It may be time to replace your fridge or freezer if it no longer keeps food properly, is not worth repairing or no longer has enough capacity for your household. Before you buy, compare the capacity of each compartment, annual energy use in kWh and noise levels across models suited to your needs. The energy label on a new appliance alone cannot predict how much you’ll save compared with your current one.
You’re thinking about replacing an older appliance and want to compare kWh/year without assuming your bills will automatically go down. The European Commission says that the energy label for refrigeration appliances also shows the energy efficiency class, capacity and noise level.
Your shopping or freezing habits have changed, so choosing between a single-door fridge, a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer depends on how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. Que Choisir recommends considering usable capacity in relation to the size of your household.
Your appliance isn’t working properly, but its size still suits you. A diagnosis and quote can help you decide before ordering a new one. In France, ecosystem says that some out-of-warranty refrigeration appliances may be eligible for the Repair Bonus, subject to conditions.
First, check whether your current appliance can still meet your needs or be repaired. If you’re replacing it, decide on the format and usable capacity before comparing the energy label details of the models you’ve shortlisted.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare the kWh/year of models that meet the same storage needs, then check their energy efficiency class. | If my appliance runs all the time, I want to know the new model’s stated energy use without making assumptions about my old one; around 36% of consumers may rank this as a priority. |
| Capacity and format | Check the capacity available for fresh and frozen food separately, as well as the space the appliance needs. | My shopping habits and use of frozen food have changed. I want enough room in the right compartment, rather than choosing based on total capacity alone. This may be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and installation | Check the dB rating on the label, as well as the appliance’s dimensions, door clearance and installation instructions. | In an open-plan kitchen or a tight space, I want to be sure I can install the appliance and live with its noise day to day. This may be a priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Repair or replace | Ask for a diagnosis and quote, and check whether a repair is an option before deciding to replace the appliance. | If my appliance breaks down but still has enough capacity for my needs, I’d rather find out whether it can be repaired before buying another one. Around 14% of consumers may prefer this approach. |
The European Commission says the label also shows annual energy use, capacity and noise level. The letter alone won’t tell you whether the appliance has enough room for your needs.
First shortlist suitable formats and capacities, then compare their kWh/year and noise levels.
A small freezer compartment may not be enough if you regularly store frozen food, even if the total capacity seems sufficient.
Work out how much room you need for fresh and frozen food separately before choosing between a single-door fridge, a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer.
It’s worth considering a repair if the appliance still meets your household’s needs. The Repair Bonus offered by ecosystem is subject to conditions, including those relating to the warranty and the fault.
Ask a repairer participating in the QualiRépar scheme for a diagnosis and quote before making your decision.
When replacing an appliance, you’ll also need to arrange for the old one to be passed on through an appropriate collection and recycling scheme.
According to ADEME, you can hand your old appliance to the retailer or delivery team when it’s replaced.
Bosch offers a range that includes single-door fridges, fridge-freezers and freezers, in both freestanding and integrated designs.
Liebherr offers single-door fridges and fridge-freezers, including some models with BioFresh or NoFrost.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated refrigeration appliances, including fridge-freezers with No Frost systems.
Electrolux offers a range that includes fridges, fridge-freezers and integrated freezers.
These appliances cover different needs, from fresh-food storage only to combined fresh and frozen storage, in sizes from compact to larger formats. Compare the space available for each purpose before choosing a model. If you’re looking for a separate freezer, this selection of fridges is no substitute for considering that format.
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Worth considering if you need a large-capacity appliance for both fresh and frozen food.
The product name lists a total capacity of 467 L, an E energy rating and Total No Frost. Check the capacity of each compartment, the energy label and the space needed to open the doors.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance and need to compare how much room each gets.
The product name lists a total capacity of 360 L, an E energy rating, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and the model’s energy label.
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Worth comparing if most of your storage is for fresh food but you’d also like a freezer compartment.
The product name lists a total capacity of 179 L. Before deciding whether it can replace your current appliance, check how much room it has for frozen food, its defrosting requirements and the energy label.
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Worth considering if you need a compact fridge, once you’ve checked what you need to keep chilled.
The product name lists a capacity of 82 L and an E energy rating. If you need to store frozen food, check whether it has a suitable compartment. Also check the dimensions and energy label.
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Worth considering if you need a large-capacity appliance for fresh and frozen food, but don’t want to choose based on total capacity alone.
The product name lists a total capacity of 444 L, an E energy rating, a frost-free function and a noise level of 40 dB. Check how the capacity is split between compartments, the installation dimensions and the kWh/year on the model’s energy label.
The kWh/year figure shows the model’s stated annual energy use. To compare two refrigeration appliances, consider this figure alongside their capacity and format. It doesn’t measure the actual energy use of your old appliance.
No. The energy rating alone doesn’t tell you whether the appliance has enough capacity for your needs. The European Commission says the label also shows energy use, capacity and noise level. Compare these details across models suited to the same purpose.
Yes, subject to conditions in France. According to ecosystem, the scheme covers certain fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers owned by households and bought in France, provided they’re no longer covered by a warranty or insurance, the fault is eligible and the repair is carried out under the QualiRépar scheme.
Arrange for it to be passed on through an appropriate collection and recycling scheme. ADEME says that when you replace an appliance, you can hand the old one to the retailer or delivery team.
No. This feature alone doesn’t show that one model uses less energy than another. To compare appliances that suit your needs, check their kWh/year and capacities on the energy labels, whether or not they have No Frost.