Cool Ideas For A New Fridge Freezer

When choosing your new refrigeration appliance it can seem like you’re standing at the bottom of a very icy mountain. There are so many varieties to choose from. But don’t panic because we’re so helpful and friendly at My Beautiful Kitchen, we’ve pulled together an overview of the different types of cooling appliance out there along with some handy hints, too. We’re nice like that you see.

Integrated fridges:

An integrated fridge (sometimes known as a built-in model) is great if you have a particular look you are trying to achieve in your kitchen. An integrated fridge will sit neatly in a space behind a cupboard door. People who are looking to create a designer kitchen will often insist that their appliances are built-in so the design is seamless. This type of model comes in various configurations from a 50/50 split with equal amounts of fridge and freezer to 60/40 and 70/30 splits. You can also get integrated under the counter designs right through to tall units that are fridge or freezer only with have all of the same features as a freestanding models, but generally integrated appliances often come with a slightly higher price tag.

Freestanding fridges:

Freestanding fridges and fridge freezers are the most popular choice for a number of reasons. First of all, freestanding models are cheaper than built-in appliances. Also, there are so many more colours available than just plain white, meaning that displaying your appliance can still help you to achieve a stylish look. Silver and black models have grown in popularity massively over the past few years, as have the 1950s style retro Smeg fridges. A freestanding model is always on show, so if you don’t want the front of your appliance on display then opt for an integrated model.

American style fridge freezers:

These are the Goliath of cooling appliances. An American style fridge freezer is ideal for the largest of families, so if you have a big family and the space for it then this could be perfect for your kitchen. Of course, this size fridge freezer does cost quite a bit more than a standard model, however there are some great technologies and features to look out for which can be worth the money. Many American fridge freezers come with thirst-quenching ice and water dispensers – a great little extra that you’ll wonder how you ever did without. Hotpoint do the superb (and stylish) Quadrio range.

Fridge freezers Configurations:

For those of you who like to store equal amounts of fresh and frozen food then the 50/50 split is the perfect configuration for you. Remember, though, that 50/50s come in several widths and heights, so you can have more capacity for your money. But because more ‘cool casing’ is needed inside the freezer, the walls are thicker, this means that even though it looks 50/50 from the outside you will have more cooling space than freezing. A great buy is the Hotpoint HM315. You can get other combinations from 60/40 to 70/30 giving you even more fridge but a bit less freezer. Also available are integrated “Under the Counter” models, to larder fridges right through to really tall appliances that are fridge or freezer only giving you the maximum amount of food storage possible.

Helpful hints for choosing your new fridge freezer

Whichever size you choose there are a few things to look out for across all shapes and sizes of model.

Energy rating

Models are given an energy rating from A+++ to D. Every ‘+’ is a 20% better than an A rating, so an A+++ model saves you 60% on an A rated model. That can certainly help with those ever increasing energy bills!

Frost free

A frost free freezer does exactly what it says on the tin; it’s free from frost which means no more scrapping away ice out of your appliance – ever. Life’s too short to worry about ice build-up and a frost free model keeps your weekends free from this tedious task.

Auto defrost

Auto defrost is the same as frost free, but it’s the name given to the technology in the fridge section. If you want a completely frost free model look for one that has auto defrost in the fridge and frost free in the freezer. Auto defrost and frost free models cost around the same as those without this technology, so it’s well worth buying one free from frost. Whichever type of fridge or freezer you choose, remember to consider your budget, family size and what features you want it to have. We hope you have enjoyed this quick guide, it’s just the tip of the refrigeration iceberg (sorry, we couldn’t resist).

If you need any more advice, tips or information, call My Beautiful Kitchen on 0141 771 3640.

Cool! Tommy