Tips on Buying a Fridge Freezer

Whether you're catering for two or twelve, want discretion or are looking for something that makes a statement, there's a fridge freezer to suit you

Buyers Guide To Fridge Freezers

What to consider before you buy:
How much space do you have?

One of the first things to think about is the space that it will take up in your kitchen. Sturdy American-style models live up to the adage that big is beautiful, but may not be suitable for a small room. On the other hand, integrated appliances blend in well but may offer fewer functions than freestanding models.

Widths can vary from a conventional 60cm to upwards of 90cm for a large side-by-side model. You need to think about depth, too, as although manufacturers are bringing out narrow models, many larger appliances are beyond conventional worktop depth, and they might not even fit through your front door.

Consider the capacity split between the fridge and freezer
If you shop regularly, eat fresh produce and rarely use your freezer compartment, go for a larger fridge. But if you tend to do a lot of batch cooking, or prefer the convenience of frozen food, then the freezer will take priority. A total capacity of 260 litres is adequate for most households.

Think about the location
Make sure you have good ventilation for any stand-alone appliance, or else the compressor will work overtime, creating a build up of frost. If you are investing in a machine with an ice and water dispenser, be aware that it needs to be connected to a separate supply of water. Keep all this in mind, and you'll soon be chilling out in style.

Key Features
Frost free

A built-in heater stops condensation forming so no ice can accumulate.The latest 'intelligent' systems monitor usage to access how many times the fridge or freezer door is opened, and only defrost when necessary.

Dual thermostats
Keep fridge and freezer at separate temperatures - handy if you want to turn off an empty fridge when you go away, but leave the freezer on.

Safe and sound
Glass shelves are more hygienic and easier to clean than wire racks, and for ultimate hygiene, fridges with anti-bacterial linings use silver to kill germs without harming the food itself.

Transparent freezer drawers
Allow you to see what is stored without opening the drawer, increasing energy efficiency.

Crisper sections
Stores fruit and veg at an optimum temperature of between 2 and 9 C so they'll stay fresh for longer.

Fast freeze
Retains the goodness of fresh food by freezing it very quickly.

Even temperature
Hot air rises so foods in the fridge should be stored accordingly. An airflow system does away with guess work by circulating cold air around the cavity, maintaining an even temperature throughout.

Four-star freezer rating
Freezer will drop to -21 C and can store food for up to 12 months. Fresh food can only be frozen in a four-star-rated freezer.

CFC- AND HFC-FREE

Chlorofluorocarbons damage the ozone layer; hydrofluorocarbons can affect global warming.

Clever little extras
A host of special features are available, such as ice and water dispensers, that are plumbed into the mains supply and filtered. Fridges with a beverage door let you access milk and drinks via a mini flap, while wine fans will love fridges with fast-chill compartments that take air from the freezer to cool down a bottle in super-quick time.

Safe Disposal Of Fridge Freezers

Why do fridge freezers need safe disposal?
Refrigeration equipment contains ozone depleting substances (ODS's) and CFC's that are harmful to the environment and these must be professionally removed before the item can be scrapped or recycled.

How can I dispose of my fridge freezer?
Take your appliance to a recycling centre, or contact your local authority to come and collect it. There are also independent companies that offer disposal services of harmful waste, such as We Clear Junk.

For more information visit DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Autor: Penny Day

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Added: January 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/