To keep electricity use down without running out of space, compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with fridge and freezer capacities that suit your needs, rather than looking at their energy rating alone. A fridge-only model is best for households that mainly need to store fresh food; a fridge-freezer combines both functions; and a separate freezer is worth considering if you’ll regularly use the extra frozen-food capacity. To estimate the variable annual cost, multiply the stated kWh/year by the price you pay per kWh, including VAT.
If you want to keep a closer eye on the electricity used by an appliance that runs all the time, compare its stated annual consumption with the capacity you actually need. A larger appliance won’t necessarily be a better fit for your shopping habits.
A fridge-only model may be enough if you don’t need to freeze food regularly or already have suitable freezer space. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L of usable capacity for one person as a rough guide, plus 50 L for each additional person. Adjust this figure to suit your habits.
If you prepare meals in advance or regularly store frozen food, check the freezer capacity in litres, not just the total capacity. To compare a separate freezer with a fridge-freezer, add together the kWh/year figures for both appliances and check that their capacities meet the same needs.
Consider this if: you mainly store fresh food and rarely freeze anything, or already have a freezer.
Bear in mind: check whether the model has a freezer compartment and whether its capacity is enough for your needs.
Consider this if: you need to keep food chilled and frozen in one appliance.
Bear in mind: the total capacity may hide a split between the two compartments that doesn’t suit you.
Consider this if: your regular freezing needs exceed the capacity of a fridge-freezer that otherwise suits you.
Bear in mind: this second appliance also runs all the time. Compare the annual consumption of both appliances with that of a fridge-freezer offering similar capacities.
| Criterion | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual consumption | Check the kWh/year figure on each model’s label and compare appliances with similar capacities and refrigeration features. If you have a separate fridge and freezer, add their figures together. | I want to reduce electricity use without comparing a fridge-only model with a fridge-freezer as though they offered the same storage. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, in litres. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person and 50 L for each additional person as a rough guide. | My shopping and cooking habits determine how much space I need. A large total capacity won’t help if it’s split between the compartments in the wrong way. |
| Features and noise | Check the exact model number for the cooling system, the features you’re interested in and the stated noise level. A food-preservation feature doesn’t replace comparing the kWh/year figures. | If a feature makes everyday use easier, I can take that into account without assuming it will reduce electricity consumption. |
| Variable electricity cost | Multiply the stated kWh/year by the price you currently pay per kWh, including VAT. This gives an estimate based on the stated consumption and excludes the fixed standing charge. | To estimate my costs, I use my current tariff rather than a generic rate. I recalculate if my tariff changes. |
The rating doesn’t tell you how many litres are set aside for fresh or frozen food. Appliances with different ratings may not offer the same storage or features either.
Note down the kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment, then compare models that suit the same storage needs.
A second appliance runs all the time, even if you rarely use the extra capacity.
Think about your shopping habits and how often you freeze food before choosing a larger fridge-freezer or a separate freezer.
A specialist compartment or air-circulation system may suit a particular need, but on its own it doesn’t tell you how much electricity the model uses.
Choose a feature for how useful it is in your household, then check the kWh/year, capacity and noise level for the exact model.
Your estimated cost will change depending on the price per kWh and tariff that apply to your contract.
Use the price per kWh, including VAT, shown on your bill or current tariff, and treat the result as an estimate of variable costs, not a guaranteed saving.
These brand examples show some configurations and features to consider. They’re no substitute for checking the details of the model you’re interested in.
Bosch offers a range of built-in refrigeration appliances. Its French product information for the KIL32NSE0 describes an integrated fridge with a freezer compartment.
Beko offers built-in fridge-freezers with features such as NeoFrost Dual Cooling on selected models.
Liebherr offers built-in fridges with BioFresh compartments, among other options.
These five models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. To choose between them, check how much space you need in each compartment, the annual consumption on the energy label for the exact model and the space available for installation.
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This 333 L fridge-freezer may suit you if you’re looking for fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. Check how the capacity is split between the compartments, the kWh/year figure on the energy label and the clearances specified in the instructions.
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This 344 L fridge-freezer combines both functions in one appliance. Before comparing it with a different type of appliance, check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure on the energy label and the ventilation space required.
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With a total capacity of 467 L, this four-door model is worth considering if you need that much storage. Check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure on the energy label, then measure the space and installation clearances.
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This 495 L model is designed for households that need plenty of storage, but check that it suits your habits. Check the fridge and freezer capacities, the kWh/year figure on the energy label, and the space and clearances required.
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This 444 L fridge-freezer is worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure on the energy label and the installation dimensions before comparing it with other models.
Add together the stated kWh/year figures for the two separate appliances, then compare the total with that of a fridge-freezer offering similar fridge and freezer capacities. A fridge without equivalent freezer space won’t offer the same functionality as a fridge-freezer.
Multiply the kWh/year figure on its label by the price you currently pay per kWh, including VAT. This estimates the variable cost based on the stated consumption. It doesn’t include the fixed standing charge, and you’ll need to recalculate if your tariff changes.
For electric refrigeration appliances within its scope, the European energy-labelling regulation covers, among others, appliances with a capacity of more than 10 L and up to 1,500 L. Check the stated annual consumption and the capacity of each compartment for the exact model. You can also look up model-specific information in the European Commission’s EPREL database.
Keep your proof of purchase and the exact model number. In France, the Ministry of the Economy explains that you can make a claim under the legal guarantee of conformity to the professional seller if the product is faulty or doesn’t conform to its description. This is separate from any commercial warranty. For your old appliance, ask the seller about the take-back arrangements that apply.