How to Choose the Best American Fridge Freezers
Amazing American fridge freezers can signal the end of the days of a full fridge as well as a overcrowded freezer thanks to their massive capacities. They often come with useful features such as frost-free freezers or an automatic freeze feature that stops fresh food from sticking.
The majority of American models require plumbing, which could restrict their use. Look for those with high efficiency ratings to keep your bills low.
Capacity
Refrigerator freezers provide plenty of storage space and are a significant purchase. Based on your requirements you may decide to opt for a fridge-only model or one with a French door or bottom freezer style that will give you more freezer space. Also, you should consider the ratio between fridge and freezer space. The majority of American models have the doors for the fridge and freezer above each other, so the ratio will usually be 70:30, however you can find ones that are 50:50 too If you don't purchase a lot of frozen food.
If you're looking for a low-cost and large fridge-freezer this model from Hisense is a good choice. The sleek, minimalist design and reversible door will fit into any kitchen. It offers plenty of storage space, both in the fridge and freezer. There's even a dedicated wine cooler, which is always ideal for those who like to entertain. Its other features include a freezer that doesn't freeze, which avoids the usual ache of squeezing ice away, the salad crisper, which is recessed to keep your vegetables and fruits fresh and LED lighting to help you see what's inside.
This refrigerator can be tailored to suit your lifestyle thanks to its programmable temperature zones. It also has the holiday mode which allows you to turn off the fridge and keep the freezer running. The frost-free model has large space, adjustable shelves and a large salad crisper. The energy efficiency class of A+ means that you will have lower running costs.
Style
American fridge freezers are a firm favourite on the Mumsnet forums, offering enthusiastic recommendations for models that come with clever features and plenty of space. They're expensive and take up a lot kitchen space, so make sure you're willing to commit prior to purchasing.
American-style refrigerator freezers come with two doors with the freezer area usually being deeper than the fridge section. This means they may have much higher capacities than standard fridge freezers. They also typically include a variety of innovative technologies, including air circulation to ensure efficient cooling and fancy 0@ vegetable and fruit drawers to ensure long-lasting freshness.
Some have cameras that allow you to see inside without opening the door which is ideal for those moments when you're not feeling inspired and you'd like to know what's in the fridge before you shopping or when you're trying to avoid food waste. LG's sleek and stylish RS67A8810B1 sports an impressively large glass window into the fridge compartment so you are able to knock twice and peep in, or use it to prevent those energy-sucking moments of sitting with the door open while you are desperately searching for something.
Another sleek option is this Hisense model that comes with a slick stainless website steel finish. It's a breeze to buy and comes with a no-frost system that keeps you from having to chip away the ice each year. It also comes with adjustable shelves and LED lights. It's smaller than other alternatives, but it has plenty of storage space.
Energy efficiency
A fridge freezer is a big investment and it's important to consider how much energy it uses. You'll save money in the long run by choosing models with high energy efficiency ratings.
Be on the lookout for refrigerators with smart features, such as cameras built-in, which allow you to check what's inside without opening the door (particularly useful during Covid-19 restrictions). These are available in a variety of resolutions and angles, so you can check how fresh your food is or even see if you need to buy more milk while you're on your way to home.
There are also American fridge freezers with integrated wine coolers. They can hold up to 28 bottles and keep them in optimum condition. They are a great option if you're an avid wine drinker or have a loved one in your family who likes a glass of wine.
Refrigerators with ice and dispensers will provide chilled, filtered water on tap, while automatic ice makers will eliminate freezing the freezer to make cold drinks. Some come with an ice tray that is manual, which you can fill with water and then twist to release the cubes.
Other useful storage features include chiller drawers for meat and fish and a range of levels of humidity that will ensure the fresh produce and salad veg remain in top condition. You can find refrigerators that have doors that can be reversible so you can open it either on either side, based on the layout of your kitchen.
Water dispenser
Refrigerators with water dispensers are a great method of obtaining ice whether it's crushed, filtered, or chilled. They do need to be plumbed in, which could affect where you put your fridge and may add to the installation costs. You can avoid this by selecting an option without one, or by opting for a separate water filter jug instead.
American fridge freezers are often equipped with a variety of smart features that simplify your life. Some have digital displays so you can see the temperature with a tap of a finger, and others have built-in tablets that let you write shopping lists and watch cookery videos.
Other useful functions include Total No Frost which removes ice from the freezer so you spend less time scraping and mopping. Some models also feature an option for speed-freezing that increases the time to freeze so that you can get your meat and fish ready quicker however this can increase the energy consumption.
Choose a refrigerator freezer that has an open balance drawer that is moist as well as an option to quick-freeze. Many models have flexible zones that can switch from a freezer to a fridge so you can keep more food items for special occasions. There are also models equipped with twin cooling systems which keep the freezer separate from the fridge, stopping cool, dry air from drying food and allowing it keep it frozen for longer.