If your fridge or freezer isn’t working properly, get the fault diagnosed and ask for a quote before deciding whether to replace it. A Repair Bonus may help reduce the cost if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you do need a replacement, first work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the annual energy consumption of appliances with similar capacities and intended uses.
You’re replacing an appliance that runs day and night. When comparing models, look at annual energy consumption in kWh alongside the capacity and energy efficiency class. These details are shown on the label introduced by the European Commission.
Your old appliance may offer too little or too much space, or split it poorly between fresh and frozen food. Work out the usable capacity you need in each compartment before choosing a fridge, fridge freezer or separate freezer.
If it isn’t keeping food cold enough or frost is building up unusually, get the fault diagnosed before buying a replacement. The ADEME lists these among the issues worth investigating; a quote will then help you assess whether a repair makes sense.
First, decide whether to repair the appliance. If you’re buying a new one, work out how much fresh and frozen storage you need before comparing energy consumption.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year shown on the European label for appliances with similar uses and capacities. Also check the A to G energy efficiency class. | I want to limit the electricity used by an appliance that stays on all year, without comparing a small fridge with a large fridge freezer. Around 38% of consumers would make comparable energy consumption their priority. |
| Storage layout | Check the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, rather than looking only at the total capacity. | If I mainly store fresh food, I might not use a large freezer compartment. Getting the right balance of space would come first for around 31% of consumers. |
| Repair or replace | Ask for a diagnosis and quote, and check whether parts are available for the exact model. Also check the conditions for any potential support. | My appliance isn’t cooling properly: I want to know whether it can be repaired before deciding to replace it. Repair would be the main concern for around 31% of consumers. |
The A to G rating doesn’t tell you whether the capacity suits your household. According to the European Commission, the label also shows annual energy consumption, capacity by compartment type and noise level.
Work out which type of appliance and capacity you need, then compare the kWh/year figures for similar models. Check the noise level if the appliance will be near a living area.
A larger compartment won’t necessarily meet a regular need. The ADEME notes that buying more capacity than you need can increase your electricity bill.
Assess how much space you need for chilled and frozen food separately before choosing a large fridge freezer or an additional freezer.
The Repair Bonus is a conditional deduction, not an indication of the total cost of a repair. The scale published by ecosystem, effective from 1 January 2026, provides for €25 for an eligible fridge, fridge freezer or freezer.
Get a quote and check that both the appliance and the fault are eligible with an accredited repairer before comparing repair with replacement.
European ecodesign rules require certain parts to be made available for the appliances covered, but this doesn’t guarantee that a specific part will be available immediately or that every fault can be repaired.
Give the repairer the appliance’s full model reference and ask which parts and work would be needed.
These fridge freezers combine fresh and frozen storage in one appliance. Before choosing, check the energy label for the exact model to see how its capacity is divided and how much energy it uses each year. This selection alone won’t help you decide whether to repair your current appliance or choose a separate freezer.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen storage in one 344 L appliance. The listing states an E energy efficiency class; check the energy label for annual consumption and the capacity of each compartment.
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Its four doors may appeal to households looking for a 467 L fridge freezer; make sure this capacity suits your usual storage needs. The listing mentions Total No Frost and an E energy efficiency class. Also check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure on the label.
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Consider whether you really need 495 L of space for fresh and frozen food. The listing states an E energy efficiency class; check the energy label and make sure you have enough room to install the appliance.
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This fridge freezer may suit a household looking to combine both types of storage in one appliance. The listing states a capacity of 333 L and a C energy efficiency class; check the label for the exact model’s compartment capacities and annual energy consumption before comparing it with other appliances.
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Worth considering if a fridge freezer with a bottom freezer suits the way you store food. The listing states a capacity of 282 L and an E energy efficiency class; check the energy label to compare annual consumption, individual compartment capacities and noise level.
Compare their annual energy consumption in kWh when they have similar uses and capacities, rather than relying on their energy efficiency classes alone. The European label introduced by the European Commission also shows fridge and freezer compartment capacities and noise level. Actual energy use will depend, among other things, on how the appliance is used.
No. Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food before increasing the total capacity. The ADEME warns that buying more capacity than you need can increase your bill; then compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with capacities that suit your needs.
It may apply to a fridge, fridge freezer or freezer if the appliance, fault and repair meet the scheme’s conditions. These include using an accredited repairer for an appliance that is out of warranty. For these three categories, ecosystem has published a bonus of €25, applicable from 1 January 2026. Check that you’re eligible before the repair goes ahead.
For the household appliances covered, check the A to G energy efficiency class, annual energy consumption in kWh, the capacities of the frozen and non-frozen compartments, and the noise information. The European Commission says the label’s QR code links to information about the model in EPREL.