Buying a Small American Fridge Freezer

The American fridge-freezer is considered to be the king of domestic white goods. It has more storage than any other model, and includes a myriad of extra features like full air circulation to keep freezer compartments frost free and fancy drawers that can be used for fruits and vegetables. Look for non-plumbed models that do not require access to your plumbing for American Fridge Frezzer easy installation.

Storage

The good news is that there are a variety of options for storage for small American fridge freezers. There are models that come with two large salad crispers, two freezer drawers and zones that are able to switch between freezer and refrigerator at the push of a button. You can also get an additional drink door to keep your favorite wine chilled.

You'll typically find American fridge-freezers, which have long doors that resemble cupboards, a fridge on the left and freezer on the right or a side-by-side fridge and freezer units. There are models that have a refrigerator on the top of a drawer with a freezer or two, which are referred to as French-style refrigerators.

These models will take up more space in your home However, you'll have plenty of space to store your food items. There are slim American refrigerator freezers that are just 70cm in width, perfect for small kitchens.

No matter what size you decide to buy, look for a model with a frost-free freezer to save you the hassle of frequently defrosting the freezer by hand. Certain models come with the option of fast-freezing, which can increase the time to freeze to ensure that food stays fresher for longer. You can also find models with adjustable shelves to ensure that you're making the most out of the available space. The energy rating will also reveal how efficient the appliance is as well as what it costs to run.

Convertible zones

Some fridge freezers like the Fridgemaster MS83430FFS feature convertible zones which can be switched between fridge and freezer and back again with the click of a button. This can be great for storing fresh veg or keeping beer and wine chilled, or even just an enormous batch of ice cream. This is a great idea to store leftovers from Christmas that you wish to freeze and then reheat.

For another great feature, take a look at Samsung's FlexZone compartment, which can be adjusted to accommodate different food items - it can be set to Freeze, Soft Freeze or chill before storing in a refrigerator. This is an excellent way to keep all your frozen foods organised and ready for those big dinner parties.

Other useful features include door alarms that will warn you if the fridge or freezer doors have been left open too long, helping stop food spoilage. There are models with twin cooling systems to separate the freezer and fridge compartments. This prevents cold, dry air that comes in the freezer from causing drying of food in the fridge. It can also help you save energy.

Before you buy be sure to check the energy rating. The higher the rating is, the more efficient it is. You can also examine the yellow Energy Guide label for an estimate of operating costs.

Ice and water dispensers

Many American refrigerator freezers have water and ice dispensers so you can enjoy chilled filtered water or cubes at the touch of an button. They are ideal for keeping drinks available for guests or kids. You can also find models with manual ice makers in the freezer section where you fill a disposable tray and then turn the dial to release crushed ice.

Plumbed American refrigerator freezers must be connected to the mains water supply, so they're only suitable if the kitchen is already fitted with plumbing that can accommodate them. If you're looking to save money, or don't have enough space to accommodate a refrigerator freezer with a plumbed connection, there are other options. For instance you can purchase a refrigerator that has refillable water bottles that you can fill yourself.

If you like to entertain, then you should look for an American fridge freezer that has built-in wine coolers that can store up to 28 bottles and is built to ensure optimal cooling. There are also models that have a smart sensor that can detect when the door is opened. This allows you to manage and monitor your appliance remotely with Smart ThinQ via your smartphone or tablet. There are also models with an A+ energy rating that will help you reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on running costs.

Built-in cameras

Refrigerator freezers that have cameras are a 'nice thing to have' rather than an essential feature however they can be beneficial for those who like to keep track of food items and help reduce the amount of food consumed. They allow you to see what's inside your fridge without opening the door, which can be especially beneficial for households with busy schedules. You can also make use of the camera to determine whether you've shut the fridge before heading out to shop, for example.

Samsung offers a selection of fridge freezers that come with cameras, including the fashionable model RS50N3513WW/EU. It has a large 29-inch touchscreen, which allows you to see the contents of your fridge, get ideas for recipes and even order groceries. It is powered by Bixby, the smart assistant of the brand. It can also be controlled by Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You can control it using your tablet or smartphone and also change the fridge's temperature settings remotely.

For a more budget-friendly option consider Hisense's FMN431W20C fridge freezer. It boasts a massive 550ltr capacity across the fridge and freezer, plus front-mounted water and Ice dispensers. It's got no-frost features to spare you from the yearly hassle of removing ice by hand, and LED lighting for more efficient navigation inside. It's frost-free and EnergyStar rated, which means it can be economical and efficient to operate too. It might not have the fancy cameras the Samsung models have, but you can still have plenty of food at a lower cost.