It’s worth considering a replacement if a new fridge offers a capacity, format or annual energy consumption that better suits your household. Compare the kWh/year and usable capacity of similar-sized appliances rather than looking at their energy rating alone. If a fault is prompting your purchase, getting a diagnosis can also help you decide whether to repair or replace your fridge.
Your fridge runs around the clock and you’d like to compare its energy use with that of a new appliance, without assuming that a replacement will necessarily lower your bills. ADEME also points out that size and having more features than you need can make a difference.
You need to decide how much space to allocate to fresh and frozen food, then choose between a fridge, a fridge-freezer and a separate freezer, depending on the space available.
You suspect a fault, but no diagnosis has yet shown that a replacement is needed. Getting a quote can help you explore the possibility of a repair before choosing a new appliance.
First decide whether your current appliance needs replacing, then work out how much storage you need for fresh and frozen food separately. The European Commission says the energy label shows annual energy consumption, capacity and noise levels. Look at all these figures together for models that suit the way you use your fridge.
Worth considering: if fresh food storage is your priority and you don’t need a large freezer compartment in the same appliance.
Check: whether there’s a freezer compartment and how large it is, as this varies by model.
Worth considering: if you regularly store fresh and frozen food and want both functions in one appliance.
Check: that the capacity of each compartment matches your actual storage needs.
Worth considering: if you need extra space for frozen food and have room for a second appliance.
Bear in mind: both the fridge and freezer will run continuously, as ADEME points out.
Worth considering: if you suspect a fault but haven’t had it diagnosed yet.
Bear in mind: a quote can help you assess a repair, but it doesn’t guarantee that a repair is possible or worthwhile compared with replacing the appliance.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Compare the kWh/year, A to G energy rating and usable capacity of similar-sized appliances. | I want to estimate how much energy a new appliance would use without choosing more capacity than I need. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this comparison. |
| Capacity and format | Check the capacity in litres of the fridge and freezer compartments separately, then check the appliance dimensions. | I need space for fresh and frozen food without taking up more room in the kitchen than necessary. Getting the balance of capacities right would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Repair first | Check the warranty and ask for a diagnosis or quote for the exact model. | Before ordering a fridge, I want to know whether my current appliance can be repaired. This would be the first thing around 21% of consumers consider. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the dB rating and confirm features such as No Frost on the exact model. | If noise bothers me in the kitchen, or defrosting is a hassle, I prioritise ease of use. Around 14% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
The rating alone doesn’t tell you whether two appliances with different capacities will have the same annual energy consumption. ADEME also highlights the potential impact of size and having more features than you need on your bills.
Check the kWh/year and capacity on the energy label, then compare models designed for similar storage needs.
A second appliance may give you the extra space you need, but it will also run continuously.
Work out how much freezer capacity you need and compare the stated annual energy consumption of the appliances you’re considering.
Suspecting a fault doesn’t necessarily mean your fridge needs replacing. In France, the Ministry of the Economy outlines a repair bonus that may apply to certain fridges repaired by an approved professional, subject to conditions.
Check the warranty and ask for a quote for the exact model before making a decision.
No Frost, a door alarm or a food preservation feature may suit a particular need, but these features alone don’t tell you how much energy the appliance uses.
Check that the feature is included on the model you’re considering, and look at its kWh/year, capacity and noise level too.
The range includes freestanding fridge-freezers. Features should be compared model by model.
Whirlpool offers freestanding and integrated fridge-freezers, with cooling features that vary by model.
Some Beko fridge-freezers feature air circulation technology or adjustable compartments.
These models combine fridge and freezer storage in one appliance, with a range of capacities and formats. They’re worth considering if you’re looking for this type of replacement. Before choosing, compare their energy labels and dimensions with those of your current appliance.
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Worth considering if you want to store fresh and frozen food in one fridge-freezer. The model name indicates a 344 L capacity and an E rating. Check the split between the compartments and the dimensions on the product page before buying.
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Worth considering if you need a 440 L fridge-freezer. The model name indicates a D rating. Compare its annual energy consumption and the capacity of each compartment with your actual needs.
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This multi-door format is worth considering if you need its 467 L capacity and have enough space to install it. The model name indicates Total No Frost and an E rating. Check the dimensions, separate compartment capacities and kWh/year.
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Worth considering if a 495 L multi-door appliance suits your storage needs and available space. The model name indicates an E rating. Check the kWh/year, access to the installation space and the installation requirements for the exact model.
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Worth considering if a 368 L fridge-freezer better suits your storage needs. The model name indicates an E rating. Check its energy label to compare the kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level.
Look at the energy rating, kWh/year, compartment capacities and noise level together. The European Commission says the energy label for domestic refrigeration appliances displays this information, with an energy rating from A to G. When choosing, focus on formats and capacities that suit the way you use your fridge.
No. The rating alone isn’t enough to predict energy use in your home. ADEME points out that size and having more features than you need can affect your bills. Consider the new model’s kWh/year and capacity, as well as the situation with your current appliance.
A quote can be useful if no diagnosis has yet established that a replacement is necessary. Check the warranty first. In France, the Ministry of the Economy says certain fridges may qualify for a repair bonus, subject to conditions, including being repaired by an approved professional.
No. It doesn’t guarantee that a particular fault can be repaired. For appliances covered by the EU ecodesign regulation, certain spare parts must be available for at least seven years, and door seals for ten years, after the last unit of the model is placed on the market. Ask a repairer what’s possible for your exact model.