Start by choosing the format that matches the food you actually store: a fridge only if you freeze very little, a fridge freezer to keep fresh and frozen food in one appliance, or a separate freezer when you will use its capacity regularly. Then compare kWh/year, the capacity of each compartment and noise levels between appliances of the same type and similar capacity. Before replacing an out-of-warranty appliance, it is also worth considering a repair.
You want to reduce constant energy consumption without paying for capacity or features you do not need. Compare kWh/year between appliances of a similar format and capacity, then consider a repair if the appliance is out of warranty.
A fridge freezer is a good choice when you need both a fridge compartment and a freezer compartment in a single kitchen space. Check that the split between the two capacities suits your habits.
An upright or chest freezer could be suitable if bulk purchases, home-grown produce or prepared meals genuinely use its capacity, and you have a suitable room in which to install it.
Start by working out how much capacity you really need, then compare the information on the energy label with the installation requirements for the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous energy consumption | Compare kWh/year between appliances of the same format and with similar capacities. The A to G energy class is a useful guide, but it does not replace this comparison. The European Commission states that the label also shows capacity and airborne acoustical noise emissions. | I want to reduce electricity use without choosing an appliance that is too small or unnecessarily large. |
| Usable capacity | Check the litres allocated to fresh and frozen food separately. For a built-in appliance, also check the overall dimensions and the dimensions of the housing unit. | My fresh and frozen food must fit without forcing me to add a second appliance. |
| Frost and maintenance | Confirm whether the model you are considering has No Frost or Low Frost. Also check the alarms and temperature settings if they are important for the way you use it. | I would rather minimise manual defrosting, especially if the freezer is opened frequently. |
| Noise and placement | Check the dB figure and the noise class on the label. Confirm the door-opening direction, required ventilation and clearance around the appliance. | In an open-plan kitchen or a small home, I want continuous operation to remain discreet and compatible with the available space. |
The A to G class describes efficiency, but you should also compare compartment capacity and annual consumption in kWh. A larger appliance or one with unnecessary features may use more energy even if it has a better rating.
Before comparing energy classes, look at kWh/year, refrigerated and frozen capacities, noise and appliance type. Do not compare a small fridge directly with a large fridge freezer.
A freezer runs continuously, and its capacity can far exceed a household’s needs. A separate appliance makes sense when the amount of frozen food you store genuinely justifies its capacity and the space it takes up.
Take stock of your frozen purchases, prepared meals and seasonal requirements. Choose a fridge freezer or separate freezer according to the capacity you use day to day, not the maximum capacity available.
An additional appliance adds continuous energy consumption, which you should check on the model’s label.
Built-in appliances may require different housing-unit dimensions and fixing systems. A 69 cm-wide housing unit will not necessarily accommodate a model designed for a 56 cm-wide housing unit.
Measure the housing unit and check the instructions for ventilation clearances, hinges, door-opening direction and unpackaged dimensions before ordering.
In France, some repairable refrigeration appliances may qualify for the Bonus Réparation, subject to conditions. The scheme does not apply to appliances still covered by a warranty or insurance.
For an appliance owned by a household and purchased in France, request a diagnosis and quote from a QualiRépar repairer. Then compare the repair with the expected energy consumption and use of a replacement appliance.
Worth considering for a freestanding fridge freezer if you are looking for a high energy rating, low noise levels and separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
Worth considering for built-in or freestanding fridge freezers when integrating the appliance into an existing kitchen, capacity and temperature control are priorities.
Worth considering for a built-in fridge freezer if you need to fit a kitchen housing unit and want a detailed specification sheet covering energy consumption, capacity and dimensions.
Worth considering if keeping fruit and vegetables fresh is important to you, after comparing the energy and capacity data for the model you choose.
Joybuy options covering standalone refrigeration, fresh-and-frozen fridge freezers and separate freezers for this choice of continuously powered appliance.
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For a household that wants fresh and frozen food together in one appliance, with separate compartments.
Listed specifications include 235 L of fridge capacity, 125 L of freezer capacity, 271 kWh/year, an E rating and 35 dB(A). Total No Frost, reversible door and dimensions of 185 × 59,5 × 66,7 cm are also stated.
Check ventilation clearances and access space before installation.
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An option for a household looking for a slimline fridge freezer with a clearly defined split between fresh and frozen food.
Listed specifications include 187 L of fridge capacity, 75 L of freezer capacity, 215 kWh/year, an E rating and 39 dB(A). A width of 54 cm, height of 176 cm and reversible door are also stated.
Low Frost reduces frost build-up but does not eliminate manual defrosting; the appliance is specified for an ambient temperature of 16 to 38 °C.
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For households that use little frozen food and want a built-in appliance dedicated to fresh produce.
Listed specifications include 101 kWh/year, an E rating, automatic defrosting, 34 dB and dimensions of 54,8 × 121,8 × 54,9 cm.
Before buying, check the exact net capacity, housing-unit dimensions, door-panel fixing system and ventilation requirements.
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For a built-in kitchen that needs separate compartments for fresh and frozen food.
Listed specifications include 186 L of fridge capacity, 62 L of freezer capacity, TwinTech Total No Frost, 37 dB(A), reversible doors and sliding-hinge fixing.
Check the energy label, housing-unit dimensions, compatibility with your sliding door panel and your kitchen’s ventilation.
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An option for regular frozen-food storage when the capacity justifies a separate appliance.
Listed specifications include a net capacity of 161 L, a C rating, No Frost, three drawers, two shelves, an LED display, an alarm and a reversible door.
Check the label for kWh/year, as well as noise level, dimensions, ventilation and the permitted installation temperature range.
Compare appliances of the same type and with similar capacities using the kWh/year shown on the energy label, then look separately at fridge and freezer capacity. The European Commission states that the A to G label also provides information about capacity and airborne acoustical noise emissions; the QR code provides access to detailed information in EPREL.
Size is an important factor, but it is not the only one. ADEME states that newer models can be more energy efficient, while greater size and excessive features can increase consumption. Choose the usable capacity you need and compare the kWh/year of comparable models.
No. No Frost mainly limits frost formation and the need for manual defrosting when it is included on the model. To assess energy consumption, always check the kWh/year shown for the exact model rather than assuming a saving based solely on the No Frost label.
Yes, subject to conditions. According to ecosystem, as at 1 January 2026, the Bonus Réparation is €25 for a fridge, freezer or fridge freezer. The appliance must be owned by a household, purchased in France, no longer covered by a warranty or insurance, and have an eligible fault. The amount is deducted from the invoice by a QualiRépar-accredited repairer.
Check the height, width and depth of the housing unit, the fixing or hinge system, the door-opening direction and the ventilation specified in the instructions. Two built-in fridge freezers may require housing units 56 cm or 69 cm wide, so they are not necessarily interchangeable.