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How to Choose and Buy a Fridge Freezer

Before buying a fridge freezer you need to ask yourself some questions:

Can you get a fridge freezer into your home?

If you are buying a model that is larger than the one you already have, then be sure to check that you can get it into your home without any problems. Check that your doorways are wide enough and, if it’s delivered by one person, that either you or someone else will be available to help.

If you live in a flat, ensure that the lifts or stairwells are spacious enough to accommodate both the fridge freezer and the delivery people, and that they will have enough room to manoeuvre.

Will a fridge freezer fit into your kitchen or utility room?

Take into account that the new model you choose may not be the same size as your old appliance. Remember to check the measurements of the space you have available. Also bear in mind that extra space will be needed around the appliance for ventilation, so it can run efficiently.

There are also integrated fridge freezers available on the market today. These are built into your kitchen and are hidden behind cabinet doors. If you should decide this is the look you prefer, and haven’t had built-in appliances before, you may need to have your space redesigned.

Keep your kitchen layout in mind. Some appliances have doors that open on the left, whereas others open to the right. It may be worth considering a model with reversible doors.

Can you position the fridge freezer within easy access of an electricity socket?

Keep in mind where you are positioning your fridge freezer. It will need to be within reach of a power socket, so check the cable length before buying.

When choosing a brand and model of fridge freezer, you’ll also need to take the following factors into account:

Fridge and Freezer Capacity

Fridge and freezer capacities can vary depending on the model. You can buy one with a 50/50 ratio, giving you equal amounts of fridge and freezer space. If you need less room for frozen food, pick a model with a larger fridge section, or vice versa if you like to stock up on frozen foods.

Some models have only a small freezer section on the top with one shelf inside. When buying, use the net capacity rather than the gross capacity as a guideline.

Twin Cooling Systems

Some models of fridge freezer have two compressors; this allows the fridge and freezer compartments have separate cooling systems, so if one part fails then the other section will continue to work.

This feature also ensures that the air between the two sections doesn’t mix, and humidity levels in the fridge are constant, so food remains fresher and the fridge freezer runs more efficiently.

Individual Compartments

Some fridge freezers have more food compartments than others. These can include pizza compartments in the freezer door, multiple salad and vegetable crispers, some of which are humidity controlled (meaning all foods stay at their best for longer), and also meat sections to keep foods separated, preventing cross-contamination.

Some fridge freezers contain chilled compartments to keep ready-made foods such as fish meals at a safe temperature. Others may contain chilled drinks and ice dispensers.

Bear in mind that more compartments may mean less shelf space, so you need to be sure of your needs when buying.

Energy Efficiency

Fridge freezers are graded from A to G for energy efficiency. A-rated appliances are the most energy efficient, and cost less to run, as well as being kinder to the environment. The highly energy efficient models don’t always cost more than the lower-rated ones, and will give the same performance.

You can find a many A-graded models on the market, including most of those featured on our Standard Fridge Freezers and Integrated Fridge Freezers pages.

Frost Free and Auto Defrost Fridge Freezers

Frost-free and auto-defrosting models are more convenient, saving you time and trouble. You won’t have to remove all the contents or run your supplies right down in order to defrost the appliance. The freezer won’t suffer from ice build up, and food packets won’t be covered in thick frost.

Background Noise of a Fridge Freezer

Fridge freezers all produce some background noise, such as a gentle hum. If you are looking for one that will be as quiet as possible, be sure to check the noise level (measured in dB) when choosing a model. The lower the number, the quieter the appliance will be.

Further Information

If you are interested in buying a fridge freezer online then visit our Where to Buy section, which includes details about some of the leading online suppliers and their postage and packing costs, delivery timescales, and returns and refunds policies.

You can find out more about the different brands and models available in our Brands and Top Models sections.

If you are not sure what fridge, fridge freezer, freezer or chiller is right for you, have a look at our Types section.