaired by a certified professional. Check the conditions and applicable amount before comparing quotes.
Does the seller have to take away my old appliance when I buy a replacement?
When you buy an appliance from a retailer that replaces a similar old appliance, French rules provide for free take-back. Service Public Entreprendre published these arrangements on 18 August 2025. The take-back method must be explained before the sale. Confirm the location, appointment and preparation required; these are separate from an installation service.
Does a second-hand appliance bought from a private seller come with the legal guarantee of conformity?
No. Service Public explains that this guarantee applies to contracts between a consumer and a professional seller, including for second-hand goods, but not to private sales. Before comparing offers, check who the seller is and what proof or documentation is available.
Can I put an old fridge out with ordinary rubbish or bulky waste?
No. Used electrical appliances need to be collected separately, and refrigerating appliances containing fluids must be sent to an appropriate collection and treatment scheme. Ask the retailer to take it back or check with your local authority where to take it. Don’t leave it in a public place.