Who is this choice for?

Households that need to get things cooling again quickly

After a breakdown, the time needed to diagnose or repair the appliance matters just as much as the delivery and installation date for a replacement.

Households with a fitted space or limited room

If you’re replacing an integrated or under-counter appliance, or one in a narrow passage, check its dimensions, door clearance and usable capacity against the space available.

Households looking to repair or reuse

When comparing repair, a new appliance and a refurbished one, you’ll also need to arrange for your old fridge or freezer to be collected or recycled appropriately.

What should you look at first?

Repair

Consider this if: a repair could get the appliance cooling again within a timeframe that works for you.

Bear in mind: a diagnosis may rule out this option. According to ecosystem, the Repair Bonus is available only for eligible faults in appliances that are out of warranty.

Buy new

Consider this if: a repair won’t meet your timeframe or you need a different size or style.

Bear in mind: arrange delivery and collection of your old appliance at the same time as choosing a model.

Refurbished appliance

Consider this if: you can find a suitable model for your space from a professional seller.

Bear in mind: check its condition, any listed defects and the delivery arrangements before you decide.

Criteria What to check Consumers concerned
Getting it back into use Compare the time needed for a diagnosis or repair with the advertised delivery and installation date. If I need to get my food cold again quickly, I want to know which option will be ready in time. Getting the appliance back into use would be the top priority for around 36% of consumers.
Size and usable capacity Measure the space and access route; check the required clearances and the capacity in litres of each compartment. If I have a narrow space, I can’t choose based on total capacity alone if the appliance or its doors won’t fit. Around 29% of consumers would put this compatibility first.
Repair and running costs Ask for a diagnosis and quote. If replacing the appliance, compare the annual energy consumption in kWh/year of compatible models. I want to weigh up a repair against an appliance whose stated energy consumption suits the way I use it. This would be the main consideration for around 21% of consumers.
Collection and reuse Confirm the collection or take-back arrangements. For a refurbished appliance, check its condition and who is selling it. If my old appliance can no longer be used, I want it to be handled through the right recycling route while exploring reuse options. Collection or reuse would come first for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Ordering without measuring the space and access route

    An appliance that appears to fit may stop the doors opening properly or lack the clearance needed for ventilation.

    Measure the height, width and depth, as well as the delivery route, then check the specifications and installation instructions for the exact model.

  • Assuming every fault qualifies for the Repair Bonus

    According to ecosystem, the scheme covers eligible faults in appliances that are out of warranty and are repaired by a QualiRépar-approved repairer.

    Ask the repairer to confirm eligibility, the diagnosis and the timeframe before ruling out a replacement.

  • Comparing only total capacity or energy rating

    Two fridge-freezers may divide their capacity differently between the fridge and freezer compartments. The energy label won’t tell you whether an appliance will fit in your kitchen.

    Compare the capacity of each compartment, kWh/year, stated noise level and dimensions of models that are the right size for your space.

  • Getting rid of your old appliance as ordinary bulky waste

    ADEME says that fridges and freezers contain fluids that require appropriate collection and handling.

    Arrange collection when you buy your new appliance, or find a collection point that accepts fridges and freezers. Don’t handle the cooling system yourself.

Brands to consider, model by model

These examples highlight features to compare on specific models, without implying that the appliances are available.

Bosch

The range includes freestanding fridges and fridge-freezers, with specifications that vary by model.

  • Bosch lists an A energy rating, 29 dB, 260 L of fridge capacity and 103 L of freezer capacity for the KGN39AIAU fridge-freezer.
  • These figures don’t represent the entire range. Check the dimensions and availability of the model you’re considering too.

Whirlpool

The range includes freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers in a variety of sizes.

  • Whirlpool lists a width of 59.5 cm, a C energy rating and Dual No Frost for the W9C841COX. The WB70E973W is listed with a capacity of 462 L and Total No Frost.
  • A model’s width or capacity alone won’t confirm that it will fit. Check all its dimensions and the installation instructions.

Beko

The range includes freestanding and integrated appliances, including large-capacity fridge-freezers.

  • Beko lists 356 L of fridge capacity and 158 L of freezer capacity for the BRCNE50140ZXBN.
  • This model is also listed with an E energy rating and a noise level of 38 dB. Compare these specifications with other appliances that fit your space.

Joybuy products for replacing your appliance

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get the Repair Bonus for my fridge or freezer?

Yes, according to ecosystem, if your appliance is out of warranty, the fault is eligible and you use a QualiRépar-approved repairer. Confirm that your appliance is eligible before the repair goes ahead.

How can I arrange for my old appliance to be collected?

When buying a like-for-like appliance, ask about the ‘one-for-one’ take-back arrangements described by the French Ministry for Ecological Transition. Confirm with the seller how the appliance should be disconnected, whether there is clear access and when it will be collected. Otherwise, look for a collection service that accepts fridges and freezers.

What should I check before choosing a refurbished fridge or freezer?

Check the exact model, its dimensions and condition, any listed defects and the identity of the professional seller. The European Your Europe portal explains that second-hand goods bought from a trader have protections that don’t apply in the same way to purchases between private individuals. Check the terms that apply to the specific sale.

Which figures should I compare on the energy label?

For appliances that fit your space, compare the energy rating, annual consumption in kWh/year, capacity of each compartment and stated noise level. ADEME presents the energy label as a helpful guide, but it doesn’t replace checking the dimensions and installation requirements.