Top Features to Look for When Buying a Fridge Freezer
When you’re purchasing a fridge freezer, choosing the right model can make a significant difference in terms of energy efficiency, food longevity and overall convenience in everyday life.
Yet, with so many models available on the market, each with its own list of features, understanding which will benefit you will help you to make an informed choice.
Here at Mullen Domestic, we’ve been trading in appliances, and more specifically, fridge freezers, for many years. Read on below for our guide on some of the top features to look out for when buying a fridge freezer.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to fridge freezers, energy efficiency not only help reduce your electricity bills but also minimise environmental impact.
Appliances are rated on a scale of A to G. A is the most energy efficient and G is the lowest. Look out for models with an A-rated energy efficiency label, or the highest rating available, to lower your energy consumption.
Most modern appliances will come with inverter compressors, which adjust the cooling power of the appliances based on usage, further improving efficiency.
Size and Capacity
Fridge freezers are available in various sizes to suit different household needs and requirements. When you’re selecting your fridge freezer, consider:
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The total storage capacity, measured in litres, to make sure that it meets your family’s needs.
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The split ratio, typically 70/30, 60/40 and 50/50 fridge-to-freezer ratios, depending on how much storage space you require.
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The dimensions, to ensure that the appliance fits properly in your kitchen space, still leaving space for adequate ventilation.
A good rule of thumb to consider when choosing the size of your fridge freezer is that bigger is always better! Choosing the largest fridge freezer that you can both afford and fit in your kitchen will ensure that you’ve got room for your groceries.
It’s also good to consider whether the fridge freezer you have in mind will fit through the front door and into your kitchen! Consider your existing space, and make sure that the doors will be able to open easily without bashing against anything or getting in the way of kitchen traffic.
Frost-Free Technology
Many fridge freezers also come with frost-free technology. This prevents ice-build up, saving you the hassle of having to manually defrost the appliance. This technology ensure even cooling and helps maintain a consistent temperature, preserving food quality for longer.
Smart Features
A smart fridge freezer will offer you enhanced convenience with features such as Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring, internal cameras to check contents while grocery shopping, and voice assistant capatilbility for hands-free control.
All of these features will help to streamline your kitchen management and help maintain ideal food storage conditions.
Adjustable Shelving and Storage Options
Flexible storage makes organising food easier. Adjustable shelves allow space for taller items, whereas door storage compartments are ideal for bottles, condiments and frequently used items you’ll want to grab quickly.
Additional compartments such as humidity-controlled crispers can help to keep fresh produce in optimal condition, and separate dairy compartments are ideal for cross-contamination.
Cooling and Temperature Control
Effective cooling is key to keeping food fresher for longer. Multi-airflow systems will evenly distribute cool air and maintain consistent temperatures inside the appliance, while dual cooling controls the fridge and the freezer independently with separate evaporators and precise temperature control.
Many fridge freezers often offer a fast freeze function, perfect for quickly lowering the freezer temperature when you have just added some food. This feature helps to lock in nutrients.
Noise Level
All fridge freezers will have varying noise levels. Paying attention to this number will be beneficial, especially if you have an open-plan kitchen.
Look out for models with lower decibel ratings, typically under 40dB, for minimal noise disruption.
Water and Ice Dispensers
If you’re looking for added convenience with your fridge freezer, built-in water and ice dispensers are a great choice. Bare in mind, a plumbed-in model requires a water connection for a continuous supply of water, yet non-plumbed models have refillable water tanks, making them easier to install and suitable for most kitchen configurations.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for the manufacturer’s warranty and customer service reputation. At the end of the day, a fridge freezer is a fair investment, so knowing your warranty period is great for peace of mind, knowing that should something happen to your appliance, you’ll be covered.
Should You Buy An American Fridge Freezer?
American fridge freezers are increasingly popular, yet can often be confused with French door fridge freezer! Both feature centre-parting doors, but an American fridge freezer will have a different configuration for the freezer compartment.
Standard French door fridge freezers have the fridge section directly above the freezer section, whereas the fridge section is side-by-side with the freezer section in an American fridge freezer.
If you’re considering buying an American fridge freezer, make sure to consider the usual things; do you have enough space for the two doors two open?
Choosing the right fridge freezer involves balancing various factors, but by keeping in mind your needs and requirements, you can find the perfect model that help make daily family life that bit easier. Whether you’re on the look out for a compact model for a small household or a spacious appliance that’ll serve a large family, prioritising the key features will help you make the right investment.
Should you need a little more advice on which fridge freezer is right for you, speak to our team today. With over 30 years of sales and service experience, we’ve grown a reputation for quality products and knowledgeable service, so we’ll work with you to find the right appliance for your needs and requirements.