A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer helps you keep healthy food on hand and keeps leftovers fresher for a longer period of time. A lot of fridge freezers have smart features, too.
When choosing a refrigerator-freezer the energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider. The kWh number is displayed on the label for energy and informs you how much electricity is used annually.
Quick-chill and fast freeze functions
Many fridge freezers have additional features that allow you to keep your food fresher longer. Certain features can help you save time or energy, while others are optional. If you're considering buying one, consider the value each feature adds to the cost. Also, consider if it will enhance your life.
A quick-chill feature provides an extra boost of cooling power to cool fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This helps to stop harmful bacteria from growing and keeps nutrients within. It's handy if you often make a large grocery purchase and need to store food quickly.
Certain fridge freezers have the feature of fast-freezing that lets you freeze food at a lower temperature, which preserves the quality and texture of the food. This is particularly useful when there are lots of food items to be stored in the freezer, such as after a large dinner party. Keep in mind that freezing food below 0°C can alter its taste and nutritional value.
Some models have a cold accumulation block that stores frozen ice to aid in maintaining the appliance's temperature in the event of a power cut. Others have a pull-out drainage spout that makes it easier to remove melted ice or food spillages.
Ice-cube trays
Every refrigerator has ice-cube traytrays. They are ideal for storing leftover sauces, soups, buttermilk, and juices. You can freeze small amounts of herbs to use in a later meal.
There are many different ice cube trays and not all are made the same. Some are made of tough plastic which can crack or splinter if you try to remove the cubes. There are many durable options that don't require you to smash and twist the ice cubes.
Another aspect to consider is how quickly the ice cube tray can be frozen. Typically, the smaller the surface area of the tray, the more quickly it will freeze. Similarly, an item with separate compartments for each cube will be more efficient in freezing than a tray that only has divided areas.
You can pick from a variety of sizes and shapes available on the market. For example, bigger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails as they melt less quickly and don't cause as much dilution. Other popular shapes include spheres which are becoming more popular with cocktail enthusiasts.
This set of four ice-cube tray from OMorc includes an oleo-silicone lid that seals tightly and helps keep freezer smells at bay. It comes with a handy handle that allows it to be easily stacked and transport. It can produce 14 ice cubes. Additionally, the base has been made round for easy removal. It is BPA-free, dishwasher safe and constructed from plastic. The tray is easy to grasp and can be frozen flat to stop cracking when moving from the sink to the freezer. They can also be stacked in the bin included for easy storage.
Aesthetics
Unlike their freestanding counterparts, fridge freezers aren't just practical appliances. They can also be stylish icons, too. There's a fridge freezer to fit every kitchen, from brushed stainless steel finishes to modern designs inspired by 1950s.
Many refrigerators and freezers have bottle racks that can be used to store bottles securely. They prevent them from bouncing around on shelves and occupying valuable space, while also preventing them from breaking or cracking.
Certain fridge freezers are available in an array of striking color finishes, such as the shiny chrome finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This gives a modern twist to an icon of style, and responds to the latest trends, which play with both textures and materials.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are ideal for those who prefer a streamlined aesthetic, as they can be concealed behind cupboard doors, fitting seamlessly into their home decor. They are also great for those with small kitchens and open living areas, as they maximise space and create an appealing look.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is important because fridges are on all the time and consume a lot of electricity. If built in fridge freezer choose an energy-efficient fridge-freezer, this will save you money on your electric bill and also help reduce carbon emissions. You should also examine the energy consumption of your refrigerator to determine the price. You can check this using an energy meter with a plug-in or checking the price per kWh from your electricity provider.
The latest models are ever more efficient and the energy labels show you how many kWh each appliance consumes per year and how it compares with similar appliances. The most efficient appliances have an A+ or higher rating. Check the yellow Energy Guide Label on your refrigerator or freezer prior to you buy it. It will give you an estimate for annual operating costs. You can also evaluate energy consumption to similar refrigerators.
Refrigerators are typically the most expensive appliance to run but there are some things you can do to cut down on the cost. For instance, leaving space between food and shelves allows cold air to circulate more easily, which means it requires less energy. This will also prevent condensation which is a major energy hog.
This Energy Star-rated Frigidaire model might be just the right choice for you if you're looking to buy a compact refrigerator that can fit in any space. It's a bit more expensive than other models, however it's easy to charge your electric bill. It comes in white or black and has a finish that looks stainless steel, however, it doesn't reveal smudges or fingerprints. It's also great for break rooms, offices and dorm room.