A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer

A fridge freezer can keep leftovers fresher longer and helps you keep healthy meals in your fridge. A lot of fridge freezers have smart features, too.

When selecting a refrigerator-freezer, energy efficiency is a crucial aspect to consider. The kWh figure is on the label that indicates energy efficiency and tells you the amount of electricity used each year.

Quick-chill and fast-freeze functions

There are many fridge freezers available with extra functions designed to aid in keeping your food fresher for longer. Some can boost the efficiency of your energy usage or help you save time and effort, however others are more of an option. If you're considering purchasing one, think about how much each feature will add to the price. Also, think about whether it can improve your lifestyle.

A quick-chill feature provides an extra boost of cooling power to bring fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This helps to stop harmful bacteria and keep nutrients in. It's useful if you frequently make a large grocery purchase and require food storage quickly.

Some fridge freezers come with a fast-freeze feature that allows you freeze food at a lower temperature which helps to retain the quality and texture of the food. This is particularly useful when there are many foods to be stored in the freezer, such as after a large meal party. Keep in mind that freezing food below 0°C can affect the taste and nutritional value.

Some models have 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 come with an outlet for drainage that can be pulled out to drain melting ice and food spillages.

Ice-cube tray

Ice-cube trays have long been an essential item in every fridge. They are ideal for storing leftover soups, sauces, buttermilk, and juices. You can even keep small quantities of fresh herbs to use later built in fridge Freezer a dinner.

But not all ice cube trays are made in the same way. Some are made of hard plastic which can crack or splinter if you try to take the cubes off. Fortunately, there are now many options that are durable and don't require a lot of pushing and twisting to break the ice.

The speed at which the ice-cube tray freezes is another aspect to take into account. The smaller the tray's surface area the faster it will freeze. Similarly, the tray that has separate compartments for each cube will be more efficient in freezing than one that simply has the dividers.

There are a variety of different shapes and sizes available in the market and you can pick the one that best meets your needs. For instance, larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails as they melt less quickly and do not make the drink more diluted. Cocktail lovers are increasingly attracted to spheres.

This set of four ice-cube tray by OMorc includes a silicone lid which seals tightly and keeps freezer odors at the bay. It comes with a handy handle that allows it to be easily stacked and transport. It can produce 14 ice cubes, and the base is rounded to allow easier removal. It's also BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. The tray is easy to hold and can be frozen flat to stop cracking during transportation from the sink to the freezer. They can also be stacked inside the included bin to make it easy to store them.

Aesthetics

Unlike their freestanding counterparts, fridge freezers aren't just practical appliances. They can also be stylish icons as well. There's a fridge freezer to fit every kitchen, from brushed steel finishes to sleek designs inspired by 1950s.

Many fridge freezers provide bottle racks that allow you to store bottles in a safe manner. These racks prevent bottles from rolling on shelves which can take up valuable space and causing them break or crack.

Certain fridge freezers are available in various bold chromatic finishes, such as the bright chrome finish of the SMEG FAB32 fridge. This gives a modern twist to a classic style, and is in tune with current trends that play with texture and materials.

Integrated fridge-freezers are great for those who want sleek design, since they can be hidden behind cupboard doors, blending seamlessly into their interior decor. They are also perfect for those who have smaller kitchens or open-plan living areas, as they maximize space and built in fridge Freezer give an attractive appearance.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is important because fridges are operational all the time and consume lots of energy. You can save money on your electricity bill by selecting an energy efficient fridge-freezer. It is also worth checking the energy consumption of your current refrigerator since this can give you an idea of what it would cost to operate. You can do this using an energy usage meter or checking your electricity supplier's price per kWh.

The latest models are more efficient, and energy labels tell you how much kWh each appliance consumes per year and how it compares with similar appliances. Look for an A+ rating or higher as these are the most efficient. If you are considering buying a freezer or fridge, check the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of annual operating costs and allows you to evaluate the energy consumption of similar refrigerators.

The fridge-freezers are usually the most expensive appliances to run but there are some things you can do to cut down on this. For instance, leaving space between food and shelves allows cold air to circulate more easily and it uses less energy. This will also prevent condensation which is a major energy waste.

If you're looking for a compact fridge that can be tucked away in any room This Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire could be a good choice. It's more expensive than other models, however it's a breeze on your power costs and comes in black, built In fridge freezer white and a finish that appears like stainless steel, but doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It's also great for offices, break rooms and dorm rooms.