If your fridge or freezer isn’t cooling properly, start by getting a diagnosis and a quote. According to Liebherr, the work required depends on the type of appliance and the fault, so there’s no universal threshold that means you have to replace it. If you do decide to buy a new appliance, first check how it will be installed and how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the features of the specific model you’re considering. A second-hand appliance is another option, provided you can check that it works and assess its condition before buying.
If you need a working appliance again quickly, a diagnosis can help you compare the cost of a repair with a suitable replacement. ADEME lists repair and replacement as options to consider when an appliance is no longer cooling properly.
If you’re replacing an under-counter, built-in or niche-fitted appliance, measure the space and check the installation type and door opening before choosing a capacity. Bosch and Whirlpool offer separate ranges of freestanding and built-in models.
When comparing an old appliance with a replacement, check the energy label consumption for the model you’re considering, along with any available repairability or durability information. These details can help inform your decision, but they don’t indicate what’s causing the current fault.
Start by finding out whether your current appliance can be repaired. If you need to replace it, choose between an appliance mainly for fresh food, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer, depending on your storage needs and available space. If you’re buying second-hand, check the condition of the specific appliance too.
| What matters | What to check | Who this is for |
|---|---|---|
| Repair or replace | Ask for a diagnosis, an itemised quote and an estimated repair time. For an out-of-warranty repair, check with a QualiRépar repairer whether the Repair Bonus applies. | My appliance isn’t cooling properly, and I want to know what’s wrong before deciding whether to replace it; around 36% of consumers put this decision first. |
| Kitchen compatibility | Measure the space and delivery route. Check whether the model is freestanding or built-in, the clearance required and the door swing for the specific model. | If I’m replacing an appliance in a niche or fitted kitchen, it needs to fit; around 29% of consumers put compatibility first. |
| Fresh and frozen food storage | Compare the usable capacity of the compartments and take into account any other working cooling appliance you have. | I store both fresh and frozen food and need compartments that suit my shopping habits; around 21% of consumers prioritise storage. |
| Long-term use | Check the energy label, annual energy consumption and any available repairability or durability information for the model you’re considering. | I want to be able to check energy consumption and whether my next appliance can be repaired; this is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
A loss of cooling doesn’t, by itself, tell you what the fault is. Liebherr says that diagnosis and repairs vary depending on the appliance and the problem.
Ask for an itemised quote before comparing a repair with a compatible replacement. For an out-of-warranty appliance, ecosystem says the Repair Bonus for work carried out by a QualiRépar repairer depends on whether the repair is eligible; some removable accessories are excluded.
The right capacity for your household won’t help if the appliance can’t get through to the kitchen or fit into the available space.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the manual for clearance requirements, installation type and door opening.
A fridge or freezer runs continuously, ADEME points out. That’s why the capacity you need and the model’s energy information matter when choosing a replacement.
Compare the energy labels and annual energy consumption of the specific models, as well as any available repairability information. For a second-hand appliance, check that it works and review the information available about the specific item.
If your old appliance needs to be taken away, collection arrangements can affect how you organise the replacement. In France, Légifrance outlines retailers’ obligation to take back used appliances free of charge. The decree of 8 October 2014 provides for collection from the place of use when the new appliance is delivered there.
Confirm collection arrangements with the seller before finalising delivery. ADEME directs cooling appliances to suitable collection schemes for the refrigerants they may contain.
Bosch’s range includes, among other options, larder fridges, fridge-freezers, freezers and integrated appliances.
Liebherr provides information on diagnosing and repairing its cooling appliances, which can be useful before you rule out repairing an existing appliance.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers, with defrosting options that vary by model.
The Electrolux shop lists parts and accessories for cooling appliances, including door seals, thermostats and drawers.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. They’re options if you’re considering replacing your current appliance with a fridge-freezer, either freestanding or built-in depending on the model. They can’t, on their own, tell you whether your current appliance can be repaired.
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Worth considering if you need a built-in replacement that can also store frozen food. The model name indicates a top-mounted freezer and an E energy rating. Before choosing it, check the niche dimensions, door fixing system and capacity of each compartment.
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Consider this if you need one appliance with enough capacity for both fresh and frozen food. The model is listed with Total No Frost and an E energy rating. Before buying, check its overall dimensions, door clearance and how the capacity is divided between compartments.
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If you’re replacing a fridge-freezer in a fitted kitchen, first compare the niche dimensions and door fixing system. This model is listed with TwinTech No Frost and an E energy rating. Check the capacity of both compartments and the annual energy consumption of the specific model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer and its capacity suits your everyday storage needs. The model name indicates Low Frost, a reversible door and an adjustable thermostat. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it. Check the installation space and the split between fresh and frozen storage.
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Worth comparing if width is a key consideration: the model name indicates a width of 54 cm, with 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. It also lists Low Frost, a reversible door and an E energy rating. Check the height and required clearance too. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it.
Get a diagnosis and a quote before deciding. According to Liebherr, the work required depends on the appliance and the nature of the fault. Then compare the proposed repair with a replacement that genuinely suits your installation and storage needs.
According to ecosystem, it may apply to an eligible repair of an out-of-warranty fridge or freezer carried out by a QualiRépar repairer. Check that the repair is covered before relying on this support; some consumables and removable accessories are excluded.
Yes, if you can check that it works, assess its condition and make sure it will fit your kitchen before buying. Also look at any available energy information and check the transport and installation arrangements. Don’t assume an appliance with an unknown history will meet your needs.
Measure the niche and check the door fixing system, door opening and clearance requirements in the model’s manual. Then compare the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer with what you actually need to store.
Confirm the arrangements with the seller before delivery. In France, Légifrance outlines retailers’ obligation to take back used appliances free of charge. The decree of 8 October 2014 provides for collection from the place of use when the new appliance is delivered there.