How To Identify The UK Fridge Freezer To Be Right For You
Buying a Fridge Freezer
Refrigerator freezers are among the biggest and most expensive purchases you can make for your home. If you're replacing a previous model, or buying your first one, there are a variety of choices to consider.
This paper draws upon research from Finland, Norway and the UK to examine how the freezer came to become an everyday household technology. It shows how a range of factors contributed to it becoming commonplace, including the rise of supermarket shopping and a cultural emphasis on economics in the household.
Features
best fridge uk freezers are among the most used appliances in the home, so it's important to make sure you pick one that suits your lifestyle and needs. Some models have additional features such as wine racks or bottle dividers. Some models have adjustable shelves and door storage compartments to store different items. Certain models have convertible technology, which permits you to use a portion of the refrigerator or freezer as an additional fridge or freezer depending on what you need.
Some brands also come with smart fridge freezers that connect to Wi-Fi and can be controlled with an app. These fridges can send you notifications when your food items are due to expire, or suggest recipes according to the contents of your fridge. It's important to note that connected fridges tend to be more expensive than non-connected models.
Energy efficiency is another consideration when choosing the right fridge freezer. It's important to look at the energy rating - since new regulations went into effect in 2021, all fridge-freezers will be rated between A and G and higher ratings indicate lower operating costs. Consumer watchdog Which? has found that storage volume numbers quoted by manufacturers may be misleading because they don't account for the space occupied by drawers, shelves and door storage compartments.
There are also models with energy-saving features like automatic defrost, which ensures that your freezer is kept at the correct temperature without burning up energy. Some models have the holiday mode which reduces energy consumption while you're away, or a fast-chill function that helps to keep food fresher for longer.
The operating costs for the average year of each refrigerator-freezer is stated in the description of the product. Retailers such as Currys John Lewis and AO offer estimates per kilowatt-hour so you can calculate how much the refrigerator will cost over the course of time. It will depend on prices of electricity at the time, but it is a good idea for you to take these figures into consideration when deciding which model you want to purchase.
Size
The size of your fridge freezer is a key choice when choosing a fridge freezer for your home. Consider the amount of space your family requires and how you intend to use it. Larger families can benefit from a larger fridge freezer, whereas families of one person could be content with a small fridge freezer.
It's also important to consider the size of the freezer in the refrigerator. Some models are taller than others. This is especially relevant for flats and apartments where you may have to make sure that your new refrigerator can fit in any lifts or down staircase if it's going up.
When you are looking for UK refrigerator freezers there is a wide range of sizes available. There are taller combination models that fit under a custom kitchen worktop with the refrigerator placed on top of the freezer. Smaller refrigerator freezers might be smaller and easier to place under cabinets.
In the instruction manual, you can find the ratio and capacity (in litres). They can be found in the specifications section or through searching for a digital version online. Currys also has a useful guide to help you choose the right fridge freezer to meet your requirements.
Refrigerator freezers are among the biggest consumers of energy within the home, so it's worth investing in one with an energy efficiency rating that is high to cut down on your electricity costs. Look out for features like LED lighting that's more efficient than conventional bulbs as well as anti-bacterial coatings for the interior of refrigerators and drawers and freezers that are specifically designed to safely store meat.
Certain models also have an option for holiday use, which turns off the freezer to ensure that it can maintain a certain temperature when you're away. Some models have an automatic defrost, which distributes cold air to your fridge and freezer to prevent ice accumulation. It is not necessary to manually defrost them manually. You can also find innovative features like built-in water and ice dispensers, digital displays and adjustable shelves to increase storage capacity.
Energy efficiency
Fridges and freezers are always on and use a lot energy. They can have a significant impact on your electric bills. The good thing is that refrigerators and freezers of today are more energy-efficient than they were in the past, so you don't have to sacrifice your icecream stash to save money.
It's important to look at the kWh number on the label of energy when looking for a refrigerator with integrated freezer. This indicates how much energy is used by the product over the course of a year. Standard models of fridge freezers have a higher kWh value than models that are energy efficient. The Energy Saving Trust website allows you to determine the energy consumption of the appliance.
Energy-efficient refrigerator freezers can cost more than standard models, however they can save you money in the long term. Simple energy-saving tips can also help you reduce your energy bill. For example, you should keep the items you use frequently at the front of the fridge to reduce the time the door is opened. It is also recommended to let the food cool down before storing it. It's also recommended to regularly empty your fridge, as it will use less power when it is empty.
You should also consider the type of refrigerant your fridge or freezer uses. Some brands use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which damage the ozone layer. These are being phased-out, so look for Greenfreeze technologies that use propane or isobutane (as the main refrigerant) and cyclopentane (to blow the insulation foam).
Reversible fridge freezers use less energy since they don't have as many on/off cycles. It is also possible to determine how much an appliance will cost to run by looking at the estimated annual energy cost on the Energy Saving Trust's website.
The European Energy Label can be used to check the efficiency of the energy used. The new labels were introduced in 2021 and are easier and simpler to comprehend than the previous ones. The labels now display an energy rating from A to G with A being the most efficient.
Stores
Compared to traditional fridge freezers American-style models offer more storage capacity. They can store up to 30 shopping bags full of food items. This is perfect for large families, entertaining guests, or stocking up before Christmas!
Certain appliances come with clever features that can make your life easier. For instance, a door alarm, for example, will send a message to your mobile in the event that the fridge or freezer is left open. You can reduce energy usage by putting the appliance into power-saving mode when you're away from home.
You can also reduce the chance of food waste by selecting the right model that has clever storage solutions, such as Bosch's VitaFresh drawers. They allow you to store different types of foods at their ideal temperature and humidity, ensuring that they stay them fresher for longer. Refrigerator freezers that auto-defrost prevent ice buildup, while Active Ion systems eliminate bacteria and other impurities that can create odours from food.
Fridge freezers come in both integrated and standalone styles. These models are ideal for when you're replacing a previous appliance or redecorating your kitchen because they can be concealed behind a panel or integrated into furniture. They are smaller than freestanding units, and have a a sleeker appearance.
Freestanding fridge freezers can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. They typically have a 50-50 split, with the fridge on one side, and the freezer Sale on fridge freezers uk the other. You can also get them in a 70-30 or 60-40 split if you wish to concentrate more on chilled foods.
Some fridge freezers are fitted with halogen lighting that is 36% brighter than traditional bulbs and more efficient at keeping the temperature in your cheap fridge uk. Other models feature LED or LCD lights, which are even more efficient and last longer than Halogen bulbs. You can find fridge freezer uk freezers that have touchscreens that are digital. This allows you to easily control the appliance and get useful information such as the current power consumption. Some have a speedy chill function to ensure that your food stays at the right temperature for a longer period of time.