A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer can help you keep healthy food on hand, and also keeps leftovers fresher for a longer period of time. Many fridge-freezers come with clever features, too.
Energy efficiency is a crucial factor when choosing a fridge-freezer. Check the kWh figure on the energy label which will tell you how much electricity it uses per year.
Quick-chill & fast-freeze functions
There are lots of fridge freezers on the market with additional functions that assist you in keeping your food fresher for longer. Certain features can save you time or energy, while others are optional. If you're considering purchasing one, think about how much each feature adds to the price. Also, think about whether it will improve your lifestyle.
A quick-chill function gives an extra boost of cooling power to cool fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This helps prevent harmful bacteria from developing and also helps to keep nutrients inside. This is great if have a lot to do with grocery shopping and require storage for your food in a hurry.
Some fridge freezers are equipped with the feature of fast-freezing that lets you freeze food at a lower temperature, which allows you to preserve the texture and quality of the food. This is useful if there are lots of food items to store in the freezer, such as after a large dinner party. It's important to remember that freezing food at a lower temperature may alter the nutritional value and taste, so it's best to use this feature in moderation.
Certain models come with a cold accumulation block that stores frozen ice to aid in maintaining the appliance's temperature if there's a power cut. Some models have a drainage spout which can be removed to drain melted ice and food spillages.
Ice-cube tray
Every fridge has had ice-cube trays. They are great for storing leftover soups, sauces, and juices. You can freeze small amounts of herbs to use later in a meal.
But not all ice cube trays are created in the same way. Some are made of hard plastic which can crack or break if you attempt to take the cubes off. There are a variety of durable options available that don't require you to bang and twist the cubes of ice.
Another aspect to consider is how fast the ice-cube tray can be frozen. Typically, the smaller the surface area of the tray, the more quickly it will freeze. A tray with separate compartments for each cube will also be more efficient in freezing than one with the dividers.
You can choose from a variety of sizes and shapes available on the market. For example, bigger ice cubes work well for cocktails as they melt slower and don't cause as much dilution. Cocktail enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to spheres.
This set of four ice cube trays by OMorc is equipped with a silicone lid which seals well and keeps freezer odors out. It has a comfortable handle that makes it easy to stack and transport. It can make 14 ice cubes. Additionally, the base has been rounded for easy removal. It's also dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. The tray can be frozen flat and are easy to hold. This helps prevent cracks when you move them from the sink to freezer. They can be stacked into the included bin to simplify storage.
Aesthetics
Refrigerator freezers can be more than just appliances that are functional. They can also be style icons. There's a fridge-freezer to suit every kitchen, from brushed stainless steel finishes to modern designs inspired by the 1950s.
small fridge freezer and freezers have bottle racks that can be used to store bottles securely. These racks prevent bottles from slipping off shelves and occupying valuable space, and causing them to break or crack.
Some fridge-freezers are available in a range of striking chromatic finishings, such as SMEG FAB32's bright chrome finish. This gives a modern twist to an iconic style, and responds to the latest trends, which play with both texture and materials.
Integrated fridge-freezers are perfect for those who want sleek design, since they can be hidden behind cupboard doors, blending seamlessly into their interior decor. They're also ideal for those who have small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can aid in maximising space and create a tidy and neat appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is essential to select an energy efficient fridge since they are always on and consume a large amount of electricity. You can cut down on your electricity bill by choosing an energy-efficient fridge-freezer. It is also advisable to check the energy consumption of your fridge to get an idea of the cost. You can check this using an energy meter with a plug-in or by checking the cost per kWh of your electricity provider.
The labels on appliances indicate how much electrical energy each appliance uses annually, and how it compares to similar appliances. The most efficient appliances have an A+ or higher rating. If you are thinking of buying a fridge or freezer check the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of the annual operating expenses and lets you compare energy usage with similar refrigerators.
Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliance to run however there are a few things you can do to lessen the cost. For example leaving space between food and shelves allows cold air to circulate more easily, which means it consumes less energy. This can help avoid condensation, which is a huge energy drain.
If you're looking for a small refrigerator that can fit in any space and is Energy Star-rated, this model from Frigidaire could be a great option. It is a little bit more expensive than other models, but it's easy on your electricity bill. It comes in white or black and has a surface that looks like stainless steel but does not show smudges or fingerprints. It's also ideal for break rooms, office and dorm room.