First, choose a configuration that suits the space you have and the amount of fresh and frozen food you actually need to store. A fridge-freezer combines both in one appliance; a separate freezer offers more independent storage, but adds to your energy consumption. Then compare the capacity in litres, kWh/an and noise levels of models designed for similar needs.
If you regularly use both compartments but only have room for one appliance in your kitchen, compare their capacities separately. The energy rating alone won’t tell you how the litres are divided or how many kWh/an the fridge-freezer you choose uses.
If you regularly stock up on food or prepare meals in advance, a dedicated freezer may offer the capacity you need. Check how much space it requires and add its annual energy consumption to that of your fridge.
If the appliance will be close to your living area or needs to fit into a tight space, compare its noise level in dB, its acoustic rating and its dimensions. Remember to allow for the clearance required for installation.
Whether you’re replacing an appliance or adding another one, start with what matters most to you, then compare models using their energy labels. The European Commission’s labels show details including annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels for the appliances concerned.
| Priority | What to check | Who is this important to ? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/an of models with a similar capacity and configuration, rather than relying on the energy rating alone. | Because the appliance runs all the time, I want to meet my needs without choosing an unnecessarily large capacity. Around 36 % of consumers put energy efficiency first. |
| Capacity split | Check the litres available for fresh and frozen food separately, especially with a fridge-freezer. | I store both types of food every week and don’t want a compartment that’s too small for everyday use. Around 29 % of consumers put this balance first. |
| Noise and placement | Compare the dB and acoustic rating; measure the space, allowing for installation clearances. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I need to find a suitable spot for the appliance without overlooking noise near the living area. Around 21 % of consumers put how well it fits their space first. |
| Frozen food storage | Work out how many litres of freezer capacity you need; if you’re adding an appliance, add together the kWh/an for both models. | For stocking up or preparing meals in advance, I mainly need more room for frozen food. Around 14 % of consumers say this is their top priority. |
The rating won’t tell you the annual energy consumption or usable capacity. The European Commission says these details are shown on the label. Two appliances with different capacities may not meet the same needs.
First compare the configuration and capacity you need, then check the kWh/an of the models you’re considering.
A dedicated appliance meets a storage need, but it runs continuously too, as ADEME points out. Category averages can’t predict how much your two appliances will use.
Make sure you’ll use the extra capacity, then add together the kWh/an shown for both models.
A range description won’t tell you how noisy the specific model you choose is. This is particularly important if the appliance will be near a living area.
Check its dB and acoustic rating on the label, then confirm its dimensions and installation instructions.
The appliance needs to fit through to its intended spot and be installed according to the model’s instructions. Replacing your old appliance also takes some planning.
Measure the access route and installation space before ordering, keep a note of the stated specifications, and agree with the seller how your old appliance will be taken away.
In France, Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, as well as single-door fridges. Its ranges let you compare several configurations from the same brand.
In France, Liebherr offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, with filters for capacity, noise level and energy rating.
Beko’s French range of fridge-freezers includes several energy ratings and, on some models, flexible configuration features.
These models include fridge-freezers for storing fresh and frozen food in one appliance, as well as single-door fridges for those who mainly need fresh food storage. First choose the capacity and configuration that suit you; don’t assume a larger or smaller size, or a particular rating, will automatically save energy.
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Worth considering if you want plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, an E rating and Total No Frost. Check how the capacity is split between compartments, the kWh/an and the space required before comparing it with a more compact model.
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An option to compare with your fresh and frozen food storage needs in a single appliance. The title lists a capacity of 360 L, an E rating, Total No Frost and Wi-Fi. Check the capacity of each compartment and the clearance needed for installation.
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Worth considering if a 333 L fridge-freezer suits the space available and the amount of food you usually store. The title lists a C rating. Check the usable capacity for fresh and frozen food separately, as well as the clearance requirements around the appliance.
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This compact model may suit you if you mainly need fresh food storage and have limited space. The title mentions a freezer compartment and an E rating. Check the capacity of the compartment and the kWh/an on the label before deciding whether it will also meet your frozen food storage needs.
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Worth considering if you mainly need fresh food storage, have a compatible housing unit and have a suitable solution for frozen food. The title lists an E rating, but the capacity details differ. Confirm the capacity of this model and its installation dimensions before choosing.
Compare their kWh/an after checking that they offer a similar configuration and capacity. The energy label provided by the European Commission also shows the capacity of each compartment. A higher energy rating alone isn’t enough to compare two appliances of different sizes.
Check the noise emissions in dB and the acoustic rating for the exact model, then measure the space, taking the installation instructions into account. A noise level shown for a range won’t necessarily apply to every model in it.
A fridge-freezer is a good choice if its fresh and frozen food capacities suit your regular needs in one appliance. If you need more freezer space, or want to be able to change your storage independently, consider a separate freezer. Check the available space and the combined kWh/an for both models.
According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to goods sold by a business to a private individual, including when an appliance doesn’t match its description. Keep the product details and proof of purchase so you can explain the problem clearly to the seller.
The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that the “one-for-one” take-back scheme applies when you buy equipment of the same type. Agree the practical arrangements with the seller, particularly if your new appliance is being delivered to your home.