Households concerned about their electricity bill
You want to find out whether a fridge that runs continuously really needs replacing, without estimating your personal savings from a national average.
Who this decision matters to
Households short on space or redesigning their kitchen
You need to choose between a fridge and a fridge freezer, with a suitable usable capacity, dimensions that fit the space and a noise level appropriate for an open-plan kitchen.
Shoppers considering repair or refurbished appliances
You want to compare buying new with having your appliance repaired or choosing a refurbished one, by examining the quote, the specifications of the unit being sold and the professional seller’s guarantees.
What to check before choosing
Start by checking whether your current appliance still meets your needs and whether a repair would be worthwhile. Then compare only replacements with a similar type and capacity.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable energy consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances of the same type and with similar capacities. Also use the A–G class, compartment capacities and noise level shown on the label. | I want to reduce the impact of energy costs on my budget without attributing my entire bill to the fridge. In the 2025 Médiateur national de l’énergie énergie-info barometer, 85 % of the 2,000 households surveyed in mainland France considered their energy bills to represent a significant part of their budget. |
| Usable capacity in practice | Look at the fridge and freezer capacities separately. Measure the housing, check the door opening and make sure any additional features match how you will actually use the appliance. | I would rather have a capacity suited to my shopping and freezing habits than a large amount of space that goes unused. |
| Repair before replacing | Ask a professional for a diagnosis and quote. Check that parts are available and review the model’s repair instructions ; also check the terms of the repair bonus before including it in your decision. | My appliance still suits me in terms of capacity : I want to know whether a repair could extend its useful life before buying new. |
| Reliable refurbished appliance | Check what tests have been carried out, the actual condition, any possible faults and the specifications of the unit on offer. Keep the listing, invoice and warranty terms. | I may consider a refurbished appliance if the information accurately describes the one that will be delivered, rather than a similar new model. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a large capacity or comfort features on the assumption that a newer model will necessarily use less energy
A fridge runs continuously. ADEME indicates that size and excessive features can increase your bill, even with a recent appliance.
List the fresh-food and freezer capacities you genuinely need, then compare the kWh/year of similarly sized models before choosing any additional features.
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Comparing only the A–G class of two different appliances
The label also shows kWh/year, compartment capacities and airborne noise emissions : the letter alone does not allow a meaningful comparison between different types or capacities.
Compare the class, kWh/year, fridge capacity, freezer capacity and noise level. Check the model details in EPREL using the QR code or its reference number.
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Treating a refurbished appliance as a standard new product
The technical and cosmetic information must relate to the refurbished appliance actually being sold. The evidence requirements applying to warranties also differ between new and second-hand goods.
Ask about the condition of the unit, the tests carried out, any possible faults, and the warranty, delivery and collection terms. Don’t assume that the listing or energy consumption of a similar new model applies without checking.
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Ruling out repair without getting a quote or checking eligibility
Repair can extend an appliance’s useful life, and the repair bonus can reduce the cost in eligible cases. However, the scheme does not automatically apply to every product or fault.
Get a quote from a qualified repairer and check the bonus terms with an approved repairer or an eco-organisation before choosing a new appliance.
A guide to fridge brands
Bosch
Worth considering if you are looking for a freestanding fridge freezer in a standard format, with a specification sheet detailing the energy class, separate capacities, noise level and dimensions.
- For the KGN36VLCK, Bosch states a C energy class, 232 l fridge capacity, 115 l freezer capacity, 35 dB and No Frost.
- These figures relate to this specific model and do not represent a conclusion about the entire range or an independent comparison of reliability.
Liebherr
A useful brand to compare when looking at freestanding or integrated formats and food-preservation technologies such as NoFrost or BioFresh.
- The brand offers fridge freezers and fridges in a variety of capacities and dimensions, and highlights NoFrost and BioFresh technologies on selected ranges.
- Compare the label, capacity, noise level, overall size and exact model specifications before choosing.
Beko
Worth exploring when comparing standard-configured fridge freezers with very large-capacity models, including some features designed for unheated rooms.
- Beko states that Freezer Guard, on certain appliances, may be suitable for a room where the temperature falls as low as -5 °C.
- Capacity, energy class and ambient conditions vary by model : check that this feature is specified for the appliance you choose and is suitable for your installation space.
Fridges available on Joybuy
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers with separate fridge and freezer capacities. Compare them with your actual capacity requirements, available installation space and the information on the energy label.
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LG GBBS312AEV, 333 L No Frost fridge freezer
Worth considering if you need separate fridge and freezer space without moving up to a very large format.
220 l fridge capacity, 113 l freezer capacity, class A, 108 kWh/year, 29 dB, No Frost and reversible door. Stated dimensions : 59.7 × 186 × 67.4 cm.
Climate class T is specified for use from 16 to 43 °C : don’t choose this model if the installation location may fall below 16 °C.
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CHiQ JR263LGE, 262 L Low Frost fridge freezer
At 54 cm wide, this model could suit a narrow kitchen if you only need a moderate freezer capacity.
187 l fridge capacity, 75 l freezer capacity, class E, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB(A), reversible door and dimensions of 1760 × 540 × 550 mm.
Low Frost does not mean that defrosting is unnecessary : the freezer is described as requiring manual defrosting approximately once or twice a year. The stated ambient temperature range is 16 to 38 °C.
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Comfee' RCB169WH2(E), 174 L fridge freezer
This compact format is designed for smaller households that need separate fridge and freezer compartments.
115 l fridge capacity, 59 l freezer capacity, class E, 39 dB, Low Frost, four-star freezer, reversible door and dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm.
Check the kWh/year on the energy label or in EPREL before comparing it with appliances of a similar capacity. Low Frost does not confirm that manual defrosting is never required.
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Candy CFQQ5T817EPS, 467 L multi-door fridge freezer
Worth considering for a large household that will genuinely use its substantial fridge and freezer capacities.
311 l fridge capacity, 156 l freezer capacity, class E, 290 kWh/year, 35 dB(A), Total No Frost and separate temperature controls. Stated dimensions : 181.5 × 83.3 × 65 cm.
Its 467 l capacity and 83.3 cm width require a genuine need for substantial storage and careful checking of the available space, including ventilation clearances.
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Samsung RB53DG703DS9, 538 L fridge freezer
This very large fridge freezer is suitable only if your regular needs justify its separate fridge and freezer capacities.
370 l fridge capacity, 168 l freezer capacity, 249 kWh/year, 35 dB, Multi-Flow Cooling, door alarm and dimensions of 75.9 × 203 × 71.1 cm.
Check the official energy label or EPREL before buying : the class shown in the title does not match the one in the description. Also check that the available space is suitable for its dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I compare two fridges without relying only on the energy letter ?
Compare appliances of the same type and with similar capacities. The European label shows the A–G class, annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and airborne noise emissions : use the kWh/year together with your own electricity tariff to create an estimate suited to your household.
Is ADEME guidance enough to prove that I need to replace my old fridge ?
No. ADEME provides general guidance and points out that a larger, feature-packed recent model may increase energy consumption. You should therefore compare your actual appliance, its condition and capacity with a genuinely comparable new model.
Can I rely on a repairability index when choosing a fridge in France ?
Not as a standard criterion. The ministry currently states that five categories are covered by the repairability index, excluding fridges ; instead, look for information about parts, repair instructions and the model’s after-sales service, particularly in EPREL where published.
Does the repair bonus automatically apply to a fridge ?
No. The repair bonus is a discount applied by an approved repairer, but eligibility depends on the category, the fault and the scheme’s terms. Check the official list of eligible products and faults, as well as the repairer, before including this support in your budget.
What protections should I check for a refurbished fridge ?
Choose a professional seller who states the condition, tests carried out and specifications of the refurbished unit. According to economie.gouv.fr, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a professional to a private individual ; keep the invoice and the product description.