Before replacing an ageing fridge or freezer, weigh up the cost of a repair against the cost of a replacement and a realistic difference in energy use. A new appliance won’t automatically reduce your bills. If you do replace it, first choose the right type and capacity, then compare the kWh/year figures for similar appliances and multiply the difference by the price per kWh on your tariff.
Your appliance runs continuously and you want to compare its electricity costs with those of a possible replacement, without assuming that a new model will necessarily be cheaper to run. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run all the time.
Your shopping habits, use of frozen food or available space may leave you unsure whether to choose a fridge, a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer. UFC-Que Choisir recommends matching the appliance type and usable capacity to your needs.
Your appliance is getting old or has developed a fault, but you want to know the outcome of a diagnosis and the cost of a quote before deciding whether to replace it.
Start by finding out whether the appliance can still meet your needs after a repair. If you decide to replace it, work out how much capacity you need before comparing annual energy use.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity costs | Compare the new appliance’s kWh/year figure with the old appliance’s measured or cautiously estimated energy use, then use the VAT-inclusive price per kWh on your tariff. | If I’m replacing my appliance to lower my bill, I want to know whether the difference in energy use makes it worthwhile. Around 42% of consumers would prioritise this calculation. |
| Capacity and type | Check the usable capacity in litres for each compartment, the space available and how much freezer capacity you usually need. UFC-Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L for one person, plus 50 L for each additional person. | If my shopping or frozen-food storage needs change, I’d rather have an appliance that fits what I actually use, without unnecessary capacity; around 33% of consumers would prioritise this adjustment. |
| Repair or replacement | Ask for a diagnosis and a quote, then compare the repair cost with the cost of a replacement, taking any difference in energy use into account. | If my appliance can still be used, I want to consider repairing it before committing to a purchase. Around 25% of consumers would make this a priority. |
The letter rating isn’t enough to calculate the difference compared with your old appliance. ADEME also points out that choosing an appliance that’s too large or has extra features can increase energy use.
Compare the kWh/year figures for appliances with a similar purpose and suitable capacity, then calculate the difference in running costs using the VAT-inclusive price per kWh on your tariff.
A separate freezer or large fridge-freezer runs continuously, even if some of its space is left unused. Choose a type that suits your usual shopping and frozen-food needs.
Assess fridge and freezer capacity separately before choosing an appliance.
A fault or unusual frost build-up isn’t enough to show that buying a new appliance is a better option than repairing it.
Ask for a diagnosis and compare the quote with the cost of a replacement. ADEME also offers a Repair Bonus, subject to conditions including using an approved repairer. Check whether it applies to the repair you’re considering.
Fridges and freezers need to be collected appropriately because of their components and refrigerant. The organisation ecosystem says that free collection of an equivalent old appliance is offered when you buy a new one, including for online purchases.
Check the collection arrangements with the seller before delivery. Don’t put your appliance in an unsuitable skip.
UFC-Que Choisir lists fridge-freezers from these brands among the models it tested recently, in May 2026. Their inclusion here doesn’t indicate the features of other models or whether they’re available.
The Bosch KGN36NLEA is among the fridge-freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
The Beko B5RCNA346HG is listed among the fridge-freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
The Haier HDPR1618CNPK appears in UFC-Que Choisir’s list of recently tested fridge-freezers.
The Liebherr CBNC5223-22B/001 is among the fridge-freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
The Candy CNCQ2T518EB is listed among the fridge-freezers recently tested by UFC-Que Choisir.
These appliances combine refrigeration and freezing. If you decide to replace your appliance with a fridge-freezer, compare the stated capacity and annual energy use with your needs and your old appliance. This selection alone can’t help you decide between buying new and repairing your existing appliance.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need two compartments with a combined capacity of 368 L. The product listing states 279 L for refrigeration, 89 L for freezing and 238 kWh/year. Check these figures on the energy label for the exact model. Stated dimensions: 2030 × 600 × 660 mm; also check the clearance needed for installation.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if 193 L of refrigeration and 89 L of freezer capacity suit your storage needs. The product listing states 228 kWh/year; check this figure on the energy label for the exact model. Stated dimensions: 1760 × 600 × 660 mm.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if its stated capacity of 333 L suits your storage needs. The product listing states 169 kWh/year; confirm this figure and the capacity of each compartment on the label for the exact model. Its stated dimensions are 597 × 1860 × 674 mm; the product description requires at least 5 cm of clearance.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’ll make real use of its large capacity and extra features. The product listing states 330 L for refrigeration, 165 L for freezing and 301 kWh/year; confirm the energy use on the label for the exact model. Stated dimensions: 177,6 × 81,7 × 71,5 cm, with at least 50 mm of clearance required at the back and sides.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need 311 L of refrigeration and 129 L of freezer capacity. The product listing states 223 kWh/year; check this figure on the energy label for the exact model before comparing it with your old appliance. Stated dimensions: 70 × 203 × 66,7 cm.
Subtract the new appliance’s stated kWh/year figure from the measured or cautiously estimated energy use of your old one, then multiply the difference by the VAT-inclusive price per kWh on your tariff. This is only an estimate: ADEME provides general figures for refrigeration appliances, not guaranteed savings for your household. You should also consider the purchase price separately.
Yes, if it’s possible to get a diagnosis. A quote lets you compare repair with replacement instead of assuming that a fault means you need to buy a new appliance. ADEME says a Repair Bonus may be available for refrigeration appliances repaired by an approved repairer. Check whether it applies to your repair, then consider how long you expect to use the repaired appliance.
Arrange collection with the seller when you buy an equivalent new appliance. The organisation ecosystem says that free collection is available, including for online purchases; confirm the arrangements before delivery. Fridges and freezers must be taken to an appropriate collection and recycling scheme, not put in an ordinary skip.
No. The rating alone doesn’t tell you the exact annual energy use. Check the kWh/year figure on each label and compare appliances with a type and usable capacity that suit your needs. Also check the dimensions and the space allocated to each compartment. In its fridge-freezer tests, UFC-Que Choisir also looks at practical criteria such as how well appliances maintain their temperatures.