A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer helps you keep healthy meals on hand and keeps leftovers fresher longer. A lot of fridge freezers have innovative features, too.
When selecting a refrigerator-freezer energy efficiency is an important factor. The kWh figure is on the label for energy and informs you the amount of electricity used per year.
Quick-chill and fast-freeze features
Many fridge freezers include extra features that help you keep your food fresher for longer. Certain features can save you energy or time, while others aren't necessary. If you're planning to purchase one, take into consideration the amount each feature will add to the price and whether it will make a difference to your lifestyle prior to making your decision.
The quick-chill function provides an increase in cooling power to chill fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This helps keep harmful bacteria from growing and keeps nutrients locked in. This is great if you are doing a lot of grocery shopping and require storage for your food quickly.
Certain fridge freezers have a fast-freeze feature that allows you freeze food at a lower temperature, which helps to retain the texture and quality of the food. This is helpful if there are lots of food items to be stored in the freezer, for instance following a large gathering. Be aware that freezing food below 0°C can affect its taste and nutritional value.
Some models include an accumulation box for cold that stores ice to maintain the temperature of the appliance in the event of a power outage. Some models have a drainage spout which can be pulled out to drain melted food spills and ice.
Ice-cube tray
Ice-cube trays are an essential part of every fridge. They are a great way to save leftover soups, sauces buttermilk and juices. You can freeze small batches of herbs to use later in a meal.
Not all ice cube trays are created equal. Some are made with hard plastic that is prone to fracture and break when you try to get the cubes. There are numerous options that are sturdy and don't require much pushing and twisting to break the frozen ice.
Another aspect to consider is the speed at which the ice-cube tray freezes. The smaller the area of the tray, the faster it will freeze. A tray with separate compartments for every cube will also freeze more quickly than one with divided compartments.
There are many different shapes and sizes available in the market and you can pick the one that best suits your needs. For example, larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails since they melt more slowly and do not alter the taste of the drink as much. Other popular shapes include spheres which are becoming increasingly popular with drink enthusiasts.
This set of four ice cube tray from OMorc is equipped with a silicone lid that seals securely and keeps freezer odors at bay. It also has a convenient handle that makes it easy to transport and stack. It makes 14 ice cubes and the base is rounded to allow an easier removal. It's BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The trays can be frozen flat and are comfortable to hold. This stops them from cracking when moving from the sink to the freezer. They can also be stacked in the bin included for easy storage.
Aesthetics
Contrary to their freestanding counterparts fridge freezers aren't just functional appliances. They can also be real style icons, too. There's a fridge-freezer to suit every kitchen, from brushed steel finishes to sleek designs inspired by the 1950s.
Many fridge freezers provide bottle racks that allow you to store bottles safely away. The racks prevent bottles from rolling on shelves and occupying valuable space, and causing them to break or crack.
Certain fridge freezers are available in an array of striking color finishes, such as the bright chrome finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This adds a modern twist to a classic style, and responds with current trends that play around with texture and materials.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are ideal for those who want sleek design, since they can be hidden behind cupboard doors, fitting into the home decor. They are also great for those with small kitchens and open living areas, as they can maximize space and create an appealing appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is crucial to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator since they are always on and consume an enormous amount of electricity. You can save money on your electric bill by choosing an energy-efficient fridge-freezer. It is also worth checking the energy consumption of your fridge as this will give you an idea of what it might cost to operate. You can test this with a plug-in energy meter or comparing the price per kWh of your electricity provider.
New models have been getting ever more efficient and energy labels will tell the amount of kWh that each appliance uses per year and how it compares to other appliances. Be sure to look for an A+ or higher because these are the most efficient. You should look for the yellow Energy Guide Label on your refrigerator or freezer prior to you buy it. It will give you an estimate of the annual operating costs. You can also evaluate energy consumption to similar refrigerators.
Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliances to operate, but there are some ways you can do to reduce the cost. By leaving large fridge freezer uk between the shelves and the food the cold air can circulate more easily. This will require less energy. This will also prevent condensation, which is a major energy drain.
If you're looking to buy a compact fridge that will fit into any space and is Energy Star-rated, this model from Frigidaire could be a great option. It's a bit more expensive than other models, however it's a breeze to charge your electric bill. It's available in white or black and comes with a finish that looks stainless steel, however, it doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It's also perfect for break rooms, offices and dorm rooms.