When replacing your main fridge-freezer, first check that the new appliance can be delivered, installed and ventilated in the space, and that its doors can open fully. Next, choose the balance between fridge and freezer capacity to suit your habits, then compare the exact model’s annual energy consumption, noise level and power-cut storage time. A freestanding model avoids the restrictions of a cabinet space; an integrated model requires a compatible installation, while separate appliances need two spaces.
If space is limited, measure the delivery route as well as the room needed to open the doors. For an integrated model, the cabinet space, hinges and ventilation must meet the requirements in the model’s instructions. The European Commission publishes overall dimensions in EPREL; Bosch refers users to its instructions for installation and door-opening requirements.
Total capacity doesn’t tell you how much room there is for frozen food. Compare the fridge and freezer compartments separately, then check that the drawers and shelves suit the way you usually store food. The European Commission’s EPREL database includes capacity figures for each compartment.
Compare the kWh per year and noise level of appliances with similar capacities and configurations. ADEME recommends checking the energy label, while EPREL lets you look up the specifications of registered models.
First choose a configuration that works in your kitchen, then compare models based on the storage your household really needs.
Consider this if: the appliance doesn’t need to be built into a cabinet.
Make sure you have: a suitable delivery route, plus enough space for ventilation and to open the doors.
Consider this if: you have a compatible cabinet space and cabinet door.
Make sure you check: the cabinet door fitting, hinges and ventilation requirements in the model’s instructions.
Consider this if: you want to choose the space for fresh and frozen food independently.
Make sure you have: two suitable spaces, and check the installation requirements for each appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Size and installation | Measure the height, width and depth, and check that the doors can open fully. Check the clearances and, for an integrated model, the cabinet space and hinges in the instructions. | If my kitchen has little room to spare, I want to be able to install the appliance and use its drawers without the door getting in the way. Around 31% of consumers would make this compatibility their top priority. |
| Capacity and storage | Compare the litres of fridge and freezer space, then check the layout of the drawers and shelves. | If I regularly store frozen food, total capacity alone doesn’t tell me whether each compartment will meet my needs; around 31% of consumers would put this balance first. |
| Food preservation and storage time | Check the storage time in the event of a power cut and the exact model’s freezing functions; don’t confuse these with its defrosting system. | If I often freeze food, I want to know the freezer’s stated capabilities and how long it can keep food frozen during a power cut. This would be a top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
| Energy use and noise | Check the kWh/year and noise level, preferably across models with similar capacities and configurations. | In an open-plan kitchen, I pay attention to everyday noise without overlooking the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously; around 19% of consumers would prioritise these criteria. |
Different balances of fridge and freezer space can affect how useful the same total capacity is for your household.
Compare the capacity of each compartment in the product details or in EPREL, then check the layout of the storage space.
An appliance may fit in the space but still not have enough room for ventilation or to open the doors fully.
Measure the delivery route and the space needed to use the appliance. For an integrated model, check the cabinet space, cabinet door and hinges against the installation instructions.
Frost management alone doesn’t tell you how long the appliance is expected to keep food frozen during a power cut or how well it can freeze food.
Check these specifications separately for the model you’re considering, and see which compartments the No Frost function applies to.
Taking away your old appliance is one of the practical things to consider when replacing it, especially if you can’t keep two appliances temporarily.
When placing your order, ask about free collection of an old appliance of equivalent type. Ecosystem says retailers must offer a take-back solution when you buy a new, equivalent appliance.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding fridge-freezers as well as models designed to sit behind a cabinet door.
For models featured in its range, Liebherr publishes dimensions, total capacity and noise levels.
In France, Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, including No Frost models.
These fridge-freezers include freestanding models and one integrated model. Compare their size and capacity with your available space and storage habits. If you’re considering separate appliances, check each one individually.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a freestanding fridge-freezer and its stated capacity suits your needs.
Stated total capacity: 282 L; energy rating E. Check the dimensions, ventilation clearances and storage time during a power cut for this model.
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Consider this if your kitchen has space for an integrated fridge-freezer.
Stated total capacity: 249 L; energy rating E; TwinTech No Frost technology. Before choosing it, check the cabinet space, cabinet door and ventilation requirements against the installation instructions.
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Worth considering if you want two compartments in an appliance stated to be 150 cm tall.
Stated total capacity: 174 L; Low Frost, four-star freezer, reversible door, 39 dB and energy rating E. Check the depth and required clearances before choosing this size.
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Worth considering if width is an important factor when choosing a freestanding fridge-freezer.
Stated width: 54 cm; 153 L fridge capacity and 74 L freezer capacity. The product details list Low Frost, a reversible door and energy rating E. Check the height, depth and ventilation clearances as well.
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Worth considering if the balance between fridge and freezer capacity suits your everyday storage needs.
Stated capacities: 182 L for the fridge and 71 L for the freezer; No Frost and 39 dB are listed in the product title. Check the dimensions, installation requirements and annual energy consumption for this model.
Compare the energy rating and kWh/year, then consider these alongside the compartment capacities, dimensions and noise levels of the models you’re looking at. EPREL, the European Commission’s public database, lists these specifications for registered appliances. ADEME recommends checking the energy label when choosing an appliance.
No. Follow the clearances and installation instructions for the model you choose, particularly if it’s integrated. Bosch’s installation documentation shows why you need to check these requirements for each model individually.
No. This depends on the model and how it’s installed. Check the instructions before buying, and make sure the doors will open far enough to access the drawers. Bosch refers users to its installation instructions for details on reversing the doors.
Ask about collection arrangements when you order your new appliance. Ecosystem says that when you buy a new, equivalent appliance as a replacement, the retailer must offer a free take-back solution for your old one.