Fridge Freezer Buying Guide
Explore our Fridge Freezer Buying Guide to make informed decisions when choosing the perfect fridge freezer for your needs. Whether you're upgrading or purchasing for the first time, we cover different types of fridge freezers, essential features, energy efficiency tips, and maintenance insights to ensure a long-lasting and convenient appliance.
Freestanding Fridge Freezers
A freestanding fridge freezer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines both a refrigerator and a freezer within a single standalone unit. Unlike built-in or integrated models, it is independently positioned and can be easily placed in various locations in the kitchen. Available in different sizes, capacities, designs, and finishes, freestanding fridge freezers offer flexibility to match diverse household needs and kitchen aesthetics. They are cost-effective options with accessible controls, and their mobility makes them suitable for renters or those who may want to change their appliance's location.
Integrated Fridge Freezers
An integrated fridge freezer is a built-in kitchen appliance designed to seamlessly blend into custom cabinetry, creating a cohesive and uniform look within the kitchen. Unlike freestanding models, it does not stand independently but is incorporated into the cabinetry, often with custom panels that match the surrounding design. This design choice prioritizes consistent aesthetics, making the appliance indistinguishable from the surrounding cabinets. Integrated models come in various sizes and capacities, but their installation typically requires professional services to ensure precision and seamless integration. Controls are often built into the appliance's interior or concealed within the cabinetry
American Fridge Freezers
An American fridge freezer, also known as a side-by-side refrigerator, features a distinct vertical split design with the refrigerator and freezer compartments positioned side by side. Key characteristics include generous storage capacity, water and ice dispensers for convenience, and a contemporary design often with stainless steel finishes. The side-by-side layout allows for wide shelving and separate temperature controls for each compartment. Additional features may include humidity-controlled crisper drawers and adjustable shelves. While offering convenient accessibility, the larger size of American fridge freezers should be considered in kitchen planning. Energy-efficient models are available, making them suitable for larger households with extensive storage needs.
Key Features
Defrost Types
Frost Free
Frost-free technology in fridge freezers automates the defrosting process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. It employs a heating element and a fan system to prevent ice buildup in the freezer compartment. This system ensures even temperature distribution, preserving optimal conditions for food storage and reducing the risk of freezer burn. Users benefit from the convenience of not having to manually defrost the freezer, making it a low-maintenance option. While it may slightly increase energy consumption during the defrosting process, the overall efficiency and avoidance of manual defrosting are considered advantages for many users.
Auto Defrost
Auto defrost is a feature in certain fridge freezers that automates the defrosting process. This technology utilizes a heating element, activated at regular intervals, to melt ice buildup in the freezer compartment. The melted ice is efficiently drained away, preventing water accumulation. Auto defrost enhances the preservation of frozen food quality by maintaining a consistent temperature and eliminating the need for manual defrosting. It provides user convenience, particularly for those seeking a low-maintenance appliance suitable for everyday use. While there is some energy consumption associated with the auto defrost process, the overall efficiency and avoidance of manual defrosting are considered advantageous for many users.
Low Frost
Low frost is a feature found in certain fridge freezers designed to minimize the accumulation of ice in the freezer compartment. This technology aims to reduce the frequency of manual defrosting, offering extended intervals between defrosting sessions. Fridge freezers with low frost maintain a more consistent temperature, preserving the quality of frozen food items over time. The feature enhances user convenience by striking a balance between reduced maintenance and optimal freezer performance. While occasional defrosting may still be necessary, low frost models provide a compromise between fully frost-free and manual defrost options, making them suitable for regular use with considerations for energy efficiency.
Manual Defrost
Manual defrost is a feature in certain fridge freezers that requires users to initiate and perform the defrosting process manually. This involves turning off the appliance, melting accumulated ice, and cleaning up the resulting water. Manual defrost models typically require regular maintenance, with users monitoring ice buildup and planning defrosting sessions. They are energy-efficient and budget-friendly options, appealing to those willing to invest time in periodic manual maintenance. However, manual defrost lacks the convenience of automatic or low frost models, and users need to proactively manage ice accumulation. These models are suitable for individuals with smaller storage needs or infrequent freezer use.
Energy Efficiency
Shop Our most efficient Fridge Freezers below:
Split Balance
If you don't keep a lot of frozen goods in the house and would prefer to have the extra fridge space, then an 80/20 or 70/30 might be the way to go. At the other end of the scale, you could choose a 50/50 fridge freezer for an equal division between the two compartments or a 60/40 for a slightly larger fridge than freezer.
When replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, make sure to choose the same split so that the appliance lines up with your kitchen cupboards.
Below, we've highlighted the full range of fridge-freezer splits that you'll find on freestanding and integrated appliances. Click on the buttons to explore models with each type of split.
Freestanding Fridge Freezer Split Balances
Integrated Fridge Freezer Split Balances
How to measure for a new Fridge Freezer
Freestanding models - Measuring for a fridge freezer is a fairly quick and straightforward process. If you're going for a freestanding or American model, first measure the height, width, and depth of the available space. Next, check the dimensions of the product and make sure it'll fit where you plan to position it.
Integrated Models -
When measuring up for an integrated fridge freezer, follow the steps below to ensure your new appliance fits neatly into your cabinet:
- Check that the split of the fridge freezer matches your kitchen units so that the cabinet doors line up with those of the appliance.
- Measure the height of the space inside your cabinet.
- Look at the height of each fridge freezer as you shop to make sure it'll fit into the cabinet space - the heights can sometimes vary, so take your time with this part.
- Measure the width of the space inside the kitchen unit.
- Check the width of the appliances you're looking at, ensuring that they're not too wide or too narrow for the space (most integrated fridge freezers fall into a standardised width range, but it's still worth checking to make sure you're not caught out!)
- The majority of built-in fridge freezers are 54-55cm deep to fit seamlessly into a standard kitchen cabinet. That said, check the depth of your cupboard space and the appliances you look at just to be sure.
Different Fridge Freezer Features
Ice / Water dispenser
A fridge freezer with an ice and water dispenser provides on-demand access to chilled water and ice without opening the door. These dispensers are usually located on the exterior of the appliance and may offer options like cubed or crushed ice. Some models also include filtration systems for clean and fresh-tasting water.
Smart Fridge Freezer technology
Auto defrost
Frost Free Technology
Quick Freeze
Freezer Guard Technology
Temperature Control
Temperature control in fridge freezers refers to the ability to adjust and regulate the internal temperature of both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Modern fridge freezers typically feature digital or dial controls that allow users to set and maintain specific temperatures for optimal food storage.
Reversible Doors
Picking Your Colour
After finalizing the features you desire in your Fridge Freezer, the next step is to contemplate the colour selection. Here, we elaborate on the advantages of the most commonly chosen colours.
Black
Choosing a black fridge freezer offers several advantages, including its aesthetic appeal that adds sophistication and a modern touch to the kitchen. Black appliances have a timeless and versatile quality, easily blending with different colour schemes and kitchen designs.
White
Choosing a white fridge freezer offers timeless elegance and a clean, bright appearance in the kitchen. White appliances are versatile, easily coordinating with different colour schemes and kitchen decor. They provide a neutral background, allowing other features to stand out and reflecting natural light for an airy atmosphere
Stainless Steel
Choosing a stainless steel fridge freezer provides a modern and sleek aesthetic, well-suited for contemporary kitchens. Stainless steel is versatile, complementing various design styles, and it offers resilience and durability, resisting rust, corrosion, and stains.
Inox / Silver
Choosing a inox or silver fridge freezer offers modern aesthetics with a sleek and contemporary design suitable for various kitchen styles. The neutral colour scheme allows for easy coordination with different color palettes and decor. These finishes are versatile, providing flexibility in design choices.
Fridge Freezers FAQs
Can I change the door direction of my fridge freezer?
A: Many models come with reversible doors, allowing you to change the direction based on your kitchen layout.
What are the benefits of frost-free technology in a freezer?
A: Frost-free technology eliminates the need for manual defrosting, ensuring consistent temperatures and preserving food quality.
How can I maintain my fridge freezer for optimal performance?
A: Regularly clean the interior, check and replace door seals if needed, and ensure proper ventilation for efficient operation.
How can I dispose of my old fridge freezer?
A: The insulation and refrigerant in your old fridge freezer can be harmful, so it's important to dispose of it responsibly. Many people choose to have their old appliance collected by the company that delivers the new one. Other options include contacting your local council to collect it or taking it to a nearby recycling center.
Can I keep my fridge freezer in a garage, utility room, or outbuilding?
A: Keeping a fridge freezer in one of these locations can provide you with the overflow space you need. That said, if you plan to store your appliance in a place that gets very cold in the winter, it's important to choose an appliance with freezer guard technology.
We stock a range of appliances that are suitable to keep in a garage, utility room, or outbuilding. Explore our range of fridge freezers with freezer guard technology to find the ideal model for you.
How long should a new fridge freezer stand before turning on?
A: Your fridge freezer can sometimes get jolted about slightly in transit, so it's best to give your new appliance some time to settle before plugging it in and turning it on.
Ask your delivery driver whether it was transported upright or on its side. If it came upright, leave it to settle for an hour in an upright position; if your fridge freezer was laid down in transit, stand it up and give it at least four hours before using it.
Which fridge-freezer split should I go for?
A: If you don't keep a lot of frozen goods in the house and would prefer to have the extra fridge space, then an 80/20 or 70/30 might be the way to go. At the other end of the scale, you could choose a 50/50 fridge freezer for an equal division between the two compartments or a 60/40 for a slightly larger fridge than freezer.