Fridge freezers have come far in recent times, and the cheapest models usually have the latest technology. Some come with useful settings like Party Mode, that lets you chill drinks more quickly.
Some doors are frost-free, so you don't need to fret. They also have reversible doors options that can be adapted to your kitchen layout.
Features
Refrigerator freezers are equipped with many features, and many of them can help make your food last longer and more convenient to store and locate. However, these extras could push up the price of your fridge as well as its running costs and it's worth weighing up if they're essential for you.
A model that is frost-free is a good choice, because it stops ice from accumulating in the freezer compartment. This can save you the hassle of manually defrosting it. It can also save you energy as it works more effectively than a standard model which means it can reduce your electricity bills.
You can also select a refrigerator that will sync with your smartphone through an app. This is useful for creating lists of shopping items, adding reminders and even downloading recipes. Some models use artificial light in the crisper drawers to mimic natural sunlight, which allows your produce to last longer and fresher.
Check for models that come with an alarm if you're prone to leaving your freezer or fridge open. They will sound an alarm when the temperature inside rises and help you detect problems before your food is damaged or your money is wasted. An alarm for opening doors can aid you in closing the door of your fridge or freezer if you forget to do so. This will help you save money and food.
Quick-freeze or fast-chill settings can also be useful to speed up the freezing and chilling of food items. If you are on the go after shopping, this can help to preserve the texture and quality of your food. You can also buy refrigerator freezers that come with a cold accumulation block and a drain spout that could be helpful in the event that there is a power outage or flooding.
You can choose from a range of finishes, including stainless steel or brushed chrome if you want something more elegant. They tend to be more expensive, but they will give your kitchen a sleek and modern appearance. If you prefer a more traditional style, there are also lots of fridge freezers in different colors, from sleek white to striking blue and red.
Size
There are a lot of things to think about when you're looking at buying a fridge freezer. Numerous factors will influence your decision, from the capacity and the type of fridge to the appearance. The most efficient fridge freezer will be the one that fits your requirements, and is the perfect size for your needs.
The first thing to consider is the space or capacity of the appliance. If you're planning on stocking up your fridge freezer with plenty of food, you should consider purchasing a model with the capacity to hold a lot of food. Most models come with a guide that shows you the amount of refrigerator and freezer space is available.
The energy efficiency of the new appliance is another factor to consider. Fridge-freezers are constantly on and use a lot of energy and therefore selecting a high-efficiency model is essential. Energy efficient fridge freezers typically be rated A or higher and are more economical to run.
Many models are built into a cabinet. This makes it difficult to find a fridge-freezer that matches your kitchen, so be sure you know the dimensions of your cabinet before you begin shopping for. Certain brands provide a variety of finishes and colours which can help you find the right match.
If you're looking for a frost-free fridge-freezer that isn't too expensive, this Beko model is a good option. It's got plenty of storage space as well as a salad crisper and a huge EasyAccess Shelf. It also has an BigBox freezer drawer that's perfect for large items and joints of meat. It's also the most affordable fridge freezer on this list that comes with a water dispenser.
If you're searching for a fridge-freezer that looks as good as it functions and is stylish, this Leibherr is the ideal option. It has doors that are so reflective, you can see yourself in them and a gorgeous ombre colour fade from black to gunmetal. It's elegant, but it also comes with features that help ensure that your food stays fresher longer like Multi Airflow cooling and a humidity zone.
Energy efficiency
When it comes down to fridges and freezers energy efficiency is the most important factor. A new model will reduce your costs, particularly when you replace an older model that is less efficient or freezer.
Manufacturers are making efforts to reduce energy usage by boosting insulation standards and creating high-efficiency compressors. Therefore, you can purchase cheap fridge freezers that use much less energy than the models they replaced. They'll also can save you money on electric bill too.
However, it's important to keep in mind that not all cheap fridge freezers are the same. Certain models have additional features that can make them more costly to operate. For example, some models are equipped with smart technology - like Beko's HarvestFresh which makes use of light to stimulate the process of photosynthesis to keep your vegetables and fruits fresher for longer, thereby saving you from having to buy more on your next shopping trip. Other features to consider include reversible doors, which allow you to change the direction that the door opens from left to right based on the space you have and also frost-free settings that prevent you from having to spend time (and money) to defrost your appliance.
Look over the new labels for energy efficiency, which came into force in 2021, if you're seeking a low-cost refrigerator freezer that is the most efficient possible energy efficiency. Gone are the days when appliances were rated in an unintelligible system that included numerous plus and plus signs (A +++). We now have a simple rating system ranging from A to G, which allows you to compare models and view their expected performance relative to their dimensions.
Choose a refrigerator or freezer that has an C or higher rating to ensure that it's as energy efficient as it can be, and you should consider paying more to buy one with an A rating when you can afford it. You should also check out the kWh figures on the energy label, which will tell you how much the fridge or freezer will typically use per year. This is a better method to compare models rather than the A-G classification because it takes into consideration how much space they have and their capacity.
Style
A budget-friendly fridge freezer can be a great solution to have extra space for freezing and chilling food items without spending a lot. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any kitchen. Choose from French door, side-byside, or the classic top freezer. They're usually the least expensive but they still offer plenty of storage space to ensure that you don't have food wastage with handy features such as adjustable door bins and water and ice dispensers that are externally mounted (although they need to be connected to the mains).
If you're looking for a fridge freezer that will blend in with your existing cabinets think about an integrated design. They're placed inside cabinets in the kitchen and are typically made for a standard model that's around 178cm high or 60cm wide. This may limit your selection of models, it is important to check the fridge freezer's dimensions before you purchase.
Refrigerator freezers with separate compartments for frozen and chilled food are perfect for those who wish to store more fresh foods. Fridge freezers that have the freezer at the bottom and the refrigerator on top are perfect for those who cook a variety of different meals. Larder refrigerators are a great option. They are taller and can be placed under a counter top or in an utility room. These huge capacity fridges don't need any floor space and come in a range of colors such as graphite, white, or stainless steel. If you prefer a smart fridge freezer that connects to apps and a digital display, check out our range of Samsung and LG appliances.
