Greenwich Slate Grey Handleless Fridge Freezer

Kitchen Buying guide

Fridge Freezer Buying Guide

From large larder designs to retro-style models, there are many options when it comes to refrigeration, and this fridge freezer buying guide is designed to help you choose the right one for your home. Covering the latest chiller tech and freezing capability, plus a breakdown on each different type, this guide will help you find a design that will cater for your family, your culinary adventures, and your grocery shop.

What are the different types?

Standard fridge freezers

For a model that ticks all the boxes, then a standard design is the right choice. These devices offer ample space for both chilled and frozen goods in a tower style that takes up less floor space. They can be tucked within a cabinet for a discreet finish and they also come in both 50/50 and 70/30 configurations to best suit your shopping habits.

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Retro-style fridge freezers

The curved design and soft-matt finish of these models offer a design aesthetic that is both striking and functional for refrigerating goods. Often found in rooms inspired by mid-century interiors, these devices are freestanding, allowing you to transport it with minimal fuss when you move, and they also come in a selection of colours to customise to your chosen palette.

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American fridge freezer

With multiple compartments for chilled and frozen goods, American-style models offer the largest storage available in one device, making them the ultimate choice for large family homes, or those households who like to stock up. Supplied freestanding, they are simple to fit and have a multi-door design that can often include drawers for easy access to ingredients.

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Freestanding fridge freezers

A great choice for landlords or those that move home frequently, these models can be positioned where there is existing power in the room, offering the option to take it with you when you move, or to remodel your kitchen without re-planning your energy supply. With options in a 50/50 and 70/30 design, these devices can also be replaced without major work required.

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Integrated fridge freezers

The ultimate in a uniform design, these models are concealed behind a cabinet door, disguising a cumbersome device into the background of an existing decor. Available in both a 50/50 and 70/30 style, these options can be customised with a door front of choice, while providing ample room to house chilled and frozen groceries of families of many different sizes.

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What sizes are available?

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70/30

Choosing a model that suits your household is important, as it will ensure you have enough space for your weekly shop. 70/30 designs mean that the fridge holds 70 per cent of the total capacity, and the freezer holds 30 per cent. This makes it great for homes that eat more fresh ingredients as it offers extra room for chilled goods.

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50/50

Split equally in half, 50/50 refrigeration designs offer the same capacity for chilled and frozen compartments. This makes them a firm favourite among batch cookers and families who stock up on meals to go. It is also a popular configuration for those who like the extra room to move short-life products to the frozen section to prevent waste.

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60/40

With 60 per cent of the capacity dedicated to a chiller compartment, and the other 40 per cent for freezing, these models are great for households who prefer chilling food and still want a generous space for frozen goods. They can be used to store lots of fresh ingredients for a healthy snack or to keep pre-prepared dishes frozen for a mid-week meal hack.

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What colours are available?

White fridge freezers

A colour that complements any scheme, white is a standard shade for household devices, making it easy to achieve a co-ordinated look across cooking, cleaning, and laundry equipment. It also looks more hygienic, showing up food spills and debris which will make cleaning easier.

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Black fridge freezers

A darker tone found in industrial and refined designs, black is a popular choice for trend-conscious households, especially when paired with a matt-black finish. Showing fewer marks and fingerprints, these devices are also a low-maintenance alternative to white.

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Cream fridge freezers

Cream is a staple hue for rustic interiors or those homes sporting a country look. This shade will also make a room appear open and inviting with a warmer shade compared to its cool white counterpart. This tone is also available in a matt finish, showing fewer fingerprints from daily use.

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Features to look out for

Frost free

Preventing ice from building up, this frost-free technology is a low-maintenance option, saving valuable time spent defrosting the freezer section of a device. It also saves space, meaning you can store more frozen goods from your weekly shop.

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Fast freeze

Fast freeze will reduce the temperature of unfrozen goods faster – great for when the food shop has been left out for a while. It can also lock in vitamins and nutrients, which is a good option when freezing fresh ingredients and in larger quantities.

Auto defrost

Defrosting a device is a timely job that must be performed regularly throughout the year. With auto defrost, the device does this job for you, so you can spend your time on better things and you do not have to remember to add it to your calendar.

Things to consider when planning a new fridge freezer

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Installation

Thinking about where you are going to place your new device is really important. Refrigeration equipment must be kept away from heat sources, like radiators, and away from direct sunlight to keep it working effectively. If it is being installed next to another appliance, there must be a gap of at least 2cm.

Ventilation

Ventilation allows the device to operate efficiently, which helps to save on energy bills. For integrated models, the back panel of the cupboard will need to be removed to allow air to flow through, while vents on freestanding versions will need to be clear of obstructions.

Capacity

In addition to how the device is split, it is crucial to get the right capacity to meet your cooking and shopping habits. All models are measured by volume, with a compact option measuring at just 247 litres, while our larger devices go up to 336 litres. A family of four should be looking at a minimum of 200 litres.

Storage options

Many models are now equipped with designated storage areas, such as drawers, bottle racks, and salad crispers. These allow you to customise the interior to better organise your groceries and give everything its rightful place. It will also make better use of every inch of space within the device.

Energy ratings

Where refrigeration is kept on 24 hours a day, it can often drive up household bills unless you chose a model that is energy efficient. Most devices now come with a minimum A rating, and it is important to review the ice box rating too, so you get the most conservative choice for your monthly outgoings.

Reversible door

Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, with each layout being unique to a home. To accommodate these differing factors, many devices now come with a reversible door, so you can tailor it to meet the space available. This also means you can customise the door swing for the most ergonomic layout.