How to Choose the Smallest American Fridge Freezer
American fridge freezers take up a lot of space, so it's important to measure your kitchen thoroughly to make sure that the freezer can fit. You don't want to have to leave a gap in your kitchen or run the risk of smashing it into other white appliances and causing damage.
Certain manufacturers offer slim American fridge freezers specifically designed for the UK market. These models measure 70cm wide and offer all the style, storage capacity and cutting-edge technology you expect.
Size
Pick one of our slim models if you have limited space and want to install an American fridge freezer that stands out. They are narrower and have more storage space than standard freestanding appliances. They look great when they're pushed back against a row of kitchen cabinets, creating an elegant appearance.
American fridge freezers have a bigger footprint than their UK counterparts, so check measurements carefully to ensure that they fit. Note the height too - a lot of models are taller than 180cm, which is too tall for certain homes. Check out our size guide for refrigerators to compare models. You can also ask an associate from the sales department for assistance.
It's worth looking at the energy efficiency of any American refrigerator freezer you are thinking of buying. The ratings are indicated with a letter, and range from A-F. A is the most efficient. Pick a model that has an energy rating of 'E' or above to reduce your utility bills. It is also advisable to look at the annual operating costs per kWh listed in the product details. This can give you a complete image of what it will cost to operate your new appliance.
Capacity
American fridge freezers are huge inside, which means you'll have plenty of room to stash your daily purchases. Look for models with up 700 litres storage space - that's enough for most families. You'll usually find a separate freezer compartment and an automatic ice dispenser Digital displays allow you to monitor the amount of energy you use and make sure you've shut the door properly.
Pick a model that features two cooling systems to keep the freezer and fridge at different temperatures. This stops cold, dry freezer air from dehydrating your food in the fridge. It also helps keep smells from transferring between the two zones. It can also be more efficient than a single-zone appliance, reducing your annual electricity bills by 10%.
Slimline American fridge freezers for smaller homes are available if you're in a kitchen with limited space. The Hisense RQ560N4WCF is an excellent choice, sporting a low energy rating of 'E' and an option for holiday mode to help you save energy when the fridge isn't full. It's among the quietest running American fridge freezers that we've tested, and it's designed to fit into the cupboard which makes it perfect for kitchens with small or awkward shapes. Always take a careful measurement of your cupboards before purchasing any white good to ensure the fridge freezer you purchase will fit. You should also allow room for ventilation at the sides, back and top of the appliance too.
Design
The beauty of a fridge freezer in the American style is that it can be pulled back to fit in a kitchen unit to give it a more modern look or left standing as an accent piece. It's important to make sure that your new appliance is a good fit for the space, if you decide for a stand-alone model or one that is tucked away in a cabinet. Make a note about how far it is from your cooker to ensure that there is enough room for opening and closing the doors.
This slimmer model of full-size models integrates a refrigerator drawer with an upright model. This makes it easy to access your food items and decreases energy consumption since you only open the door one at each time. This is an excellent option for smaller households. It comes with a non-plumbed water dispenser to give you immediate refreshment.
If you'd like to enjoy fresh-brewed coffee and crisp soda without leaving the house the American-style freezer from Beko is a good option. It's a smart-looking model with plenty of storage capacity and can store 33 bags worth of groceries. It also has a non-plumbed instant drink ice maker, and no-frost technology that keeps your food fresh and frost free.
Features
American fridge freezers offer a lot more than just food and drink storage - they can feature smart screens that can be used to fridge freezer plan shopping lists, recipes or inventory and can dispense chilled water and ice cubes too. You can also pick models with ice makers which automatically create a separate ice tray with crushed ice, or manual ones in the freezer compartment. You simply add water and twist a dial to release a cube.
You can pick from slim models around 70cm wide to larger ones that are as wide as 90cm wide. Certain models are taller as well with a maximum of 175cm or 180cm excluding the feet. This is essential in the case of kitchens with low ceilings or if the space for the fridge-freezer is limited to an enclosed area.
A lot of the models on our list of the top small American refrigerator freezers are frost-free or no frost, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. This will save you time and money in defrosting and cut down on your energy bill.
There's a variety of fridge freezers that have different features on our top American fridge freezer page, or use our filters to limit the options to your desired size and price or retailer. You can also narrow down your choices by color, to get the most of your kitchen's décor scheme.