First, choose a size and usable capacity that suit the food you store and the space you have. Then compare the kWh/year figures for models of the same type and with similar capacities. A larder fridge or tabletop model may be suitable if you rarely freeze food; a fridge freezer is a better fit if you use the freezer regularly. The energy rating, extra features and total capacity are no substitute for this comparison.
If you want to keep an eye on your new appliance’s electricity use, compare the kWh/year figures for models that meet the same storage needs. Capacity matters too: a difference in size changes what you’re comparing.
A larder fridge or compact model is worth considering if you don’t store many frozen foods. UFC-Que Choisir suggests starting with 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Your habits and available space will still be the deciding factors.
A fridge freezer combines refrigeration and freezing in one appliance. Check the capacity of each compartment separately: a sufficient total capacity doesn’t tell you whether the freezer space will suit your shopping and the meals you prepare.
First work out how much space and which compartments you need. Then compare the energy use of models that meet those requirements.
| Criteria | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare the kWh/year figures for models of the same type and with similar capacities. Check their energy labels and, if needed, their EPREL product information sheets. According to the European Commission, the energy label scale has run from A to G since 1 March 2021. | I want to keep an eye on annual energy use without choosing based on the energy rating letter alone. |
| Capacity and freezing | Check the usable capacity of the fridge and freezer separately. UFC-Que Choisir’s guide is 100 to 150 litres for one person, plus 50 litres for each additional person. | If I rarely freeze food, do I need a large freezer compartment? If I store frozen foods or prepared meals, how much space do they really need? |
| Installation | Measure the space, access routes and door clearance. Check the model’s dimensions and the clearances specified in its instruction manual. | The fridge must fit into my kitchen and open without getting in the way of nearby units. |
| Food storage | Check the temperature settings and the layout of the compartments. Anses recommends a temperature of 0 to +4 °C at the coldest point in the fridge. | I want to be able to store my food properly and check the temperature once the appliance is installed. |
| Replacement | Check the delivery and old-appliance collection arrangements before ordering. For a refurbished appliance, ask for the exact model, its condition and energy-use data that you can compare. | I need to plan access to my home and the removal of my old fridge, without assuming a refurbished appliance will use less energy. |
The rating letter on its own doesn’t tell you the annual energy use of two appliances in different sizes.
First shortlist the sizes and capacities that suit you, then compare their kWh/year figures and energy label information.
A large capacity won’t be as useful to a household that rarely freezes food as it is to one that regularly stores frozen foods or prepared meals.
Start with your shopping and cooking habits. Compare the capacity of both compartments, then measure your available space before choosing a larger model.
Getting rid of a fridge requires separate arrangements from installing your new one.
Ask the retailer how they collect old appliances and confirm the collection arrangements when you place your order.
Its condition or how it’s sold doesn’t, by itself, tell you how much electricity it uses compared with a new model.
Ask for the exact model number, available energy information and details of any work carried out before comparing appliances.
These examples show the formats and features of specific models; they aren’t a ranking of the brands.
Bosch product information lets you check the capacity of each compartment, the energy rating and the noise level of individual fridge freezers.
Samsung offers fridge freezers with capacities and features that vary by model.
The range includes compact models as well as fridge freezers, so consider the space available and how much freezer capacity you need.
These Joybuy models are fridge freezers with different capacities. They’re worth considering if you need an integrated freezer; a larder fridge or tabletop model may be a better option if you rarely freeze food. For each fridge freezer, check the kWh/year figure on the energy label for the exact model before comparing energy use.
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A 333 L fridge freezer to consider if you also use a freezer and have enough space. The product title gives its energy rating as C; check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model, as well as its installation dimensions.
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With a stated capacity of 330 L, this model is worth considering if you’re looking for a fridge freezer. Check how the capacity is divided between the fridge and freezer, the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model, and the dimensions before comparing it with another appliance.
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This 262 L fridge freezer is worth considering if floor space is limited: its product title gives dimensions of 54 cm wide and 176 cm high, with a 70/30 split. Check the installation clearances, the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model.
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This 440 L fridge freezer is worth considering if your habits call for plenty of storage space. The product title gives its energy rating as D; check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model, then check the dimensions and how the capacity is divided before choosing.
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This 282 L fridge freezer may suit you if you need a freezer but don’t want a very large capacity. Bosch states that it has 193 L of fridge space and 89 L of freezer space. Check the kWh/year figure on the label for the exact model and the clearances required for installation.
Compare their kWh/year figures when they’re the same type and have a similar usable capacity. The A to G rating is another useful guide: according to the European Commission, this scale has appeared on fridge and freezer energy labels since 1 March 2021. You can check details for the model in question in the EPREL product information sheet.
UFC-Que Choisir recommends using 100 to 150 litres of usable capacity for one person as a general guide, plus 50 litres for each additional person. Adjust this starting point to suit your shopping and cooking habits and how much food you freeze.
A large fridge freezer is worth considering if your household will make real use of its fridge and freezer capacity, for example for less frequent shopping trips or prepared meals. Check the capacity of each compartment, the space available and the kWh/year figure for the exact model rather than choosing on total capacity alone.
Ask about collection arrangements when you order your new appliance. Confirm with the retailer when your old fridge will be collected and what conditions apply to delivery or collection.
Yes. The DGCCRF states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a business to a consumer. To check whether the appliance also meets your energy-use goals, ask for its exact model number, condition and comparable energy data.