Post on 18-Jun-2020
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The Ultimate Guide To Buying a Fridge Freezer
BUYERS GUIDES
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
www.euronics.co.uk2
Contents:
3 Who are Euronics?
4 Introduction
5 Types of Fridge Freezer
10 Size and Capacity
13 Compartments and Storage
17 Features to Keep Food Fresh
19 Water and Ice Dispensers
21 EnergyEfficiency
25 Noise Levels
27 Other Features
30 Where to Put Your Fridge Freezer
33 Fridge Freezer Prices
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
www.euronics.co.uk3
Who are Euronics?We are a community of independent electrical stores, working together
to provide better prices and service for customers.
The Euronics brand operates in 30 countries across Europe, with 11,000 shops and branches. In the UK, stores can be found on high streets the length and breadth of the land. Many of these are family businesses that have been around for generations.
With local shops delivering goods, instead of a central warehouse, you can expect a more personal service than you might get from other electrical or home stores.
Delivery is free when you order online from www.euronics.co.uk, no matter how much you spend.
Fridge freezers are just one of the electrical appliances our experts can help you with. Read the guide and let us know what you think on
Facebook or Twitter.
www.facebook.com/EuronicsUK www.twitter.com/Euronics_UK
Euronics Limited, Euro House, Joule Road, West Portway, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3GD
Find your local store:www.euronics.co.uk/service-support/store-finder
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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IntroductionModern fridge freezers are so much more
than somewhere to store food. Some
models offer extra functionality, like those
with ice and water dispensers. Then there
are American-style designs which are simply
stunning – perfect for adding a focal point
to your kitchen. Or maybe you’re interested
in a simple, space-saving model?
Discover everything you could ever wish
to know about fridge freezers here, from
information on sizes and styles, to energy
efficiencyandhigh-techfeatures.Our
handy guide explains all the jargon to help
you choose the best model for you.
Read on to find out more.
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Choosing the right fridge freezer for your home is an important decision, but which type should you go for? Different models differ in their storage capacity, size, price and features. By choosing an overallstylefirst,youcannarrowdownyouroptionsand make buying the perfect appliance easy.
Here we explain all the common types of fridge freezer, from regular top and bottom models to American style and integrated units.
Types of Fridge Freezer
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Freestanding Fridge FreezersFreestanding fridge freezers are the most popular type, as well as being the cheapest and easiest to install. They consist of a top fridge unit and bottom freezer unit, although you can find models where these are the other way around.
Typically they have a 200-300 litre
capacity which is spread out over three
or four fridge shelves, two or three
freezer drawers and door storage.
It’s worth noting that American-style models
are also technically freestanding as they’re
not built into your kitchen units. But the
term ‘freestanding’ is usually reserved
for regular top and bottom models.
AdvantagesPrice wise, this style is cheaper than American
models and much easier than integrated
styles to install. Your electricity bills will be
Freestanding models typically have a 200-300 litre capacity, spread out over shelves, drawers and door storage.
lower than with other types too, and you
can easily take the unit with you if you move
house–somethingthat’smoredifficulttodo
with integrated or American style models.
Every brand has numerous models on offer,
with a range of colours, sizes and prices to
choose from. You can also choose the ratio of
fridge to freezer space, depending on whether
you need to store more fresh or frozen food.
DisadvantagesThe biggest disadvantage of this style
is that the lower priced models can be
a bit basic in design. You’re less likely
to get handy features like frost-free
technology and fast-chill functions unless
you go for a more expensive model.
Controls can also be basic, with simple
displays and manual thermostat dials.
Freestanding models have much less storage
space than American style models too.
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Standard SizesFreestanding fridge freezers have a standard size of 55-65 cm width, 180-190 cm height and 60-65 cm depth.
Slightly shallower or taller models are
availableifyouhavelimitedfloorspace
or want that extra bit more storage.
Youcanevenfindtheoccasionalundercounter
modelthatwillfitunderyourkitchenworktops.
Integrated Fridge FreezersIntegrated or built-in fridge freezers are
similar to freestanding models but designed
to be hidden by kitchen cupboards, giving a
streamlined and modern look to your kitchen.
AdvantagesThis fridge freezer style lets you maintain
the look and feel of your kitchen. If you’ve
recently had your kitchen redecorated
you don’t have to worry about this style
ruining the aesthetics. They can also be
slimmer and more compact than standard
models, so won’t stick out as much.
Disadvantages
The variety of integrated models available is
much smaller than freestanding versions, and
they’re also more expensive. Installation can
befiddly,soyou’llprobablywanttoaskthe
retailer or someone handy to install it for you.
Integrated fridge freezers can be slimmer and more compact than standard models.
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Door StylesNot many people know that there are two different styles of door fitting for integrated designs: fixed/door-on-door or sliding door.
It’s important to pick the right style for your
home as once attached, they can’t be switched.
• Afixed/door-on-doorfittingis
where the kitchen cabinet door is
attached to the fridge door.
• Withaslidingdoor,arailisfittedalongthe
inside of the cabinet door, which the fridge
door then slots in to. As the outside door
opens, the fridge door slides along the rail.
SizesIntegrated models are usually designed
tofitinsideastandard60cmwide
cupboard. They have a standard depth of
60-65cmandaretypically178cmtall.
American Style Fridge FreezersAmerican style fridge freezers have grown
in popularity due to their increased storage
capacityandsleekmodernfinish.Theyare
sometimes known as side-by-side models
as they are usually split vertically, with one
side being the fridge and the other the
freezer. Other options are available though,
such as having French doors covering
two fridge sections and two large freezer
drawers below, or even a four door unit with
individual fridge and freezer sections.
This style, depending on its size, has a
capacityofbetween300-600litres,usually
spread out over three or four fridge shelves,
three freezer drawers and door shelves.
American style fridge freezers have grown in popularity due to their increased storage capacity and sleek modern finish.
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AdvantagesThe biggest advantage of this style is that they
have a much larger capacity and can hold more
fresh and frozen food than other types. They
come with a host of useful features such as
frost-free freezer technology, digital displays,
open door warnings and chiller cabinets.
Water and ice dispensers are usually included
too, meaning ice cold drinks all year round.
Often in sleek silver, modern American
fridge freezers make a real statement in your
kitchen. Inside are numerous adjustable
shelves and racks so all your food produce
can be accommodated, no matter its
size. Handy door racks are ideal places
for bottles or jugs, while covered door
compartments will keep dairy produce cold
even when you have the door open.
DisadvantagesDue to their increased size and features, this
style can be a bit pricier than conventional
models. They also take up a lot of space
and can become the dominating feature of
your kitchen. If you haven’t measured up
your doorways accurately, you might have
difficultiesgettingitinsidethehouse.
These models aren’t quite as environmentally
friendly,soyoumayfindyoureceiveaslightly
more expensive electricity bill after buying
one. If you go for a model with a plumbed-
in water dispenser, you may also need help
when installing it, which can add extra cost.
Thewaterdispenserwillneeditsfilters
changingroughlyevery6months.
Replacements can range in cost
from £20 to over £90, so it’s worth
checking prices before you invest.
Often in sleek silver, modern American fridge freezers make a real statement in your kitchen.
Varying SizesAmerican fridge freezers are a lot bigger than
standard models. They can be more than 90
cminwidthandareusually70cmindepth.You
alsoneedtofactorinanextra5cmaroundthe
sides and back to give air room to circulate,
so it’s really important to accurately measure
up the area where you want to put it. Height
wise,thistypeisgenerally175-180cmtall.
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Whenbuyingafridgefreezer,thefirstthingtodecide is how big you want it to be. Physical size is related to how much space you have in your kitchen or garage, and capacity can vary depending on the size of your family and how much fresh vs frozen food you generally consume.
This section explains everything from gross and net capacities, to door splits and external dimensions.
Fridge Freezers Large and Small
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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DoorSplits:70/30,60/40and50/50Fridge freezers are split into two separate compartments, and you can choose what split proportions you need depending on your food usage.
If your family eats mostly fresh groceries, a
70/30modelwillgiveyouplentyoffridge
storage. If buying in bulk or cooking batches
of food for later is more your style, then a
60/40modelorevena50/50stylewillgive
you that extra freezer space. With some
styles you can also choose to have four
freezer drawers instead of the typical three.
Bear in mind that the split only refers to the
door size, not the internal capacity of each
compartment. Capacities in litres are a more
accurate guide, but split ratios are a quick
and easy way of telling how much space for
different types of food you can expect.
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Fridge Freezer CapacitiesHow much internal space each compartment has is usually stated in the specification, so you can directly compare one model with another.
These capacities are given in litres,
but make sure you’re comparing like
with like, as you’ll often see capacities
given in net and gross formats.
Gross volume is the total space inside
the compartment, whereas net capacity
is the usable space – after you take
into account what’s taken up by the
shelves, condenser and so on.
How much you can actually store also
depends on the number of shelves or
drawers in each section – you would never
completelyfillthecompartments.
Standard fridge freezers usually have a total
capacity of between 200-300 litres, but larger
American-stylemodelscanstoreupto500-
600litres.Asageneralrule,modelswith
larger external dimensions have larger internal
capacities, but it isn’t always the case!
If you have particularly narrow stairs, hallways or door frames, you may struggle to fit in a large fridge freezer. It’s worth measuring these against the model you’re thinking of buying.
External DimensionsWhatever capacity you decide on, it’s crucial to order a fridge freezer with the correct dimensions for your kitchen.
Remember that you’ll need extra space
around the sides and back to allow for
airtocirculate.Asarule,allow5cm
round the back and 2 cm at the sides to
make sure your unit doesn’t overheat.
If you have particularly narrow stairs, hallways
ordoorframes,youmaystruggletofitina
large fridge freezer. It’s worth measuring these
against the model you’re thinking of buying.
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When you’re on the lookout for a new fridge freezer, you need to take into account your family’s food storageneeds.Wouldyoubenefitfrommultiplesalad compartments to store extra fruit and vegetables? Or maybe you’d love an integrated bottle rack for your favourite beverages?
If you need a fridge freezer with a particular type of storage, you’ve come to the right place.
Storage Options
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Fridge Compartment StorageModern fridge freezers don’t stop with simple flat shelves in the fridge. You’ll often find an array of useful sections and compartments.
ShelvesMany fridge freezers offer adjustable
shelves, so you can tailor the space to
suit your weekly shop. Most models have
betweentwoandfiveshelves,allowing
you to select a unit to complement the
amount of food you’d like to store.
Fridge shelves are often made of safety glass
these days, so you get a clear view of your
food. These are often spill proof too, making
sure any spills don’t drip further down in the
fridge.Youmayalsofindmodelswithhalf
widthshelvesforevenmoreflexibility.
Many fridge freezers offer adjustable shelves, so you can tailor the space to suit your weekly shop.
Bottle RacksIf you’re a wine lover or simply like to store
large bottles of pop, look for a model with
an integrated bottle rack. These allow you to
storebottlesflat,whichismoreefficientand,if
you’re storing wine, stops the cork drying out.
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Salad CrispersMost standard fridge freezers have a salad
crisper or bin. This is a plastic drawer or
compartment that’s specially designed to keep
fruit and vegetables fresh as long as possible.
Some models offer an additional bin so
you can separate your fruit from your veg.
With the most high-tech versions, you
can even adjust the humidity in the salad
crisper to suit the food you’re storing.
Door StorageIf all this storage space isn’t enough, the
majority of fridge compartments have
door shelves for storing smaller items such
as cheese and eggs, as well as bottles
in an upright position. Eggs often have
their own rack, while some models also
have covered sections in the door to keep
food cold when the door is opened.
Chiller CompartmentsAnother feature to look for is a chiller
compartment. This is similar to a salad
crisper, but designed to keep meat and
fishjustabovefreezingpoint.Thiskeeps
it healthy and delicious for longer.
With the most high-tech versions, you can even adjust the humidity in the salad crisper to suit the food you’re storing.
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Freezer Section SpaceMost freezer compartments have up to three freezer drawers, with some larger models offering four, or even more.
If you like to stock up on frozen goods
or freeze your leftovers to eat at a later
date, you’ll want a fridge freezer with
an ample frozen compartment.
Look out for a model with integrated ice storage if you’re keen on cool drinks in the summer.
If you go for a side by side American
style model, there’s usually even
more space available, with the freezer
section often being equipped with a
combination of drawers and shelves.
Look out for a model with integrated ice
storage if you’re keen on cool drinks in the
summer. This often comes in the form of
a shallow tray at the top of the freezer.
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We spend a fair amount of money on the food we love, so keeping it fresh for as long as possible is really important. Luckily, many fridge freezer manufacturers have developed special technology to store your food in the perfect conditions, preservingflavoursandnutrientsforlonger.
We cover these food freshness features here.
Food Freshness Features
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Quick Chill Option Many fridge freezer manufacturers have created a handy quick chill function.
This allows you to quickly cool fresh food to
thecorrecttemperatureattheflickofaswitch.
The temperature of the fridge compartment
is lowered temporarily, helping food to retain
nutrientsandflavour,aswellaspreserving
maximum freshness. This feature is particularly
useful when you’ve just done your weekly shop.
Fast Freeze FunctionThe fast freeze function works in a similar way to quick-chill, but freezes fresh food quickly rather than simply chilling it.
This means your food will be as fresh
as possible when you get around
to defrosting it, as the vitamins and
taste will have been locked in.
The texture of foods such as bread is
retained more if frozen at a quicker rate,
so you can stock up on essentials knowing
they will still taste great when defrosted.
Flexible Temperature ZonesSome brands such as Blomberg have developed fridge freezer models with a special super fresh zone, which keeps food between 0 and 3°C and the humidity at just the right level.
Thismeansyourmeat,fish,fruitandvegetables
willretaintaste,flavourandgoodnessup
to twice as long as in an ordinary fridge.
Air Flow CoolingSome fridge freezer models are equipped with advanced air flow cooling technology.
Vents in both the fridge and freezer
compartments distribute air throughout
the cavities to maintain the correct
temperature. This technology helps restore
interior temperature as quickly as possible
when the door has been opened.
Antibacterial SealsAntibacterial seals prevent bacteria from forming and entering the appliance, to keep your fridge freezer hygienic and your food fresher for longer.
Special compartments like chiller drawers
and salad crispers also do their part in
preserving your food. Take a look at our
storage options section for more information.
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Some fridge freezers come equipped with handy water and ice dispensers. These let you enjoypure,filteredwaterquicklyandeasilywithout queueing at the sink, and provide much needed refreshment on a hot summer’s day.
While not a necessity, these dispensers can be a useful extra feature. In this section we look at the pros and cons of plumbed and non-plumbed versions so you can make an informed choice.
Water Dispensers
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PriceAs with all things, the more bells and whistles an appliance has, the higher the price tag tends to be.
Water and ice dispensers are usually
installed in more premium models. If
you’re after a more basic design, it’s
unlikelyyou’llfindonewiththisfeature.
StyleThe classic top and bottom fridge freezer layout rarely features a dispenser, although there are some models around.
This feature appears much more frequently
on American, side by side versions. As such,
you’ll need to take into account the extra size
the appliance will take up in your kitchen –
American style designs are typically wider than
traditional models.
BenefitsofFilteringWater dispenser fridge freezers are really convenient, and one of the most significant benefits is that they filter your water.
Drinkingfilteredwaterhelpsstopyou
consuming contaminants, such as lead, that
may exist in tap water. They can also remove
chemicals like pesticides and chlorine,
which can affect the taste and smell.
Plumbed vs. Non-PlumbedMost models that feature water dispensers have to be plumbed in – i.e. hooked up to your water supply.
While this means you get an unlimited supply
offreshlyfilteredwater,availableatthe
push of a button, there is a little more hassle
involved in the installation of the appliance.
You may also need a professional plumber to
install it, as it’s not a simple process, though
most models come with an installation kit and
instructions if you feel up to the task. You will
also need a plumber if you want to position
the appliance away from existing pipework.
If all this sounds like too much bother, choose
a non-plumbed fridge freezer. This gives you
complete freedom as to where you can position
it, as long as you can plug it into the electricity,
and is much quicker and simpler to install.
However,youdohavetokeeprefilling
the container inside the appliance with
a non-plumbed version, and on a hot
day you’ll have to wait for the water to
become chilled after doing this.
After the initial installation process,
plumbed water dispensers are much
more convenient than non-plumbed,
butbothcanprovidechilled,filtered
and tasty water when you need it.
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If you have a particularly old fridge freezer, over 10 years old for instance, investing in a newer model with modern features couldimproveenergyefficiencybyupto25%.Thatmeansyou’llsavemoneylongterm in running costs, and you’ll also have less of an impact on the environment.
Here are a few things to bear in mind if you’re lookingtobuyanew,efficientfridgefreezer.
EnergyEfficiency
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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EnergyEfficiencyRatingThe first, and perhaps most obvious way of seeing how efficient a fridge freezer is, is to check its energy efficiency rating. The scale ranges from A+++ to G, with A+++ currently being the best.
These ratings are calculated by
comparing the energy consumption
with the size of the appliance, which
givesanindicationofefficiency.
Since 2012, new fridge freezers have
to be at least A+ rated, as part of
governmental measures to try to reduce
emissions. However, shops may still sell
A and B models as they clear stock.
If you’ve had your fridge freezer for a number
of years, there could be a big difference
betweentheefficiencyofyourcurrent
model and newer versions. Before 1999,
the best rating was A, so older models
cost more to run than newer ones.
It’s worth noting that there are lots of other
factorsthatcanaffecttheefficiencyofyour
fridge freezer. In some cases, a model with
ahigherefficiencyratingmaycostmoreto
run than a lower rated model. However, the
energyefficiencyratingisagreatstarting
point to help you compare different models.
Bigger appliances typically cost more to run than smaller ones.
Appliance SizeBigger appliances typically cost more to run than smaller ones, as there is more space to keep cool. This means an A+++ rated large fridge freezer could cost more to run than a smaller, A+ rated model.
It’s worth considering how large your
fridge freezer really needs to be and
making sure you’re getting the most
efficientuseoutofthespace.
It’salsomoreefficienttokeepyourfridge
freezer full. The more food you keep
inside, the less air there is that has to be
cooled again whenever the door is opened.
However, if you keep it too full, air struggles
to circulate and the appliance has to
work harder to maintain the temperature.
It’simportanttofindabalance.
Holiday ModeHoliday modes are a great way of saving energy in your fridge freezer when you’re out of the house for a long period of time.
They work by keeping your appliance in a
low-powered state. As you won’t be there
to open the door and let warm air in, there’s
no need to use as much energy keeping
it cool. Your fridge will generally be much
emptier while you’re away as well.
Different appliances run holiday mode at
different temperatures, but often they are
slightly warmer than when running normally.
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Obviously, the cheapest and most economical
thing to do with your appliance when you’re
away is to unplug it completely. However, this
is only viable if you’ve managed to completely
empty all the food out before you leave.
Auto DefrostCondensation has a tendency to build up at the back of a fridge and on occasions this can turn to ice.
Havingabuild-upoficecansignificantly
affect how well the appliance works. It can
also affect how well preserved your food
is, affecting taste, texture, nutrients and
even whether the food is safe to eat.
Auto defrost negates this risk by melting any
ice that forms around the cooling element, the
area where ice is most likely to form, ensuring
yourappliancerunsatmaximumefficiency.
This is a common feature on modern
fridge freezers, but it’s worth double
checking that your new appliance has it.
Frost FreeSimilar in purpose to the auto defrost feature, frost free prevents ice forming inside your freezer.
Again,thisicecanaffecthowefficiently
the appliance works. Ice can also take up
precious room in the freezer, reducing the
amount of produce you can pack in.
Frost free freezers work by circulating dry
air throughout the freezer using a fan,
stopping the ice crystals forming without
affecting the internal temperature.
Frost free freezers work by circulating dry air throughout the freezer using a fan.
Tips and Advice to ImproveEfficiencyBuying a fridge freezer that ticks all your efficiency boxes doesn’t mean you can’t give it helping hand.
As the user, here are a few things
you can do that will improve how
efficientlyyourapplianceruns:
• Optimum Temperature. Don’t over chill
and make the fridge freezer work harder
thanithasto.Around-18°Cforthe
freezerand4°Cforthefridgeisideal,
keeping all your food perfectly preserved
and healthy, without wasting energy.
• Avoid putting warm food in the freezer. Just
cooked a delicious meal and want to freeze
ittoenjoylaterintheweek?Letitcoolfirst,
as putting warm (or hot) food in a fridge
freezer will raise the internal temperature
and make the appliance work harder.
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• Shut the door. A fairly obvious one, but it
can be very easy to forget to shut the fridge
or freezer door, allowing warm air to get
in. Helpfully, there are models available
that sound an alarm when the door’s left
open too long, reminding you to shut it.
• Leave a gap. Leaving a few centimetres
between the back of your fridge freezer
and the wall helps air circulation,
helpingitrunmoreefficiently.
• Maintain your appliance. If you don’t
have the Auto Defrost and Frost Free
features on your new appliance, you’ll
need to spend some time making sure ice
doesn’t develop in the fridge and regularly
defrosting the freezer. You also need to
keep the seals around the door clean
and in good condition – you don’t want
cold air escaping or warm air getting in.
Worth the Cost?So you’ve invested in an economical fridge
freezer and made sure you‘ve optimised
theappliancetorunasefficientlyas
possible. What can you expect to pay
if you run the appliance for a year?
Runningcostsvarysignificantlydepending
on the features you have and the energy
efficiencyrating,butbuyingamore
expensive appliance could work out cheaper
inthelongrunifit’smoreefficient.
Themostefficient,newfridgefreezers
costaround£25eachyeartorun,while
the worst can be in the £90 region. That’s
apotentialsavingof£65,everyyear.
Leaving a few centimetres between the back of your fridge freezerand the wall helps it run more efficiently.
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If you’d like a peaceful home, choosing a quiet model of fridge freezer is a good place to start. These appliances are running all the time, and the last thing you want is to be able to hear the compressor clicking on and off at night.
Completely silent fridge freezers don’t really exist yet,butyoucanfindmodelsthatareveryquiet.Below, we highlight some of the common sounds these appliances make and why they occur, to help you pick the right model for your home.
Noise Levels
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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What Sounds to Expect
Most fridge freezers emit a continuous noise, usually described as a humming sound. This comes from the compressor running, which circulates coolant around the appliance.
In older models, you’ll occasionally hear a noise
as the compressor turns on and off. However,
some newer fridge freezers have a compressor
that can work at different rates to suit the
required temperature. Designed to make the
appliancesmoreefficientbyusinglessenergy,
these models are often quieter as well.
Aside from humming, fridge freezers can
make other normal running noises, such as
cracking, ticking, creaking and groaning.
This is often caused by panels inside the
appliance expanding and contracting
due to changes in temperature.
Noises can also be caused by certain
features of the appliance. For instance,
some Beko fridge freezers have a defrost
timer that clicks when it’s coming on.
Noisy or Quiet?What’s quiet to some may be noisy to others, so to help compare models more objectively, it can be useful to look at the noise level on the specification. These are given in decibels (dB).
The normal noise range for modern fridge
freezersis32-47dB.Anythingquieterthan
40dBisconsideredtobeaquietmodel,
especially as this is the noise level for libraries!
Occasionally, the stated sound level may be
higher or lower than the reality. This could
be because the appliance is working harder
to keep everything cool, in which case
improvingitsefficiencycouldhelp.Similarly,
iftheapplianceisrunningveryefficiently,it
may be quieter than stated. In either case,
the difference in sound is usually only a few
decibels, so you’re unlikely to notice it.
Helpful SoundsSome models have a useful acoustic alarm that sounds should the door be left open too long.
This serves as a handy reminder to shut
the door and is often loud enough to
hear in another room – making sure your
food stays frozen and good to eat.
Other models have an alarm if the
internal temperature gets too high.
What’s quiet to some may be noisy to others, so to help compare models more objectively, it can be useful to look at the noise level on the specification.
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You might think a fridge freezer is a fridge freezer, but there’s actually a lot of variety on the market, with a huge range of different features available. Some add a little more convenience, while others completely change the way the appliance functions.
Readontofindoutmore
Fridge Freezer Features
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Auto Defrost / Frost FreeFrost build-up is a problem with some fridge freezers as the ice takes up space and makes the appliance less efficient. However, there are a number of features that can help with this.
Auto defrost works in the fridge compartment
and is a very common function, available on
nearly all fridges. Condensation can form
at the back of your fridge and then freeze,
ruining your food and disrupting the working
of the appliance. Auto defrost works by
melting this frost and draining the liquid.
Frost freeisafreezerspecificfunctionthatcirculates air to prevent the build-up of ice
in your freezer, meaning you won’t have to
manually defrost. It works independently
from your fridge and maximises the potential
freezing space, but you may have to pay a little
extra to buy a fridge with this technology.
Total frost free or no frost appliances have both features.
LightingMost fridge sections of a fridge freezer have some kind of lighting to help you find what you’re looking for. This lighting needs to be bright, reach its full intensity quickly and remain cool.
Oldermodelsareoftenfittedwithconventional
lightbulbs.Theygiveoutsufficientlight,but
have a tendency to get hot – not helpful when
trying to keep your fridge freezer cold. This
type of bulb is no longer used since newer,
moreefficienttechnologyhasemerged.
Mid-rangefridgefreezersareoftenfitted
with halogen lighting, which has a lifespan
of 2,000 hours, compared to 1,000 for a
conventionalbulb.They’re36%brighter
and20%moreenergyefficienttoo,andas
they’re normally used for display lighting,
are ideal for illuminating your food.
The very latest lighting is LED, which helps
save you money on your electricity bills
byusing75%lessenergy.Thesebulbs
achieve their full brightness quicker than
othersandhaveahugelifespanof50,000
hours. This style also remains cool to the
touch and helps keep your fridge cold.
The very latest lighting is LED, which uses 75% less energy.
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Controls and Thermostats
Fridge freezer controls also vary depending on the make, model and price of your appliance.
Standard and older models generally have
a basic control panel and single manual
thermostat. This thermostat is used to control
the power levels in both sections of your fridge
freezer, not the exact temperature. There is
the risk, therefore, of the temperature not
being perfect in one of the sections. Basic
operating buttons and lights will probably
be installed on the control panel, including
an on/off switch and power-on light.
Mid-range models sometimes have electronic
control panels, with some including a
thermostat control. Lights to show what
features are turned on may be present,
alongside high temperature or door-left-open
lightsoralarms.Youmightalsofindbuttons
to turn on quick-chill or fast-freeze options.
Top-of-the-range models often have twin
thermostats, allowing you to precisely control
the temperature in both compartments.
Digital LED control displays let you
alter other functions easily as well.
HygieneFor the hygiene conscious, anti-bacterial finishes in your fridge freezer are a welcome addition, some using the natural power of silver ions.
Special door seals kill germs and stop
them entering the fridge, while shelf
linings stop bacteria growing or odours
forming if food should get spilled.
Reversible DoorsIf your new fridge freezer hits a cupboard or
other kitchen unit when you open the door,
don’t panic – some appliances can have their
doors reversed so that they open the other way.
For the hygiene conscious, antibacterial finishes in your fridge freezer are a welcome addition.
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It’s fairly well-known these days that a fridge freezer doesn’t necessarily need to be in the kitchen. However, where you put it is an important consideration that can affect how the appliance performs. If you’re planning on putting one in a garage or outbuilding, it’s worth remembering that not all models can be kept in low temperature conditions.
Read on for help matching your new fridge freezer to the place you intend to put it.
Location, Location, Location
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Hot and Cold Don’t MixIt might be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning all the same – don’t put your fridge freezer next to anything that’s going to get hot. This includes cookers and radiators.
While modern fridge freezers have great
insulation, as soon as you open the appliance
door, hot air will rush in and raise the
temperature. Not only does that affect your
chilled and frozen food, but it also makes
the appliance work harder to maintain a
cold temperature. As such, the appliance is
less economical and more costly to run.
Freestanding or UndercounterThe style of fridge freezer you pick will often dictate where you put it. See page 5 for more information on the shapes and designs that are available.
If you have a handy slot in your
kitchen units or space at the end of
your counter, an undercounter or
freestanding appliance is ideal.
While modern fridge freezers have great insulation, as soon as you open the appliance door, hot air will rush in and raise the temperature.
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Inside or Out?Most people purchase their fridge freezer to go in a kitchen or utility room inside their home.
However, some households need more
than one cooling appliance, but don’t
have the space for an extra one.
If you have a garage, outbuilding or similar dry
area with access to electricity, this can provide
the perfect solution. However, before dashing
off to buy your new fridge freezer, you have to
make sure it can run in cold environments. Odd
as it may sound, some fridge freezers don’t
work when the exterior temperature is too cold.
This is because condensation can form on
the outside, causing damage to the workings
of the fridge freezer. Most appliances have
a climate class, suggesting the lowest
temperatures it will work at. As this is often
aroundthe10°Cmark,keepingafridge
freezer in the garage is not really an option.
Luckily, there are some models that can work
in lower temperatures, such as those from
Beko that have Freezer Guard technology.
These models work at temperatures below
freezing(0°C),evenaslowas-15°C.
If you’re after a backup fridge freezer to keep
outside, check that it can operate in the colder
temperatures it will encounter in the UK.
Odd as it may sound, some fridge freezers don’t work when the exterior temperature is too cold.
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If you’re after a new fridge freezer, it’s worth doing some research to see what you can get for your money. This section provides advice on howtofindtheidealmodelattherightprice.
Fridge Freezer Prices
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Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
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Decide on your BudgetBefore you start comparison shopping, it’s important to have a clear idea what your budget is going to be.
Onceyou’vedecided,it’llbeeasiertofind
a fridge freezer within your price range.
It’s usually worth spending a little more on
a fridge freezer by a well-known brand,
for added peace of mind. Spend some
timereadingonlinereviewstofindout
if a certain model is worth your cash.
There are some great value fridge freezers
out there that won’t break the bank. Fridge
freezer prices tend to range from £200 to
in excess of £2,000 for a top-of-the-range
model. Many people are happy with a
cheaper model that does the job, but if
you want lots of innovative features, you’ll
need to part with a little more cash.
Fridge freezer prices tend to range from £200 toin excess of £2,000.
What Features Can I Expect?If you’ve got your heart set on a more expensive model, you can expect some or all of the following features:
• Larger capacity with more compartments
• Frost free technology
• Fast chill and fast freeze functions
• Flexible temperature zones
• Airflowtechnologytopreventodourtransfer and maintain temperature
• Special modes, e.g. power failure and holiday
• Water and ice dispenser
• Door alarm
• Touch button LED display
Features will vary depending on the
manufacturer and model, so it’s worth
makinganoteofanythingspecificyou
want your fridge freezer to have.
The most expensive models tend to
be side-by-side or American fridge
freezers, which are particularly stylish
and provide lots of storage space.
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Sales and DealsIf you can afford to wait, it’s worth buying your fridge freezer in a sale or as part of a promotional deal.
Some companies offer cashback or trade-in
offers, which are worth keeping an eye out for.
Other Things to Keep in MindLook for a model with a long guarantee, so should anything go wrong, you know you’re covered.
Don’t forget to factor in delivery and old
appliance disposal charges when calculating
your budget. If you choose a built-in model
you’re likely to need it installed, so this
is something to bear in mind as well.
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E&OE. We have endeavoured to make the information in this guide as accurate as possible at the time of writing, but consumers
shouldensuretheyresearchanyappliancethoroughlybeforemakingapurchase.ThisversionpublishedApril2017.