Refrigeration Buying Guide

Refrigeration Buying Guide

Refrigeration Buying Guide – Fridges, Freezers, Fridge Freezers & American Models

Your fridge is probably one of the most important appliances in your home, so it is essential to get it right. Keeping your food fresh and bacteria-free is most important for you to lower expenses and keep your family healthy. Whether you prefer a combined fridge freezer, or two separate large appliances, make sure you know exactly what to look for.

Choosing the best fridge or freezer for your home is key for lowering your bills.

Refrigeration Buying Guide illustration

Types

Fridge

A standard fridge keeps your fresh food chilled and preserved for later. It prolongs the life of your food and makes it taste as good as it did when you first bought it.

Freezer

Similar to a fridge but using lower temperatures to freeze food for even longer life. Freezers naturally create ice and frost inside.

Fridge Freezer

A combined appliance with both fridge and freezer compartments—available in tall or under-counter formats.

American Fridge Freezer

Side-by-side design, larger capacity and usually a water/ice dispenser on the front.

Chest Freezer

High-capacity freezer with a top-opening lid—great for garages or utility rooms but not for under-counter spaces.

Wine Cooler

A dedicated refrigerator for wine and bottled drinks, offering precise temperature control and an attractive display.

Size

Choosing the correct size appliance is vital. Leave a 5 mm ventilation gap on either side to avoid overheating.

Typical widths: 50 cm, 55 cm, 60 cm. American & chest freezers: 91 cm.

Capacity

Capacity is quoted in litres—a grocery bag ≈ 18 L. Match the volume to how you shop and cook.

Extras

Bottle Storage

Dedicated racks keep bottles secure and upright.

Salad Crisper

Maintains humidity to keep fruit & veg fresher for longer.

Water Dispenser

Enjoy chilled water without opening the door; plumbed-in or refillable options.

Dairy Compartment

Keeps cheese & eggs at the ideal temperature away from odours.

Food Preservation Features
  • Blue-light tech mimics sunlight for crisp produce
  • Twin-cooling maintains optimal humidity
  • Fresh-zone drawers keep meat & fish colder
  • Fast-chill locks in nutrients

Fit Type

Integrated

Hidden behind a cabinet door for a seamless kitchen look.

Freestanding

Flexible placement—just mind the ventilation space.

Undercounter

Slots neatly beneath a worktop; perfect for smaller kitchens.

Frost Free

Frost-free models use periodic heaters and a circulation fan to prevent ice build-up, saving you the hassle of manual defrosting and keeping running costs down.

To view our full range of frost-free appliances, please click here.

Split Type

Choose a split to suit your diet: 70/30 (more fridge) for fresh-food lovers, 60/40 for balanced storage, or 50/50 if you keep plenty of frozen meals.

Energy Rating

All new refrigeration appliances carry an EU energy label from C (lower efficiency) up to A+++ (highest efficiency). Multiply the kWh figure by your tariff (≈ £0.1427/kWh) to estimate annual running costs.

Need advice? Please contact our experts.

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