Replacing a fridge-freezer makes most sense when the new appliance better suits your storage needs and uses less energy each year than a comparable model with similar capacity. A fridge alone may be suitable if you rarely freeze food, while a fridge-freezer covers both needs; only add a separate freezer if you’ll use its capacity regularly. Before replacing an appliance that still works, also consider its installation and maintenance: UFC-Que Choisir says these factors can help prevent excessive energy use.
If your appliance still works, compare its energy use with models that meet the same storage needs. Also check whether its installation or maintenance could be contributing to its energy use: replacing it isn’t the only option.
If you mainly shop for fresh food, compare the usable capacity of a fridge alone with that of your current fridge-freezer. Just make sure you don’t need a proper freezer compartment.
If you batch-cook or keep a lot of frozen food, first check whether a fridge-freezer compartment will be large enough. A separate freezer gives you extra storage capacity, but it’s another appliance to power.
First work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the energy use of appliances that can meet those needs.
Consider this if: you rarely freeze food or already have a freezer that suits your needs.
Bear in mind: a small freezer compartment inside the fridge may not meet your needs if you regularly store frozen food.
Consider this if: you store both fresh and frozen food and want them in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the freezer compartment needs to be big enough for your usual shopping.
Consider this if: you regularly need more freezer space than a fridge-freezer suited to your household can provide.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to make room for it and factor in its energy use as well as the fridge’s.
| Factor | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the litres available for fresh and frozen food separately. Also measure the space available for the appliance. | I want enough room for my usual shopping, without choosing a large freezer compartment I’d rarely use. |
| Annual energy use | Check the kWh/an and energy rating on the label for the exact model. Compare appliances designed for the same use and with similar capacity, as well as your current appliance’s energy use if you can establish it. | An energy rating alone isn’t enough: I want to know how much energy an appliance suited to my storage needs would use. |
| Installation and noise | Check the dimensions, the clearances required by the manufacturer and the climate class for the room temperature. Check the stated noise level if the appliance will be near a living area. | In an open-plan kitchen or utility room, I need to be able to fit the appliance in the space available and live with the noise it makes. |
| Food preservation features | Check which compartments and features the exact model has, particularly if you want a No Frost system. Then compare its kWh/an without assuming that a feature alone will save energy. | I prioritise features that suit the food I store and the maintenance I’m prepared to do. |
The European Commission says that the label for cooling appliances also provides information about energy use and capacity. Two appliances with different capacities may not meet the same needs.
Compare the kWh/an and litres for each compartment side by side for models designed for similar use, then check their dimensions.
ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously. A separate freezer therefore adds to the energy use of the fridge you already have.
Work out how much frozen food you usually store and first compare that with the capacity of a fridge-freezer.
The space available doesn’t tell you how to divide your storage between fresh and frozen food.
Work out how much capacity you need for each, then check the external dimensions and door clearance.
UFC-Que Choisir warns that an appliance may perform less well outside its recommended ambient temperature range.
If you’re placing it in a garage, cellar or warm room, check the model’s climate class and installation instructions before ordering.
These examples highlight features to compare on specific models; they don’t represent every range from these brands.
If you’re looking at a freestanding fridge-freezer, the Bosch KGN492IAF is one model you can compare with your capacity and installation needs.
The Liebherr RBsfd 5221 Plus BioFresh fridge is worth comparing if you’re considering an option without a freezer compartment.
The Whirlpool W9C841COX fridge-freezer is worth considering if a No Frost defrosting system is important to you.
This selection includes fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as a separate freezer for regular extra storage. Compare each model with the capacity you need.
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Worth considering if you want to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance. It has a stated total capacity of 344 L and an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment and its kWh/an with those of your current appliance.
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Compare this fridge-freezer if you need space for both fresh and frozen food in one appliance. Its title lists a capacity of 333 L and a C energy rating; check the kWh/an and the clearance needed for installation before deciding.
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Its stated total capacity of 444 L is worth comparing with the amount of food you actually store. The title mentions a frost-free system and 40 dB; check how the capacity is divided, the dimensions and the kWh/an to see if it’s right for you.
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A separate freezer to consider if you already have a fridge and regularly need more space for frozen food. Its title lists a capacity of 161 L, a C energy rating and a reversible hinged door; check its kWh/an and dimensions to see what adding a second appliance would involve.
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This fridge-freezer lets you compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately: its title lists 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer. It has a stated width of 60 cm and a reversible door; check the other dimensions and kWh/an before comparing it with your current appliance.
If you can establish your current appliance’s energy use, compare it with the kWh/an of a new model offering similar storage capacity. ADEME points out that cooling appliances run continuously, but a typical energy-use figure alone can’t show how much you’ll save at home. Also check the installation and maintenance of your current appliance.
No. The European Commission says the label shows, among other things, a rating from A to G, energy use and capacity. Compare the kWh/an and litres for each compartment across appliances that meet the same needs; also check their dimensions and noise levels.
UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a starting point for one person. Then adjust the capacity to how often you shop and your storage habits, working out separately how much room you need for frozen food. Compare the annual energy use of models that meet those needs.
You can’t tell from the type of appliance alone. If you use a fridge and a separate freezer, add together their annual energy use in kWh and compare the total with that of a fridge-freezer whose two compartments would meet your needs. ADEME points out that every cooling appliance runs continuously.
It helps you check whether the model’s specified ambient temperature range suits the place where you plan to install it. This is particularly important in a garage, cellar or warm room: UFC-Que Choisir warns that performance may suffer outside the recommended range. Also check the manufacturer’s clearance instructions.