Fridge Freezer Buying Guide

Buying a fridge freezer is an ideal way to save on space in the kitchen, without compromising on the great range of features offered by separate fridges and freezers.

Here are some useful hints and tips for things to consider when choosing a fridge freezer.

Choosing BetweenTypes of Fridge Freezer

Fridge freezers vary in design and style, and fall into the following categories:

Upright: The upright fridge freezer features a freezer and fridge on top of each other, with each unit having a separate door and dedicated controls.
American-style: The American-style fridge freezer is becoming increasingly fashionable. Popular for their large capacities and extensive range of features, American-style fridge freezers feature side by side fridge and freezer units, while the doors open in opposite directions from the centre.

These types of fridge freezer are usually freestanding, but fridge freezers are also available in a built-in format, so your fridge freezer is integrated with your existing kitchen design.

Features To Look For When You Buy a Fridge Freezer

The following features and specifications can be found in both upright and American-style fridge freezers:

Volume: The fridge and freezer will have a maximum volume. Large volume appliances, including most models of American-style fridge freezer, will suit larger households.
Auto defrost: Automatically defrosts the fridge freezer while in use, so there's no need to defrost it yourself, thus saving time.
Anti-bacterial protection: A built-in anti-bacterial system that improves food safety and stops bacteria from contaminating the fridge contents.
Fast freeze: A special compartment in the freezer which freezes the contents rapidly.
Shelves: Both the fridge and freezer units will come with a number of shelves. Look out for fridge freezers that let you remove shelves, as these are more versatile for storing foods of different sizes. Some fridge freezers come with safety glass shelves for peace of mind.
Compartments: Fridge freezers can include dairy compartments, egg trays, ice cube trays, vegetable drawers and bottle racks.
Electronic controls: For convenience and easily manageable settings, look out for fridge freezers with electronic controls.
Temperature display: Shows the present temperature.
Temperature warning light: This feature is essential for letting you know if the temperature is too high.
Reversible door: A very useful features that enables you to choose which side of the fridge freezer the doors will open from - especially useful in smaller kitchens.
Energy consumption/annual energy cost: This makes it easier to calculate the cost of running the fridge freezer. Most retailers and manufacturers provide this information online.
Energy rating: A simple guide to the energy efficiency of the fridge freezer. Grades A and A+ are the most efficient.
Power cut safe time: This is the amount of time for which the contents of your fridge freezer will stay usable after a loss of power to the appliance. Power cuts can cause significant wastage of food in fridge freezers, so the longer the power cut safe time, the better chance there is of the power being restored before any damage is done!
Water and ice dispenser: A convenient feature for those who enjoy chilled water and ready to use ice. If you choose a model with this feature, you'll need to make sure that you can place it within one metre of a suitable plumbing connection, as it will need to be plumbed in.
Noise level: Measured in decibels, noise level information is usually provided by the retailer or manufacturer. Innovations in fridge freezer design have created some wonderfully quiet appliances!

Fridge Freezer Installation & Delivery Considerations

If you are buying your fridge freezer online, make sure that you understand the delivery terms and conditions. Many newer models of fridge freezer need professional installation, which online retailers will provide either as part of the cost, or for an additional charge.

Make sure that any entrances that the fridge freezer will need to go through are large enough - appliance dimensions are usually provided prior to purchase. While delivery of fridge freezers bought online is often free of charge, you will need to make sure that someone is in at the time of delivery.

Do I Need An Extended Fridge Freezer Warranty?

A warranty or guarantee ensures that your fridge freezer can be repaired or replaced if it should malfunction, providing that certain conditions are met. Retailers and manufacturers usually offer a free or fixed priced guarantee or warranty that covers your appliance for a period of up to three years, so it's a good idea to compare different warranties when buying. This information is available on retailer and manufacturer sites.

Although many new models of fridge freezer offer a fantastic range of features, it's sometimes easy to go over budget. It can be a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money that you are prepared to spend on your new fridge freezer. By shopping around the many online retailers and comparing prices, you might be able to take advantage of special offers or discounts, and even get a better model for your money.