Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the annual energy consumption in kWh of appliances in a similar size range. A fridge-freezer combines both functions in one appliance; a fridge on its own is suitable if you don’t need an integrated freezer, while a separate freezer needs its own space and uses energy continuously. If you’re buying second-hand or refurbished, check the appliance’s condition and the seller’s status too.
If you’re replacing an older appliance, compare the kWh/year and usable capacity without choosing a larger model than you need. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously; the European energy label shows the model’s declared energy consumption.
Work out which compartment is genuinely short of space before choosing a fridge on its own, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer. Also check you have enough room if you’ll be running two appliances at home.
Check the exact model reference, that the appliance works and that its condition matches the description. Then find out whether the seller is a business or a private individual. This distinction matters in particular for the legal guarantee of conformity, as explained by the Ministry of the Economy.
When replacing an appliance that runs continuously, first work out which type of storage you’re short of. Then compare the energy use and installation requirements of appliances that suit your needs.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need an integrated freezer.
Bear in mind: adding a freezer later will take up space and mean running a second appliance continuously.
Worth considering: if you need fresh and frozen food compartments in one appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to check the size of the freezer compartment separately; the total capacity doesn’t tell you whether it’ll hold all your frozen food.
Worth considering: if freezing is your main priority or the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer isn’t big enough.
Bear in mind: you’ll need to make room for it, follow the installation instructions and factor in an additional appliance that runs continuously.
| What matters | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use and size | Compare the kWh/year of appliances in a similar size range, then check that their usable capacities meet your needs. | I’m mainly replacing my appliance to reduce its continuous energy use, without choosing a larger model just in case; around 29% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| How the capacity is divided | Check the litres available for fresh and frozen food separately, rather than focusing on total capacity. | My freezer compartment is overflowing, but I have enough room for fresh food, so I want to address the imbalance; this would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Space and noise | Check the dimensions and doorways, ventilation requirements and the model’s noise emissions in dB. | My kitchen is close to the living area, so I need to be able to install the appliance without running into space issues or unexpected noise; around 24% of consumers would prioritise these considerations. |
| Condition of a second-hand appliance | Check the model reference, that it works, the seals and the seller’s identity; ask for the guarantee terms in writing. | Before choosing a used appliance, I want to know its condition and what recourse I have with the seller; this would be the main concern for around 18% of consumers. |
Two appliances with different capacities won’t necessarily meet the same needs. According to the European Commission, the label also shows annual energy consumption and compartment capacities.
Compare the kWh/year, fresh and frozen food capacities in litres, and noise levels of models in a similar size range.
A separate freezer runs continuously, ADEME points out, and needs to be installed in accordance with its instructions.
Check that the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer won’t be big enough, then make sure you have space for the freezer you’re considering and check its ventilation requirements.
Don’t assume that a repairability index will be shown for a used appliance. It also won’t tell you what condition the appliance is actually in.
Ask for the model reference, details of any checks carried out, and a description of the seals, doors and any faults.
The Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between the protections that apply to sales by businesses and those that apply to private sales: the legal guarantee of conformity applies to the former, but not the latter.
Identify the seller and keep a copy of the listing, the condition description and proof of the transaction.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a freestanding fridge-freezer and want to compare the specifications of a particular model.
A brand to consider when comparing fridges, freezers and integrated models.
A brand to consider if you’re looking for a fridge-freezer that combines fresh and frozen food compartments.
These appliances provide storage for both fresh and frozen food. Their total capacities vary, so first choose a size that suits your storage needs and the space available. Then check the annual energy consumption of the exact model before replacing your appliance.
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Worth considering if you need fresh and frozen food compartments in a four-door appliance; check that its capacity suits what you store.
Advertised capacity of 467 L, E rating and Total No Frost function. Check access routes and the clearance required in the instructions before choosing this size.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in a freestanding appliance; check the usable capacity of each compartment to make sure the split works for you.
Advertised total capacity of 390 L and D rating. Check the model’s installation instructions too.
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Worth considering if you want an appliance that combines fresh and frozen food storage and have room for this capacity; measure the delivery route too.
Advertised capacity of 488 L and E rating. Check the instructions for ventilation clearances and the defrosting features of the exact model.
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Worth comparing if you want fresh and frozen food storage in a freestanding fridge-freezer; check its capacity against what you need.
Advertised capacity of 330 L, advertised noise level of 35 dB and No Frost function. Check the label for the exact model’s rating and annual energy consumption.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 174 L fridge-freezer and have a suitable space for its 150 cm height.
E rating, advertised noise level of 39 dB and Low Frost function. To compare its energy use with another appliance, check its kWh/year on the label for the exact model; Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
Compare annual energy consumption in kWh between appliances that meet the same storage needs, rather than focusing only on the rating letter. According to the European Commission, the label also shows compartment capacities and noise emissions, which can help you choose between models that suit your home.
Check the information available for the exact model reference, including details of spare parts and repair options provided by the manufacturer. Don’t assume that a repairability index shown for a different type of appliance applies to the one you’re considering.
No. In France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies when you buy a second-hand or refurbished item from a business, but not when you buy from a private seller, according to the Ministry of the Economy. Check who the seller is and keep the appliance description, along with the written terms of any guarantee offered.
Follow the waiting period and installation instructions in your model’s manual before switching it on. Electrolux recommends waiting at least four hours before plugging the appliance in as part of its installation advice. Also check the ventilation requirements and recommended ambient temperature for your appliance.