A drop in cooling performance does not necessarily mean that a fridge is beyond repair: start by having it diagnosed by a professional, particularly if a warranty or the Repair Bonus may apply. If replacement is the best option, begin with the installation requirements and the storage capacity you actually need, then compare the specifications for the exact model.
Before buying a replacement, prioritise a professional diagnosis, check whether a warranty applies and find out whether subsidised repair support is available. ADEME and the French Ministry of the Economy provide guidance on these initial checks in France.
Compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, along with temperature stability, energy consumption and the stated power-cut autonomy, rather than looking at total capacity alone. UFC-Que Choisir recommends choosing a size that matches your storage habits.
The dimensions, ventilation, door opening, climate class and the difference between built-in and freestanding models must all match the actual space available before you compare features.
First decide whether repair should be investigated, then check the installation requirements and the comparable specifications of your chosen model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis and remedies | Professional diagnosis; the legal guarantee of conformity from the professional seller; whether the fault and appliance qualify for the Repair Bonus outside the warranty period. | I want to know whether repair is still an option before paying for a new appliance. |
| Size and installation | Separate usable fridge and freezer capacities; dimensions, ventilation and door-opening angle; cabinet and door compatibility for a built-in model. | My appliance must be installable without obstructing doors, drawers or movement around the kitchen. |
| Everyday use | kWh/year between comparable appliances; noise emissions; a climate class suited to the room; tests or specifications for the exact model covering temperature retention and power-cut autonomy. | I am looking for an appliance suited to my surroundings and storage needs, without judging its performance solely by its energy class or total capacity. |
A loss of cooling does not, by itself, identify the cause or establish whether the appliance can be repaired. Replacing it too quickly could also mean missing out on a remedy from the seller or subsidised repair support when the conditions are met.
Keep your proof of purchase, contact the professional seller first if a warranty may apply, then ask a professional for a diagnosis. Outside the warranty period, ask a certified repairer about the Repair Bonus.
An integrated appliance depends on the cabinet, ventilation openings, internal dimensions and door system. An incompatibility can make installation difficult and interfere with the use of the doors or drawers.
Measure the width, height and depth, check the clearances and ventilation openings, then confirm the hinges or runners and the required opening clearance before ordering.
Two appliances may distribute their capacity very differently between fresh and frozen food. Energy consumption, noise and temperature retention should be compared between models with similar types and capacities.
Compare kWh/year, separate usable capacities, noise level, climate class and the data available for each model. EPREL brings together regulated parameters for models sold in the European Union.
Higher annual energy consumption can increase running costs over time; compare it between genuinely comparable appliances.
The information displayed must describe the refurbished appliance being offered, including its condition and specifications. The rules governing proof under the guarantee also differ from those for a new product.
Choose a professional seller that states the model reference, actual condition, tests or work carried out, any cosmetic defects, delivery arrangements and applicable guarantees.
Bosch is represented among the fridge freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir; compare the exact model reference and the format you need.
Beko is represented among the fridge freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir, including a combined-format model in the selection reviewed.
Liebherr is represented among the fridge freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir, making it worth considering when capacity and cooling performance are priorities.
These Joybuy options include fridge freezers for replacing an existing appliance, with freestanding and built-in formats suited to different fresh and frozen food storage needs.
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This freestanding model is suitable for a household that needs separate fresh and frozen food compartments.
311 L fridge capacity and 156 L freezer capacity; 290 kWh/year; 35 dB(A); SN/N/ST/T climate class; stated autonomy of 10 hours; 10 kg/24 hours freezing capacity.
Its dimensions of 83.3 × 65 × 181.5 cm mean you need to check the available space, ventilation and opening clearance for the four doors. Also check the guarantee terms and availability of spare parts for this model.
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This freestanding fridge freezer could suit a narrow kitchen with everyday fresh and frozen food storage needs.
187 L fridge capacity and 75 L freezer capacity; 215 kWh/year; 39 dB(A); N-ST climate class; stated autonomy of 10 hours; 54 cm width.
The stated climate range is 16 to 38 °C. The Low Frost system requires manual defrosting, which the manufacturer recommends carrying out approximately once or twice a year; also check ventilation clearances and door-opening space.
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This large multi-door model is designed for households storing substantial quantities of fresh and frozen food.
330 L fridge capacity and 165 L freezer capacity; 301 kWh/year; 40 dB; stated Twin Cooling Plus and No Frost technology; dimensions of 177.6 × 81.7 × 71.5 cm.
Plan the delivery route, ensure the floor can support its 102.5 kg weight and allow for the stated 50 mm rear and side clearances. Check the climate class, autonomy, any water connection required and the availability of spare parts.
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This built-in fridge freezer is intended for a fitted kitchen with a compatible cabinet.
186 L fridge capacity and 62 L freezer capacity; 37 dB(A); 5 kg/24 hours freezing capacity; stated TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow and reversible doors.
Check the cabinet’s internal dimensions, ventilation and compatibility with the sliding-door system. Also check kWh/year, climate class, autonomy and spare parts for the exact model.
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This compact freestanding fridge freezer could suit a small space that still needs to keep fresh and frozen food.
153 L fridge capacity and 74 L freezer capacity; 39 dB; 54 cm width; stated 4-star freezer, reversible door, adjustable feet and adjustable shelves.
Low Frost does not mean that manual defrosting is no longer required: consult the manual for the recommended maintenance schedule. Also check ventilation, available height and the opening angle needed to remove the drawers.
No. A drop in cooling performance does not make it possible to determine remotely whether the fault is repairable or whether repair would be economically worthwhile. Ask for a professional diagnosis, then check the applicable guarantee or, outside the guarantee period, the conditions for the Repair Bonus before deciding to replace the appliance.
Compare kWh/year, the usable capacity of each compartment and noise emissions between appliances of similar type and capacity. EPREL provides performance parameters for models sold in the European Union and may include links to repair instructions, as well as the costs of key parts supplied by the manufacturer.
Check the climate class of the model you choose. UFC-Que Choisir states that a class N appliance is not designed to operate below 16 °C or above 32 °C; also follow the ventilation clearances specified by the manufacturer and keep the appliance away from nearby heat sources.
Yes. When bought by a private individual from a professional seller, a refurbished product is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, you have two years from delivery to make a claim; for a second-hand product, the presumption that the defect existed beforehand is facilitated for one year. Check that the listing accurately describes the refurbished appliance being offered.
When you buy a new appliance to replace an end-of-life one, the distributor must take back the old appliance free of charge at the point of sale or on delivery: ecosystem refers to this as the “one-for-one” take-back scheme. Check the practical take-back arrangements before choosing delivery.