Looking for a new fridge freezer? If you’d like to cut down on bills while your food chills, an energy-efficient fridge freezer could be a wise addition to your kitchen. In fact, choosing an A-rated fridge freezer instead of an E-rated one could save you around £380 on electricity over its lifetime.
So, what are the best energy-efficient freezers out there? To help you decide, we’ll explain what fridge freezer energy ratings mean, the features that help reduce electricity use, and our pick of the most efficient fridge freezers in 2026. We’ll also share some tips to help you get the most from any energy-efficient refrigeration appliance once it’s installed.
Why energy-efficiency matters for fridge freezers in 2026
Your fridge freezer is one of the only appliances in your home that's running all day, every day. So even small differences in energy use can add up over the years.
Older fridge freezers tend to be less energy-efficient than newer models, because cooling technology has come a long way. Older models cool in bursts, and switch their internal cooling tech off and on throughout the day. Newer models adjust their cooling power to match exactly what's needed. That helps them use less energy while keeping the temperature nice and steady.
So if your fridge freezer is showing its age, it could be worth upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Choosing one with a good energy rating, you could help lower your electricity bills over time.
Understanding fridge freezer energy ratings
The energy rating system is based on how much energy a fridge freezer uses compared with its size. A is the most efficient rating, while G is the least efficient.
The current system was introduced in 2021, replacing the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings. Those labels had become crowded at the top, making it harder to see which appliances were genuinely more efficient.
A-rated fridge freezers are still quite rare. Most models currently sit between C and E, because standards are so strict. The new rating system was designed to leave room for future improvements, so a D or E-rated fridge freezer can still be a good energy-saving choice.
Top tip: It’s also worth looking at the kWh figure on the label. This shows the estimated electricity use over a year, giving you a clearer idea of how much energy the appliance uses compared with another model.
If you want to find out more, here’s our complete guide to energy ratings.
Key features of energy-efficient fridge freezers
The latest fridge freezers have lots of features to reduce energy use. Here are some to look out for:
Inverter compressors
This adjusts how hard your fridge freezer works by working out how much cooling is actually needed (older fridge freezers simply switch between full power and off). This keeps the temperature stable, and does away with the energy spikes caused by repeated restarting.Frost-free cooling
Frost-free tech prevents ice building up inside the freezer, so you don’t need to manually defrost it. Keeping airflow clear also helps your fridge freezer maintain the right temperature, as it doesn’t have to work around layers of ice.Multi-airflow cooling
This cooling systems spread cold air more evenly around the fridge and freezer. It helps maintain a consistent temperature, even when you’ve just added a big food shop or opened the door several times.Smart sensors
Some fridge freezers use sensors to monitor temperature changes and adjust cooling automatically. Humidity sensors keep an eye on the moisture level inside the fridge. When the air gets too damp, the fridge tweaks its cooling just enough, so it doesn’t have to run harder than necessary
Best energy-efficient fridge freezers in 2026
Here’s our round-up of the best energy-efficient fridge freezers available in the UK right now:
Best premium energy-efficient fridge freezer: Samsung Bespoke SpaceMax
The Samsung Bespoke SpaceMax RL38C776ASR/EU creates extra storage space inside by using thinner walls with clever insulation, so you can fit more food in without it taking up any more room in your kitchen. Plus, it’s got frost-free cooling, which stops ice from building up in the freezer. This helps keep the temperature steady, so the fridge freezer uses less energy.
Best for low running costs: Bosch Serie 4
The Bosch Serie 4 KGN392LDFG uses NoFrost technology to stop ice building up in the freezer. You won’t have to defrost the freezer yourself, and it runs more efficiently as a result. The MultiAirflow system spreads cool air evenly everywhere, so your food stays fresh and the fridge freezer doesn’t use extra power - even if you open the door a lot. And with an annual energy consumption of just 203 kWh, it’s one of the most cost-effective fridge freezers to run (less than 17p a day, based on typical UK electricity rates).
Best for freshness & smart energy-efficiency: LG Fit & Max
The LG Fit & Max GBBSJ10DPY uses a Smart Inverter Compressor that adapts to changes inside the fridge freezer, helping to avoid using more energy than needed. It also features DoorCooling+, which is a special system that sends extra cold air from vents at the front of the fridge. This means your food stays fresher for longer, especially items stored near the door that usually warm up when you open it.
Best for style: Haier HDPW5620ANPD
The Haier HDPW5620ANPD has a minimalist and stylish design that looks good in any modern kitchen. It also has a My Zone drawer, which lets you change the temperature to suit what you’re storing. You can use it as an extra chilled drawer for things like meat and fish, or turn it into a space for foods that don’t need to be kept as cold.
Best large capacity energy-efficient fridge freezer: Hisense RB440N4AFA
The Hisense RB440N4AFA is a big and budget-friendly energy-efficient fridge freezer that packs in lots of useful cooling tech. Multi Air Flow circulates cold air evenly around the fridge and freezer, helping keep temperatures steady even when you’re opening the doors regularly. It also comes with Total No Frost tech, which means there’s no need to manually defrost the freezer. And with a 336L capacity, there’s enough space for a big family’s weekly groceries and plenty of drinks.
How to choose the most energy-efficient fridge freezer
Here are some great tips on choosing the most energy-efficient fridge freezer for your home. It’s not always the one with the highest rating – there are other important things to consider:
Pick the right size
Think about your usual food shop, how much fresh and frozen food you store, and whether you regularly run out of room. The right size fridge freezer will help you keep everything organised without using more energy than needed.Check the layout and installation
You can move freestanding fridge freezers around to wherever suits you best, while integrated models give your kitchen a cleaner, more uniform look. Whichever style you choose, make sure there’s enough space around the appliance for air to circulate. Poor ventilation can make a fridge freezer work harder to maintain the right temperature.Think about how you use it
Your everyday habits can affect energy use too. Leaving the door open while deciding what to cook, putting hot food straight inside or setting the temperature lower than needed can all make your fridge freezer work harder. Simple things like organising shelves and keeping the temperature set correctly can help it run more efficiently.Tips to reduce your fridge freezer energy usage
Even an efficient fridge freezer can use more energy than necessary if it isn’t set up or looked after properly.Set the right temperature
Try to keep your fridge between 3°C and 5°C and your freezer at around -18°C. Going colder than this usually won’t keep food fresher, but it can increase energy use. Here’s more info on what temperature your fridge should be.Keep it organised
A fridge freezer that’s packed too tightly can restrict airflow, while an almost empty one can lose cold air more quickly when you open the door. Keeping a good balance helps cold air move around properly and keeps temperatures stable.Keep it away from heat
Avoid placing your fridge freezer next to ovens, radiators or in direct sunlight. Extra heat around the appliance means the compressor needs to work harder to keep everything cold.Look after it
Dust around the back or underneath your fridge freezer can stop heat escaping properly. Cleaning these areas occasionally can help it run as efficiently as possible.
FAQs
What is the most energy-efficient fridge freezer in the UK?
The most energy-efficient fridge freezer depends on the size and features you need. A-rated models are quite rare, so it’s worth comparing the energy rating alongside the yearly kWh figure. This shows how much electricity an appliance is expected to use and helps you compare running costs.
How much does it cost to run a fridge freezer per year?
Running costs depend on the fridge freezer’s size, energy rating, and your electricity tariff. The energy label shows the estimated yearly electricity use in kWh. Multiply this figure by your electricity price for an idea of what it could cost to run.
Is it cheaper to leave a fridge freezer on all the time?
Yes. Fridge freezers are designed to stay switched on continuously, so turning them off regularly won’t save energy. In fact, turning off a fridge freezer can increase energy use when it restarts. The best way to reduce electricity use is choosing an efficient model, setting the right temperature and making sure it has enough ventilation.
Are frost-free fridge freezers energy-efficient?
Yes, frost-free fridge freezers can help with energy-efficiency by preventing ice from building up and affecting airflow. When ice builds up, your fridge has to work harder to keep things cold, which uses more electricity.
How long do energy-efficient fridge freezers last?
A fridge freezer typically lasts around 10 to 15 years, depending on the model, usage and maintenance. Choosing a well-built appliance and keeping it properly maintained can help it continue running efficiently throughout its lifetime.
Need more help?
If you’re looking for more choice, we’ve got some of the best energy-efficient fridge freezers around. Or if you’d like a word with a tech expert who knows their stuff and is super cool, pop in-store!
