Buying a Small American Fridge Freezer
An American fridge freezer is the best of white goods for the home, with more storage space than your typical model, and a myriad of extra features such as full air circulation for frost-free freezer compartments and fancy fruit and veg drawers. Choose models that aren't plugged in and do not require access to the plumbing for a simple installation.
Storage
There are numerous storage options for small American refrigerator freezers. There are models with two freezer drawers along with large salad crispers and zones that change between freezer and fridge at the flick of a button. They may also come with separate doors for drinks, so you can keep your favourite wine chilled and available.
Most often, you'll come across American refrigerator freezers that feature long doors reminiscent of cupboards with the fridge on the right and freezer on the left, or side-by-side refrigerators and freezer units. You can also find French-style refrigerators. They have refrigerators that are stacked on top of one or more freezer drawers.
These models might take up a bit more space in your kitchen but they'll leave more space for your food items as opposed to a standard freestanding model. You can even find slim American fridge freezers that are only 70cm wide, which is perfect for kitchens with smaller spaces.
Whatever size you decide to buy, look for a an frost-free freezer to avoid you the trouble of frequently defrosting by hand. Some even have a fast-freeze setting that increases the time to freeze which means food stays fresher for a longer period of time. There are also models that have adjustable shelves, which will ensure that you're making the most of your space. The energy rating will also indicate how efficient the appliance is and what it costs to run.
Convertible zones
Some fridge freezers, like the Fridgemaster MS83430FFS, have convertible zones. These zones can be changed between fridge and freezer at the touch a button. This can be useful for storing fresh vegetables as well as keeping beer and wine chilled, or perhaps an enormous batch of Ice cream. It can also be useful during the Christmas season when you have plenty of leftovers to freeze and then reheat.
For another fantastic feature, look into Samsung's FlexZone compartment that you can alter to suit different food types. It can be set to Freeze, Soft Freeze or chill before storing in a refrigerator. This is an ideal way to keep all your frozen foods organised and ready for those big dinner parties.
Door alarms are another helpful feature that can avoid food spoilage by notifying you when your fridge or freezer door is open for too long. There are also models with twin cooling systems which separate the fridge and freezer compartments. This prevents the cold, dry air in the freezer from causing drying of food inside the fridge. It also helps you save energy.
Before you buy, don't forget about the energy rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient it will be. It's also worthwhile to check the yellow Energy Guide label to get an estimate of the running costs.
Water and ice dispensers
Many American refrigerator freezers have water and ice dispensers so you can drink chilled, filtered water or cubes at the touch an button. They're great if you like to have drinks in the fridge for guests or children. There are also models with manual ice makers in the freezer section. you fill a disposable tray and then turn the dial to release crushed ice.
American refrigerator freezers that are plumbed need to be connected to an water supply that is mains. They can only be installed in a kitchen that's already set up and has enough space to accommodate them. If you want to save money, or don't have enough space for a plumbed fridge freezer, there are other options. For instance you can buy refrigerators that have refillable water bottles that you can fill yourself.
If you enjoy entertaining, then you should look for an American fridge freezer with a built-in wine cooler that can accommodate up to 28 bottles and is designed for optimal cooling. You can also find models with a smart sensor that detects the moment that the door is opened. This allows you to manage and monitor your appliance remotely with Smart ThinQ via your smartphone or tablet. Plus, you can find an energy-efficient model with a low A+ rating, allowing you to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on operating expenses.
Built-in frydge cameras
Refrigerators with cameras are more of a 'nice to have feature than an essential one. However they can be useful for those who wish to keep track of their food and cut down on their consumption of food. They let you know what's in the fridge without opening the door, which is particularly useful for households with a busy schedule. You can also use the camera to check whether you've closed the fridge before leaving to shop, for example.
Samsung offers a variety of fridge freezers equipped with cameras, including the stylish RS50N3513WW/EU. It has a big touchscreen display that lets you examine the contents of your fridge, find recipes and place orders for groceries. It's powered by the brand's own smart assistant Bixby and can be used with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant too. You can alter the temperature of your fridge via your tablet or smartphone.
Hisense's fridge freezer FMN431W20C is a cost-effective option. It can hold 550 litres in both the fridge and freezer. Front-mounted water and Ice dispensers are also available. It comes with no-frost technology to save you the annual misery of breaking ice by hand and LED lighting that makes it easier to navigate through the interior space. It's frost-free as well as EnergyStar certified, which means it will be efficient to run. It doesn't have the fancy cameras of the aforementioned Samsung models however it can provide you with a healthy diet for less money.