Before replacing an old fridge or freezer, check with the retailer whether a guarantee may apply, then consider getting a diagnosis or repair quote. If replacing it is a better fit for your needs, choose a format based on how much fresh and frozen food you need to store. Then compare the kWh/year of appliances with similar configurations and capacities: the energy rating alone won’t tell you which is the right choice.
The best place to start depends as much on the condition of your current appliance as on how much space you need for fresh and frozen food.
If your fridge or freezer isn’t working properly, or you want to review its energy use, first consider whether it can be repaired. When choosing a replacement, match the usable capacity to your needs and compare the annual energy consumption of similar appliances.
A fridge freezer and two separate appliances won’t necessarily divide the space in the same way. Compare the usable litres in each compartment and check the space available. If you’re considering two appliances, add their annual energy consumption together.
Ask for the exact model number, dimensions and energy data for the appliance on offer. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity also applies to refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual.
First decide whether your current appliance is worth having assessed for repair. Then work out the capacity and space you need before comparing the energy information for potential replacements.
| Criteria | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Check with the retailer whether a guarantee may apply. If not, ask for a diagnosis or quote. For repairs not covered by a guarantee, check the QualiRépar eligibility criteria listed by ecosystem. | My appliance has broken down, but I want to find out whether it can be repaired before replacing it. |
| Capacity split | Check the usable litres for fresh and frozen food separately. If you’re considering a fridge with a single door, make sure it meets your freezing needs. If you’re thinking of a separate freezer, also measure the space needed for both appliances. | I store fresh and frozen food, but I don’t necessarily need the same amount of space for each. |
| Annual energy consumption | Look at the energy rating, kWh/year and usable capacities together. Compare similar formats and capacities. If you’re considering a fridge and freezer as a pair, add their kWh/year figures together before comparing them with a similar fridge freezer. | A rating letter isn’t enough for me: I want to compare the stated energy consumption for the capacity I actually need. |
| Installation | Check whether the model is built-in or freestanding. Check its dimensions, the space available and the clearance required in the instructions. | The appliance needs to fit in the intended space and be installed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. |
| Refurbished | Ask for the full model number, the appliance’s condition and any available energy data. Check who the seller is: according to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. | I’m considering a refurbished model, but I need to be able to check its features and the terms of sale. |
The rating letter doesn’t tell you the exact annual energy consumption or how the capacity is divided between compartments. Appliances in different formats may suit different needs.
To compare models, check their kWh/year and usable litres in each compartment, focusing on appliances with similar configurations and capacities.
A guarantee may apply, or a repair may be possible. A repair not covered by a guarantee doesn’t automatically qualify for the QualiRépar scheme.
First contact the retailer to check whether a guarantee may apply. If not, ask for a diagnosis or quote and check the eligibility criteria listed by ecosystem.
Without the exact model number, it’s difficult to check whether its dimensions and capacities suit your space and needs. The seller’s status also matters for the statutory guarantee of conformity described by the Ministry of the Economy.
Before you decide, ask for the full model number, available specifications and the seller’s details.
A built-in appliance and a freestanding model have different installation requirements.
Measure the space, confirm the installation type and check the clearance and ventilation instructions for your chosen model.
These product ranges can help you identify the features to compare. Your choice will then depend on the specifications of the exact model.
Bosch offers freestanding fridge freezers, including the KGN492IAF.
Liebherr offers freestanding and built-in fridges, as well as fridge freezers.
Whirlpool describes its fridge freezers as appliances with a fridge compartment and a freezer compartment.
These models are options if you’re replacing your appliance with a fridge freezer, either freestanding or built-in depending on the model. If you’re still deciding between a repair, a fridge with a single door or two separate appliances, first settle on the format and capacity you need.
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A fridge freezer to consider if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one appliance.
The model name indicates a capacity of 333 L and a C rating. Before comparing it with your current appliance, check the capacity split, kWh/year and installation clearances.
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This fridge freezer could be worth comparing if you need both compartments.
The model name indicates a capacity of 344 L and an E rating. Before choosing it over another model, check the separate compartment capacities, kWh/year and ventilation instructions for your space.
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This built-in model is worth considering if your kitchen requires an appliance fitted into a cabinet and you need space for both fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates a capacity of 188 L, an E rating and a freezer compartment at the top. Check the space for frozen food, the dimensions of the housing and what’s needed for installation.
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This fridge freezer is designed for anyone looking to combine refrigeration and freezing in a built-in space.
The model name indicates a capacity of 249 L, an E rating and TwinTech No Frost. Before choosing, check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year and the dimensions of the housing for this model.
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This model is worth considering if you need different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates 252 L of fridge capacity, 103 L of freezer capacity, a width of 60 cm and a reversible door. Check the kWh/year, height, depth and required clearances.
First, check with the retailer whether a guarantee may apply. If it doesn’t, a diagnosis or quote can help you assess whether a repair is possible. For a fridge or freezer, ecosystem explains that eligibility for the QualiRépar scheme depends, among other things, on the appliance and the repair work.
Not if they don’t meet the same needs. Check the usable capacities for fresh and frozen food. If you’re considering a separate fridge and freezer, add their kWh/year figures together before comparing the pair with a fridge freezer of similar capacity.
No. The energy label helps you compare appliances, and ADEME recommends checking it when choosing household appliances. Also look at the kWh/year and usable capacity for the exact model. The rating letter alone won’t settle a comparison between different capacities or formats.
According to the Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity applies to refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. So check who the seller is and keep your purchase documents. Also ask for the exact model number and specifications to make sure the appliance is right for your installation.