To replace a fridge or freezer without paying for capacity you don't need, start by considering how much fresh and frozen food you actually store. A fridge freezer handles both in one appliance. If you hardly ever use frozen food, consider a fridge on its own instead; a separate freezer is best if you regularly need extra storage. Then compare the kWh/year for appliances of the same type and similar capacity, rather than relying on the energy rating alone.
If you're replacing an old appliance, compare the annual energy consumption shown for new models with the capacity you need. The ADEME notes that a newer appliance may use less energy, but its size and features also matter.
If you mainly use the fridge compartment, think about how much room your frozen food actually takes up. A fridge freezer only makes sense for your storage needs if both compartments suit your habits.
If you regularly freeze meals or store a lot of frozen food, work out how much extra capacity you need before adding an appliance that will run continuously.
First choose a configuration that suits what you need to store, then compare the energy labels of models with a similar capacity. The ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; the European Commission says their labels show details including annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and already have enough freezer space, or rarely use frozen food.
Limit to consider: without a freezer compartment, it won't meet a regular need to store frozen food.
Consider this if: you regularly use both fridge and freezer space and want them in one appliance.
Limit to consider: the capacity split needs to suit both uses, not just the total volume.
Consider this if: you already have a suitable fridge and regularly freeze quantities that need more space.
Limit to consider: this extra capacity means running a second appliance continuously, as the ADEME points out.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Check the kWh/year on the label as well as the A to G rating. Compare appliances of the same type and similar capacity. | I want to take my appliance's continuous operation into account, rather than choosing based on its energy rating alone. |
| Capacity and features | Check the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately. Consider how often you'll use extra features; the ADEME warns that a larger appliance with more features can increase running costs. | Do I really need this much space for frozen food, or will I mainly be storing fresh food? |
| Noise and placement | Check the noise level on the label, the appliance's dimensions, access routes and any installation requirements in the instructions. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen, and I also need to make sure the appliance will fit in its intended position. |
| Replacing your appliance | Before ordering, confirm the delivery arrangements, whether your old appliance can be taken away, and what installation services are available. | I want to know how the new appliance will be brought into position and what will happen to the old one. |
Appliances with different capacities may not meet the same storage needs. The European Commission says the label also shows kWh/year, capacity and noise levels.
Choose the type of appliance and capacity you need first, then compare the annual energy consumption of similar models.
According to the ADEME, the size and extra features of a fridge or freezer that runs continuously can increase your energy bill.
Make sure the extra capacity and features suit your regular habits, rather than an occasional need.
Whirlpool notes that the old ratings cannot be converted directly to the A to G scale introduced in March 2021.
When assessing a replacement, check the new model's kWh/year and, if you know it, the energy consumption of your current appliance.
An appliance may not fit through the access routes, or an integrated model may need a housing with precise dimensions. Collection of your old appliance and installation of the new one should also be arranged when you order.
Measure the space and access routes, then confirm the delivery, installation and collection services available with your order.
Bosch offers fridges, fridge freezers and freezers, and explains how to read their energy labels.
Liebherr offers fridges, freezers and fridge freezers for a range of storage needs.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated refrigeration appliances, as well as fridge freezers with No Frost features.
These five fridge freezers combine fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. To decide whether one is right for you, compare its capacity with your habits and check the energy label for the exact model to compare kWh/year.
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This 467 L fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage. Check that the capacity suits your usual shopping. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E rating. Check the label for the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year, then measure the space and access routes before ordering.
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This 360 L fridge freezer is worth considering if you use both types of storage. Its name indicates Total No Frost, an E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone; focus on the features that suit your needs. Check the capacity split and kWh/year on the label for the exact model.
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At 54 cm wide, this fridge freezer may suit a narrow space, provided you check all the clearance requirements. Its name specifies a height of 176 cm and Low Frost technology. Check the instructions for freezer maintenance and the energy label for kWh/year.
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Before choosing this 444 L model, check how much space you need in each compartment. The product name mentions an E rating and 40 dB; check the model's label for kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment, then make sure its dimensions suit your space.
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This 54 cm-wide fridge freezer has a 153 L fridge and a 74 L freezer. Check that each capacity suits what you actually store. Its door is described as reversible and it has an E energy rating. To assess energy use and maintenance, check the kWh/year on the label and the defrosting instructions in the model's manual.
No. Also compare annual energy consumption in kWh, fridge and freezer capacity, and noise levels. The European Commission says these details appear on the energy label for refrigeration appliances. To make the kWh/year figures useful, compare models of the same type and similar capacity.
Choose based on how much fresh and frozen food you actually store at home. A fridge freezer handles both in one appliance; a fridge is suitable if you have little need for freezer space or already have enough. A separate freezer is for regular extra capacity, and it also runs continuously.
Think about your shopping and freezing habits rather than following the same allowance for every household. Note what you usually store, then compare the fridge and freezer capacity separately on the labels of the appliances you're considering.
Check what collection service is available when you buy your new appliance, and confirm the arrangements for delivery. The ecosystem organisation describes a 'one-for-one' collection service for an equivalent new appliance; check how to select it when you place your order.
Don't assume these are the same service. Check separately what the retailer offers for collection, delivery to the room and installation. Before ordering, measure access routes and check the model's instructions, particularly if it's an integrated appliance.