Before replacing a fridge or freezer, work out how much storage space you need, then compare the annual energy consumption shown on the label for appliances used in the same way. If your current appliance has broken down, a diagnosis and repair quote can help you decide whether to have it fixed. A new model’s energy consumption alone doesn’t guarantee a lower bill.
You’re thinking of replacing an appliance and want to compare kWh per year across models with a similar purpose and capacity, without assuming that an energy rating guarantees savings in your home.
You’re choosing between a fridge, a fridge freezer and a separate freezer based on the space you need for fresh and frozen food, rather than on total capacity alone.
You need to check the dimensions, ventilation requirements and climate class of an appliance intended for a fitted space or a room where the temperature varies.
First, decide how much space you need for fresh and frozen food: a fridge, a fridge freezer and a separate freezer each meet different needs. Then compare the kWh per year for appliances with a similar purpose and capacity, and check the installation requirements for the model you choose.
Worth considering: if you mainly store fresh food and already have a freezer, or if a small freezer compartment is enough.
Trade-off: a small freezer compartment won’t meet the same storage needs as a separate freezer.
Worth considering: if you regularly use both fresh and frozen food and want them in one appliance.
Trade-off: the split between the two compartments varies by model and should suit your storage habits.
Worth considering: if you need dedicated space to regularly store frozen food or prepared portions.
Trade-off: this extra appliance also runs continuously. Its capacity, stated energy consumption and location should all be justified by how you use it.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Stated energy consumption | The kWh/year on the label for appliances with a similar purpose and comparable capacity; the energy rating alone isn’t enough to estimate your bill. | I’m replacing an appliance that runs continuously and want to keep stated energy consumption down without buying more capacity than I need; around 36% of consumers put this first. |
| Storage capacity | The litres allocated to the fridge and freezer separately, rather than total capacity alone. | If I regularly freeze food, I need enough room for frozen items without oversizing the fresh-food compartment; this is the main priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Location | The dimensions and ventilation requirements in the manual, as well as the temperature range for the climate class. | If I’m fitting it into a space or a room where the temperature varies, I need to be able to install and use the appliance as intended; around 21% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Repair or replace | A diagnosis, a quote and the availability of parts for the current appliance, compared with a suitable new model. | My appliance isn’t working properly and I want to find out whether a repair would still meet my needs before buying another one; this is the first consideration for around 14% of consumers. |
Annual energy consumption also depends on the type and capacity of the appliance. ADEME points out that a newer model that’s larger or has extra features could increase your bill.
Compare kWh/year for appliances of the same type and a suitable capacity, then look separately at the fridge and freezer capacities.
An unsuitable fitted space or an ambient temperature outside the range specified for the model can affect how it works.
Measure the space and check the door opening, then consult the manual for the exact model to find its ventilation clearances and climate class.
A breakdown alone isn’t enough to determine whether a new appliance would better suit your situation.
Note down the appliance’s model number, ask for a diagnosis and a quote, then compare the repair option with a new model that suits your storage needs and installation space.
Worth considering when comparing freestanding and built-in models, especially if the dimensions of the fitted space and ventilation are key factors.
Worth considering if you want to filter models by capacity, dimensions or noise level.
Worth considering if you’re replacing a built-in appliance and need to compare the fitted space, capacity and fixing system.
These models combine refrigeration and freezing in one appliance, with different formats and capacities. To choose between them, check the space you need in each compartment, the installation requirements and the kWh/year on the label for the exact model.
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Worth a look if you’re after a 344 L fridge freezer and want to compare its capacity with your current appliance.
Check the kWh/year and the capacity of each compartment on the label. Also check the dimensions and ventilation requirements for its intended location.
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Worth considering if you need a 495 L multi-door fridge freezer and have enough space for an appliance of this size.
Compare the space for fresh and frozen food separately, then check the annual energy consumption and climate class for the exact model.
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This 467 L fridge freezer is worth considering if your storage needs justify the capacity and four-door format.
The model name includes Total No Frost. Before choosing, check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year and the installation requirements for the exact model.
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Worth considering for a fitted kitchen if an 188 L built-in fridge freezer meets your storage needs.
The freezer is at the top. Before replacing a built-in appliance, check the niche, fixing system, freezer compartment maintenance and kWh/year for the exact model.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 444 L fridge freezer and have a suitable space for it.
The product name lists a noise level of 40 dB. Before comparing it with other models, check the dimensions, the separate fridge and freezer capacities, and the kWh/year.
Compare the kWh/year shown on the label for appliances with a similar purpose and comparable capacities. Also check the litres allocated to fresh and frozen food: the A to G energy rating alone can’t tell you what your actual bill will be.
It links to information about the model in EPREL, the European database of products covered by energy labelling. Use the exact model number to view the data for the version you’re considering.
Yes. A diagnosis and quote help you compare the cost of a repair with buying an appliance that suits your needs. There’s no age or spending threshold that automatically makes replacement the better choice for every household.
It shows the ambient temperature range the model is designed to operate in. Check the product details or rating plate before installing it in a garage, cellar or another room where the temperature may vary.
Measure the width, height and depth of the fitted space, then check the fixing system, door opening and ventilation requirements for the new model. Matching the external dimensions alone doesn’t confirm that it will fit your kitchen unit properly.