Before replacing a fridge or freezer to manage your energy use, work out how much fresh and frozen food you really need to store. Then compare the kWh/year of appliances that meet the same needs. According to ADEME, a newer appliance may use less energy, but extra capacity or features you don’t need can increase running costs. Getting a repair quote could also affect your decision.
If you’re replacing an old appliance to reduce energy use, compare the kWh/year without unnecessarily increasing its capacity. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that their size affects electricity costs.
A fridge freezer needs enough space in both compartments, not just an attractive total capacity. The information on the energy label, as set out by the European Commission, shows the capacity of each compartment and annual energy consumption.
If your current appliance has broken down, get a quote using its exact model reference before deciding to replace it. The availability of the part and whether you can arrange for a repairer to fit it matter just as much as the features of a new appliance.
First, decide whether you need a fridge, a fridge freezer or a separate freezer, based on your habits. Then compare the energy use of appliances with similar capacities and functions, and check the installation requirements and whether your current appliance can be repaired.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy consumption | Check the kWh/year on the energy label and compare appliances of the same type and with a similar capacity. | If keeping electricity costs down is my priority, I want to compare appliances that will store the same amount of food; around 36% of consumers would make this their main criterion. |
| Fresh and frozen food capacity | Check the capacity in litres of each compartment separately, and consider how much space you actually use. | If I mostly store fresh food, a large freezer compartment could go unused; around 29% of consumers would put getting the right capacity at the top of their list. |
| Installation and noise | Check the dimensions, door clearance and noise level. If the appliance will be in an unheated room, check the permitted ambient temperature range for the model. | If it’s going in an open-plan kitchen or a freezer is being installed in an unheated room, I need to be comfortable with the appliance in its intended location; around 21% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Repairs and warranties | Ask for a quote using the old appliance’s model reference, and check the availability of parts and the warranty terms for the model you’re considering. | If an appliance breaks down, I’d rather know whether it can be repaired before buying a new one; around 14% of consumers would make this decision their priority. |
A newer appliance won’t necessarily cost less to run if its capacity is far greater than your household needs. ADEME also recommends taking size and features into account.
Work out how much space you actually need for fresh and frozen food before comparing the kWh/year of appliances with similar functions.
The energy rating letter on its own doesn’t tell you how much food the appliance can store. The European Commission says the label also shows kWh/year, capacity and noise level.
Look at all this information together. To estimate your electricity costs, use the kWh/year and the rate you pay, but don’t assume this guarantees a saving.
Whether an appliance is suitable for a cold room depends on the model. Beko says some models can be used in these conditions, but this doesn’t apply to every freezer.
Before buying, check the possible temperature in the room against the ambient temperature range stated on the product information and in the instructions for the exact model.
A breakdown doesn’t automatically mean you need to replace the appliance. Parts availability and access vary depending on the model and the work required.
Ask for a quote and find out how to obtain the part in question, then compare this option with replacing the appliance.
Worth considering if you’re choosing between a single-door fridge, a fridge freezer and a freezer, with freestanding and built-in options available across the ranges.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer or fridge with dedicated fresh-food compartments.
An option if you need a separate freezer, particularly if it may be installed in an unheated room.
Worth considering for fridge freezers, some models of which offer No Frost features.
These appliances cover both fresh and frozen food storage, as well as freezing in a separate appliance. Before comparing their energy labels, check that their capacity suits your needs.
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Worth considering if you regularly use the fresh and frozen food compartments in a large appliance.
Advertised total capacity of 467 L, energy rating E and Total No Frost. Check how the capacity is divided between compartments and the kWh/year on the label for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of room for fresh and frozen food.
Advertised total capacity of 495 L and energy rating E. Check the compartment layout, the clearance required and the kWh/year for the model supplied.
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Worth comparing if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one 360 L appliance.
Advertised with energy rating E and Total No Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year and the dimensions before replacing your current appliance.
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Worth considering if a large combined capacity suits the amount of food you usually store.
Advertised total capacity of 444 L, energy rating E and frost-free operation. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the kWh/year before comparing this model with others.
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Worth considering if you regularly need to freeze food in a separate appliance.
Advertised capacity of 161 L and No Frost function. Check the kWh/year on the energy label. If the appliance will be placed in a cold room, also check the permitted ambient temperature range.
No. You should also compare the kWh/year of appliances that meet the same food storage needs. The European Commission says the label also gives the capacity of the compartments and the noise level, so the rating letter alone doesn’t tell you what the appliance can do.
No, savings aren’t guaranteed. ADEME points out that a newer appliance may use less energy, but its size and features matter too. Compare the energy consumption of the appliance you’re considering with your actual needs, and don’t assume all older models use the same amount of energy.
Start by identifying the faulty part and the appliance’s exact model reference, then ask a repairer for a quote. For appliances covered by it, and subject to the conditions applicable to professional repairers, the EU Ecodesign Regulation includes requirements relating to parts such as thermostats, temperature sensors and electronic circuit boards. This doesn’t mean every part is available for every repair.