Before replacing a fridge that still works, compare its measured or documented annual energy use with that of a model suited to the same storage needs. A new or refurbished appliance is only a good fit if its capacity, freezer space and installation requirements also suit the way you use it. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size affects how much energy they use.
Your fridge is still working, but you want to know whether its energy use makes replacing it worthwhile. Start by finding a figure for your own appliance: ADEME’s published average figures aren’t enough to make the decision for you.
How much fresh food you buy, how often you shop and how you use your freezer all help determine which layout to compare. The capacity of each compartment matters more than the total capacity on its own.
An alcove, narrow access route or planned position may rule out a model that looks suitable on paper. Check the delivery route and installation requirements for your chosen model, and decide what to do with your old appliance.
If you mainly store fresh food and have limited space, look at compact models. If you also store frozen food, compare the split of a fridge-freezer with that of two separate appliances. A refurbished appliance is also an option if its condition, warranty and energy use are documented.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | The measured or documented kWh/year for your old appliance and the figure given for the model you’re considering, comparing appliances with similar uses and capacities. | I want to know whether replacing an appliance that still works will really change my energy use. Around 40% of consumers are said to make this comparison their main concern. |
| Capacity and installation | The usable capacity of each compartment, the dimensions, the delivery route and the clearances specified in the instructions. | My kitchen or shopping habits call for a particular capacity, and the appliance needs to fit in its intended space. This would be the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Fresh and frozen food | Whether there’s a freezer and how much space it offers, as well as the type of cooling specified for each compartment. | I regularly freeze food, or I use almost all the available space for fresh produce. Around 20% of consumers would put this balance at the top of their list. |
| What to do with your old appliance | Take-back or donation options; for a refurbished appliance, its condition, warranty and documented energy use. | Before buying, I want to find a suitable solution for my old fridge, or be able to assess a refurbished appliance. This would be the main priority for around 10% of consumers. |
The letters on old and new energy labels aren’t directly comparable. The French ministry responsible for the environment explains that when the scale changed, a fridge that was previously rated A+++ could appear as a C without any change in performance.
Find the annual energy use of your current appliance, or measure it over a representative period. Then compare the kWh/year for appliances with similar uses and capacities.
ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, and that their size can affect how much energy they use. A large capacity on its own is therefore no reason to replace your old appliance.
Work out separately how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then compare the annual energy use of models that meet those needs.
The appliance’s dimensions won’t tell you whether it will fit through the entrances to your home, into an alcove or with the ventilation clearance required by its instructions. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance.
Measure the delivery route and the space where the appliance will go. For the model you’ve chosen, check the instructions for alcove dimensions, clearances, door opening direction and climate class.
If your appliance still works, you could offer it to a reuse organisation that accepts it. An appliance that’s going to be recycled should go through a scheme suitable for refrigeration equipment, as explained by ecosystem.
In France, Service-Public.fr explains that when you buy an equivalent appliance, the retailer must take back the old one free of charge, up to the type and quantity sold or replaced. Check the practical arrangements with the seller. If you’re not buying an equivalent appliance, look for a donation or collection option that suits its condition.
Bosch’s compact models let you compare the dimensions and layout of its under-counter fridges on a model-by-model basis.
The W7 Total No Frost range could be a useful comparison if frost management in both compartments matters to you.
Electrolux built-in fridge-freezers show why it’s important to check both the product specifications and the installation instructions.
This selection includes fridge-freezers in a range of capacities, as well as a built-in fridge for fresh food. Before considering one as a replacement, compare its specifications with your current appliance and the space available.
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Worth considering if you need space for fresh and frozen food in one appliance. The model name lists a capacity of 467 L, Total No Frost and an E rating. Check the capacity of each compartment, the kWh/year figure and the dimensions before comparing it with your current fridge.
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This capacity is worth comparing with your needs if you regularly store a lot of food. The model name lists a capacity of 495 L and an E rating. Check how much space is allocated to the freezer, the annual energy use and the installation space required.
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This model could suit you if a capacity of 174 L meets your needs for fresh and frozen food. The model name lists Low Frost and a reversible door; Low Frost doesn’t mean frost-free. Check the annual energy use for the exact model before comparing its energy performance.
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Worth considering if you’re replacing a built-in fridge for fresh food. The model name lists an E rating, but the capacity given for this model differs between its title and descriptions. Confirm the usable capacity of the version being sold. Also check the alcove, ventilation requirements and annual energy use before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a large capacity, but don’t assume it’s right for your household. The model name lists a capacity of 444 L, frost-free operation, an E rating and a noise level of 40 dB. Check the split between compartments, the dimensions and the annual energy use to decide whether it’s a suitable replacement.
Measure its energy use over a representative period using a suitable meter, or find its documented annual energy use. Compare this with the kWh/year figure for a model that meets similar needs for capacity and freezer space. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances run continuously, so an average for the category can’t replace the figure for your own appliance.
No. The French ministry responsible for the environment explains that moving to the A to G scale can change the letter shown without changing the appliance’s performance. When deciding whether to replace it, look instead at the kWh/year figures and capacities of the specific models.
Measure the alcove and the delivery route, then check the model’s instructions for ventilation requirements, climate class and door opening direction. Electrolux recommends allowing air to circulate around the appliance; the exact clearances depend on the model.
When you buy an equivalent appliance, the retailer must offer free take-back of the old one on a “one-for-one” basis, up to the type and quantity sold or replaced, according to Service-Public.fr. Agree the take-back arrangements with the seller before delivery.
Yes, if a reuse organisation is willing to accept it in its current condition. Ecosystem distinguishes this option from collection for recycling refrigeration appliances that can’t be salvaged. Check which option is right for your appliance before getting rid of it.