Fridge freezers are among the biggest and most expensive purchase you'll make for your home. Whether you're replacing an old model, or buying your first one, there are plenty of different options to consider.
This paper draws upon research from Finland, Norway and the UK to explore how the freezer came to become an everyday household technology. It examines how a variety of factors made it normal, including the growth of supermarket shopping as well as a cultural emphasis on family economics.
Features
Refrigerator freezers are one of the most commonly used appliances in your home. It is crucial to select one that suits your lifestyle and needs. Certain models come with extra features like wine racks or bottle dividers. Others offer adjustable shelves and doors with storage compartments for various objects. Certain models have convertible technology that allows you to use sections of the freezer or refrigerator as an additional fridge or freezer depending on what you need.
Certain brands have fridge freezers that are smart and are connected to Wi-Fi, and can be controlled via an app. These fridges can send you notifications when your food is about to go off or suggest recipes based on what's in your fridge. It's important to note that connected fridges tend to be more expensive than models that aren't connected.
When you are choosing a refrigerator freezer, it is important to consider the energy efficiency. It is important to consider the energy rating. Since new regulations went into effect in 2021, all fridge freezers will be rated from A-G and higher ratings indicate lower operating costs. Consumer watchdog Which? The consumer watchdog Which?
There are models that come with energy-saving features such as automatic defrost that ensures your freezer is kept at the right temperature without using up energy. Some models have an option for holiday mode that cuts down on power usage while you're away, or a speed-chill feature that helps keep food fresher for longer.
You'll find the average annual running cost of each fridge-freezer listed in the description of the product, and some retailers such as Currys, John Lewis and AO will provide an estimated cost per kilowatt hour, which means you can calculate the amount it will cost over the course of its life. This will be dependent on the electricity costs at the time of purchase, however it's recommended to take these estimates into account when deciding on which model to purchase.
Size
When choosing a fridge freezer to fit in your home the size is an important factor. Take into consideration how much space your household requires and how you'll utilize it. Larger families can benefit from a bigger fridge freezer, while single-person households may be fine with a small fridge freezer.
You'll also have to take into consideration the size of the freezer in the fridge as certain models will be taller than others. This is particularly relevant for apartments and flats, where you may need to ensure that your new fridge will fit down any steps or into lifts if it's being delivered upstairs.
When purchasing fridge freezers in the UK, you have a variety of sizes available. There are tall combination models which will fit under a kitchen worktop that is custom-made with the refrigerator placed on top of the freezer. Smaller fridge freezers for sale uk freezers that are separate are usually smaller and more easily tucked away under cabinets.
In the instruction manual, you can find the capacity and ratio (in litres). These can be found in the specifications section or by searching for a digital version online. Additionally you can visit the Currys website has a handy guide to help determine the best fridge freezer for your needs.
It's worth investing in a freezer fridge that has an excellent rating for energy efficiency to reduce your electricity bills. Consider features such as LED lighting which are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs. Also, look out for anti-bacterial coatings that are found in the interior of refrigerators and freezers and drawers that can keep meat in a safe manner.
Some models also come with the holiday mode that shuts off the freezer so that it is kept at a minimal temperature during your absence. Others have automatic defrost, which distributes cold air to your freezer and fridge to stop the accumulation of ice. You don't have to manually remove them from the freezer. Other innovative features that you might be able to find include built-in dispensers for water and ice, digital displays and shelves that can be adjusted to give you the best storage space.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators and freezers are constantly on and use a lot energy. They can have a significant impact on your electric bill. The good part is that refrigerators and freezers of today are more energy efficient than they used to, therefore you don't need to sacrifice your icecream stash to save money.
When shopping for a fridge freezer that is integrated it is important to pay attention to the kWh number on the energy label. This will tell you how much energy is used by the product over the course of a year. Energy-efficient refrigerator freezers will have a lower kWh figure than conventional models. The Energy Saving Trust website allows you to check the energy consumption of the appliance.
Energy-efficient refrigerator freezers may cost more than standard models, however they can save you money in the long term. Simple energy-saving strategies can help you reduce your energy bill. For instance, you need to keep items that are frequently used in the front of the fridge to reduce the amount of time the door is opened. Also, you should allow food to cool before placing it in the fridge. In the end, it's recommended to clean out the fridge frequently since it uses less energy when it is empty.
Another thing to consider is what refrigerant your fridge or freezer uses. Some brands use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which damage the ozone layer. These are being phased out So look for Greenfreeze technology that utilizes propane or isobutane as the main refrigerant, and cyclopentane to blow the insulation foam.
Reversible fridge freezers also consume less power since they don't have many on/off cycles. It is also possible to determine the amount an appliance will cost to operate by taking a look at the estimated annual energy bill on the Energy Saving Trust's website.
You can also determine the energy efficiency of your fridge by examining its European Energy Label. The new labels, which were introduced in 2021, are much easier to read and understand than the previous ones. The labels now display an energy rating from A to G, with A being the most efficient.
StoresAmerican-style refrigerator freezers have an increased capacity than traditional models. They can hold up to 30 shopping bags filled with food items. This is perfect for large families, entertaining guests, or for stocking up ahead of Christmas!
Certain appliances have smart features that simplify life. For example an alarm for your door will send you a message on your smartphone if you've left the freezer or fridge open. You can reduce energy usage by setting the appliance to power-saving mode when you're away from home.
Pick a model that comes with clever storage solutions, like Bosch's VitaFresh Drawers. They let you keep food items at the right temperature and humidity for every type of food, ensuring that they last longer and are fresher. Fridge freezers with auto defrost help prevent ice build-ups and Active Ion systems neutralise bacteria and other impurities that can cause unpleasant food odours.
Fridge freezers can be found in freestanding and integrated designs. Integrated models are ideal if you're replacing an appliance or redecorating your kitchen, since they can be concealed behind a panel or integrated into furniture. They are smaller than freestanding units and offer a sleeker appearance.
Freestanding cheap fridge uk freezers can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. They usually are 50-50 split, with the fridge on one side and freezer on the other. You can also get them with a 60-40 or 70-30 split if you prefer to focus on chilled foods.
Certain Cheapest Fridge Freezers uk freezers come with lighting that is halogen, which is 36% brighter and more efficient in sustaining the temperature. Other models come with LCD or LED lighting which is more efficient and lasts longer than the halogen lamps. There are refrigerator freezers with touchscreens that are digital. This allows you to easily control the appliance and access useful information like the current consumption of power. Some even offer a fast chill function to keep your food at the right temperature for a longer period of time.