Start by considering the food you need to store and the space available: a fridge is enough if you don’t need a freezer, a fridge-freezer suits regular use of both fresh and frozen food, and a separate freezer makes sense if you need dedicated freezer space. Then compare the usable capacity of each compartment, kWh/year, dimensions and noise levels of models suited to your needs. The European Commission says the label on the relevant appliances includes information such as annual energy consumption and compartment volumes. If your appliance is still working, don’t replace it based on averages alone: compare its actual energy use and condition with the possibility of having it repaired, as advised by ADEME.
You’re replacing an appliance that runs continuously and want to compare its energy use with the kWh/year figures for appliances that meet your needs, without choosing unnecessary capacity or features. ADEME points out that size and extra features are important considerations when choosing a refrigeration appliance.
You want to know whether the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer is enough or whether you need a separate freezer. Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, as recommended by Que Choisir Ensemble.
You need to match the capacity to the space available and the installation requirements. Liebherr product specifications and Bosch installation guidance show which dimensions and conditions to check for each appliance.
First, decide whether you need a fridge, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer. Then choose a capacity that suits your food and the space available. If your current appliance is still working, also check its condition and whether it could be repaired.
| What matters | What to check | Who cares most about it? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet the same needs and, if possible, record the energy use of your current appliance. | I want to reduce energy use without giving up the capacity I need. Around 33% of consumers prioritise energy use. |
| Freezer capacity | Check the freezer and fridge capacities separately, then compare them with your storage habits. | If I regularly store frozen food, I want to know whether an integrated compartment will be enough. Around 27% of consumers prioritise freezer capacity. |
| Size and usable capacity | Measure the space and access route; also check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements. | When space is limited, I’m looking for enough capacity for my shopping without exceeding the available dimensions. Around 27% of consumers put size and format first. |
| Condition of the current appliance | Assess its actual energy use and arrange a diagnosis if a repair may be possible. | If my appliance is still working, I want to check whether it can be repaired before replacing it. Around 13% of consumers prioritise the appliance’s condition and the option of repair. |
The energy rating is no substitute for comparing kWh/year or usable capacities. A large capacity or features you don’t need could lead you to choose an appliance that isn’t right for you.
First work out how much fresh and frozen food you need to store, then compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet the same needs.
The total capacity of a fridge-freezer doesn’t show how much room is actually available for frozen food. For example, the Bosch KGV33VLEAS has separate stated capacities: 195 l for refrigeration and 94 l for freezing.
Check the capacities of both compartments separately and compare them with your storage habits.
Category averages don’t measure your appliance’s energy use. ADEME also points out that a fault can sometimes be caused by a part that can be repaired.
If possible, record the energy use of your current appliance, have it checked if necessary and compare the options over the same period.
Dimensions, installation requirements and collection arrangements vary depending on the appliance and your circumstances.
Measure the space and access route, read the instructions and confirm the collection arrangements with the seller. ADEME says that used refrigeration appliances should be taken to an appropriate collection scheme.
The documented models show different configurations: a fridge without a freezer or a fridge-freezer.
The KTe550 under-counter fridge is an example of a compact format to consider when the available space and capacity requirements allow.
The H4F240WEE upright freezer is an example of a separate appliance to consider when you already have refrigeration covered.
The products featured include a separate freezer, fridge-freezers and compact fridges. Check the usable capacity, dimensions and kWh/year figures in relation to the appliance you’re replacing and the space available.
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Worth considering if you already have refrigeration covered and need a separate space for frozen food.
Stated capacity: 161 L. Stated energy rating C; No Frost system and reversible door hinge.
Freezer only: it doesn’t have a fridge compartment.
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Compare this model if you’d like fresh and frozen food compartments in the same appliance.
Stated capacities: 311 L for refrigeration and 156 L for freezing. Stated energy use: 290 kWh/year; energy rating E.
Stated dimensions: 83,3 × 65 × 181,5 cm. Total No Frost technology.
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Compare this model if you need both refrigeration and freezer space in a side-by-side appliance.
Stated total capacity: 444 L. Stated energy use: 289 kWh/year; energy rating E.
Stated climate class SN-T. Check the dimensions and installation requirements for your intended location.
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Worth comparing if you need a modest amount of fridge space without a freezer compartment.
Stated capacity: 82 L. Stated energy use: 84 kWh/year; energy rating E.
No freezer compartment is listed.
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Worth comparing if you have limited space and only need to store a small amount of food.
Stated capacity: 45 L, including 42 L of fridge space and 3 L of freezer space. Energy rating E.
The stated freezer compartment capacity is 3 L.
No, not for that reason alone. Category averages don’t tell you how much energy your appliance uses or what condition it’s in. Compare its actual energy use, arrange a diagnosis if necessary and consider whether it could be repaired; ADEME points out that a fault can sometimes be caused by a part that can be repaired.
The applicable European label includes the energy rating from A to G, kWh/year, the volumes of the fresh and frozen food compartments, and the noise level. The European Commission recommends using these details to compare appliances: match the annual energy use to the capacity you actually need.
Measure the space and access route, then check the model’s dimensions and installation requirements in the instructions. The recommended ambient temperature range may also matter, especially in an unheated room. For chilled food, Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C at the coldest point.
For an item bought by an individual from a professional seller, the legal guarantee of conformity applies under its terms; the French Ministry of the Economy states that you have two years to request its application. ADEME recommends taking used refrigeration appliances to an appropriate collection scheme and says that the seller may offer to take the old appliance away when you replace it.
Yes, for household refrigeration appliances covered by European regulations. The DGCCRF lists fridges, freezers and combined appliances, and says that the labelling rules have applied since 1 March 2021. This information requirement doesn’t mean you have to choose a particular energy rating.