First, work out how much space you need for fresh food and, separately, for frozen food. Then compare the annual energy use in kWh and noise levels of appliances with similar layouts and capacities: the energy rating alone isn’t enough. The ADEME notes that a fridge runs continuously, and that a larger size or extra features can increase your electricity bill.
If you’re replacing an appliance that runs day and night, compare the stated kWh/year figures for models with similar capacities and layouts. The energy rating letter alone won’t help you make the right choice.
If you’re choosing between a fridge and a fridge-freezer, consider separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. This will help you decide whether extra capacity or features are useful for your regular needs.
If the appliance is close to your living or sleeping area, compare the stated noise level too. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the noise rating on the label doesn’t always tell you how disruptive an appliance will feel.
First decide whether you need to freeze food regularly, then compare the capacity of each compartment and the information on the energy label.
Worth considering: if you don’t need to store frozen food in this appliance or already have a separate freezer.
Bear in mind: it won’t provide both types of storage. Compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet your actual needs rather than assuming how much energy they use.
Worth considering: if you regularly store frozen food and want both compartments in one appliance.
Check: the total capacity doesn’t show how much space is allocated to each compartment. Compare the stated capacity in litres with what you need.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy use | The kWh/year figure and energy rating for appliances with similar layouts and capacities. | When an appliance runs day and night, I want to keep its electricity use down without choosing features I won’t use. Around 46% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Fresh and frozen capacity | The stated capacity in litres for each compartment and whether you need an integrated freezer. | If I regularly freeze food, I need enough room for frozen items without choosing an oversized appliance overall. For around 36% of consumers, getting the right capacity is the top priority. |
| Noise near living areas | The stated noise level in dB(A) and the acoustic class on the label. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, my main concern is reducing the risk of noise disrupting my living space. This is the top priority for around 18% of consumers. |
The European Commission says that the labels on fridges and freezers show information including annual energy use, storage capacity and airborne acoustical noise emissions. This information helps you compare models, but it can’t guarantee how much energy an appliance will use or how noisy it will feel in every home.
The rating letter alone can’t tell you which of two appliances with different capacities or layouts is right for you. The European label also shows annual energy use and the capacity of each compartment.
First compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet similar storage needs, then look at their energy ratings.
The ADEME notes that a larger appliance or one with too many features can increase your electricity bill, especially when it runs continuously.
Work out how much fresh and frozen food you regularly need to store before choosing extra capacity or features.
The stated noise level makes it easier to compare appliances, but UFC-Que Choisir explains that this figure alone can’t necessarily predict how disruptive an appliance will be in a living area.
If the appliance will be near a place where you rest, check the dB(A) figure, acoustic class and the returns policy offered by the retailer for this purchase.
These models offer storage for both fresh and frozen food, with a range of capacities. If you don’t need an integrated freezer, compare standalone fridges too before making your choice.
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Worth considering if you need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. Check that this capacity suits your usual shopping habits.
The model description lists an E energy rating and Total No Frost. Before comparing running costs and noise, check the kWh/year and acoustic information on the energy label for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you want fresh and frozen food storage in one 360 L appliance. Check that there’s enough room for each type of food.
The model description lists an E energy rating, Total No Frost, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the dimensions, door clearance and the energy and acoustic information for the exact model.
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Its 54 cm width is worth considering if space is tight and its capacity suits your everyday storage needs.
The model description divides the 227 L into 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer. It also lists an E energy rating, Low Frost and a reversible door. Check the label for the exact model to compare its kWh/year and noise level.
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Worth considering if this capacity meets your needs for fresh and frozen food, and a bottom freezer suits the way you use your appliance.
The model description lists an E energy rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment, kWh/year and noise level on the label for the exact model. Also check its dimensions and installation requirements.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for plenty of space for fresh and frozen food, provided the appliance and its capacity suit your household and the space available.
The model description lists an E energy rating, frost-free technology and 40 dB. Check the label for the capacity of each compartment in litres, kWh/year and acoustic class: the stated noise level doesn’t guarantee that you won’t be disturbed.
Compare the annual energy use in kWh, storage capacity, energy rating and stated noise level. According to the European Commission, this information appears on the labels of the appliances concerned. Compare models with similar capacities and layouts rather than choosing based on the rating letter alone.
Yes, it takes you to information about the model in the public European EPREL database. Check that the model and variant shown match the appliance you’re thinking of buying.
Check the dimensions of the exact model, its installation type and the installation requirements in its documentation. Also make sure there’s enough room to open the doors, and don’t assume the clearance needed for another appliance applies to this model.
Multiply the kWh/year figure on the fridge’s label by the VAT-inclusive price per kWh on your tariff or bill. This gives you an estimate based on the stated figure, not a guarantee that your appliance will use exactly the same amount of energy at home.