A fridge freezer keeps leftovers fresh for longer, and also helps you keep healthy meals on hand. Many fridge freezers are equipped with smart features.
When selecting a refrigerator-freezer, energy efficiency is a crucial factor. The kWh figure is located on the label that indicates energy efficiency and tells you how much electricity is used each year.
Quick- fridge and freezer and fast-freeze features
A lot of fridge freezers come with additional features that allow you keep your food fresher for longer. Some features can save you energy or time, while others aren't necessary. So if you're looking to purchase one, take into consideration how much each feature will add to the cost and whether it will make a difference to your lifestyle before making your decision.
Quick-chill provides you with an increase in cooling power, so that you can quickly chill food items to safe temperatures. This helps to stop harmful bacteria and keep nutrients in. It's useful if you frequently make a large grocery purchase and need to store food quickly.
Certain fridge freezers have a feature called fast-freeze that lets you freeze food at a lower temperature, which allows you to preserve the quality and texture of the food. This is particularly useful when there are many foods to be stored in the freezer, like following a large gathering. Be aware that freezing food at temperatures below 0C can affect its taste and nutritional value.
Certain models have a cold accumulation block that stores frozen ice to help the appliance maintain its temperature if there's a power cut. Some models also have a draining spout that makes it easier to drain off the melted ice or food spills.
Ice-cube trays
Every refrigerator has Ice-cube trays. They are a great way to save leftover soups, sauces, buttermilk and juices. You can freeze small quantities of herbs to use in a later meal.
But not all ice cube trays are created to be the same. Some are made from hard plastic that can break and shatter when you attempt to remove the cubes. There are many options for durable ice cubes that don't require you to bang and twist the cubes of ice.
The speed at which the ice cube tray freezes is another aspect to take into consideration. The smaller the area of the tray, the quicker it will freeze. In the same way, a tray that has separate compartments for each cube will freeze more quickly than one that simply has dividers.
There are a number of different sizes and shapes available in the market, so you can choose from whatever best fits your requirements. For instance, larger cubes of ice work well for cocktails as they melt less quickly and don't dilute drinks as much. Cocktail enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to spheres.
The set of four ice cube trays by OMorc includes the lid made of silicone that seals securely and keeps freezer odors at bay. It has a convenient handle that allows it to be easily stacked and carry. It can create 14 ice cubes, and the base has been made round for easy removal. It is also BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and made of plastic. The trays can be frozen flat and are easy to hold. This prevents cracking when moving from the sink to the freezer. They can be stacked into the bin included to simplify storage.
Aesthetics
Fridge freezers can be more than just appliances that are functional. They can also be fashion icons. 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. These stop them from rolling across shelves and taking up premium space and also prevent them from breaking or cracking.
There are fridge freezers available in a range of striking chromatic finishings, such as SMEG FAB32's bright chrome finish. This adds a modern spin to a classic style, and responds with current trends that play with texture and materials.
Integrated fridge-freezers are great for those who want sleek design, since they can be concealed behind cupboard doors, blending into the interior decor. They are also great for people who have small kitchens or open-plan living spaces as they can help maximize space and provide a neat and tidy appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is crucial to be energy efficient because fridges are on all the time and consume a lot of electricity. If you opt for an energy efficient fridge-freezer then it will save you money on your electricity bill and also help reduce carbon emissions. It is also advisable to check the energy consumption of your refrigerator to determine the price. You can do this with the plug-in energy usage meter, or by reviewing the cost of your electricity provider per kWh.
New models have been getting ever more efficient and energy labels tell you how much kWh each appliance consumes in a year and how it compares to similar appliances. You should look for an A+ or higher as these are the most efficient. Look for the yellow Energy Guide Label on your fridge or freezer before you purchase it. It will provide you with an estimate of annual operating costs. You can also check the energy consumption with similar refrigerators.
Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliances to operate however there are a few things you can do to lessen this. By leaving space between the food and the shelves so that cold air circulates more easily. This will consume less energy. This can also help stop condensation, which is a huge energy drain.
This Energy Star-rated Frigidaire model could be the thing for you if you're looking to buy a compact refrigerator that can be able to fit into any space. It is a little bit more expensive than other models, but it's a breeze to charge your electric bill. It is available in white or black and comes with a finish that looks stainless steel, but does not reveal smudges or fingerprints. It's also ideal for break rooms, offices and dorm rooms.
