Top Benefits of Buying a Fridge Freezer Combo In the UK

 

A fridge-freezer combo is a popular appliance choice for many UK households. This two-in-one appliance combines a refrigerator and freezer into one tall, narrow unit. Having both a fridge and freezer in a single appliance can offer several advantages compared to buying separate units.

This guide will explore the top benefits of buying a fridge-freezer combination unit if you're looking for a new fridge freezer in the UK. From space-saving design to efficiency and flexibility, there are many reasons why a fridge-freezer combo could be the right choice for your kitchen.

1. Saves Kitchen Space

One of the biggest advantages of a fridge-freezer combination is its space-saving design. By combining both fridge and freezer into one narrow unit, fridge freezers take up significantly less floor space than having separate fridge and freezer units side-by-side.

For small or galley-style kitchens where space is limited, a fridge freezer can help maximize available storage while minimizing its footprint. Many fridge-freezer combos are 60cm wide or less, which allows them to fit into tight spaces where a side-by-side fridge and freezer may not.

Even in larger kitchens, a narrow fridge freezer minimizes wasted space. The smaller footprint leaves more usable floor space for islands, counters, and movement. So, if you want a clutter-free, spacious kitchen, a fridge freezer can help achieve it.

2. Flexible Storage Space

Another useful benefit of fridge freezers is that they typically offer flexible and adjustable storage space. The ratio of fridge to freezer compartment sizes varies by model. Different configurations suit different households' needs.

Many models have fully adjustable or flexible compartments. Adjustable shelves in the fridge make it simple to accommodate large or tall items. Some even have fully convertible freezer compartments. This means some or all of the freezer can become additional fridge space when needed.

A fridge freezer's ability to adapt its configuration to suit changing storage needs makes it more convenient long-term. Extra fridge space can be handy after a big shop, and more freezer space may be useful for long-term meal-prepping or bulk-buying deals.

3. Models for Large or Small Households

Fridge freezers are made in a wide range of sizes, from small 120L units up to large American-style models over 300L. So whatever your household size and usual food shop, there is a fridge freezer size to suit.

Larger 300L+ models are great for big households or those who batch cook. Extra tall and wide units provide cavernous freestanding fridge space and sizable freezing capacity. Some large American-style models even have dual compressors for true independent temperature zones.

4. Better Temperature Control

Compared with buying separate fridge and freezer units, fridge freezers often provide improved temperature performance and control. This is thanks to having a single compressor and circulation system optimized across fridge and freezer sections.

Close coupling of the fridge and freezer compartments allows easier air circulation. Many models have special ducting between the fridge and freezer to help stabilize temperatures, which can mean fewer temperature fluctuations in each compartment.

Digital temperature displays and controls are also common on fridge freezers. This makes it simple to precisely set and monitor desired temperatures in the fridge and freezer sections independently.

5. Increased Energy Efficiency

An appealing benefit for many households is the increased efficiency fridge freezers offer over separate fridges and freezers. Fridge freezers typically use significantly less energy than side-by-side fridge and freezer units.

There are a few reasons for this efficiency advantage. Firstly, having one shared compressor minimizes the energy consumption needed to cool compartments. Separate fridge and freezer units require two compressors working independently.

Secondly, the fridge freezer's condensed design also increases efficiency. Less external surface area means less ambient heat transfer into compartments, which necessitates cooling.

Finally, advanced compressors, components, and refrigerants further maximize energy savings in modern fridge freezers. Top-rated energy-efficient models consume just 200-300 kWh of electricity per year.

6. Models With Integrated Water and Ice Dispensers

Higher-end fridge freezer models come with integrated water and ice dispensers built into the fridge door compartment. At the touch of a button, you can dispense chilled filtered water and ice cubes without opening the fridge.

Integrated dispensers are wonderful for convenience and saving space. There is no longer a need for a separate water filter jug cluttering fridge shelves. Bulky ice cube trays also become redundant, leaving extra usable space.

Some dispenser models even have features like crushed ice modes, measured water dispensing, and water filtration. Just bear in mind that integrated dispensers do impact energy consumption and cost more.

7. Longer-Lasting Food Freshness

With good airflow and stable chilled temperatures throughout, fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, and salad leaves stay crisper and crunchier. Meat, fish, and dairy are also kept optimally chilled in the coldest fridge compartment.

In the freezer, efficient air circulation means fewer icy spikes. This protects against freezer burn so foods like bread, frozen produce, and ice cream stay freezer fresh. Maintaining food freshness for longer means fewer trips to the shops. You also waste less food, saving time and money.

8. Lower Purchase Cost

Buying a combined fridge-freezer rather than separate fridge-freezer units usually results in a lower initial purchase cost.

For an equivalent capacity, a single tall fridge freezer is usually cheaper than buying a fridge and freezer separately. That's because you only pay for one cabinet and one set of components, like a compressor. The condensed design is also more cost-effective for manufacturers.

The savings may not be massive, but even £50-100 less can make a difference for budget-conscious households. Over a fridge freezer's typical 10-15-year lifespan, that gives a decent return on investment, too.

So, if your budget won't stretch to buying two separate appliances, a fridge-freezer is a logical choice to save money. Just ensure you get the right capacity by checking the fridge/freezer splits before purchasing.

Conclusion

In summary, fridge-freezer combinations offer many benefits that make them a popular appliance choice in UK households. Their space-saving condensed design, flexible storage configurations, improved temperature control, and increased efficiency offer practical advantages over buying separate fridge-freezer units.

For many kitchens, a good-quality fridge-freezer combination can be the most convenient and cost-effective chilling solution. Models with large capacities cater well to big households, while compact mini fridge freezers are ideal for smaller spaces. Integrated dispensers provide added convenience if your budget allows.

Factors like available space, household size, and budget can help decide if a fridge freezer is the right chilling appliance for your home. But for most UK homes, a fridge freezer offers the best balance of practicality, efficiency, and convenience.