Your fridge freezer plays a central role in your kitchen, so it’s important to find the best model to suit your needs.
To help those looking for a new model, we’ve put together a comprehensive fridge freezer buying guide. We’ll delve into everything you need to know about buying a new fridge freezer, from the styles available to how to dispose of your old model.
Which is the best fridge freezer to buy?
When looking at the best fridge freezer to buy, there are several factors you should consider. Look at:
- Capacity: One of the most important things to think about is simply how much space you need. If you’re a large household and do a lot of cooking, you’ll naturally need a larger capacity model than if you’re a single household. Think about the types of food you typically store to find the best options for your needs.
- Energy efficiency: Fridge freezers with a higher energy efficiency rating will reduce energy consumption, helping lower bills over time and reducing the impact on the environment.
- Budget: Of course, cost comes into play when buying any new appliance. Set yourself a realistic budget and stick to it while you’re browsing. Remember to account for long-term savings you may make back with energy efficient models; while they may cost more upfront, they can ultimately save money, so consider whether the additional investment is worth it for you.
- Features: Look at the types of features you can find included in a fridge freezer and think about what works best for your lifestyle. You can find various features, including frost-free technology, adjustable shelving, humidity control, ice and water dispensers, and fast freeze.
What are the different types of fridge freezer?
Another important thing to consider is the different types of fridge freezers available. Based on your preferences and kitchen layout, there are different options that may be best suited for you.
What is an integrated fridge freezer?
Intergrated fridge freezers do what they say on the tin – they’re ‘integrated’ into your kitchen. This means they blend seamlessly into your kitchen cupboards and cabinetry. An integrated fridge freezer typically requires custom installation to achieve the built-in appearance.
Other types of fridge freezers
- Freestanding fridge freezers: A freestanding fridge freezer is a standalone unit rather than one that integrates into your kitchen. A freestanding fridge freezer comes in various sizes and styles and gives ultimate flexibility in terms of placement.
- American-style fridge freezers: American-style fridge freezers are known for their larger size, featuring double doors with fridge and freezer compartments side by side. Learn more in our American Fridge Freezer Size Guide.
- French door fridge freezers: A French door style fridge freezer features two fridge doors side by side and a bottom-mounted freezer drawer. This maximises storage in the fridge compartment.
- Compact/under-counter fridge freezers: For those lacking in space, compact or under-counter fridge freezers are designed to align with standard kitchen, so they can fit neatly underneath existing countertops. Due to this smaller size, they have a smaller capacity than standard fridge freezers but offer convenience if you’re tight on kitchen space.
What is a good energy rating for a fridge freezer?
Fridge freezer energy ratings run from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. Choosing a fridge freezer with a higher energy rating not only helps with your carbon footprint but can lead to longer-term savings when it comes to electricity bills.
How much does a fridge freezer weigh?
Fridge freezers will vary in weight depending on their size and construction materials. On average, a standard freestanding fridge freezer can weigh around 100 kg, but larger models, like American-style fridge freezers, can weigh significantly more.
Due to the heavy weight of these appliances, many prefer to order them online and have them delivered straight to their home. To make things easier, if you order from Hoover, our logistics partners will deliver your appliance to the location of your choice and even complete installation for free – just add on the service when you get to the checkout.
How long do you have to leave a new fridge freezer before using it?
To ensure that your new fridge freezer performs at its best, it’s recommended to allow it to ‘settle’ for around 3-4 hours before you plug it in and use it. This is because the appliance may get moved around in transit, so once it’s placed upright, the refrigerant fluid needs to stabilise before use.
Once the fridge freezer has been plugged in, it usually takes a couple of hours to reach the correct temperature. After this, your new fridge freezer is ready to use!
How long should a fridge freezer last?
With the right care and maintenance, a fridge freezer can last up to 10-15 years – or even longer. This can vary depending on your usage patterns, freezer cleaning and maintenance practices, and appliance quality.
How to dispose of a fridge freezer for free
If you’re thinking of buying a new fridge freezer, you’ll also need to think about getting rid of your old one. In the UK, it’s vital to dispose of a fridge freezer correctly, to comply with regulations and prevent any harm to the environment. You can try any of the following options:
- Local council collection: A lot of local council services will collect bulky waste and appliances directly from your home or the roadside, so check your local services to arrange a collection.
- Recycling centres: Check to see if any local recycling centres allow appliance disposal free of charge.
- Charity donation: If your old appliance is still in good working condition, you can consider donating it to charity. Many organisations accept white goods donations, and some will even collect them from you.
- Retailer schemes: Some retailers, like Hoover, offer recycling schemes when you purchase a new product. When you order a new fridge freezer with Hoover, we will remove and recycle your old appliance when we deliver your new one. Just make sure you click to add this service during the checkout process.
Where to buy a fridge freezer
If you’re looking for a new fridge freezer, we’ve got you covered! Explore the Hoover range of fridge freezers and American-style fridge freezers to find the perfect appliance for your needs.