With so many types of fridge freezers available, choosing the right one isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. However, once you’ve determined the size and budget you’re working with, it will make selecting the perfect fridge type so much easier.

How often you shop is an important consideration when it comes to buying a fridge. Are you more likely to do weekly shops or grab smaller shops on the way home? If you’re more likely to do the latter, then you’ll probably need less space as you won’t be storing a week’s worth of food in your refrigerator.

Picking the perfect fridge freezer comes down to three key factors: your household size, kitchen space, and budget. Typically, larger families will need more storage, so a bigger fridge freezer is the way to go. 

Before you buy, be sure to measure up! Do you have room for a tall, slim model, or would a compact under-counter fridge work better in your kitchen? 

First things first, there’s no single “standard” fridge freezer size. However, to help homebuilders, kitchen planners, designers, and appliance manufacturers, fridge freezers generally come in a few common sizes -mainly based on width and depth.

Refrigerators come in several common types: top-freezer, bottom-freezer, side-by-side, French door, compact, and built-in. Top-freezer models feature a refrigerator compartment on top and a freezer compartment below it, which is a classic design that’s often more affordable. Bottom-freezer models make it easier to access fresh foods since the fridge section is at eye level, while the freezer is positioned at the bottom. This layout is especially convenient for those who use the fridge more often than the freezer.

Side-by-side refrigerators include two vertical compartments, with the freezer on one side and the refrigerator on the other, allowing for easy access to both. French door refrigerators combine the benefits of the bottom-freezer and side-by-side models, with wide shelves and plenty of space.

Compact and built-in refrigerators are ideal for smaller spaces or custom kitchens and normally have specific features that are tailored to fit limited spaces.

Even though both refrigerators have two doors, there is a difference when it comes to layout and functionality. As we’ve discussed above, a French door refrigerator combines the benefits of a bottom freezer and wide, spacious fridge shelves on top. This is ideal if you regularly store lots of fresh ingredients or food platters for parties. A side-by-side refrigerator vertically splits the fridge and freezer, essentially giving you more freezer space and access to each section at eye level.

The main things to consider are size, capacity, configuration, and finish. For size, you need to measure your potential area and remember that French door models are generally wider and need additional room for the doors to open completely. For capacity, it’s all about the forward planning around how much fresh and frozen food is going to be comfortably stored inside it. Configuration is regarding the variation in the different models, as some of them offer dual freezer drawers or convertible compartments. The finish means choosing a fridge in a colour that complements your kitchen.

Despite them being an extremely stylish addition to your kitchen, there are a couple of things to bear in mind when it comes to purchasing French door fridges. Their split design means narrower shelving, which means wider items can be tricky to fit without using adjustable shelves. It’s also worth mentioning that they’re also likely to have less overall fridge capacity due to the larger freezer section below.

On average, a French door refrigerator can last around 10 to 15 years. Of course, this lifespan can vary depending on mechanical components breaking down and external factors such as how often the doors and draws are used, as this adds to the wear and tear over time. With proper care and regular maintenance, however they can run smoothly into double figure years.

American-style fridge freezers are designed to make it easy to keep track of your grocery supplies and stock your fridge in an organised way. Their tall design is packed with adjustable shelving so you can design your own layout and make the most of every bit of capacity in there.  

They’re sleek and stylish in nature, bringing a touch of luxury to your kitchen and can include advanced features such as frost-free technology, fast-freeze functions, and door alarms. 

The best American style fridge freezers boast many of these innovative features and have storage space that extends all the way from the top of the fridge to the bottom of the floor, so they’re well worth the extra cost if you have the room.  

The average lifespan of an American fridge freezer usually ranges between 10 to 20 years. However, there are numerous factors that will influence where your appliance falls within this range. 

Brand and build quality are important considerations. Premium brand names with advanced engineering often last longer, with the modern technological advancements helping to improve the lifespan of your American fridge freezer. 

Regular usage will impact their longevity as well. Fridges used more frequently may wear out faster due to increased compressor activity as continuous fluctuations in temperature can strain the appliance, reducing its lifespan over time. 

The average American-style fridge freezer with drawers weighs around 250–450 lbs or 113-204 kgs.  

Several factors contribute to the overall weight of American-style fridge freezers. These include the size, capacity and the materials used, such as the type of metal, glass, and insulation, which can all add to the overall weight. Additional components like ice dispensers, water filters, and smart technology can also play their part when it comes to bulk. 

Whether you're moving somewhere new, remodelling your kitchen, or just upgrading to a new model, knowing how much your refrigerator weighs is important as it affects the delivery and installation journey, as well as what floor support is needed.  

The easiest way to determine the weight is by either checking the product page or user manual that comes with your refrigerator. 

The height of American style fridge freezers usually falls between 67 and 71 inches, but once the feet are added the overall size will come out as a little taller. The height is usually only a major issue if you’re planning to put it in an enclosed space such as a cupboard or a space with a lid. 

American-style fridge freezers are wider than standard refrigerators, and they usually range from 28 to 39 inches. Remember your appliance needs to be able to fit within the set space you have for it, so be sure to consider its width as a priority. 

It’s recommended that you leave at least 2 inches of clearance space for ventilation. Be sure to check the space around where your new appliance will go so that the doors and drawers can open properly. 

Check out the exterior drawers or storage zones on the door’s interior and consider who in the family needs to reach them and how easy it will be for them.  

If you need to store taller items, then styles such as the French door or side-by side are going to be better for you as they typically have specialised storage such as sliding shelves and wide trays.  

If you’re going to need room for bulk purchases or extra fresh food storage space, then consider chest and upright freezers which often have storage levels to keep food visible and easy to access. 

And look into the extra performance elements such as ice and water dispensers which are perfect for busy households or those wanting to switch from buying bottled water and ice.  

Dual Cooling is another popular performance feature – these are dedicated cooling systems for each compartment to make sure your fresh and frozen food are stored at their optimal temperatures 

When buying a fridge freezer, you also need to select your desired colour and finish and whether you want these to match your current kitchen aesthetic. if you’re wanting a finish that wipes clean easily, there are now models with fingerprint-resistant finishes to keep your fridge freezer looking new no matter how many members of the family are in and out of it.  

To get the best refrigerator for your household you’ll need to think about what you’re going to be storing in it. For fresh fruit and vegetables, you can now get fridges with salad crispers and deeper drawers for larger vegetables. There is also extra fresh compartments which will keep meat and fish preserved for longer.  

For delicate dairy, check if the fridge has a closed container on the door designed for storing products with the most flavour. Also think about wine racks, adjustable shelves to fit bottles or even a built-in wine cooler if you have an ever-growing collection of bottles. 

Fridge freezers are labelled with energy ratings to help you manage the cost of your energy bills. Remember that they are one of the few household appliances that will be on all day every day, so selecting the most energy-efficient fridge is one of the best ways you can help to lower your energy bills. 

Appliances are now tested for how much energy they use and given a rating on a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient, and G being the least efficient. 

There are a range of different refrigerators available on the market which have a built-in freezer compartment, but you can also purchase a standalone freezer if that is more suitable to your needs.  

American-style fridge freezers can be one of the best choices for larger families - they are normally bigger and designed with multiple sections, and often with a built-in water cooler.  

If you’re opting for an under-counter fridge freezer you’ll find they’re shorter, more compact and can include variable storage with fast chill and automatic defrost features. They are a great all-rounder that works well in smaller houses if space is at a minimum. 

Taller fridge models allow you to store more fresh food, and have compartments for storing different types of food, such as vegetables, raw meat, or eggs. They have fast chill and automatic defrosting and can be paired with a tall freezer for a premium fridge-freezer combination. 

Another thing to think about is whether you want an integrated fridge freezer that is hidden seamlessly behind a kitchen cabinet door, or a stand-alone model that can be unplugged and moved around. Buying an integrated fridge is a popular choice for open-plan living spaces because they bring a sleekness to your kitchen area. However, bear in mind that they’re usually more expensive to buy than freestanding fridges.  

There are two different types of hinges that are used to attach the fridge and freezer doors to the cabinetry during the installation, allowing the cabinet door and compartment door to open together. One is a sliding door system that is not directly fixed to the fridge freezer doors, but instead operates on rails, and the other is a door-on-door system where the fridge freezer doors are directly attached to the cabinet doors, sitting flush with the cabinet. 

Something else to decide on is whether you want your fridge freezer to have a single door or multi-doors. A single-door refrigerator has just the one compartment for both the freezer and the refrigerator sections, whilst the double-door refrigerator has separate compartments for the freezer and refrigerator, usually with two adjacent doors. The single-door refrigerator is usually space-efficient and works well with smaller kitchens, whilst the double door refrigerator offers better organisation and temperature control with its separate compartments, which is perfect for larger households.   

Getting a fridge freezer with wine racks enable you to store your bottles safely and conveniently in one place. Each bottle is easily accessible, which reduces the risk of disturbing other bottles when selecting a wine and it gives you clear visibility of labels to make it easier to manage your collection. Additionally, enhanced air circulation around each bottle ensures a more consistent temperature and humidity to preserve the wine’s quality. 

Ice dispensers that are integrated into the appliance can be a helpful feature. You no longer have the inconvenience of filling and refilling ice trays saving time and effort so you can focus more on hosting when your guests start to arrive for drinks. 

No frost technology eliminates the buildup of ice in the freezer by extracting air and humidity to maintain an even temperature throughout the cavities, keeping your food fresher for longer and helping to keep your fridge free of moisture, increasing efficiency and reducing bacteria. 

Some fridges also have a holiday mode, which maintains an internal temperature when you are away from home to prevent odours that can sit within an empty fridge. 

And look out for specialised shelves that can accommodate tall items, customable tiered storage for flexibility, and adjustable door bins that can safely store beverages like bottles, cans, and juices. 

This refrigerator operates with an energy consumption of 276 kWh per year, to make it a cost-effective choice for everyday use. 

Innovative cooling technology 

Linear Cooling and Multi Air Flow ventilation ensure superior cooling performance to keep food fresh with consistent temperatures. 

Convenient dispensing options 

Built-in water and ice dispensers provide both cubed and crushed ice options without the need for additional plumbing. 

Smart connectivity features 

Compatible with your smartphone, the refrigerator allows for remote management and monitoring of the appliance. 

Quiet operation 

With a noise level of just 35 dB(A), the unit ensures a calm kitchen environment without any sound disruption. 

Spacious design 

With a total net capacity of 482 litres, this refrigerator accommodates larger grocery hauls, perfect for big families and gatherings. 

Efficient energy usage 

Operating with an energy consumption of only 293 kWh per year, it contributes to lower utility bills whilst being environmentally friendly. 

Quiet operation 

Featuring a noise level of 37 dB(A), it operates quietly, making it suitable for open spaces and peaceful environments. 

Smart compatibility 

IoT compatibility along with Wi-Fi connectivity allows users to control settings through their smartphones for convenience. 

Flexible storage options 

Adjustable shelves and compartments ensure that items of all shapes and sizes can be stored efficiently. 

Adjustable compartment temperature 

With MyZone technology, one touch is all it takes to adjust the compartment temperature by one degree between -3°C and +5°C. 

Food fresh twice as long 

The Humidity Zone drawer keeps humidity at 90% inside the compartment preventing condensation from forming and preserving your fruits and vegetables two times longer. 

Innovative technology  

Total No Frost technology prevents ice from forming inside the refrigerator, so you’ll never have to defrost the freezer again. 

Proactive temperature 

The Proactive Temperature function geolocates you and ensures your refrigerator is ready when you get home, proactively restoring the right temperature 73% faster. 

Reversible doors 

Thanks to reversible doors, the refrigerator can integrate into space according to your needs, so you can design your kitchen with maximum freedom. 

Advanced digital display 

A sleek and intuitive touch screen provides total control of the inside of the refrigerator without even having to open the door.  

LED interior lighting 

The powerful LED lighting not only consumes less energy than traditional interior lights but they’re designed to last longer. 

Efficient frost-free design 

Frost-free cooling enables continuous circulation of cold air, preventing ice build-up and ensuring there’s no need for manual defrosting. 

Spacious storage capacity 

The total net capacity accommodates multiple shelves, drawers, and compartments, so organisation and accessibility are optimised for everyday use. 

Quiet inverter motor 

The advanced inverter motor operates quietly, maintaining a minimal noise level in the kitchen without disruption. 

Smart connectivity options 

Equipped with IoT compatibility and Wi-Fi connectivity, users can manage settings and monitor performance remotely. 

Led interior lighting 

LED lighting provides clear visibility of the contents inside the refrigerator, making it easy to find items even in low light.  

Efficient energy  

With an energy class of E, this fridge freezer minimises its power consumption, ensuring efficient energy use throughout the year. 

Spacious storage 

With a total net capacity of 441 litres, with 266 litres for refrigeration and 175 litres for freezing, there’s ample space for all your food storage needs. 

Advanced freezing capabilities 

Featuring a fast freeze function and the ability to freeze up to 10 kg of food in 24 hours, it keeps your fresh groceries optimal. 

Convenient design 

Additional features such as automatic defrost, electronic control, and a door alarm provide a user-friendly experience. 

Quiet operation 

Operating at a noise level of just 42 dB(A), it contributes to a quiet environment in your kitchen or living space. 

Spacious storage 

This Hisense fridge freezer has a 485-litre capacity that holds up to 26 bags of shopping. Easy Sliding Drawers also offer additional space for your frozen foods. 

Cool water dispenser  

Enjoy cold water when you want it with the internal refillable tank that doesn’t take up much space or require any plumbing. 

Metal tech cooling 

The back of the fridge freezer is made of metal to help the cooling process, while air vents move the air around to ensure every shelf and corner is evenly cooled.  

Fresh Zone draw 

The Fresh Zone draw allows you to tweak the humidity level to meet the needs of your individual fruits or vegetables, so everything stays packed with flavour.  

Chrome wine rack 

There’s a wine rack that can hold up to five bottles to keep your drinks chilled, but it’s also removable if you want to maximise your fridge space. 

Spacious and organized interior 

Featuring four refrigerator door shelves and three drawers, the design facilitates an organised setup, so you can easily locate items while maximising the space available. 

Advanced cooling technologies 

With Linear Cooling and Multi Air Flow ventilation, it ensures that temperatures remain consistent, preserving the quality of food for longer. 

Efficient ice and water dispensers 

Equipped with a UV-nano water dispenser and a SpacePlus ice maker, everyone can enjoy convenient access to cubed and crushed ice without any plumbing requirements. 

Smart features for convenience 

With Wi-Fi compatibility, users can control functions through an app on their smartphone, monitor energy usage, and receive alerts for a modern, connected kitchen experience. 

Energy-efficient design 

Registered as Energy Class D, this American-style fridge freezer operates efficiently with an energy consumption of 276 kWh annually, reducing impact on the environment and utility costs. 

Smart connectivity 

Equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, this wine cooler seamlessly integrates within your smart home ecosystem for remote monitoring and control. 

Optimal preservation 

With a UV filtered glass door and anti-vibration system, your wine is stored under the ideal conditions to preserve its quality and taste. 

Efficient design 

With its energy class G rating and consuming only 136 kWh per year, this wine cooler combines environmental efficiency with performance. 

Versatile storage 

A 62-litre capacity and adjustable wood shelves provide flexible storage solutions, accommodating up to 23 bottles of your favourite wine. 

Intuitive control 

Touch-sensitive controls inside the door offer a hassle-free way to adjust settings, ensuring your wine is consistently stored at the perfect temperature.