A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer can keep leftovers fresher longer, and also helps you keep healthy meals on hand. Many fridge freezers are equipped with clever features, too.
When selecting a refrigerator-freezer, the energy efficiency is a key factor. Check the kWh figure on the energy label, which tells you the amount of electricity it uses per year.
Quick-chill and fast-freeze functions
There are lots of fridge freezers on the market with extra functions designed to assist you in keeping your food fresher for longer. Certain features can help you save time or energy, while others aren't necessary. If you're thinking of buying one, consider how much each feature will add to the price. Also, think about whether it will improve your lifestyle.
A quick-chill feature provides an extra boost of cooling power to bring fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This can help to stop harmful bacteria from forming and also helps to keep nutrients in. This is a great option if you do a lot of grocery shopping and need to store your food items quickly.
Certain fridge freezers have the feature of fast-freezing that lets you freeze food at a lower temperature which helps to retain the quality and texture of the food. This is particularly useful when there are many foods to store in the freezer, like following a large gathering. It is important to keep in mind that freezing food at a lower temperature can impact the taste and nutritional value and therefore, it's recommended to use this feature only sparingly.
Some models include an accumulation box for cold that stores ice to maintain the temperature of the appliance in the event of an electrical outage. Certain models come with an spout for drainage that can be pulled out to drain melting ice and food spillages.
Ice-cube tray
Every fridge has had ice-cube traytrays. These trays are ideal to store leftover soups, sauces, and juices. You can even freeze small batches of fresh herbs to use later on in the course of a dinner.
But not all ice-cube trays are created in the same way. Some are made of hard plastic which can crack or break if you attempt to take the cubes off. Fortunately, there are now numerous options that are sturdy and don't require a lot of banging and twisting to release the frozen ice.
The speed at which the ice-cube tray frozes is another thing to take into account. The smaller the area of the tray, the faster it will freeze. Similarly, the tray that has separate compartments for each cube will freeze faster than a tray that only has the dividers.
You can choose from a wide range of shapes and sizes available on the market. For instance, larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails because they melt less quickly and don't dilute drinks as much. Other popular shapes include spheres, which are becoming increasingly popular with cocktail connoisseurs.
This set of four ice cube tray from OMorc comes with an oleo-silicone lid that seals securely and keeps freezer odors from getting out. It also has a handy handle to make it easy to transport and stack. It can produce 14 ice cubes, and the base has been rounded for easy removal. It is also BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and constructed from plastic. The trays can be frozen flat and are comfortable to hold. This prevents cracking when you move them from the sink to the freezer. They can be placed in the bin included to simplify storage.
Aesthetics
In contrast to their freestanding counterparts fridge freezers aren't just functional appliances: they can be stylish 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 away safely. The racks prevent bottles from rolling around on shelves, taking up valuable space and causing them to break or crack.
Certain fridge freezers are available in a range of bold colors, like the chrome-colored finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This adds a modern spin to a classic style, and is in line with the latest trends that play with textures and materials.
The fridge-freezers integrated into the cabinet can be hidden behind cabinet doors to blend in seamlessly with your home's decor. american freezer fridge are also great for people with small kitchens and open-plan living spaces as they can help maximize space and create a tidy and tidy appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is crucial to be energy efficient because fridges are operational all the time and use lots of energy. If you choose a fridge that is energy efficient, this will help you save money on your electric bill and also help reduce carbon emissions. It is also advisable to check the energy consumption of your fridge to determine the cost. You can test this with an energy meter that plugs into your appliance or by checking the cost per kWh of your electricity provider.
The energy labels on appliances display the amount of electrical energy each appliance uses annually, and how it is compared to similar appliances. The most efficient appliances are those with an A+ or higher rating. Look for the yellow Energy Guide Label on your refrigerator or freezer prior to you purchase it. It will give you an estimate of the annual operating costs. You can also check the energy consumption with similar refrigerators.
Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliance to operate, however there are a few things you can do to reduce this. For instance, leaving space between shelves and food allows cold air to circulate more easily, which means it uses less energy. This can help avoid condensation, which is a big energy drain.
If you're looking for a small fridge that will fit into any space, this Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire could be a good choice. It's more expensive than some other models but it's a breeze on your power costs and comes in white, black and a finish that looks like stainless steel but doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It is also perfect for break rooms, office and dorm room.