A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer

A fridge freezer allows you keep healthy meals on hand, and also keeps leftovers fresher for a longer period of time. Many fridge freezers are equipped with smart features.

When choosing a refrigerator-freezer, the energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider. Check the kWh figure on the label for energy, which tells you how much electricity it consumes per year.

Quick-chill and fast freeze functions

There are a variety of fridge freezer freestanding freezers available with additional functions that aid in keeping your food fresher for longer. Some features can save you energy or time, while others aren't necessary. If you're considering buying one, think about the value each feature adds to the price. Also, think about whether it will improve your lifestyle.

Quick-chill gives you a boost in cooling power, allowing you can quickly chill food to safe temperatures. This helps to stop harmful bacteria and keep nutrients within. It's useful if you frequently go through a huge grocery store and require food storage quickly.

Some fridge freezers are equipped with the feature of fast-freezing that lets you freeze food at a lower temperature which preserves the texture and quality of the food. This is useful if you have a lot of food to store in the freezer at one time, such as after a large meal. Be aware that freezing food below 0°C may affect its taste and nutritional value.

Certain models come with a cold accumulation block that stores ice in the freezer to help the appliance maintain its temperature if there's a power cut. Certain models have a drainage spout which can be pulled out to drain melting food spills and ice.

Ice-cube trays

Every fridge has had Ice-cube trays. They are an excellent way to store leftover soups, sauces buttermilk, and juices. You can even make small batches of fresh herbs to use later in a dinner.

Not all ice cube trays are the same. Some are made of tough plastic that can break or split if you try to take the cubes off. There are a variety of durable options available that don't require you to pound and twist the cubes of ice.

Another thing to take into consideration is the speed at which the ice-cube tray freezes. The smaller the surface of the tray, the more quickly it will freeze. A tray with separate compartments for each cube will also be more efficient in freezing than one that has dividers.

There are a variety of different shapes and sizes that are available on the market which means you can select from whatever best fits your needs. For instance, larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails because they melt less quickly and don't make the drink more diluted. Cocktail connoisseurs are increasingly attracted to spheres.

This set of four ice-cube tray from OMorc includes a silicone lid which seals tightly and keeps freezer smells at the bay. It has a comfortable handle that allows it to be easily stacked and carry. It can make 14 ice cubes, and the base is rounded to allow for an easier removal. It's also BPA-BEKO Frost Free Fridge Freezer in White and dishwasher-safe. The tray can be frozen flat and are comfortable to hold. This prevents cracking when you move them from the sink to the freezer. They can be stacked into the bin that comes with them to facilitate storage.

Aesthetics

Fridge freezers can be more than just functional appliances. They can also be fashion icons. There's a fridge-freezer to suit every kitchen, from brushed stainless steel finishes to sleek designs inspired by the 1950s.

A lot of refrigerators and freezers have bottle racks that can be used to store bottles safely. The racks prevent bottles from rolling around on shelves which can take up valuable space and causing them to break or crack.

Certain fridge freezers are available in a range of bold color finishes, such as the chrome-colored finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This gives a modern twist to an iconic fashion, and is a response to the latest trends, which play with texture and materials.

Refrigerators with integrated freezers can be concealed behind cabinet doors to blend seamlessly with your home decor. They are also great for people with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces because they can help to maximise space and create a tidy and neat appearance.

Energy efficiency

It is important to choose an energy-efficient fridge because they are always on and use an enormous amount of electricity. You can cut costs on your electric bill by choosing an energy-efficient fridge-freezer. It is also worthwhile to check the energy consumption of your current refrigerator as this will provide you with an idea of what it will cost to operate. You can do this with an energy usage meter, or by reviewing the cost of your electricity provider per kWh.

New models have been getting more and more efficient and energy labels will tell the amount of kWh that each appliance uses per year and how it compares with similar appliances. You should look for an A+ or higher rating since they are the most efficient. If you are thinking of buying a fridge or freezer take a look at the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of annual operating costs and allows you to determine the energy efficiency of similar refrigerators.

Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliances to operate but there are some ways you can do to cut down on the cost. By leaving space between the shelves and the food so that cold air circulates more easily. This will consume less energy. This can help avoid condensation, which is a huge energy drain.

This Energy Star-rated Frigidaire model could be the right choice for you should you be looking to buy a small refrigerator that will fit in any room. It's a little more costly than other models, however it's easy on your electric bills and comes in black, white and a glossy finish that looks like stainless steel but does not show smudges or fingerprints. It's also great for offices, break rooms and dorm rooms.