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Finding the Perfect Fridge Freezer for Your Kitchen

When shopping for a fridge freezer, it's important to consider size, colour, user features, and aesthetics. What type of fridge freezer do you need and what fridge-freezer split do you need? At [insert business name], we can help you make the best decision for your kitchen by exploring all of your available options.

  • Types of fridge freezer
  • Choosing the split between your fridge & freezer
  • Different fridge freezer sizes
  • How to measure for a fridge freezer
  • Features to look out for
  • Fridge freezer energy ratings
  • Choosing your brand
  • Choosing your colour
  • Fridge freezer FAQs

Types of fridge freezer

A fridge freezer is an important and versatile item in your kitchen as it gives you the opportunity to store both chilled and frozen goods together within the same appliance.

The first step is to choose between the three different types of fridge freezer:

Free Standing fridge freezers

Integrated fridge freezers

American fridge freezers

Freestanding Fridge Freezers

When it comes to finding the perfect fridge freezer, a freestanding model offers a great deal of flexibility and style. Freestanding fridge freezers come in a range of different dimensions to suit all types of kitchens and households. They also provide more storage space than built-in models, and can fit underneath worktops or countertops, or just sit on their own. Freestanding models are also easily transferrable, meaning you can take them with you if you move house. With a huge variety of styles and finishes available, you can find a freestanding fridge freezer to suit any kitchen colour scheme. And when it comes to functionality - with the option to have the freezer or fridge on top or bottom - you really can get exactly what you need.

Integrated Fridge Freezers

Integrated fridge freezers are the perfect choice for those who are looking for a sleek, seamless finish in their contemporary kitchen. These models are designed to fit underneath worktops, countertops, or in a standard or tall cabinet, behind one or more door panels. Whilst they tend to have smaller dimensions than freestanding models, this often restricts the amount of features and capacity. We recommend using professional tradespeople for installation, as it is more complicated than with freestanding products to get a perfect result.

Door hinge mechanisms on integrated fridge freezers

Integrated fridge freezers can be fitted with either sliding or fixed door hinges. Fixed door hinges involve attaching the cupboard door directly to the bracket. Sliding door hinges, on the other hand, involve attaching the cupboard door and the fridge door to two separate hinges connected by a slider. While either hinge type can be used with any cupboard, it is recommended to replace like with like or swap a sliding for a fixed mechanism when replacing a built-in appliance, since sliding door hinges are more prone to breaking.

American Fridge Freezers/side by side

American style fridge freezers are a popular choice for modern kitchens, providing a functional appliance that can become the centrepiece of the room. With side-by-side compartments for the fridge and freezer, and double doors opening from the middle, these appliances are often referred to as side-by-side or double-door freezers. Perfect for larger households, American fridge freezers come with practical features like cold water availability and ice cube dispensers. They can be connected to the mains plumbing or be stand-alone, with the choice to fill up the storage tank yourself. Multidoor or cube style designs may also be available, featuring drawers or multiple doors.

Choosing your fridge-freezer split

When it comes to the split between fridge and freezer space in your appliance, there are plenty of options and these tend to be expressed as ratios, fridge:freezer to suit each household.

If you're looking for a new fridge freezer but don't need a lot of frozen goods capacity, an 80:20 or 70:30 split could be the perfect choice. Alternatively, if you often stock up on frozen food, then a 50:50 or 60:40 fridge freezer might be better suited to your needs, with an equal or slightly larger fridge compartment respectively. When replacing an integrated fridge freezer, make sure to match the existing split size so that it fits perfectly with your kitchen cupboards. To make your search easier, we've highlighted the full range of fridge-freezer splits available on both freestanding and integrated models. Check them out by clicking on the appropriate button.

Fridge freezer sizes

Having chosen the right type and split for your household, the next big decision is the size of the appliance. Fridge freezer sizes vary considerably in terms of height, width, and depth, so you need to select one that matches your space perfectly.  This is achieved by checking your dimensions to ensure that your new appliance fits the space available.

Choosing the right height for your fridge freezer

For those looking for extra storage or to fit a smaller space, freestanding fridge freezers come in a variety of heights, ranging from 1180mm to 2000mm and beyond. When considering an integrated model, the standard height is 1770mm, but different heights are available to ensure a good fit with your kitchen cabinets.

How to measure for a fridge freezer

Measuring for a fridge freezer is a simple, quick and straightforward process. If you're looking for a freestanding or American model, it's important to check the dimensions of the available space and then compare these to the product you're looking to purchase. Ensure that you have an electric socket nearby for power and a cold water feed if required for chilled water and ice-makers. This way, you can guarantee that your new fridge freezer fits perfectly in the desired space.

When measuring up for an integrated fridge freezer, follow the steps below to ensure your new appliance fits neatly into its 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 are a standard width, but it's still worth checking to make sure.
  • The majority of integrated 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.

Fridge Freezer FAQ's

An integrated fridge freezer sits neatly tucked away inside your kitchen cabinets. As the cupboard door conceals the front of these appliances, they blend seamlessly into your kitchen and create a sleek contemporary look. You'll find a wide range of built-in fridge freezers in our selection.

Freestanding fridge freezers stand on their own rather than fitting inside your kitchen cabinets. As a result, you'll be able to find freestanding models that are taller and wider than built-in ones. You can also take them with you easily if you move house. 

Fridge freezers should last 10+ years provided that you clean and maintain them, however you could potentially reduce your energy usage and save money on your bills by replacing your older, inefficient appliance with a newer A-rated one. Some people also decide to get a new fridge freezer so they can benefit from useful innovations like smart technology or fast freezing. There may be signs that your appliance is ready for a change such as:

Excessive condensation on the inside or outside of the appliance;

Food not lasting as long as it should

The fridge is warm/hot to the touch at the back;

Frost is building up in the fridge or freezer compartment;

The amount of noise it produces has changed significantly (either it has become far louder or quieter).

If you notice any of these signs, contact a fridge freezer repair specialist. They'll be able to advise you whether your appliance can be fixed or if it's time for a new one.

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, however 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.

Your fridge freezer will get jolted about slightly in transit, especially if it is transported on its side rather than upright, so it's best to give your new appliance some time to settle before plugging it in and turning it on.

If it came upright, please 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.

Once you've allowed your new fridge freezer to settle in its upright position for four hours, you can turn it on and put food in it straight away.

Unless you are competent at DIY, and feel confident with installing the hinge mechanism on your new built-in fridge freezer, we recommend leaving this to your kitchen fitter or expert tradesperson. They will know which type of door hinge to use and will have experience in fitting them.  Aligning the door hinges and ensuring that the cupboard doors are fitted correctly is really a job for an expert.

Keeping a fridge freezer in one of these locations can provide you with the overflow space you need, however 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.

Of course, given the recent energy cost changes, this will depend on how much you pay for electricity as well as the size, type, and energy rating of your fridge freezer.

A recent survey from consumer watchdog Which? showed that freestanding fridge freezers cost an average of £48 per year to run, whilst for comparison American-style appliances cost £72 per year on average (around 50% more).

Choosing a fridge freezer with a better energy rating will save you money on energy bills - A-rated appliances are the best option for your budget and the environment.

Fridge freezers may last as long as 15 to 20 years.  You can improve your appliance's lifespan by regularly maintaining it and watching for signs of wear and tear that need attention. If you notice anything wrong or untoward, then contact your local fridge freezer repair specialist. They will advise you whether your appliance can be fixed or if it's time for a new one.

The insulation and refrigerant in your fridge freezer can be harmful, so it's important to dispose of it responsibly.  It may be possible to arrange for your old appliance to be collected when the company delivers your new one. Alternatively, you can contact your local council to collect it or take it to your local recycling centre.

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