Fridge freezers

Fridge freezer 

buying guide

Fridge freezers are a vital piece of tech for your home, and they no longer have to be an eyesore in the kitchen. With our helpful guide, you can find the perfect fridge freezer to suit your needs and complement your space.

With so many designs and features to consider, we understand that it can be difficult to choose. With frost-free options, ice dispensers, different energy ratings and more, it can be tough to know where to begin. Fortunately, we have a complete buying guide filled with everything you need to know, including how to measure, split types, and capacity options.

Choosing the right fridge freezer

Knowing what you want from your fridge freezer, besides the obvious, is a crucial starting point when browsing. If you’re not sure what you're looking for, we’ve broken down the different styles to help you get closer to your important purchase.

Freestanding fridge freezer

The most common type of fridge freezer is a freestanding design. Tall, moveable and providing food storage in one place, this style is perfect as either your main kitchen appliance or as additional food storage for those of you with bigger households.

Available in various heights and widths, the freestanding fridge freezer allows you to split your fridge and freezer space according to your needs. Due to their popularity, you can even choose from various colours such as white, inox, stainless steel and black.

Integrated fridge freezer

An integrated fridge freezer blends in with your current kitchen and isn’t obviously an appliance until it’s opened. This is a perfect solution for those who want a streamlined look, seamlessly matching in with your cupboard doors.

Integrated fridge freezers are still tall in design and available in multiple dimensions to suit the space size in your existing kitchen layout. However, they do not come with many of the features often found on freestanding appliances, such as an ice tray or water cooler, something important to note when making your decision.

Freestanding fridge freezer

The most common type of fridge freezer is a freestanding design. Tall, moveable and providing food storage in one place, this style is perfect as either your main kitchen appliance or as additional food storage for those of you with bigger households.

Available in various heights and widths, the freestanding fridge freezer allows you to split your fridge and freezer space according to your needs. Due to their popularity, you can even choose from various colours such as white, inox, stainless steel and black.

Integrated fridge freezer

An integrated fridge freezer blends in with your current kitchen and isn’t obviously an appliance until it’s opened. This is a perfect solution for those who want a streamlined look, seamlessly matching in with your cupboard doors.

Integrated fridge freezers are still tall in design and available in multiple dimensions to suit the space size in your existing kitchen layout. However, they do not come with many of the features often found on freestanding appliances, such as an ice tray or water cooler, something important to note when making your decision.

Split types

Knowing the space you need in your fridge freezer will help you to determine the best split type for your household, ensuring it meets your storage requirements. Whether you prioritize fridge or freezer space, we will guide you in choosing the right model for your kitchen.

50/50

The most common fridge freezer split is the 50/50 which gives the same capacity for both fresh food items, and freezer storage. Perfect for homes of various sizes, it accommodates meal prep, weekly essentials and negates the need for additional storage.

60/40

If you prefer to have more space for fresh food, then choosing a bigger fridge will be your priority. The 60/40 split gives you slightly more fridge room but still ample freezer space for essentials.

70/30

For those looking for even more fridge space, the 70/30 has more room for fresh food with an even smaller freezer section. This is ideal as a secondary fridge freezer that can be stored in the utility room or similar.

80/20

With the smallest freezer of them all, the 80/20 is best for those who perhaps already have a separate freezer in their home, such as a chest or under-the-counter freezer.

50/50

The most common fridge freezer split is the 50/50 which gives the same capacity for both fresh food items, and freezer storage. Perfect for homes of various sizes, it accommodates meal prep, weekly essentials and negates the need for additional storage.

60/40

If you prefer to have more space for fresh food, then choosing a bigger fridge will be your priority. The 60/40 split gives you slightly more fridge room but still ample freezer space for essentials.

70/30

For those looking for even more fridge space, the 70/30 has more room for fresh food with an even smaller freezer section. This is ideal as a secondary fridge freezer that can be stored in the utility room or similar.

80/20

With the smallest freezer of them all, the 80/20 is best for those who perhaps already have a separate freezer in their home, such as a chest or under-the-counter freezer.

How to measure a fridge freezer?

Before purchasing a fridge freezer, it’s important to measure the space where you want to place it. We advise that you don't move a fridge freezer around too often, due to the gases that are required to settle before plugging in. Knowing where your fridge freezer is going to be placed before purchase will prevent you from having to move it multiple times, and make the process easier for you overall.

Depth

Measuring the depth of your chosen space will determine whether the fridge freezer will sit flush or have some overhang. If it doesn’t fit, understanding how much room is available around the appliance will help you decide which product is right for you. Ensure that you allow at least 1 inch extra behind the unit for ventilation when measuring.

Door hinges

Remember to consider the space needed to open the door and for hinges on the appliance; this is especially important for integrated fridge-freezers. You don’t want the space to be too tight, as you may find there is little leverage for the door to open fully.

Width

Like many household appliances, fridge freezers do not have a standard width. Measuring the space you want to store your appliance will allow you to either choose a fridge freezer for the space or inspire you to look for a new location within your home. Ensure that you allow at least 1 inch extra on each side for ventilation when measuring.

Height

The height of your appliance shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most homes: your kitchen has likely been designed to accommodate large appliances. However, if you have sloping ceilings or overhead cupboards, it’s especially important to check the area's height against the height of your desired product. Ensure to allow at least 1 inch extra above the unit for ventilation when measuring.

Depth

Measuring the depth of your chosen space will determine whether the fridge freezer will sit flush or have some overhang. If it doesn’t fit, understanding how much room is available around the appliance will help you decide which product is right for you. Ensure that you allow at least 1 inch extra behind the unit for ventilation when measuring.

Width

Like many household appliances, fridge freezers do not have a standard width. Measuring the space you want to store your appliance will allow you to either choose a fridge freezer for the space or inspire you to look for a new location within your home. Ensure that you allow at least 1 inch extra on each side for ventilation when measuring.

Door hinges

Remember to consider the space needed to open the door and for hinges on the appliance; this is especially important for integrated fridge-freezers. You don’t want the space to be too tight, as you may find there is little leverage for the door to open fully.

Height

The height of your appliance shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most homes: your kitchen has likely been designed to accommodate large appliances. However, if you have sloping ceilings or overhead cupboards, it’s especially important to check the area's height against the height of your desired product. Ensure to allow at least 1 inch extra above the unit for ventilation when measuring.

Energy efficiency of fridge freezers

All fridge freezers will come with an energy rating. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly fridge freezer, then make sure you check the labels before you buy.

EU energy labels play a big part in the process of finding the right product for your home. From 2021, new, updated energy labels have been rolled out featuring clear A-G efficiency classes, indication of non-emergency parameters (noise emissions, capacity, reliability etc.) and a QR code to help buyers gain more information. Understanding the EU energy label can help you to save money (and energy) in the long run. Discover more detail in our Guide to Energy Labels.

Energy efficiency of fridge freezers

All fridge freezers will come with an energy rating. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly fridge freezer, then make sure you check the labels before you buy.

EU energy labels play a big part in the process of finding the right product for your home. From 2021, new, updated energy labels have been rolled out featuring clear A-G efficiency classes, indication of non-emergency parameters (noise emissions, capacity, reliability etc.) and a QR code to help buyers gain more information. Understanding the EU energy label can help you to save money (and energy) in the long run. Discover more detail in our Guide to Energy Labels.

Benefits of a fridge freezer

So, why get a fridge freezer over two seperate appliances? There are many benefits of a fridge freezer, from space saving capability, to integrated features to suit a vast range of needs.

Energy efficiency

With the need to care more for our environment, fridge freezers are becoming more energy efficient than previous versions. Filled correctly, with the right food storage methods, they can run effectively using power more efficiently. Browse our most energy efficient fridge freezers here.

Capacity options

Fridge freezers come in a wide range of capacities. Whether you need a large, American-style appliance or a slim-line basic appliance, we're sure to have something to suit your needs. The capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments can vary depending on how you prefer to store your food.

Space saving

Despite being large appliances, fridge freezers can save space by only taking up one part of the kitchen. Although separate fridges and freezers are a great choice if you have more space or want additional storage, a fridge freezer is a great option for those who want a more compact solution to free up more space in their kitchen.

Additional features

From ice makers to salad crispers, the additional features of many fridge freezers have rocketed their appeal compared to conventional versions; some even let you see the inside of your fridge if you knock on the glass! Understanding the extras available from your fridge freezer will help you narrow down the choice.

Energy efficiency

With the need to care more for our environment, fridge freezers are becoming more energy efficient than previous versions. Filled correctly, with the right food storage methods, they can run effectively using power more efficiently. Browse our most energy efficient fridge freezers here.

Space saving

Despite being large appliances, fridge freezers can save space by only taking up one part of the kitchen. Although separate fridges and freezers are a great choice if you have more space or want additional storage, a fridge freezer is a great option for those who want a more compact solution to free up more space in their kitchen.

Capacity options

Fridge freezers come in a wide range of capacities. Whether you need a large,  American-style appliance  or a slim-line basic appliance, we're sure to have something to suit your needs. The capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments can vary depending on how you prefer to store your food.

Additional features

From ice makers to salad crispers, the additional features of many fridge freezers have rocketed their appeal compared to conventional versions; some even let you see the inside of your fridge if you knock on the glass! Understanding the extras available from your fridge freezer will help you narrow down the choice.

Fridge Freezer features for your needs:

Frost-free

Frost-free freezers are hassle-free, and a great time-saver. With this, gone are the days of manually defrosting your appliance to keep it energy-friendly and cost-efficient. The initial cost might be more expensive, but we're certain that frost-free freezers will soon pay you back in time, money, and ease.

Reversible doors

Fridge freezers with reversible door hinges give you the flexibility you need when choosing the positioning in your room layout. Reversible doors can be altered to open to the left or right in just a few minutes. All of our product listings state clearly whether or not the fridge freezer has reversible doors.

Temperature control

Many fridge freezers feature a temperature control panel, letting you adjust the temperature to suit your preferences. Setting your freezer to a lower range will help keep items frozen, even if your freezer gets a lot of use and the door is opened often.

Water / ice dispensers

This feature may seem small, but having chilled water readily available can come in handy when the weather gets hotter! This feature is provided by either a removable water tank or as a plumbed-in feature. If choosing a plumbed-in model, the Fridge freezer will need to be within 5-metres of a water supply.

Noise Emissions

When you have multiple appliances in your home, you'll want to keep all of these running efficiently and quietly. Fortunately, fridge freezers come with a noise level rating so you can choose one which meets your needs. 40dB will ensure the sound of your fridge doesn’t leave the room, any louder than this and you may want to review the proximity of your fridge freezer to other living spaces, as for smaller houses and apartments, this may not be suitable

Frost-free

Frost-free freezers are hassle-free, and a great time-saver. With this, gone are the days of manually defrosting your appliance to keep it energy-friendly and cost-efficient. The initial cost might be more expensive, but we're certain that frost-free freezers will soon pay you back in time, money, and ease.

Temperature control

Many fridge freezers feature a temperature control panel, letting you adjust the temperature to suit your preferences. Setting your freezer to a lower range will help keep items frozen, even if your freezer gets a lot of use and the door is opened often.

Reversible doors

Fridge freezers with reversible door hinges give you the flexibility you need when choosing the positioning in your room layout. Reversible doors can be altered to open to the left or right in just a few minutes. All of our product listings state clearly whether or not the fridge freezer has reversible doors.

Water / ice dispensers

This feature may seem small, but having chilled water readily available can come in handy when the weather gets hotter! This feature is provided by either a removable water tank or as a plumbed-in feature. If choosing a plumbed-in model, the Fridge freezer will need to be within 5-metres of a water supply.

Noise Emissions

When you have multiple appliances in your home, you'll want to keep all of these running efficiently and quietly. Fortunately, fridge freezers come with a noise level rating so you can choose one which meets your needs. 40dB will ensure the sound of your fridge doesn’t leave the room, any louder than this and you may want to review the proximity of your fridge freezer to other living spaces, as for smaller houses and apartments, this may not be suitable.

Fridge Freezer Rental

Not sure you want to buy a fridge freezer? No worries! Take a look at our fridge freezer rental options to get a brand new appliance on a rental basis. Save yourself the large expense up front with our affordable, hassle-free rentals... Learn more here