A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer keeps leftovers fresher longer and helps you keep healthy meals in the fridge. Many fridge-freezer s come with clever features, too.
When selecting a refrigerator-freezer, energy efficiency is a crucial aspect to consider. Look up the kWh figure on the energy label which will tell you how much electricity it consumes per year.
Quick-chill and fast-freeze features
A lot of fridge freezers come with extra features that can help you to keep your food fresher longer. Some of them can boost the efficiency of your energy usage or save you time and effort, while others are more affluent. If you're considering purchasing one, think about how much each feature will add to the cost. Also, consider if it will enhance your life.
Quick-chill provides you with an increase in cooling power, allowing you can quickly chill food items to safe temperatures. This helps to stop harmful bacteria from growing and keeps nutrients within. This is great if you are doing a lot of grocery shopping and need to store your food quickly.
Some fridge freezers have the ability to speed-freeze, which allows you to freeze food items at lower temperatures than normal that helps them maintain their texture and quality when they are frozen. This is helpful if there are lots of food items to be stored in the freezer, for instance following a large gathering. Be aware that freezing food below 0°C may affect the taste and nutritional value.
Certain models have a cold accumulation block that stores ice in the freezer to aid the appliance in maintaining its temperature if there's a power cut. Some models have a pull-out drain spout that makes it easier to flush out melting ice or food spills.
Ice-cube trays
Ice cube trays have been an essential item in every fridge. They are ideal for storing leftover sauces, soups, buttermilk and juices. You can even freeze small batches of fresh herbs for use later on in the course of a meal.
However, not all ice-cube tray are created in the same way. Some are made from hard plastic that can break or splinter if you try to remove the cubes. There are, however, plenty of durable options that don't require much banging and twisting to release the frozen ice.
The speed at which the ice-cube tray frozes is another thing to consider. Typically, the smaller the size of the tray's surface, the more quickly it will freeze. A tray that has compartments for every cube will also freeze faster than one with dividers.
There are many different sizes and shapes available on the market and you can pick the one that best suits your requirements. For example, larger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails because they melt slower and do not alter the taste of the drink as much. Cocktail lovers are increasingly attracted to spheres.
The set of four ice cube tray from OMorc includes an oleo-silicone lid that seals tightly and helps keep freezer odors at low. It also comes with a convenient handle that makes it simple to carry and stack. It can make 14 ice cubes and the base is rounded to allow for easier removal. It's also dishwasher-safe and BPA-free. The trays can be frozen flat and are easy to hold. This prevents cracking when you move them from the sink to freezer. They can be stacked into the bin included to facilitate storage.
Aesthetics
Refrigerator freezers can be more than just functional appliances. They are also style icons. From polished steel finishes to modern, sleek designs inspired by the 1950s, there's fridge freezers to fit every kitchen.
A lot of fridge freezers have bottle racks to store bottles safely away. They prevent them from bouncing around on shelves and occupying valuable space and also prevent them from breaking or cracking.
Certain fridge-freezers come with an array of striking colors, like the bright chrome finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This adds a modern twist to a style icon, and is in tune with current trends that play around with textures and materials.
The fridge-freezers integrated into the cabinet can be hidden behind cabinet doors, blending seamlessly with your home's decor. They are also great for people with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces because they can help maximize space and create a tidy and neat appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is essential to select an energy-efficient fridge because they are always on and consume a large amount of electricity. You can cut costs on your electric bill by choosing an energy-efficient fridge-freezer. It is also worth examining the energy consumption of your fridge as this will provide you with an idea of what it would cost to operate. You can do this by using an energy meter with a plug-in or by checking the cost per kWh from your electricity provider.
The latest models are more efficient, and energy labels will tell the amount of kWh that each appliance uses per year and how it compares to similar appliances. You should look for an A+ or higher rating as they are the most efficient. Look for the yellow Energy Guide Label on your refrigerator or freezer prior to you purchase it. It will provide you with an estimate for annual operating costs. You can also evaluate energy consumption to similar refrigerators.
There are ways to reduce the expense of running your fridge-freezer. For example leaving space between shelves and food allows cold air to circulate more easily so it uses less energy. This will also help prevent condensation which is a major energy hog.
If you're looking for a compact fridge that can be tucked away in any space This Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire could be a great option. It's more expensive than other models, but it's a breeze on your electric bills and is available in black, white and a finish that looks like stainless steel but doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It is also perfect for break rooms, offices and dorm rooms.