Fridge freezer repairs and spares Repair or replace your fridge freezer?

Repair or replace your fridge freezer?

Fridge freezers aren't as reliable as standalone fridges and freezers, which are among the most reliable domestic appliances on the market. Unfortunately 16% need to be repaired in the first six years, according to our annual fridge freezer reliability survey.

If something serious does go wrong within this time – or if you have a top-of-the-range model – it's usually worth seeing if your appliance can be fixed rather than replacing it. A new freestanding Best Buy fridge freezer would cost a little over £400.

Expert advice

Barry Jacob - a repairman recommended on our site Which? Local - says that fridge-freezers are generally worth repairing, particularly if less than 10 years old.

Before calling a repairer, he says: ‘Read the manual for common problems, maintenance advice and fixes that you can do yourself.’ 

For example, if it runs normally but the inside light’s not on, the bulb has probably blown, so unplug and change the bulb.

The 'tipping point' 

You can't always trust energy labels

Determining the 'tipping point' at which it's economically and environmentally best to replace a fridge freezer with a more efficient model rather than get your existing fridge freezer fixed isn't straightforward. But if you've got an older fridge, a new, more energy-efficient fridge freezer will cut your annual running costs.

These days, fridge freezers are designed to be more energy efficient than old models. In our 2006 fridge freezer tests, the highest annual running cost we recorded was £89; the lowest £27. Even after factoring in energy price rises, the running costs we've recorded four years on are much better for your pocket  – from as little as £14, and no more than £47 a year.

Fridge and freezer reliability

If you're looking for a new fridge freezer less likely to give you problems in the future, cross reference our current Best Buy fridge freezers with the results of our fridge freezer reliability survey. 

Fridges freezers are, generally, reliable products – but some brands last longer than others. The survey compares reliability and aftercare of well-known refrigeration brands including Beko, AEG-Electrolux, Hotpoint, Indesit and Whirlpool.

We rigorously test the latest fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers for energy efficiency, temperature stability, ease of use, usable space and even noise. Only the top overall performers achieve a Which? Best Buy recommendation.