Fridge Freezer Buying Guide
Side-by-Side (SBS) or French style? Smart or classic? There are endless options available – and a few things you’ll need to consider – when buying a fridge.
You should think about the space that’s available; you’ll also need to come up with a budget, and factor in running costs. And when it comes to fridge capacity, you should be realistic; think seriously about how much food your fridge should hold if it’s to properly service the whole household.
Sounds complicated, right? Luckily, we’ve put together a comprehensive refrigerator guide to help you choose a fridge that’s perfect for you and your family.
Integrated or Freestanding Refrigerator?
Whilst shopping around for a new fridge, you’ll come across the terms ‘integrated’ and ‘freestanding.’ Integrated (or built-in) fridge freezers are hidden away behind a kitchen cabinet door; freestanding fridges are separate, stand-alone appliances that aren’t fitted into your kitchen units.
When choosing a freestanding fridge freezer, it’s important to think about the look of the model, since it’s going to be a focal point in your kitchen. Freestanding units can be installed pretty much anywhere in a room, as long as they’re close to a plug socket. What’s more, they’re easy to move if needed; you can take them with you if you relocate, so freestanding fridges are a sound investment.
Because they’re hidden from view by cupboard doors, integrated fridge freezers offer a streamlined finish, which is probably why they’re becoming an increasingly popular option for family homes.
However, they can be more expensive, so you’ll need to think about your budget before buying one. And because they’re difficult to fit into a new space, integrated appliances are usually left behind during house moves, so you should only consider buying a built-in fridge if you’re unlikely to relocate.
Refrigerator Types
It’s important that you understand the different features of each type of refrigerator, so you can make an informed decision when buying yours.
Side-by-Side Style Fridge Freezers
Side-by-Side style refrigerators feature a set of double doors that open from the middle outwards; they don’t have one single hinged door, like traditional models. Side-by-Side style units are great for big families, with some models having a net capacity of over 600 litres. As one of the largest fridge types on the market, Side-by-Side style fridges offer lots of storage space.
French Style Fridge Freezers
French style or French door fridge freezers are large capacity units that come with three or four doors (you’ll notice that they’re sometimes called multi-door fridges too). Though standard French door refrigerators are fairly wide, slimline styles are available for those with limited space. French style fridge freezers have a contemporary appeal; aesthetically, they suit most modern kitchens, and have been designed with family living in mind.
Classic Fridge Freezers
Classic fridge freezers have a fridge section at the top and a separate freezer compartment underneath. Combi fridge freezers like these are a great space-saving option for smaller homes.
One-Door Fridges and Freezers
One-door fridges, or larder fridges, don’t have a freezer compartment inside, so you’ll need a separate one-door freezer if you want to freeze food. These tall, single-door units offer plenty of storage space for food, making them suitable for big families or those who enjoy cooking in batches. You can even pair one-door fridges and freezers together, to create a large SBS style unit.
Features to Look Out For
When buying a new refrigerator, it’s important to think about whether you’ll benefit from any additional features. Here are some of the most common extras you’re likely to find.
Understanding Fridge Capacity
Fridge capacity is given in litres, and it’s used to describe how much produce a fridge can hold; the larger the capacity, the more storage space you’ll have. When shopping around for a new fridge, you’ll come across two terms: gross and net capacity. Gross capacity refers to the total volume inside the fridge; net capacity is the usable storage space that’s left once its components – like shelving – have been factored in. Some Samsung models come with SpaceMax™ technology, whereby the fridge walls are thinner. This increases the fridge’s internal capacity, without affecting its external dimensions or compromising on performance. To ensure that your new fridge is going to meet your needs, think about how much fresh and frozen food (and drink) you’ll want to store at any one time.
Fridge Dimensions & Measuring Advice
Fridge freezer sizes vary by model. To make sure your appliance is going to fit in your home, check the measurements of the fridge you’re looking at against the space that’s available.
- Measure the width and depth of the area where you’re planning to put the fridge. If you want to fit it beneath a counter, or if your ceiling is low, you should measure the height too.
- Remember to factor in ventilation space to make sure your fridge doesn’t overheat once installed.
Energy Efficiency
Refrigerators, like other white goods, are rated according to their energy efficiency. The EU energy label grades products from A to G, but the best rating for fridge freezers is A+++.
With improved insulation and temperature control, modern fridges tend to be more energy efficient.
How Long Does a Refrigerator Last?
With regular cleaning and good maintenance, refrigerators can last up to a decade. If your appliance is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it; the energy savings you make could eventually cover the cost of buying a new fridge freezer.*
* Source: https://www.uswitch.com/energy-saving/guides/fridges-and-freezers/
Installing a Fridge Freezer
Freestanding refrigerators are easy to install; you just plug them in! However, integrated types should be installed by a professional fitter.
Once your new fridge has arrived, you should leave it to sit for 3 hours before plugging it in and switching it on; you’ll also need to let the fridge stabilise overnight before loading it with food.* It’s always worth giving new fridges a quick wipe down before you use them too.
Any installation concerns you have should be covered in the user manual.
* Source: https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/home-appliances/i-have-just-had-my-fridge-freezer-delivered-how-long-do-i-need-to-leave-it-before-using/
* Samsung offers free installation to all our Home Appliances
Cleaning a Fridge
Cleaning a fridge is considered simple maintenance; it’s a quick and easy way to get rid of any bacteria and prevent contamination between produce.
How to Clean a Fridge
・ Keep on top of minor spills and drips, wiping them away immediately; liquids are easier to clean before they’ve dried onto a surface.
・ Ideally, you should give your refrigerator a thorough clean every month. Using a damp, soapy cloth, wipe down the shelves and interior of your fridge, before patting dry with a tea towel. Remove shelving systems where possible to make the process simpler.
・ Keep the door seals of your fridge clean; heat can enter and escape from your refrigerator if these are clogged with dirt and debris. Simply wipe them down, whenever you notice that they’re getting dirty. On Samsung models, seals can be removed to make cleaning easier; they can be put in the dishwasher too.
・ If your fridge has a water and ice dispenser, you should replace the filter every 6 months.
Whether you’re looking for a no-frills fridge freezer or something smart in which to store your snacks, find the right refrigerator for your family by shopping the range online today.