Don’t replace a fridge just because it’s old. If you could improve how you use it or repair it, explore those options before buying a new one. If you’re considering a replacement, compare its annual energy consumption with that of your current appliance, looking at models with a similar capacity and layout. Then choose the fridge and freezer capacity you genuinely need. The EU energy label shows kWh/year and usable capacity, but these figures alone don’t guarantee that your energy use will fall.
Your decision depends as much on the condition of your current appliance as on the space available and the food you need to store.
If your fridge is still working, its age alone isn’t enough to justify replacing it. Compare the annual energy consumption of appliances with a similar capacity, and consider getting a repair quote if needed.
Work out how much freezer space you need before choosing between a single-door fridge and a fridge-freezer. The European Commission says the energy label shows storage capacities and indicates whether the appliance has a freezer compartment.
Measure the space where the appliance will go, the route to get it there and the room needed to open the doors. Capacity in litres doesn’t tell you the appliance’s external dimensions, so check the model’s manual for installation guidance.
First, consider keeping or repairing your current appliance. Then compare new models that offer the same storage capacity you need.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Keep or replace | Check the appliance’s condition and how it’s used. If it has a fault, find out whether it can be repaired. Compare its annual energy consumption with that of a new model of a similar capacity. | My fridge still works. I want to know whether replacing it meets a genuine need, rather than making a decision based on its age. |
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year and efficiency class on the label, taking capacity and layout into account rather than looking at the letter alone. The European Commission says this information appears on fridge energy labels. | I want to reduce my electricity use without choosing an appliance that’s too small or unnecessarily large. |
| Storage | Check the fridge and freezer capacities separately, and see whether the appliance has a freezer compartment. | If I regularly freeze food, I need enough freezer space. Otherwise, I could consider a single-door fridge, depending on its exact layout. |
| Installation and noise | Measure the height, width and depth, then check access, door clearance and the manual. If the appliance will be near a living area, compare the noise emissions shown on the label too. | I want to make sure the fridge will fit in its intended space and won’t be too noisy for the room. |
Age doesn’t tell you how much energy it currently uses or whether a fault can be fixed. ADEME recommends considering both repair and replacement for large refrigeration appliances.
If there’s a fault, ask for a diagnosis or quote if practical. Then compare that option with a new model that meets the same storage needs.
Appliances with different capacities or freezer layouts may not suit the same needs. The European Commission says the label also provides energy consumption and storage capacities.
Check the kWh/year alongside the available litres in each compartment before choosing a model.
A suitable usable capacity doesn’t guarantee that the appliance will fit through the access route or that its doors will open in the space available.
Measure the alcove and delivery route, then check the exact model’s dimensions and installation guidance in its manual.
These models include fridge-freezers in different capacities and a compact single-door fridge. Their features may help you narrow down the right size, but none of them alone proves that replacing your appliance will reduce your energy use.
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Worth considering if you need a large-capacity fridge-freezer and have room for a four-door appliance.
The model name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost technology and an E energy class. Check the capacity of each compartment, the dimensions and door clearance for your kitchen. The E rating alone doesn’t show whether it will use less energy than your current appliance.
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This fridge-freezer is worth comparing if you’re looking for 360 L of combined fridge and freezer storage.
The model name lists Total No Frost, an E energy class, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check the capacity of each compartment and the installation dimensions before comparing it with your current appliance.
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This 495 L model is worth considering if you need plenty of space for both fresh and frozen food.
The model name indicates a black finish and an E energy class. Before choosing it, check how the capacity is split between compartments, its consumption in kWh/year and the space needed to open the doors.
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This fridge-freezer is worth considering if you want separate fridge and freezer compartments and are looking for a width of 54 cm.
The model name lists 153 L for the fridge and 74 L for the freezer, a reversible door, a four-star freezer rating and an E energy class. Check the height, installation clearances and kWh/year before deciding whether it suits your space and energy-use goals.
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This compact model is worth considering if you only need a little fresh-food storage. It may not be a suitable direct replacement for a family fridge.
The model name lists a capacity of 82 L and an E energy class. Check its dimensions, freezer configuration and kWh/year before comparing it with the appliance you use today.
No. Check its condition and how it’s used, and find out whether it can be repaired before making a decision. To assess a new model, compare annual energy consumption across appliances with a similar capacity and layout. ADEME also recommends considering repairs for refrigeration appliances.
Check the efficiency class, energy consumption, storage capacities and noise emissions. The European Commission says the label also indicates whether the appliance has a freezer compartment. Compare kWh/year across models that meet similar storage needs.
Start by working out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food. Consider a fridge-freezer if you regularly freeze food. For a single-door model, check whether it has a freezer compartment and how much space it offers, rather than assuming this from the number of doors.
Measure the space where it will go and the access route, then compare these with the model’s height, width and depth. Check the manual for installation guidance and door clearance too. Usable capacity doesn’t tell you whether the appliance will fit.
Yes, subject to certain conditions. The French government departments responsible for ecological transition say the Repair Bonus is deducted from the bill by an approved repairer. For eligible electrical appliances, ecosystem specifies, among other things, that the appliance must no longer be under warranty and the fault must qualify. Ask the repairer to confirm eligibility when you get a quote.