When replacing a fridge or freezer, first compare the kWh/year figures for models of the same type and with similar capacities, rather than looking at their energy rating alone. Then choose the balance between fridge and freezer space to suit the food you store, and check where the appliance will go. ADEME points out that an appliance that is too large, or installed in a room where the temperature is unsuitable, can use more energy or fail to work properly.
If you’re replacing an older appliance, compare the stated kWh/year figures for models with similar capacities and intended uses. A difference on the energy label alone doesn’t guarantee savings for your household.
If you store different amounts of fresh and frozen food, check the capacity in litres of each compartment. Also measure the space available, particularly for a built-in appliance.
If your kitchen is close to a living area, the stated noise level could influence your choice. Also check the defrosting method and, for the model you’re considering, whether repairs are possible.
The right size depends first on how much room you need for fresh and frozen food. Then compare the stated energy consumption of appliances that can meet the same needs.
Consider one if: you mainly need fresh-food storage and already have a freezer, or don’t freeze much food.
Bear in mind: if it has a freezer compartment, check its capacity separately. The total capacity won’t tell you how much freezer space you get.
Consider one if: you use both types of storage every day and want them in a single appliance.
Bear in mind: two fridge-freezers with the same total capacity can have very different amounts of space for fresh and frozen food.
Consider one if: freezing is your main priority and you have a suitable space for it.
Bear in mind: choosing a capacity larger than you need, or placing the appliance in a room with an unsuitable temperature, could make it the wrong choice. Check the installation requirements for the model.
| Feature | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | The kWh/year figure on the label for appliances of the same type and with similar capacities; the energy rating alone isn’t enough. | I’m replacing an appliance that runs continuously and want to keep energy use under control without losing the storage space I need. Around 40% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Storage and size | The capacity in litres for fresh and frozen food separately, followed by the appliance dimensions or the size of its housing. | I need the new model to fit all my frozen food without extending beyond the space available. Around 40% of consumers put this need first. |
| Noise and maintenance | The stated noise level in dB and the defrosting method for the specific model. | My kitchen is close to a living area, or manual defrosting would be a regular chore. Around 20% of consumers prioritise this everyday convenience. |
The rating doesn’t tell you the annual energy consumption or how much space is available for fresh and frozen food. The European energy label also shows kWh/year, capacity and noise level.
Compare the kWh/year figures for models with similar capacities and intended uses, then check the usable capacity of each compartment.
ADEME notes that an appliance’s size and certain additional features can increase its energy consumption.
Start with your storage habits and choose only the features you’ll actually use.
A built-in appliance must fit the unit dimensions and suit the door-fitting system. ADEME also notes that a room that is too hot or too cold can affect how a fridge or freezer works.
Measure the housing and access points, then check the installation and temperature requirements for the model you choose.
The energy label’s consumption figure is useful for comparing models, but how you use and install the appliance will affect its energy use in your home.
Use this figure as a point of comparison, not as a promise of individual savings.
Bosch Home Appliances offers fridges and freezers in a range of capacities, including No Frost models.
Liebherr product pages for built-in models can give details such as housing dimensions, capacity, noise level and door-fitting system.
Whirlpool France lists built-in fridge-freezers and models with automatic defrosting.
These models combine fridge and freezer storage. Compare their capacity, size and stated features against the space available and how you usually divide your storage between fresh and frozen food.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in fridge-freezer. Check the housing dimensions, door-fitting system and space allocated to each compartment.
Stated total capacity: 252 L. The product title lists No Frost, an Inverter compressor and energy rating C.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need a large fridge-freezer. Check the fresh and frozen capacities separately, as well as the overall dimensions.
Stated total capacity: 467 L. The product name mentions Total No Frost, a Smart Inverter compressor and energy rating E.
Image unavailable
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 360 L fridge-freezer. Check how much space it takes up and whether the compartment layout suits your needs.
The product name lists Total No Frost, energy rating E, Wi-Fi and My Zone. Check whether these features are useful for you.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you need plenty of storage space, after checking the capacity for fresh and frozen food separately and measuring the installation space.
The title states a total capacity of 444 L, frost-free operation, 40 dB and energy rating E, but doesn’t split the capacity between compartments.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 174 L fridge-freezer. Check that each compartment has enough capacity for your needs and that the appliance will fit in the space available.
The product name mentions Low Frost, an adjustable thermostat, LED lighting and a reversible door. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost it manually. Check the model’s kWh/year figure on the energy label to compare its consumption.
First compare their type and fresh and frozen capacities, then check their stated kWh/year figures. The European Commission describes the A to G rating as one part of the energy label, which also shows capacity and noise level. A letter on its own isn’t a substitute for comparing models that meet the same needs.
The room temperature needs to be within the operating range for the model. ADEME says that if a room is too cold or too hot, the motor may stop or run continuously. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before choosing where to put it.
No. Low Frost doesn’t mean you’ll never need to defrost the appliance manually. If this matters to you, check the defrosting method specified for the freezer compartment of the model you’re considering.
You may be able to make a claim under the legal guarantee of conformity through the professional seller. The French Ministry of the Economy states that this guarantee applies to new goods for two years and that, during this period, consumers don’t have to prove the fault was present on the date of sale. Any commercial warranty is separate and doesn’t replace it.