Start by choosing the refrigeration and freezer capacity you genuinely need, then compare the kWh/year for appliances with similar capacities and configurations. A fridge freezer is suitable for households that regularly use frozen food, while a single-door fridge or a small freezer compartment may be enough when your needs are mainly for fresh food. The European energy label lets you check the capacities, annual consumption and noise level.
You want to reduce an appliance’s year-round energy consumption while keeping enough capacity for your shopping. ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that choosing an appliance that is too large or has unnecessary features can increase consumption.
You need to decide whether you genuinely need an integrated freezer for everyday use, or whether a single-door fridge or freezer compartment will be enough. The European label distinguishes between refrigerated and frozen capacities, helping you check what you need before buying.
You are replacing an appliance in a recess, beneath a worktop or in a kitchen where access and ventilation restrict your choice. Check the recess dimensions, door opening and ventilation clearances before choosing the type of appliance.
Consider it if: you mainly store fresh food and already have a separate freezer, or rarely use frozen food.
Good to know: you give up the independence of a proper integrated freezer; check how the capacities shown on the label are divided.
Consider it if: a small integrated freezer space is sufficient and keeping the appliance compact is a priority.
Good to know: this format should not be confused with a fridge freezer: check the frozen capacity, kWh/year and noise level of the model.
Consider it if: you regularly use frozen food and want two separate compartments.
Good to know: compare annual consumption with the capacity you genuinely need, rather than automatically setting fridge freezers against single-door models.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual consumption | Compare the kWh/year on the labels of appliances with similar capacities and compartment configurations. Treat the A to G rating as an additional guide, alongside capacity and noise level. | I want to compare the running cost of appliances offering similar storage, rather than choosing based solely on the rating letter. |
| Usable capacity | Check separately how many litres are allocated to fresh and frozen food. Choose the configuration after working out how much space you need for each type of shopping. | Most of my shopping consists of fresh food, or I need enough freezer capacity for the frozen food I usually buy. |
| Installation | Measure the space, access routes, door opening and, for a built-in appliance, the recess. Follow the ventilation clearances specified in the model’s instructions. | My fridge must fit into the kitchen and work safely in the available space without blocking doors or walkways. |
| Maintenance and features | Check whether the model genuinely has a No Frost, Low Frost or other defrosting system. Air circulation and temperature stability features should be checked on the specification sheet for the exact model. | I would prefer to reduce the need for defrosting, but only if the feature suits my habits and the appliance I choose. |
The label combines the A to G rating with annual consumption in kWh, compartment capacities and noise level. Two appliances with different capacities or configurations will not necessarily meet the same needs, even if their ratings appear similar.
Compare the kWh/year after checking that the fresh and frozen capacities match your usage; use the rating as an additional guide.
ADEME states that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size and excessive features can increase consumption.
List your fresh and frozen food needs separately, then choose the smallest capacity that covers them comfortably. Also consider whether ice dispensers, connected features and other options will genuinely be useful.
Higher annual consumption can add up throughout the appliance’s entire working life.
A built-in model depends on the recess dimensions and its ventilation system; a freestanding appliance also needs suitable clearance. Insufficient ventilation can hinder heat dissipation and increase consumption.
Measure the installation space and delivery route, then compare them with the technical specification and instructions for the exact model before ordering.
Used fridges must be taken to an appropriate collection scheme. In France, ecosystem states that free ‘one-for-one’ collection must be offered when buying an equivalent new appliance, including for distance sales.
Select and keep a record of the collection option when placing your order, especially when home delivery is planned.
Bosch’s French range includes freestanding and built-in fridges, with or without freezer compartments, as well as fridge freezers.
Whirlpool’s range covers single-door fridges, fridge freezers, and built-in or freestanding appliances.
In France, Electrolux offers built-in fridges, fridge freezers and compact models for under-worktop spaces.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers with separate fridge and freezer compartments, designed for households that regularly need to store fresh and frozen food.
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For a household needing separate storage for fresh and frozen food in a freestanding appliance.
Advertised with 183 L refrigeration capacity, 113 L freezer capacity, a 37 L compartment, 169 kWh/year, 34 dB and dimensions of 597 × 1 860 × 674 mm.
Total No Frost is specified. Check that the stated clearances and 110° door opening suit the actual installation space.
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A built-in fridge freezer for a compatible fitted kitchen, with separate fresh and frozen food capacities.
Advertised with 176 L refrigeration capacity, 76 L freezer capacity, 150 kWh/year, 34 dB, No Frost and dimensions of 540 × 1 772 × 545 mm.
Check the instructions for the recess dimensions, door-panel mounting system and required ventilation clearances.
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A freestanding option to consider for a compact kitchen, with the majority of its capacity dedicated to fresh food.
Advertised with 187 L refrigeration capacity, 75 L freezer capacity, 215 kWh/year, 39 dB, a width of 54 cm and a height of 176 cm.
The freezer requires occasional manual defrosting. The model is specified for an ambient temperature range of 16 to 38 °C; also check the required ventilation clearances.
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For a household needing plenty of space for fresh and frozen food in a freestanding appliance.
Advertised with 276 L refrigeration capacity, 114 L freezer capacity, 264 kWh/year, 35 dB and dimensions of 59,5 × 203 × 65,8 cm.
Automatic defrosting is specified for both compartments. Measure the installation space and delivery route, then check the instructions for ventilation clearances.
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A medium-capacity built-in fridge freezer for a fitted kitchen with a compatible cabinet.
Advertised with 186 L refrigeration capacity, 62 L freezer capacity, 37 dB, TwinTech Total No Frost, MultiFlow and dimensions of 59,2 × 58,5 × 186,2 cm.
Check the energy label for kWh/year, as well as the recess dimensions, ventilation and door-panel compatibility before installation.
First compare the litres in the refrigerated and frozen compartments that match your needs, then compare the kWh/year shown for similar appliances. The European Commission states that the label displays the A to G rating, annual consumption, compartment capacities and noise emissions. The letter alone is therefore not enough when comparing different configurations.
Not necessarily. A fridge freezer is suitable when a separate freezer compartment meets your regular needs; a fridge with a freezer compartment may be sufficient if the stated frozen capacity genuinely covers what you require. Check the freezer compartment capacity on the label and product specification before buying.
Measure the installation space, access routes and the clearance needed to open the doors, as well as the recess for a built-in model. Also check the appliance type and model instructions: Bosch specifically points out that ventilation requirements and recess dimensions vary depending on the installation.
Always follow the installation instructions for the model you choose. As manufacturer guidance, Whirlpool specifies 5 cm above and 10 cm behind some freestanding appliances, while Bosch refers to at least 200 cm² of clear space behind and beneath the fridge. These indications do not replace the requirements for the specific model, particularly for a built-in appliance.
Yes. When you buy an equivalent new appliance, the retailer must offer free ‘one-for-one’ collection, including for distance sales. According to ecosystem, when the new appliance is delivered to your home, the old one must be collected during that delivery from the place where it is used.