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Fridge Freezer Buying Guide
Looking for your first fridge freezer? Or maybe you need a replacement? Either way, there are a lot of things to consider when shelling out for a brand-new fridge freezer. From size, split type and features, our guide will help you choose your new appliance.
Things to know
Energy rating
When buying a new fridge freezer, energy efficiency might not be the most exciting feature on your list, but it’s certainly one of the most important. The energy rating runs from A to G with A being the most efficient, so look out for fridge freezers near the top of the scale.
Warranty
Of course, you’d expect your brand-new fridge freezer to last for many years to come, but occasionally things can go wrong. Most models come with a warranty length of 1 or 2 years, and some also cover the motor for up to 20 years. To find out what kind of warranty your fridge freezer has, just head to the product specification on our product pages.
Number of shelves
A fridge without shelves is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The average number of shelves in a fridge freezer is 4, but some also have flexible ones that can be removed or rearranged to make room for larger items. So, whether you’re throwing a kids’ birthday party or just want to eat more fresh food, you’ll have the space to store it just the way you like.
Total capacity
The total capacity for fridge freezers ranges from 71-litres to 655-litres. And you’ll be glad to know we’ve worked out roughly how many shopping bags fit in each, so you don’t have to. We’ve popped it on every product page to make it really handy. Whether you’re looking for a compact undercounter model or a standard size, it’ll be a doddle to choose one that suits how you shop.
Split type
The split type refers to how much space you have in the fridge and freezer compartments. A 70/30 split is great if you love fresh food, since it has a large fridge compartment and a smaller freezer underneath. 60/40 has a slightly bigger fridge but still has plenty of space for frozen as well. And a 50/50 split is perfect if you often have equal amounts of fresh and frozen food. If you’re replacing a like-for-like integrated fridge freezer, make sure you get the same split type, so it matches your cabinets.
Fit types
You can choose a fridge freezer that's either freestanding or integrated. A freestanding model can be placed pretty much anywhere in your kitchen and be taken with you when you move. Or, you can go for an integrated model that sits behind a cupboard door for a more modern look. So, if the rest of your appliances are built-in, an integrated fridge freezer keeps everything sleek and streamlined.
Door hinge
If you buy an integrated model, you’ll be given all the bits you need to attach the cupboard door. There are two types of hinges for integrated fridge freezers – sliding, and fixed. This video will tell you all you need to know. Lots of models come with reversible doors as well, which makes it easier to place them where you want in the kitchen.
Dimensions
Fridge freezers are measured in height, depth and width – you’ll find this information on the product page. For integrated models, it’s especially important to make sure it fits into the housing unit, and that the split is the same as your previous model, otherwise it won’t fit.
Key Features
Keep food fresh
Storing your groceries is as simple as popping them in the fridge and closing the door, right? Not always - food can be fussy. But thankfully, there are plenty of appliances that are kitted out with clever tech that gives everything from your cheese to your peas the perfect environment for staying fresh.
Flexible space
Whether you’re prepping for a party or stocking up on veggies, you want to keep those tasty ingredients organised. A fridge or freezer with flexible space makes storing your meats and treats extra easy. From adjustable shelves to zones that can switch from a fridge to a freezer, these appliances can be customised to your every need.
Smart-connected
With a smart-connected fridge or freezer, keeping on top of your groceries is easy. From built-in cameras to remote temperature control, you get everything you need for simple storage right in the palm of your hand.
Frost-reduction
Tired of wasting your weekends scraping out icy build-ups? We’ve all been there. Luckily, there are plenty of top-notch models out there that do the hard work for you– by preventing the problem in the first place! That’s exactly what frost reduction is all about, so you can actually enjoy your Saturdays.
Dispenser
Turn your fridge freezer into a hydration station with an in-built water dispenser. Whether it’s a glass to keep you going after a run or you’re trying to avoid fizzy drinks, just press the button or lever and you’ll be feeling refreshed before you know it. Plus, it doesn’t matter if it’s plumbed or not, you won’t have to worry about lukewarm beverages thanks to the clever cooling tech that keeps water chilled.
Quick freezing
If you're stocking up on frozen food, you want the big shop to last as long as possible. That's where quick freeze comes in. It quickly decreases the temperature to freeze your groceries and lock in their flavour. So, if you love making smoothies or cooking with veggies, quick freeze, keeps everything in great shape.
Holiday mode
Why waste money cooling empty space while you’re soaking up the sun? Whether it’s an impromptu weekend break or a well-deserved week abroad, these fridge freezers have an energy-saving holiday setting for when you’re away. This clever feature uses less energy and can even switch off sections entirely when they’re not in use – that’s one less thing to worry about as you take in the sights.
Easy clean
If your fridge or freezer is giving off unwanted smells, or you just don’t like lingering nasties, a model with easy clean tech is for you. From catching leaks and spills to anti-fingerprint coatings, these appliances are kitted out with a heap of nifty features that help keep them spotless. So put that scrubber away, all you need here is a cloth and a quick wipe.
Convertible space
Short on fridge space but there’s tons of room in the freezer? Thankfully these fridge freezers free up storage by offering convertible space. By switching unused freezer room to fridge space or vice versa, you can rest assured you’ll always have somewhere to chill your greens and keep the ice cream.
Energy efficient
Looking to make some savings on your utility bills? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re off on your hols or stocking up the freezer, these features keep your food and your bank balance happy. With plenty of options to choose from, we've broken down some handy information to help get you started
Large interior drawer
If you’re stocking up for a Sunday roast or need some extra room for your weekly shop, go for a model with a large interior drawer. These keep everything from bags of potatoes to punnets of strawberries neatly organised and safe from being squashed. Now, getting at your ingredients won’t feel like a game of Jenga – sounds good to us.
Drinks door
Whenever you open the fridge door, you’re letting cold air out. You live in a busy household, everyone grabbing a quick drink will mean the door is open pretty often.. These fridge freezers have a special door designed to let you grab something quickly without wasting energy.
Antibacterial
Your fridge freezer works hard to keep everything fresh and antibacterial tech helps it work even harder (so you don’t have to). There are bags of nifty features that help your greens last longer, hold onto their nutrients, and even stop nasty smells from invading your fridge.
Suitable for garages
Whether your fridge freezer doesn’t fit your kitchen’s aesthetic, or you just don’t have the room, more and more people are moving their cooling appliances to their garages. The only problem? Not all units are designed to work in such cold conditions. Thankfully, these clever models keep their chill and function fine, even in temperatures as low as -15°C.
Super quiet
Ever settled in for some TV time on the couch and noticed your fridge humming a little tune to itself? These super quiet models have some really clever tech to put a stop to that and let you enjoy your evening in peace. That means no more distractions when you’re trying to catch up on the latest hit series. Result.
Power cut failsafe
So, you’ve just put the food shop away and the power cuts out. We know, nightmare. Thankfully, some brands kit out their appliances with a nifty fail safe feature. This keeps your food in tip-top shape for up to around 20 hours – just double check the model you’re looking at for the exact duration.
Measure, delivery & services
Features we love
Fridge Freezer Food Management
Reduce food waste and make sure you always have milk for that much needed cup of tea.
Latest Fridge Freezer tech
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Fridge Freezer Food Preservation
Help reduce the amount of food you throw away and the chance of odours filling the fridge
Fridge freezers with hygiene technology
Learn how clever hygiene tech can keep your fridge clean and your food tasting its best
FAQs
- What is an integrated fridge freezer?
An integrated fridge freezer sits nice and neatly behind your cupboard door for a modern, sleek finish.
- What is a freestanding fridge freezer?
Freestanding fridge freezers are your classic cooling appliances that you can put anywhere in your kitchen. Plus, because they’re not built-in, you can take it with if you ever move house.
- How do I know when it's time for a new fridge freezer?
Usually this will become clear when your food starts going off quicker or if the temperature in your fridge isn’t very cold.
- What is the standard size of a fridge freezer?
Integrated fridge freezers tend to be a standard size so that they can fit behind your cupboard doors. Freestanding models can vary depending on the height and width, and retro models tend to be chunkier. You can find all product dimensions on our product pages and more information in our measurement guide.
- How do I know what size fridge and freezer compartments I need?
It all depends on the type of food you like to buy. If you prefer having a fridge full of fresh food, then choose a model with a bigger fridge compartment. On the other hand, if you like to stock up on all those frozen treats, then go for a fridge freezer with a larger freezer compartment.
- What is a 60/40 fridge freezer?
A fridge freezer with a 60/40 split has a bigger fridge compartment than it does a freezer compartment.
- Do all fridge freezers with ice and water dispensers need plumbing in?
Some models will need plumbing in, but you’ll also find plenty that don’t.
- What is a frost-free fridge freezer?
A frost-free fridge freezer uses a fan at the back to stop icy build-ups in your freezer compartment. So you’ll no longer have to chip away at any ice in your freezer.
- How much space do I need to leave around a fridge freezer?
Some manufacturers recommend leaving about 2-5 centimetres of space around your fridge, so they work as efficiently as possible.
- What is a metal backed fridge freezer?
Essentially the back panel on the appliance is made of metal. This is a safety feature that stops your fridge freezer from potentially setting on fire – we only sell metal backed appliances.
- How do I know which hinge I need on my integrated fridge?
If you don’t currently have a built-in model, then it’s whatever your kitchen fitter recommends. If you do, then when you open the door, you’ll be able to tell if it’s a sliding or fixed hinge.
- What is a twin thermostat fridge freezer?
A fridge freezer with a twin thermostat means it has a thermostat for both the fridge and freezer compartments instead of just one for both. This gives you more control of the temperatures in each space and it means you can turn one compartment off without turning off both.
- What is holiday mode on a fridge freezer?
The holiday setting when chosen will lower the temperature so that your fridge freezer uses less energy. This is ideal for when you’ll be away from home and want to benefit from a lower energy bill. It’s handy to know that you can only use this setting when your fridge is empty.
- What is fresh food technology?
Food fresh technology is all about making sure the food in your fridge and freezer tastes great for as long as possible. Features such as adjustable cooling zones, fresh air circulation or Bosch’s VitaFresh are all types of fresh food tech that keep your food at its tastiest for as long as possible.
- Can I keep a fridge freezer in my garage?
No, unless you have heating in the garage to stop the temperature dropping below 10 degrees. Or choose a fridge freezer with freezer guard tech, which keeps your freezer at the right temperature no matter the conditions.
- Will you install my fridge freezer for me?
As part of our Connection service, we’ll install your new fridge freezer.
- Will you take away my old fridge freezer?
As part of our Remove & Recycle service, we’ll take away your old appliance and recycle it responsibly for you.
- Where to buy a fridge freezer?
Click here to view our range of fridge freezers to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Discover a dazzling range of cool features such as WiFi connectivity, chilled water dispensers, and even a built-in camera so that you can view inside the fridge from your smartphone. Now, who used up the last of the milk?!
- How much is a fridge freezer?
Fridge freezers differ quite dramatically in price range, from a budget-friendly £187 to £2,399 at the more premium end of the scale. Remember, we offer a Price Match Promise, so if you find the same model cheaper somewhere else, let us know and we'll match it! Click here to explore your options.
- How much is an integrated fridge freezer?
Integrated or built-in fridge freezers sit snugly behind your cupboard door for a sleek, modern look, therefore they can require a higher budget than freestanding models. Our range goes from £299-£4,999. Click here to shop.
- Why is the freezer on top of the refrigerator?
A top freezer is more traditional and also tends to be the cheaper and more energy-efficient fridge freezer option. However, many models have the freezer on the bottom, depending on the design.
