First, consider how much space you need for fresh food and whether you need a freezer. A fridge with a single door and no freezer compartment prioritises fridge space, while a fridge freezer separates fresh and frozen food. Then check the usable capacities, dimensions, ventilation requirements, noise level and annual energy consumption in kWh for the exact model. The energy label and advertised features alone can’t guarantee the temperature you’ll get in your home.
If your appliance isn’t cooling enough, choose a fridge compartment that suits your shopping and prepared meals. Anses recommends monitoring the temperature and storing perishable food in the coldest part.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately to choose between a fridge freezer and a fridge with a freezer compartment.
Measure the space and delivery route, then check the door opening, ventilation requirements and noise level of the model you’re considering.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then check the appliance’s size and installation requirements before comparing annual energy consumption. Anses recommends monitoring the temperature and avoiding overfilling the fridge.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who should consider this? |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping fresh food properly chilled | Compare the net fridge capacity with your usual needs. Once installed, check the temperature in the coldest part. | If my fridge isn’t cooling enough, I want to store perishable food properly without relying on the advertised capacity alone. Around 33% of consumers make keeping fresh food their top priority. |
| Making space for frozen food | Compare the usable fridge and freezer capacities separately. If the freezer is built in, check its star rating and freezing capacity. | If I regularly store frozen food, I want to know how much space is set aside for each type of food before choosing a style. Around 27% of consumers prioritise storing frozen food. |
| Fitting the appliance and keeping noise down | Measure the space and delivery route, then check the dimensions, door opening and ventilation requirements in the manual. Also compare the stated noise emissions. | In a kitchen where space or noise matters, I want to check that the appliance can be delivered, installed and used without causing a problem. Around 20% of consumers prioritise compatibility with their kitchen. |
| Comparing energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year and capacities of models that meet the same needs. Check that the energy label matches the exact model. | As the appliance runs continuously, I want to compare its energy consumption with that of models in a suitable size. Around 13% of consumers put energy consumption first. |
| Considering a second-hand purchase | Identify the seller and the guarantees that apply. Ask for the appliance’s model number and check that it works before relying on it to store perishable food. | If I’m prioritising the purchase price, I want to know the appliance’s condition, who’s selling it and what guarantees apply before deciding. Around 7% of consumers make the initial cost their top priority. |
In a fridge freezer or an appliance with a freezer compartment, some of the capacity is reserved for frozen food and can’t be used for fresh food.
Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately to suit the way you store food.
Dimensions alone aren’t enough: the door opening and the space needed for ventilation can also affect whether the appliance can be installed.
Measure the access route and check the instructions for the specific model before confirming delivery and any related services.
Installation or commissioning may be charged separately, depending on the offer.
The label includes information such as energy consumption and capacity; the temperature achieved also depends on installation and use.
Once installed, check the temperature in the coldest part and avoid overfilling the appliance, following Anses advice.
The information available and guarantees that apply may vary depending on the product’s condition and the seller’s status.
Identify the seller, ask for the model number and available information, then check that the appliance works and find out what guarantees apply before buying.
The KSV33VLEP is an example of a freestanding, single-door fridge with no freezer compartment, designed to prioritise fridge space.
The RCSA300K40WN and B1RCNA344W are examples of fridge freezers with different capacities and cooling features.
The KPsle290-26 is an example of a single-door fridge with a four-star freezer compartment.
The WHK 25404 XBR5E is an example of a freestanding fridge freezer with separate fridge and freezer capacities.
These Joybuy models are fridge freezers with separate spaces for fresh and frozen food. Compare the capacity, size and features of each model to find one that suits your needs.
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A good option if you’re looking for separate spaces for fresh and frozen food.
The description states a fridge capacity of 329 L, a freezer capacity of 159 L and annual energy consumption of 301 kWh. The title gives an E energy rating; the description mentions Twin Cooling Plus, No Frost and at least 50 mm of clearance at the back and sides for ventilation.
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This compact model may suit you if you need separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
The description states a fridge capacity of 120 L, a freezer capacity of 50 L and three freezer drawers. The title specifies a four-star freezer compartment, an E energy rating and a noise level of 40 dB.
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Its separate fridge and freezer spaces may suit you if you’d like to organise chilled and frozen food separately.
The description states a fridge capacity of 235 L, a freezer capacity of 125 L, annual energy consumption of 271 kWh, a noise level of 35 dB(A) and dimensions of 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm. The title mentions Total No Frost and an E energy rating; the description states that it’s a freestanding model.
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This model may suit you if you’re looking for several storage zones, including one with an adjustable temperature.
The description states a fridge capacity of 304 L, a freezer capacity of 87 L and a variable zone of 92 L, along with annual energy consumption of 293 kWh. It says that the My Fresh Choice zone can be adjusted from +5 °C to −18 °C. The title mentions Total No Frost, an E energy rating and 37 dB; make sure there’s enough space to open all four doors.
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Worth considering if you need a large fridge compartment and a storage zone with an adjustable temperature.
The description states a fridge capacity of 390 L and 216 L for the combined freezer and variable-temperature zone, along with annual energy consumption of 320 kWh. It specifies that the adjustable zone ranges from around −20 °C to +5 °C. The title mentions Total No Frost and an E energy rating; allow enough clearance to open the doors.
Anses recommends monitoring the temperature, keeping the coldest part at 4 °C and not overfilling the fridge. Store perishable food in this area and check the manual to find it. A temperature stated for a model doesn’t prove what temperature it will reach once installed.
Measure the access route and the space, then check the dimensions and the clearance needed to open the door of your chosen model. Also check the ventilation instructions: Electrolux explains that requirements vary depending on the type of appliance, and that built-in models need suitable ventilation in the housing.
For relevant fridges, the EU energy label shows details including the energy rating on a scale from A to G, energy consumption in kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission describes this information for the category; in France, the Ministry of the Economy states that the label must also be shown when selling online. Check that it matches the exact model.
The DGCCRF describes the “one-for-one” take-back scheme: when you buy a new appliance, the retailer must take back an equivalent used appliance free of charge. Check the practical arrangements for drop-off or collection offered with your delivery. This take-back service is separate from any installation service you may choose.
No. According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand or refurbished goods bought from a professional seller, with a two-year period in which to exercise it. It doesn’t apply to sales between private individuals.