Fridge Freezer Buying Guide

Fridges and fridge-freezers are one of the most important appliances in our homes. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and now have lots of different features.


What things do you need to consider when buying the right appliance for you.

Size

Fridge freezers come in three width sizes, Slim (55cm in width), Standard (60cm in width) and Retro (anything between 60-80cm wide).

The height of a fridge freezer can vary from 130cm to 200cm so make sure you buy one that fits in your kitchen.

Integrated fridge with door open in a kitchen
Split Fridge

Split

Again, you have 3 choices of split between the fridge  and the freezer. The split type on a fridge freezer refers to how much space you have in the fridge and  freezer compartments. If you’re replacing a like for like integrated fridge freezer, make sure you get the  same split type, so it matches your kitchen unit.


70/30 - a 70/30 split has a large fridge compartment on top, with a smaller freezer below.


60/40 - this split type has a slightly bigger fridge than it does a freezer.


50/50 - the fridge and freezer compartments are both the same size.

Your fit

Freestanding - a very popular choice if you don’t want a built-in appliance. They can go almost
anywhere in your kitchen, and you can choose from loads of different colours and finishes.


Integrated or built-in fridges freezer – these sit behind your cupboard door so that they blend in with
the rest of the kitchen.

Fridge for your fit

Other things to consider

Salad crispers - Store your fresh vegetables, salad and fruit in a dedicated drawer that maintains freshness and crispness, keeping nutrients locked in. A salad crisper also helps prevent the transfer of odours between vegetables and other items in the fridge, as well as germs from raw meat and fish.

 

Reversible doors - With a reversible door hinge, you'll be able to configure your fridge according to the layout of your kitchen. You can open the fridge door to the left or right, so you're not restricted by the position of cupboards and other appliances.

 

Water dispensers - Some fridges feature a water dispenser that lets you enjoy chilled water whenever you like. Dispensers are usually fed by a dedicated, filtered compartment which you can top up manually, though filters must be periodically replaced to ensure optimum freshness. You can also get some water dispensing fridges that connect to the mains water supply.

Frost free – this technology stops ice from forming  inside your fridge freezer. It uses a fan to keep the cool air constantly moving around so nothing ever  gets a chance to stick.


Fast freeze - This setting will rapidly lower the  temperature to get your food back to the right conditions and lock in all the nutrients. 


Auto defrost - this feature stops any icy build-ups in  your fridge. A hole near the bottom of the fridge compartment will collect any condensation, meaning  ice won’t be able to form around your food.