A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer helps keep leftovers fresher for longer and allows you to keep healthy meals in the fridge. A lot of fridge freezers have innovative features, too.
Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a fridge freezer. Check the kWh figure on the energy label which tells you how much electricity it consumes per year.
Fast-freeze and quick-chill functions
There are lots of fridge freezers available with extra functions designed to aid in keeping your food fresher for longer. Some can boost the efficiency of your energy usage or help you save time and effort, while others are more of an option. If you're thinking of buying one, think about how much each feature will add to the cost. Also, consider if it can improve your lifestyle.
The quick-chill function provides an increase in cooling power to cool fresh food to safe temperatures quickly. This can help to stop harmful bacteria from forming and also helps to keep nutrients inside. This is great if you do a lot of grocery shopping and need to store your food in a hurry.
Certain fridge freezers come with the ability to speed-freeze, which allows you to freeze foods at lower temperatures than normal that helps them maintain their texture and quality after they're frozen. This is useful when you have lots of food items to keep in the freezer at once for instance, after a large meal. It is important to keep in mind that freezing food at a lower temperature may alter the nutritional value and taste, so it's best to use this feature sparingly.
Some models have a cold accumulation block that stores ice in the freezer to aid the appliance in maintaining its temperature in the event of a power cut. Some models have a pull-out drain spout that makes it simpler to flush out melted ice or food spillages.
Ice-cube tray
Every fridge has long had ice-cube trays. They are a great way to save leftover sauces, soups, buttermilk, and juices. You can also keep small quantities of fresh herbs to use later on in a meal.
Not all ice cube tray are the same. Some are made of hard plastic that may crack and splinter when you attempt to remove the cubes. There are many options for durable ice cubes available that don't need you to pound and twist the cubes of ice.
The speed at which the ice cube tray froze is another factor to consider. The smaller the tray's surface area is, the faster it will freeze. Similar to the tray that has distinct compartments for each cube will be more efficient in freezing than one with just divided areas.
There are many different shapes and sizes that are available on the market which means you can select from whatever best fits your needs. For example, larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails as they melt slower and don't make the drink more diluted. Other popular shapes include spheres which are becoming more and more popular with cocktail enthusiasts.
The set of four ice cube tray from OMorc comes with an oleo-silicone lid that seals tightly and keeps freezer odors out. It has a comfortable handle that makes it easy to stack and carry. It can create 14 ice cubes. the base has been made round for easy removal. It is dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and constructed from plastic. The trays are easy to grip and can be frozen flat to avoid cracking during transportation from the sink to the freezer. They can be placed in the bin that comes with them to simplify storage.
Aesthetics
In contrast to their freestanding counterparts fridge freezers aren't merely functional appliances: they can be real style icons, too. There's a fridge freezer to fit every kitchen, from brushed stainless steel finishes to sleek designs inspired by the 1950s.
Many fridge-freezers offer bottle racks that allow you to store bottles away safely. The racks prevent bottles from rolling on shelves which can take up valuable space and causing them to break or crack.
There are fridge freezers that come in a range of striking chromatic finishings, such as SMEG FAB32's bright chrome finish. This adds a modern twist to an iconic design, and is in tune with current trends that play with texture and materials.
The fridge-freezers integrated into the cabinet can be hidden behind cabinet doors to blend seamlessly with your home decor. They are also ideal for those who have smaller kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can maximize space and create an appealing look.
Energy efficiency
It is crucial to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator since they are always on and use lots of electricity. If you select a fridge that is energy efficient, this will save you money on your electricity bill and also help reduce carbon emissions. It is also worthwhile to check the energy consumption of your fridge because it will give you an idea of how much it would cost to run. You can do this using the plug-in energy usage meter or checking your electricity supplier's price per kWh.
The labels on appliances indicate how much electrical energy each appliance uses annually, and how it compares to similar appliances. The most efficient appliances are those with an A or higher rating. If you're thinking of buying a freezer or fridge, check the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of your annual operating costs and helps you compare energy usage with similar refrigerators.
Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliances to run but there are some ways you can do to lessen the cost. For instance, leaving the space between the shelves and food allows cold air to circulate more easily so it consumes less energy. This will also prevent condensation which is a major energy waste.
If integrated fridge freezer looking for a compact refrigerator that can fit in any space, this Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire might be the perfect choice. It is a little higher in price than other models, but it's a breeze to charge your electric bill. It's available in white or black and has a surface that looks like stainless steel but doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It's also perfect for offices, break rooms and dorm rooms.