First, choose a size and capacity that suit the fresh and frozen food you store. Then compare the annual energy consumption in kWh/an on the energy label of models that meet the same needs. The energy rating alone won’t tell you how much energy your household will use: also check the installation dimensions and whether you’ll genuinely use any extra features. ADEME points out that a fridge runs continuously, and that its size and extra features can affect its energy consumption.
If you want to keep the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously down, start by working out how much space you need for your usual shop. Then compare the kWh/an shown on the labels of models that can store the same kinds of food.
A fridge without a freezer compartment is worth considering if you mainly store fresh food. Make sure, though, that its fridge capacity suits your usual shop and that you don’t need space for frozen food in the appliance.
If you’re replacing a built-in model, check the cabinet space, door panel and door fixing before comparing energy labels. Even if an appliance has the right capacity, you won’t be able to use it if it isn’t compatible with your kitchen units.
The type of freezer compartment will help you narrow down the formats first. Then use the kWh/an figure to compare appliances that offer similar storage capacity.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and don’t need to freeze anything in this appliance.
The trade-off: this format alone won’t meet your needs if you want to store frozen food.
Worth considering: if you regularly use both fresh and frozen food and want to keep it all in one appliance.
The trade-off: make sure both compartments suit the amount of food you actually store. A larger capacity doesn’t automatically mean lower energy use.
Worth considering: if your kitchen requires an integrated appliance with a cabinet space and door panel, and you need both fridge and freezer storage.
The trade-off: checking the appliance dimensions alone won’t confirm that it will fit the cabinet space or work with the hinges.
| Priority | What to check | Depending on your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | Compare the kWh/an figure and energy rating on the labels of models with similar storage capacity. Check the product details for the exact model if you need to confirm the figures. | I want to keep the energy use of an appliance that runs continuously down, without assuming that the rating letter alone means it will use less. |
| Usable capacity | Check the fridge and freezer capacity in litres separately. Choose whether you need a freezer compartment based on your habits, rather than the total capacity alone. | Do I regularly buy frozen food, or do I mainly need space for fresh food? |
| Installation | Check the height, width and depth, as well as the space needed to open the door. For a built-in model, also check the cabinet space dimensions and door fixing. | The appliance needs to fit in my kitchen, and I need to be able to open the door and pull out the drawers without anything getting in the way. |
| Maintenance and food storage | Consider features such as No Frost, a door alarm or food storage zones according to how you plan to use the appliance. Always compare the kWh/an figures of the models in question: a feature alone doesn’t prove that an appliance uses less energy. | If defrosting or organising fresh food matters to me, I can look for the relevant feature without assuming it guarantees lower energy use. |
| Connected features | Check that the model is compatible, what you need to connect it and which features you plan to use. For Samsung models with AI Energy, the brand says that a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account are required, among other things, and that results vary depending on use. | App-based monitoring is only useful to me if I plan to use it; I’ll still compare the annual energy consumption shown on the label. |
A fridge without a freezer and a fridge-freezer don’t offer the same compartments. Comparing models by the rating letter alone could rule out an appliance that suits the food you store, or hide the fact that some of its capacity would go unused.
Look at the kWh/an figure alongside the fridge and freezer capacities in litres, then compare models designed for similar needs.
ADEME says that the size and extra features of a cooling appliance can increase its energy use. A large freezer compartment won’t be useful to a household that rarely uses it.
Make a note of what you usually store and how often you shop before deciding on the format and capacity you need.
A fridge may offer the right storage capacity but not leave enough room to open the door or take out the drawers. An integrated model also needs to fit your kitchen unit and its fixings.
Measure the space, check the clearances in the instructions and, for a built-in model, check the cabinet space and hinges before placing your order.
Replacing a fridge leaves you with an old cooling appliance that needs to go to an appropriate collection or recycling facility, rather than being abandoned.
ADEME says you can hand it over to the retailer or delivery team when your new appliance is delivered, or take it to the designated area at a recycling centre. Arrange this before delivery.
These models illustrate different formats and considerations. Their features don’t represent every product in their brands’ ranges.
The freestanding KGN39EXCF and built-in KIS87EDD0 show two ways of dividing up fresh and frozen storage.
The K1450 is an example of a single-door fridge to consider if you don’t need an integrated freezer.
The RL38C600CWW/EF is an example of a fridge-freezer where connected monitoring may be a factor in your choice.
This selection includes freestanding fridge-freezers, a built-in model and a four-door appliance. To keep energy use down, first choose models with compartments and installation requirements that suit your needs, then compare the figures on their energy labels.
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This format may suit you if you regularly need plenty of space for fresh and frozen food. The product title lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check how the compartments are divided, the kWh/an figure on the label and the space available for the appliance.
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This freestanding fridge-freezer meets the need for fresh and frozen food storage in one appliance. The product title lists a capacity of 344 L and an E rating. Compare the capacity of each compartment and the kWh/an figure on the label for the exact model, then check where it will go.
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Worth considering if your kitchen needs a built-in fridge-freezer with a freezer compartment. The product title lists a capacity of 252 L, No Frost, a C rating and an inverter compressor. Check the kWh/an figure on the label, as well as the cabinet space and door fixing, before you buy.
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This freestanding model is suited to a household that uses both the fridge and freezer compartments and wants to explore different storage options. The product title lists a capacity of 360 L, Total No Frost, an E rating, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Choose these features to suit how you’ll use the appliance, and compare the kWh/an figure on the label.
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Compare this fridge-freezer with other appliances that meet similar fresh and frozen food storage needs. The product title lists a capacity of 333 L and a C rating, along with NatureFRESH™, DoorCooling+™ and LinearCooling™ features. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/an figure and the installation clearances.
Start by comparing what you need each appliance to do: a fridge-freezer adds freezer capacity that a single-door fridge without a freezer doesn’t offer. Check the fridge and freezer capacities in litres separately, then compare the kWh/an figures on the labels of models suited to your storage needs. A difference in energy use between these formats doesn’t, on its own, show which will use less energy for the same purpose.
No. The rating letter alone isn’t enough to compare the energy use of two appliances with different capacities or compartments. Also check their annual energy consumption in kWh and choose from formats that meet your needs. How you use the appliance can then affect its energy consumption.
No. This feature alone doesn’t show that one model uses less energy than another. If you want it to reduce frost build-up and the need to defrost, still compare the kWh/an figures and usable capacities of the exact models you’re considering.
Yes. ADEME says that energy labels for fridges are available online as well as in shops. Use the label to check the kWh/an figure and rating of the model you’re considering, then compare these with its fridge and freezer capacities.
Arrange for it to be taken away or dropped off at an appropriate collection or recycling facility. ADEME says that a replaced cooling appliance can be handed over to the retailer or delivery team, or taken to the designated area at a recycling centre. Check the practical arrangements before delivery.