Before replacing your fridge, choose the amount of fridge and freezer space that suits your shopping habits, then compare the stated energy use in kWh/year across models of a similar size and capacity. A new appliance may use less energy than your old one, but how much you save at home also depends on how much your current appliance uses, the capacity you choose and whether it can be repaired.
Your fridge runs constantly and you’re thinking about replacing it. Compare its energy use with the kWh/year stated for new models, without assuming that a better rating will guarantee a particular saving in your home.
The space you need depends on your shopping habits and how often you use frozen food. The fridge and freezer capacities, listed separately in the European EPREL database, can help you choose between a fridge and a fridge freezer.
If the appliance is still cooling or you need to get a fault diagnosed, check its condition and whether it can be repaired before ordering a replacement. Keeping food safely chilled comes first: Anses recommends monitoring the temperature in the coldest part of the fridge.
First, decide whether your current appliance can still keep food properly chilled. If you’re replacing it, work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food before comparing energy labels.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | Compare the stated kWh/year and energy rating of appliances with similar capacities and formats. | If my old fridge runs all the time, I want to know how much its replacement would use without overestimating my savings. Around 33% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Capacity and freezing | Check the usable capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food separately, based on your shopping habits. | If I regularly store frozen food, having enough freezer space matters more than a large total capacity. Around 27% of consumers would prioritise the right balance between compartments. |
| Repair or replace | Check the temperature maintained by your current appliance and get a diagnosis if you suspect a fault. | If my fridge is getting old but still keeps food cold, I’d rather look into a repair before deciding to buy another one. Around 20% of consumers would put this decision first. |
| Food storage and installation | Check the clearances specified in the manual, how the door opens and the model’s noise level. | In a kitchen with limited space, I need to be able to open the door, take out the drawers and install the appliance properly while keeping food chilled. Around 20% of consumers would put these practical considerations first. |
When comparing two new appliances, the energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database show information including annual energy use and compartment capacities. These figures describe the models as declared; they don’t measure how much your old fridge uses. A fridge may suit you if you don’t need much freezer space, while a fridge freezer combines fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. If you’re considering a separate freezer, compare the two appliances you’re planning to buy with a fridge freezer that offers the same storage capacity, rather than assuming one format always uses less energy than the other.
The rating alone doesn’t tell you how much energy an appliance uses in a year. ADEME points out that size and certain features can increase energy use.
Compare the kWh/year and capacities of models that meet the same needs, then check the exact model’s details on its energy label or in EPREL.
A large fridge freezer or multi-door model only gives you useful extra space if your household will actually use it. You should also distinguish between the space for fresh food and the space for frozen food.
Start with your shopping habits and check the capacity in litres of each compartment before choosing a format.
Insufficient airflow or placing the appliance near a heat source can affect energy use. A door that can’t open wide enough may make it difficult to reach the drawers.
Measure the space and the clearance needed to open the door, then follow the clearances and ambient conditions specified in the model’s manual.
An old fridge needs to be collected appropriately. Arranging its removal in advance means you won’t have to organise a separate collection after the new appliance is installed.
Ask the seller what collection arrangements are available for your old appliance, particularly if your new one is being delivered to your home.
The freestanding KGN39AIAU fridge freezer is a useful example of the details to look for on a model’s product page: separate capacities, energy use and noise level. Its specifications don’t apply to every Bosch fridge.
Some models from the brand focus on usable capacity and food-preservation features. Their suitability depends on the dimensions and storage space you need.
Beko’s single-door and double-door models offer different ways to divide the space between fresh and frozen food.
These models include fridge freezers with different capacities, a side-by-side model and a built-in single-door fridge. Start by considering how much freezer space you need and how much room you have, then compare the energy use of your chosen model with similar appliances.
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Worth considering if you want fridge and freezer space in one 333 L appliance. The title lists No Frost and an A rating; check the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year on the energy label for this model.
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This four-door format is worth considering if your household will make good use of its generous fresh and frozen food storage. The title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Measure the space and compare the kWh/year with models of a similar capacity.
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Worth considering if your household will use a large amount of fridge and freezer space: the title lists a capacity of 538 L. Before comparing energy use, check the label for the exact model, as the rating information given for this product is contradictory.
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This format is worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage side by side in one appliance. The title lists a capacity of 444 L, frost-free operation, a noise level of 40 dB and an E rating. Check the capacity of each compartment and the dimensions before deciding whether it suits your household and kitchen.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable housing unit and mainly need space for fresh food. The title lists an E rating, but the capacity information for this model varies. Confirm the usable capacity, the dimensions needed for fitting and your freezer arrangements before choosing.
Start by working out how much fridge and freezer space you need, then compare the kWh/year of appliances that meet those needs. The energy label and the European Commission’s EPREL database let you check these details for the exact model; the rating alone isn’t a substitute for this comparison.
Anses recommends a temperature of 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. Use the manual to find this area and store meat, fish and prepared dishes there in particular.
No, frost alone isn’t a reason to replace your fridge. If your appliance needs defrosting, check the condition of the door seals and its ventilation too. If the problem persists or it no longer maintains the right temperature, get a diagnosis before deciding whether to repair or replace it.
Ask the seller about collection arrangements before your new appliance is delivered. ecosystem describes a ‘one-for-one’ take-back service when buying equivalent equipment, including online purchases. Check with the seller how collection from your home will be arranged.