Fridge-Freezers: A Guide to Choosing the Right Appliance
Purchasing a new fridge-freezer is a significant decision that will impact your daily life for years to come. With rising energy costs, varying household sizes, and a wide array of technical features, the choice can be complex. This guide is designed to help you understand the criteria relevant to your needs. We provide objective information and present a selection of models to make the decision easier when buying a refrigerator.
What to Look for When Choosing a Fridge-Freezer
Before you decide on a model, three key aspects should be considered: the build type, energy efficiency, and technical features.
1. Build Type and Net Capacity: Built-in or Freestanding?
The first fundamental decision concerns how the appliance will be integrated into your kitchen.
- A built-in fridge-freezer is seamlessly integrated into a kitchen unit and concealed with a matching cabinet front. This ensures a uniform and harmonious look. The niche dimensions are the crucial criterion here.
- A freestanding refrigerator offers maximum placement flexibility. These models are available in various designs, colours, and sizes, from classic 60 cm wide units to large-capacity side-by-side refrigerators with an ice dispenser.
The required net capacity depends on the size of your household. As a rule of thumb, allow about 100 litres of cooling capacity for one person and an additional 50 litres for each subsequent person.
2. Energy Efficiency and Noise Level: Balancing Cost and Comfort
Since March 2021, the new EU energy label with classes from A (highest efficiency) to G has been in effect. An appliance with Energy Efficiency Class C is already considered very economical under this new standard. Pay attention to the annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) to estimate long-term running costs.
For open-plan kitchens, the noise level is also an important factor. A quiet fridge-freezer with an operating noise level below 38 decibels (dB) is barely perceptible and contributes to a peaceful home environment.
3. Key Features for Freshness and Convenience
Modern appliances offer technologies that improve food storage and make daily life easier.
- No Frost Fridge-Freezer: This technology prevents ice build-up in the freezer compartment through controlled air circulation. Manual defrosting is completely eliminated, and the appliance operates with consistent energy efficiency.
- Refrigerator with a 0-Degree Zone: Special drawers where the temperature is kept near freezing point. Ideal for storing meat, fish, and dairy products, as their shelf life can be significantly extended.
- Smart Refrigerator with App: Some models can be connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi. An app allows you to adjust the temperature, receive notifications, or use diagnostic functions.
Recommended Fridge-Freezer Selection
Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of different models that cater to various requirements.
Siemens KI96NVFD0 iQ300 Built-in Fridge-Freezer
Why it stands out: This Siemens refrigerator is a fully integrated, "Made in Germany" built-in model. It combines advanced freshness technology with very quiet operation and is designed for kitchen planners who value a seamless look.
Pros:
- hyperFresh <0°> Zone: A separate cold air stream keeps the temperature in the drawer for meat and fish constantly near 0°C, which, according to the manufacturer, significantly extends freshness.
- noFrost technology: Prevents ice formation in the freezer section, making manual defrosting obsolete.
- Very quiet operation: At just 34 dB, the appliance is acoustically unobtrusive, ideal for open-plan kitchens.
- Flexible interior: The varioShelf system allows for easy height adjustment of the glass shelves to accommodate even tall containers.
Who is it for? For households planning a new built-in kitchen or replacing an old appliance, who are looking for a durable, quiet, and fully integrable solution.
LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator
Why it stands out: This LG refrigerator is a freestanding side-by-side model that impresses with innovative features and a very large net capacity of 628 litres. The InstaView door and the Craft Ice maker are particularly noteworthy.
Pros:
- InstaView Door-in-Door: Knock twice and the glass panel becomes transparent, illuminating the interior without having to open the door. This reduces cold air loss.
- Craft Ice Maker: Produces slow-melting ice spheres—a special feature for beverage enthusiasts. It also provides conventional ice cubes and crushed ice.
- Smart Control: As a smart refrigerator with an app, the appliance can be remotely controlled and monitored via the LG ThinQ app.
- UVnano Technology: According to the manufacturer, it automatically reduces bacteria at the water dispenser outlet using UV light.
Who is it for? For large families and tech-savvy users who appreciate maximum storage space, an integrated water and ice dispenser, and smart convenience features.
Gorenje NRK620CA2XL4 Freestanding Fridge-Freezer
Why it stands out: The Gorenje refrigerator is a standard freestanding model that combines high energy efficiency with a spacious interior and quiet operation. With an Energy Efficiency Class C rating, it is an economical choice for the environmentally conscious household.
Pros:
- High Energy Efficiency: With an annual consumption of 158 kWh (Class C), the appliance is very economical to run.
- No Frost Plus: Prevents ice build-up in the freezer and reduces moisture in the refrigerator compartment.
- Quiet Operation: At 35 dB, the appliance operates very quietly.
- Generous Storage: With a total net capacity of 331 litres, it offers plenty of space for a family's groceries.
Who is it for? For price- and energy-conscious families looking for a reliable, spacious, and quiet freestanding appliance without complex smart functions.
Looking for More Options?
If our recommendations do not include the right model for your specific needs, there are other options to explore. Especially if you are looking for a spacious model with double doors, a look at our selection of side-by-side refrigerators could be helpful.
? Discover more models in the non-plumbed side-by-side refrigerator with freezer category here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "No Frost" mean in a fridge-freezer?
"No Frost" is a technology that prevents the formation of ice and frost in the freezer compartment. A fan circulates cold, dry air evenly and expels moist air to the outside. This eliminates the tedious and energy-intensive task of manual defrosting. Additionally, food items do not stick together, and the appliance's energy efficiency remains consistently high.
What is the advantage of a 0-degree zone?
A refrigerator 0-degree zone (often called a "freshness zone" or "BioFresh") is a separate compartment where the temperature is kept consistently at around 0°C. This low temperature significantly slows the growth of microorganisms. As a result, perishable foods like meat, fish, cold cuts, and dairy products stay fresh for much longer, retaining their nutrients and flavour.
Which energy efficiency class is currently recommended?
Since the introduction of the new EU energy label in March 2021, the scale ranges from A (very efficient) to G (less efficient). The requirements have been tightened, so many appliances that were previously rated A+++ are now classified as C, D, or E. A fridge-freezer with Energy Efficiency Class C or D is now considered very economical and is a good choice for an environmentally and cost-conscious household. Classes A and B are still rare at present and are reserved for future, even more efficient technologies.