A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer helps you to keep healthy meals on hand and keeps leftovers fresher for a longer period of time. Many fridge freezers are equipped with smart features.
When selecting a refrigerator-freezer, the energy efficiency is a key factor. Look up the kWh figure on the energy label, which will tell you how much energy it consumes in a year.
Quick-chill and fast freeze functions
Many fridge freezers include extra features that help you keep your food fresher for longer. Some features can save you time or energy, while others are optional. So if you're looking to purchase one, take into consideration the amount each feature will cost to the cost and whether it will impact your lifestyle prior to making your choice.
A quick-chill feature provides a boost of cooling power to cool fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This helps keep harmful bacteria from growing and also helps to keep nutrients in. It's handy if you often do a big grocery shop and need to store food quickly.
Some fridge freezers have a fast-freeze function that lets you freeze foods at a lower temperature than normal, which helps them retain their texture and quality after they're frozen. This is helpful if there are lots of food items to be stored in the freezer, like after a large dinner party. Remember that freezing food at temperatures below 0°C can affect its taste and nutritional value.
Certain models come with a cold accumulation block that stores ice in the freezer to aid in maintaining the appliance's temperature if there's a power cut. Certain models have an spout for drainage that can be pulled out to drain melting ice and food spillages.
Ice-cube tray
Ice-cube trays are an essential item in every fridge. They are a great way to save leftover soups, sauces buttermilk and juices. You can also keep small quantities of fresh herbs to use later on in the course of a meal.
But not all ice cube trays are created equal. Some are made of tough plastic which can crack or splinter if you try to take the cubes off. There are many options for durable ice cubes available that don't require you to smash and twist the cubes of ice.
The speed at which the ice cube tray froze is another factor to consider. The smaller the surface area of the tray, the faster it will freeze. A tray that has separate compartments for every cube will also be more efficient in freezing than one with the dividers.
There are smallest fridge with freezer of different shapes and sizes that are available on the market which means you can select the one that best meets your requirements. For example, bigger cubes of ice work well for cocktails as they melt more slowly and don't cause as much dilution. Other popular shapes include spheres which are becoming more and more popular with drink enthusiasts.
The set of four ice cube tray from OMorc comes with an oleo-silicone lid that seals tightly and keeps freezer odors at the bay. It has a convenient handle that allows it to be easily stacked and transport. It can produce 14 ice cubes, and the base has been made round for easy removal. It is dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and made of plastic. The trays are easy to grip and can be frozen flat to prevent cracking during transportation from the sink to the freezer. They can also be placed inside the bin that comes with them to make storage easy.
Aesthetics
Unlike their freestanding counterparts, fridge freezers aren't merely functional appliances: they can be real style icons, too. From brushed steel finishes to sleek, 1950s-inspired designs, there's fridge freezers that will fit every kitchen.
Many fridge freezers provide bottle racks to stow bottles safely away. These racks stop bottles from slipping off shelves and occupying valuable space, and causing them to break or crack.
There are fridge freezers that come in a variety of bold chromatic finishings, such as SMEG FAB32's bright chrome finish. This gives a modern twist to a classic design and responds with current trends that play around with textures and materials.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are ideal for those who prefer sleek design, since they can be concealed behind cupboard doors, blending into the home decor. They are also great for those who have small kitchens and open-plan living spaces, since they can maximize space and create an attractive appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is important to choose an energy-efficient refrigerator since they are always on and consume a large amount of electricity. You can cut costs on your electricity bill by choosing an energy-efficient fridge-freezer. It is also advisable to check your fridge's energy consumption to get an idea of the price. You can do this using an energy usage meter or by checking your electricity supplier's price per kWh.
New models are becoming more and more efficient and energy labels will tell you how many kWh each appliance uses per year and how it compares to similar appliances. Be sure to look for an A+ or higher because these are the most efficient. If you're thinking of buying a fridge or freezer check the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of annual operating expenses and lets you evaluate the energy consumption of similar refrigerators.
Refrigerators are typically the most expensive appliances to run but there are some things you can do to cut down on the cost. By leaving space between the shelves and the food, cold air can circulate more easily. This will consume less energy. This will also prevent condensation which is a major energy waste.
If you're looking to buy a compact refrigerator that can fit in any space This Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire might be the perfect option. It is a little bit more expensive than other models, but it is easy on your electricity bill. It's available in black or white and comes with a finish that resembles stainless steel however, it doesn't show smudges or fingerprints. It's also ideal for offices, break rooms and dorm rooms.