Households facing an uncertain fault
Your appliance is not cooling as well as it should, is icing up unusually or has become unreliable. A professional diagnosis can help you decide whether a repair is possible before you choose a replacement.
Who is this decision for?
Households that need to replace an appliance
You need an appliance that suits your kitchen. The installation type, dimensions, delivery access and usable capacity matter just as much as the category shown on the product page.
People considering second-hand or refurbished appliances
You are considering re-use and want to check the appliance’s condition and installation requirements, as well as the seller’s status, before you commit.
What should you consider?
Your decision depends first on whether the appliance can be repaired, then on the type of cooling you need and any installation constraints. A temporary solution may give you time to arrange a diagnosis or delivery, provided it genuinely meets your need for chilled or frozen storage.
Professional repair
Consider this: if a professional can diagnose the appliance and the repair meets your needs within an acceptable timeframe.
Bear in mind: the diagnosis may show that a repair is not possible or is not right for your circumstances.
New appliance
Consider this: if you need to replace the appliance and can choose a format that meets your refrigeration, freezing or combined needs.
Bear in mind: a model is only suitable if you can arrange its installation and delivery, as well as collection of your old appliance.
Second-hand or refurbished
Consider this: if you can check the appliance’s specifications and condition, and clearly identify the seller.
Bear in mind: the protections available differ depending on whether the seller is a business or a private individual.
Temporary chilled storage
Consider this: if you need time to arrange a diagnosis or wait for another appliance.
Bear in mind: check the availability, capacity and length of use of the solution you choose.
| Consideration | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether a repair is possible | Ask a professional for a diagnosis and quote. If you are considering the Repair Bonus, check that the appliance, fault and repairer are eligible. | I want to know whether my appliance can still provide the cooling I need before buying another one; around 31% of consumers put this decision first. |
| Size and capacity | Check the dimensions, delivery access, installation type and usable capacity of each compartment. For an integrated appliance, also check the housing and door fittings. | If my kitchen has a specific space for the appliance, I need one that will fit and offer the right balance of fridge and freezer space. This is the top priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Energy use and maintenance | Compare the energy label and noise levels of models with a similar type and capacity. Check which compartments are covered by a No Frost function. | I use my appliance all the time and want to consider its energy use, noise levels or defrosting needs; around 25% of consumers prioritise these factors. |
| Collection and re-use | Confirm the collection and delivery arrangements. For second-hand or refurbished appliances, identify the seller and check the appliance’s condition and specifications. | I need to have my old appliance collected responsibly or assess a re-used appliance before deciding. This is the top priority for around 19% of consumers. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Taking your old appliance to an unsuitable collection point
Used fridges and freezers must be disposed of through a suitable collection scheme for refrigeration appliances, as the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) advises.
Before your replacement is delivered, arrange for the seller to collect your old appliance or find a suitable collection point.
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Choosing based on a photo or total capacity alone
Two appliances described as fridge freezers may differ in their dimensions, the split between fridge and freezer capacity and their installation type.
Measure the space and access route, then compare the dimensions and usable capacity of the exact model. Check how much room you need to open the doors, too.
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Confusing a private sale with a sale by a business
According to the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to second-hand or refurbished goods sold by a business to a private individual, but not to sales between private individuals.
Check the seller’s status before you buy. Ask for the exact model number and review the available information about the appliance’s condition and operation.
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Letting the No Frost function make the decision for you
Frost management does not determine how much storage space you get, whether the appliance will fit your kitchen, or its energy use and noise levels.
Check which compartments are covered by this function, then compare the other specifications of models that will fit your space.
Brands to consider when comparing appliances
These ranges offer useful comparisons of formats and advertised features. Choose by checking the details of the exact model, rather than relying on the brand alone.
Bosch
Bosch offers freestanding and integrated fridges and freezers, as well as fridge freezers.
- Model pages let you check details such as the format, dimensions and usable capacity.
- Check the energy rating, noise levels and features of the model you are considering; these are not the same across the whole range.
Liebherr
Liebherr offers a range of refrigeration appliances, including freestanding fridges and freezers.
- You can search the range for a format that suits your available space and freezing needs.
- Check the capacity and energy use of each model rather than assuming them from its format.
Beko
Beko’s refrigeration range includes fridges, freezers and integrated appliances.
- The different appliance types make it easier to find what you need, whether that is refrigeration, freezing or an integrated installation.
- Check the capacity and frost management of the exact model; the brand’s food-preservation claims are no substitute for these specifications.
Whirlpool
Whirlpool offers, among other options, standard fridges and fridge freezers with No Frost variants.
- These variants may be worth considering if frost management is important to you.
- Check which compartments are covered, then separately check the dimensions, capacity, noise levels and energy label.
Joybuy products related to this topic
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Should you replace an appliance straight away if it is not cooling well or is icing up unusually?
No. These symptoms alone do not mean that you need a replacement. ADEME recommends considering a repair for refrigeration appliances. Ask a professional to diagnose the fault and do not attempt to work on the refrigeration circuit yourself.
Can a fridge or freezer qualify for the Repair Bonus?
Yes, subject to certain conditions. ADEME lists both categories among the appliances that may qualify when repaired by an accredited professional. Before the work begins, check with the repairer that your appliance and its fault are eligible.
How can you arrange collection of your old appliance when replacing it?
When buying an appliance of the same type, the ‘one-for-one’ scheme lets you arrange for the retailer to take back your old appliance, according to the FAQ from the French government departments responsible for the ecological transition. Before ordering, ask how collection will work with your planned delivery. Otherwise, look for a suitable collection scheme for refrigeration appliances.
Does a second-hand or refurbished appliance come with a legal guarantee?
According to the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control, the legal guarantee of conformity applies to a second-hand or refurbished appliance sold by a business to a private individual. It does not apply to a sale between private individuals, so check who the seller is and keep proof of purchase.