Before replacing a working fridge or freezer, compare its annual energy consumption, if you can establish it, with that of a new model suited to the same needs. Then apply the price per kWh on your tariff and weigh the result against the purchase cost. A fridge-freezer makes sense if you genuinely use both compartments; a dedicated appliance is better suited to needs that are mainly for fresh or frozen food. The energy rating alone is not enough: annual kWh consumption and usable capacity matter too, as the ADEME and European Commission point out.
You want to find out whether a potential reduction in energy use would offset the cost of a new appliance, without automatically replacing a model that still works. The ADEME points out that fridges and freezers run continuously, and that having more capacity than you need can push up your bills.
You’re looking for a fridge-freezer with usable capacities that suit your habits, comparing the compartments separately rather than relying on the total capacity alone. The European Commission provides this information on the energy label, and UFC-Que Choisir also recommends taking your storage habits into account.
You need to work out whether the freezer compartment in a fridge-freezer is big enough or whether a dedicated freezer would better suit your needs. Remember to factor in the energy use of every appliance you’ll keep running. UFC-Que Choisir highlights the importance of your frozen-food shopping habits when choosing a fridge.
The ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously and that choosing a larger model or one with more capacity than you need can push up your bills. The European energy label shows the energy rating, annual kWh consumption and compartment capacities, among other details.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who this matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Whether replacing it makes sense | Compare the annual kWh consumption of your old appliance with that of a new model offering suitable capacity and performance; apply your tariff to the difference. | I want to check whether the electricity costs I could avoid would justify buying a new appliance before replacing one that still works. Around 36% of consumers prioritise making sure replacement is worthwhile. |
| How the capacity is divided | Compare fridge and freezer capacity in litres separately; check the dimensions and the space available for installation. | I regularly store fresh and frozen food and want each compartment to suit my habits, without paying for capacity I don’t need. Around 29% of consumers prioritise how the capacity is divided. |
| A dedicated freezer | Compare the freezer capacity you need with that of a fridge-freezer; add the freezer’s annual kWh consumption to the energy use of the appliances you’ll keep. | I stock up on frozen food and need to know whether a separate compartment would be useful, without overlooking the energy use of an extra appliance. Around 21% of consumers put this need first. |
| Features and size | Compare the annual kWh consumption and dimensions of the exact models; check the conditions behind any energy-saving claims linked to a feature. | I’m looking for an appliance that will fit my space and has only the features I’ll use, rather than a larger model or options chosen by default. Around 14% of consumers prioritise avoiding unnecessary features and oversized appliances. |
Figures for a whole category can’t tell you how much energy your old appliance uses or how much you might save by replacing it.
Compare annual kWh figures established for your current appliance with the figure shown on the new model’s energy label. Then apply your tariff before making a decision.
The energy label shows fridge and freezer capacities separately. Two appliances with a similar total capacity may divide it differently between their compartments.
Work out how much fridge and freezer space you need separately, then compare the annual kWh consumption of models with compartments that suit those needs.
In France, the DGCCRF points out that free ‘one-for-one’ take-back covers an equivalent used appliance when you buy a new one. This doesn’t mean that every delivery or installation service is included.
Before comparing the total cost, ask the seller how take-back works and request a separate breakdown of any additional services on offer.
The range includes fridge-freezers in various capacities; the RB38C776CS9/EF is a 390 L model.
The brand offers fridge-freezers; the B3RCHE305HW is a model with a freezer at the bottom.
LG offers fridge-freezers and American-style fridges; the GSLC40PYFE is an example of a large model with a water dispenser and ice maker.
The brand offers freestanding fridge-freezers; the KGN492LDF is a 70 cm-wide model.
The brand offers fridge-freezers and dedicated freezers; the CNSFD1853-2 is a 330 L fridge-freezer.
This Joybuy selection features fridge-freezers and a dedicated freezer, so you can compare capacities, features and stated energy consumption to suit your storage needs.
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This fridge-freezer may suit you if you use both the fridge and freezer compartments and want to compare their capacity with your actual needs.
Energy rating C; stated consumption: 240 kWh/year; total capacity: 355 L, split into approximately 249 L for the fridge and 106 L for the freezer; Total No Frost.
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This dedicated freezer may suit you if you need extra space for frozen food alongside a fridge-freezer.
Stated capacity: 161 L; energy rating C; No Frost; three drawers and two trays.
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This fridge-freezer may suit you if you want to compare fridge and freezer capacities separately.
Stated consumption: 271 kWh/year; total capacity: 360 L, split into 235 L for the fridge and 125 L for the freezer; Total No Frost.
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This large model may suit you if your storage needs justify its total capacity. Compare it with the space you have available and its annual kWh consumption.
Stated total net capacity: 444 L; consumption: 289 kWh/year; energy rating E; Total No Frost; stated noise level: 40 dB.
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This fridge-freezer may suit you if the split between fridge and freezer capacity meets your needs and its width fits the space available.
Stated total capacity: 310 L, including 211 L for the fridge and 99 L for the freezer; stated width: 60 cm; energy rating E; reversible door.
Compare their energy consumption in kWh/year: establish a representative figure for your existing appliance, then check the figure on the energy label of the exact new model. Multiply the difference by the price per kWh on your tariff and weigh the result against the total purchase cost. Actual energy use may differ from the figure on the label.
No. The energy rating alone can’t guarantee lower bills. The European Commission explains that the label shows the A to G rating, annual kWh consumption and capacities separately. Compare the annual energy use of models with capacities and features that meet similar needs.
A fridge-freezer is suitable if you regularly use both its fridge and freezer compartments; a separate freezer may be better if you mainly need space for frozen food. Compare usable capacity in litres and annual kWh consumption, taking into account the energy use of any appliance you’ll keep plugged in.
Use the price per kWh that applies to your tariff and tariff option. If you’re on an Economy 7-style tariff, prices vary by time of day; the national energy ombudsman explains how these options work.
The Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of your fridge between 0 °C and 4 °C. This guidance relates to food storage; on its own, it doesn’t determine whether replacing the appliance makes financial sense.