BUYERS GUIDES · Euronics - The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer 4 Introduction Modern...

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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


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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

https://www.euronics.co.uk/store-finder


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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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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.


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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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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.



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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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.



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.



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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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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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.



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.



• 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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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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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.



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.

30

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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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.



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.

33

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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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.



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.



©Somerightsreserved.2017Euronicsltd.

You are welcome to distribute this guide in its current form, for non-commercial purposes only. It may not be altered in any way. If distributing or

reposting the guide, you must give attribution to Euronics and link back to the original Euronics page:

https://lifestyle.euronics.co.uk/euronics-fridge-freezer-buyers-guide

ThisworkislicensedundertheCreativeCommonsAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives4.0InternationalLicense.

To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

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.

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