Best fridge freezers UK 2023: energy efficient, integrated. and American style
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A fridge freezer can be sleek and discrete or make a style statement – you choose how much you want out on display. One thing’s for sure, there are so many to choose from it’s enough to make you want to choose one at random and hope for the best.
We’re here to help you think about the right buy for you, no matter what your budget or needs.
What are the best stores to buy a fridge freezer from?
Online stores are super-efficient at quick, next-day delivery on major appliances, so don’t panic if your new fridge freezer is a much-needed replacement for another that’s on the blink. We especially like Argos and AO.com, who have neve let us down with their timed deliveries and impress with text message updates and polite delivery people .
It’s always good to get a hands-on feel for what you like in terms of storage bins and fridge and freezer capacity, so if you can get to a store like John Lewis, then have a good root around models to see what would suit your kitchen and accommodate your usual weekly shop.
Do I need to consider energy ratings when purchasing a fridge freezer?
The nearer your chosen model scores to ‘A’ rating, the cheaper it will be to run.
Mark Smithson, CEO of nationwide electrical appliance experts, Marks Electrical, told us: “It’s important to remember that as of March last year, energy ratings have changed. A+, A++ and A+++ ratings have been removed and the new scale runs from A to G - making it easier for consumers to identify the most energy efficient products.”
“All energy labels now have a QR-code on them as well, allowing people to find out more information about the appliance and its energy rating before purchasing it, something we strongly advise.”
Does my fridge freezer really need more than the basic features?
Some models will connect to Alexa or an app to let you control temperatures, flash freeze, or be alerted to an open door. But there are models that look the part without the bells and whistles and will store meat and produce just as efficiently. Plastics and coatings may feel cheaper on budget models, so if in doubt, visit a showroom.
Best fridge-freezers at a glance:
- Best fridge freezer overall: Miele KFN 7795 D Fridge Freezer
- Best for a style statement: Amica FKR29653
- Best for healthier families: Beko GNE360520D HarvestFresh Freestanding American Style Fridge Freezer
- Best for keeping food fresher longer: Bosch Frost Free Fridge Freezer KGN362LDFG
- Best for a budget option with high specs: Hoover HOCT3L517FBK 50/50 Fridge Freezer
- Best for a see-through door (a revelation!): LG InstaView™ ThinQ™ GSXV91BSAE Wifi Connected American Fridge Freezer
The crème de la crème of chillers, Miele prides itself on the longevity of its products, so it’s worth taking that into account when looking at the pretty hefty price tag on this model.
There’s a great selection of internal dividers and bins for all your supplies and you can feel that it’s a different level quality, from the distribution of chilled air around the fridge to the way the shelves and handles feel in your hand. The freezer drawers glide, the doors close softly.
This model has an ice maker that comes from a plumbed-in water supply and we particularly like the NoFrost technology which stops the freezer section over-icing, leaving everything clearly visible and with no need to go through messy defrosting sessions.
KEY SPECS:
Capacity: Fridge 175L, freezer 71L
Energy rating: D
Reversible door: yes
Dimensions: 1770 x559x546mm
Wifi connected: yes
Looking for a fridge freezer that makes a bit more a statement than the usual white box? This good-looking, slim fridge freezer comes in a choice of red, black, cream or – our favourite - this unusual blue.
Inside, you’ll find three adjustable glass shelves, two different salad crispers and plenty of storage bins set into the door, so it’s practical as well as good looking
With 181 litres of storage in the fridge and a further 63 litres in the freezer, it’s a good solution for families without the kitchen space to go for a double-width, American-style model.
KEY SPECS:
Capacity: Fridge 181L, freezer 63L
Energy rating: F
Reversible door: no
Dimensions: 1810x550x615mm
Wifi connected: no