Cheap Fridge Freezers
Even the cheapest models are often equipped with advanced technology. Some models have useful features such as Party Mode that allows you to chill drinks more quickly.
Certain doors have frost-free technology, so you won't have to worry. There are also reversible door options that can be adapted to the layout of your kitchen.
Features
Refrigerator freezers are equipped with numerous features, and many of them can help your food last longer and more convenient to store and locate. However, these features can push up the price of your fridge as well as its operating costs and it's worth weighing up whether they are really essential for you.
A frost-free model is a good choice, as it prevents the accumulation of ice inside the freezer compartment. This can save you the trouble of defrosting the freezer manually. It also helps save energy because it operates more efficiently than a standard model, so could reduce your electric bill.
You can also get refrigerators with smart sensors, that will connect to your smartphone via an app. This is useful to create shopping lists, adding reminders and even downloading recipes. Some models utilize artificial light in the drawers that are crisper to mimic natural sunlight, allowing your food to last longer.
Find models with an alarm in case you are prone to leaving your freezer or fridge open. These will beep when the temperature inside rises which will aid in identifying the problem before it causes damage to your food and costs you money. An alarm for opening doors can assist you in closing the door to your fridge or freezer when you forget to do so. This will save you money and food.
Quick-chill or fast-freeze settings are also helpful to speed up the freezing and chilling of food. This will help keep your food in its texture and quality when you're in a hurry after completing your shopping. You can also purchase fridge freezers with a cold accumulation block and pull out drainage spout, which can be helpful in the event of an electrical outage or a flood.
You can choose from a variety of finishes, including stainless steel and brushed chrome for those who want something more elegant. They tend to be more expensive, but they will give your kitchen a sleek, modern look. If you prefer a traditional style, there are also lots of fridge freezers in a variety of colours including sleek white to bold blue and red.
Size
There's a lot to take into consideration when buying refrigerator freezer. From the capacity and type to the design and function there are a myriad of aspects that can influence your decision. The ideal fridge freezer is the one that meets your needs, and is the perfect size for you.
The first thing to consider is the space or capacity of the appliance. If you are planning on stocking up your fridge freezer with a lot of food, it's worth getting one that has a generous capacity. Most models come with some sort of guide to show how much space the freezer and fridge compartment has.
Another thing to look out for is the energy efficiency of the new appliance. Fridge-freezers use a lot of energy and are constantly being switched on, making it important to opt for an efficient model. Energy-efficient fridge freezers will usually have an A energy rating or higher and will be more economical to run.
Many models are integrated, meaning they sit inside a cupboard. It can be difficult to find a refrigerator that is suitable for your kitchen. Make sure to determine the dimensions of your cabinets prior to shopping. Certain brands come with a range of finishes and colours that can help you find the right one to match your kitchen.
This basic Beko model makes an excellent choice if you are seeking a frost-free fridge freezer. It has plenty of storage, including a salad crisper and a huge EasyAccess shelf. It has a BigBox drawer that can hold large items or meat joints. It's also the least expensive refrigerator-freezer equipped with a water dispenser on this list.
This Leibherr refrigerator-freezer is a fantastic choice if you want an appliance that looks just as good as it functions. It has reflective doors which let you see your reflection as well as a gorgeous color ombre that changes from black to gunmetal. It's stylish, but it also includes features that keep your food fresher for longer such as Multi Airflow cooling and a humidity zone.
Energy efficiency
Efficiency is crucial when it comes to refrigerator freezers. A new model will reduce your bills, particularly when replacing an older, less efficient fridge or freezer.
Manufacturers have been making big strides in raising the standards for insulation and introducing high-efficiency compressors to cut down on the amount of energy they consume. So, you can get cheap fridge freezers that use less energy than models they replaced. They'll also reduce your electric bill too.
It's crucial to remember that not all fridges and freezers are the same. Some models come with extra features that could result in them being more expensive to run. For instance, certain models come with smart technology, like Beko's HarvestFresh which makes use of light to stimulate the process of photosynthesis. This will keep your fruit and vegetables fresher for longer, saving you from having to purchase more during your next shopping trip. Reversible doors are another option to think about. They let you select the direction in which the door opens from left to right, depending on the space you have. Also, frost-free settings can save you time and money by not having the necessity of defrosting your appliance.
If you're in search of a low-cost fridge freezer that offers the highest possible energy efficiency, check the new energy labels that came into force in 2021. The days of appliances were rated in an incomprehensible system of excessive pluses and signs (A +++). Instead, we now have a simple-to-read rating from A to G that lets you compare models and see how they're expected to perform relative to their size.
If you are able, think about purchasing a fridge that has an A rating. You should also take a look at the kWh figures on the energy label which tell you how much your freezer or fridge will typically use per year. This is a more effective way to compare models than the A-G classification, because it takes into consideration the space they are in and the capacity they can hold.
Style
A budget-friendly fridge freezer can be a great way to have extra space for chilling and freezing food items without spending a lot. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit various kitchens, including options like French door or side-by-side styles and classic top freezer designs. These are often cheapest, but still have plenty of storage space to help you avoid unnecessary food waste, thanks to handy features like door bins that can be adjusted and external ice and water dispensers (although they need to be connected to a plumbing system).
Think about an integrated design if want a fridge-freezer that will blend in with the cabinets you already have. They are placed inside cabinets in the kitchen and are typically designed for a standard unit which is around 178cm high or 60cm wide. This could limit your selection of models, though, so be sure to verify the dimensions of your fridge freezer before you purchase.
Refrigerator freezers with separate compartments for frozen and chilled food are ideal if you want to store more fresh food items. Refrigerator freezers with the freezer at the bottom and the refrigerator on top are perfect for people who cook many different meals. Larder fridges are an additional excellent option, since they are taller and can be kept under the counter or in a utility room. These huge capacity fridges do not require large amounts of floor space and are available in a range of colors such as graphite, white, and stainless steel. If you prefer a smart fridge freezer that has app connectivity and a digital display, check out our selection of Samsung and LG appliances.