Households whose fridge is not cooling properly
A professional assessment can help you decide whether to repair or replace it. If you replace the appliance, plan what to do with the old one too.
Who is this decision for?
Households reviewing their storage needs
Your shopping habits determine how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. A similar total capacity to your old appliance does not guarantee the same split between the two.
People with limited space
An alcove, a unit or a nearby wall makes the dimensions, door opening and ventilation especially important to check before ordering.
What should you check before deciding?
Start by weighing up the repair option against your storage needs. If you’re buying a new appliance, then check it will fit and work properly in the space available.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Ask a professional to assess the appliance and provide a quote. According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus for work carried out by a QualiRépar repairer depends on factors including whether the appliance was bought in France by a household, is out of warranty and is not covered by insurance, as well as whether the fault and repair work qualify. | I want to know whether my fridge can be repaired before choosing another appliance. |
| Fresh and frozen capacity | Compare the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately, in litres. Gifam distinguishes between a single-door fridge, which may have a small compartment, and a fridge-freezer with a separate freezer section. | Space for frozen food matters as much as the total capacity. If I regularly store frozen food, I check the capacity of the dedicated freezer compartment. |
| Energy use and noise | For appliances of a similar size and capacity, check the stated energy consumption in kWh/year, energy rating and noise level. The European Commission says this information appears on fridges’ energy labels. | If my kitchen is close to the living area, I also check the stated noise level and don’t judge the appliance on its energy rating alone. |
| Installation | Measure the space, any alcove and the clearance needed to open the doors. Follow the ventilation clearances specified in the manual for the model you choose. | I need to be able to install the appliance in my kitchen, not just squeeze it into the available space. |
| Old appliance | Arrange for it to be taken back by the retailer or delivery team, or drop it off at a collection point that accepts refrigeration appliances. ADEME points out that the fluids they contain require appropriate collection and treatment. | If I replace my fridge, I arrange for it to be taken away before the new one arrives. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Ordering before checking the space
Checking the external dimensions is not enough if the door cannot open or the manufacturer’s specified ventilation is blocked. For a built-in model, you also need to check the installation dimensions.
Measure the space, delivery route and door clearance, then compare them with the product details and manual for the exact model.
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Assuming a small compartment is the same as a separate freezer
According to Gifam, a single-door fridge may have only a small compartment for making ice, while a fridge-freezer has a separate freezer section. The total capacity does not tell you which type it is.
Compare the fresh and frozen capacities separately, especially if you regularly store frozen food.
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Assuming every fault qualifies for the Repair Bonus
The scheme described by ecosystem depends on the circumstances of the appliance and the type of work needed. It does not replace an assessment or a quote.
Ask a QualiRépar professional to confirm whether the repair qualifies before comparing it with the cost of a replacement.
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Forgetting to arrange collection of your old fridge
ADEME treats refrigeration appliances separately because of the fluids they may contain: they must be handled through an appropriate collection and treatment scheme.
Arrange for the old appliance to be taken back when you replace it, or find out whether a collection point or recycling centre will accept it.
A guide to the brands
The brand alone is no substitute for checking the dimensions, capacity and manual for the model you’re considering.
Bosch
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in or freestanding fridge and need to check its installation requirements.
- Bosch specifies at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath its fridges for ventilation.
- This Bosch guidance does not replace the manual for your chosen model and should not automatically be applied to other brands.
Beko
For the Beko B5RCNA346HG, start by considering the format and capacity your household needs.
- Check the energy label, dimensions, noise level and manual for this model rather than assuming the same specifications apply across the brand.
Samsung
The Samsung RB-53DG703ES9 is one model to compare with other appliances that meet the same storage needs.
- A model being part of a range does not, on its own, tell you whether it will suit your space or the way you use it.
Liebherr
For the Liebherr CBNC5223-22B/001, compare the specifications for the exact model with those of appliances in a similar size range.
- Check capacity, stated energy consumption, noise level and installation requirements separately before deciding.
Fridges to consider on Joybuy
This selection includes multi-door fridge-freezers and a single-door model. Compare how their storage is divided and check the installation requirements before choosing a replacement.
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Haier HTW5618ENMG, 3 doors, 360 L
Worth considering if you’d like a three-door layout to replace your current appliance. The model name states 360 L, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check how the capacity is divided and the clearances specified in the manual.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L, black
Its stated width of 54 cm is worth noting if space is tight. The model name states a height of 176 cm, a 70/30 split and Low Frost technology. Check the full dimensions and ventilation requirements in the manual.
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Candy CIO 225 EE/N, single door, 179 L
This single-door design is worth considering if you prioritise fresh food storage. The model name states a capacity of 179 L. Check the capacity of its freezer compartment to see if it suits your frozen food, as well as the installation requirements.
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Heinrich´s, 253 L fridge-freezer, stainless steel
The capacities given in the name are a useful starting point: 182 L for refrigeration and 71 L for freezing. The name also mentions No Frost and 39 dB. Check the dimensions and energy label for the exact model before comparing it with others.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 4 doors, 467 L
Compare its stated capacity of 467 L with your actual storage needs and the space available. The model name states four doors, Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the dimensions, door clearance and energy label details.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fridge that is not cooling properly qualify for the Repair Bonus?
Yes, if the scheme’s conditions are met. According to ecosystem, the repair must concern an appliance owned by a household and bought in France, be outside the legal or commercial warranty period and not be covered by insurance. A QualiRépar repairer must also confirm that the fault and work qualify.
How can I arrange for my old fridge to be taken away?
Ask the retailer about taking back your old appliance when you buy a similar one, and find out how collection works at delivery. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes this as a “one-for-one” take-back service. ADEME also says that refrigeration appliances can be taken to a collection point or recycling centre that accepts them.
Can I put my old fridge out with ordinary bulky waste?
Use a collection scheme that accepts refrigeration appliances. ADEME points out that they may contain fluids requiring appropriate collection and treatment, so arrange for the appliance to be taken back or ask a collection point for advice.
How much ventilation space should I leave around a new fridge?
Follow the manual for the model you choose rather than relying on a single clearance measurement. Bosch specifies at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath its fridges. This guidance should not automatically be applied to a model from another brand or to a different installation setup.