American Fridge Freezer - The King of Domestic White Goods
Whether in shimmering silver, minimal white or sophisticated black, American fridge freezers promise the kitchen with a smattering of praise. They are also practical thanks to the latest in technology like full air circulation, fancy drawers with 0@ for fruit and vegetables and long-lasting freshness.
Some include ice and water dispensers that are plumbed in, and others come with the capacity of ice jugs that can be refilled. Before purchasing, measure the space you have both inside and outside.
Size
American fridge freezers are larger than UK models. This is an important selling point for a home with lots of guests who bring food, or like to entertain. They can be sophisticated and stylish, with flat fronts or handles that are recessed to match the kitchen units to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Some models come with built-in cube makers and water dispensers that let you have instant chilled and filtered drinking water.
On the flip side they can be heavy and take up a considerable amount of space in your kitchen. The good news is that manufacturers are now making smaller 70cm American fridge freezers that can be adapted to the UK market, meaning you can still enjoy amazing design and top-of-the-line features without a huge appliance that takes up the entire room.
It is important to measure the space prior to purchasing to make sure you can fit the model you're looking for. Also, remember that you'll need a 60cm clearance around the doorframe. Then it's a matter of finding the right location for your American fridge freezer so that you're never left scrambling across the back and sides of your new purchase, trying to get it all in.
Style
The most popular of white domestic products, American fridge freezers offer massive capacity that can hold up to 38 bags of food items. They're also extremely elegant and stylish with the shiny silver finish making them a stunning kitchen statement piece that will delight your family and friends. Plus, with clever technology like the ability to circulate air to prevent frost and fancy fruit and vegetable drawers that ensure maximum freshness, they're brimming with additional features.
There are slimline models that are perfect for smaller spaces if you don't have the space for a two-door American fridge freezer, but would like it. Many manufacturers now offer 70cm American fridge freezers specifically designed to suit the UK market, delivering the coveted look and modern technology of an American without taking up too much space.
For a budget-friendly model with plenty of storage space, look into this Haier American refrigerator freezer. It's got a capacity of 521 litres that is enough for 28 bags of food. This model features Total No Frost technology to ensure that you don't have to defrost your freezer manually again. There's also an easy-to-use water dispenser that keeps ice-cold drinks right in your hands. The LED lights make it easy to locate what you require in the dark.
Technology
American fridge freezers are loaded with technology that ensures they perform at their best. Smart screens let you plan your shopping lists and consult recipes. Easy dispensers that serve cubed ice or chilled water are also available.
There are models with convertible zones that can be switched from fridge to freezer an excellent feature at Christmas or when you have a lot of food items to store. Twin Cooling technology blocks the warm freezer air from drying fresh food, and no-frost is another smart feature.
Some models come with automatic ice makers that can provide fresh cubes of filtered ice at the touch of a button. there are also plumbed-in options that connect to your mains water system, and can provide refreshingly chilled water or instant ice. You can even add an ice maker that is manual to your refrigerator if like the way you store your food.
Efficiency in energy is a major aspect to take into account as well, with the Energy Saving Trust recommending that you choose a model with an A G rating and 'E' or 'F' being the most efficient. Be on the lookout for the new E F - E energy label that replaces the previous A - D and plus sign rating and displays your estimated annual operating costs in kWh.
Energy
Large capacity fridge freezers are the ideal choice for those looking to buy more and save money by not making frequent trips to the shop. Large appliances use more energy. Therefore, it is important to select appliances with a high efficiency rating. The new UK american fridge freezer 80cm wide energy labels are easier to read and show an energy rating from A-G, together with the annual energy consumption in Kilowatt-hours.
There are some fridge freezers with higher energy ratings. A lower-rated appliance may be more economical based on the household's usage and electricity rate.
Many models also have No Frost technology, preventing the build-up of frost and ice that impedes storage space and requires manual defrosting. The models that are fitted with a plumbed-in connection connect directly to your water supply, while non-plumbed models draw water from a tank that is quick and easy to refill.
There are some who are concerned about the dimensions of an American refrigerator freezer, since they are typically 90cm wide and 178cm tall. Manufacturers have addressed this by creating slimmer 70cm versions that offer the sought-after look along with additional storage and cutting-edge technology without the weight. If you are considering buying one of these slimline models, take measurements of your front and internal doorways to make sure you can get it into your home.