A fridge freezer keeps leftovers fresher longer and helps you keep healthy meals in your fridge. Many fridge freezers are equipped with innovative features, too.
When selecting a refrigerator-freezer energy efficiency is a crucial factor. Check the kWh figure on the energy label, which will tell you how much electricity it consumes per year.
Fast-freeze and quick-chill functions
There are many fridge freezers on the market with additional functions that assist you in keeping your food fresher for longer. Some of them can boost the efficiency of your energy use or help you save time and effort, however others are more affluent. If you're considering purchasing one, think about how much each feature will add to the price. Also, think about whether it can improve your lifestyle.
A quick-chill function gives an extra boost of cooling power to chill fresh food to safe temperatures quickly. This can to stop harmful bacteria from forming and helps keep nutrients locked inside. This is a great option if you are doing a lot of grocery shopping and want to store your food quickly.
Some fridge freezers are equipped with a fast-freeze feature that allows to freeze food at a lower temperature, which helps to retain the texture and quality of the food. This is useful if you have a lot of food items to keep in the freezer at one time, such as after a large meal. Remember that freezing food below 0°C may affect the taste and nutritional value.
Certain models have a cold accumulation block that stores frozen ice to aid the appliance in maintaining its temperature if there's a power cut. Some models have an spout for drainage that can be removed to drain melted ice and food spillages.
Ice-cube trays
Every fridge has long had ice-cube trays. These trays are ideal for storing leftover sauces, soups and juices. You can even keep small quantities of fresh herbs to use later in a meal.
But not all ice-cube trays are made in the same way. Some are made of tough plastic, which could break or splinter if you try to remove the cubes. There are, however, plenty of durable options that don't require much turning and banging to release the ice.
Another aspect to consider is how fast the ice-cube tray freezes. Typically, the smaller the size of the tray's surface is, the faster it will freeze. A tray with separate compartments for each cube will also freeze faster than one that has dividers.
There are a variety of different shapes and sizes that are available on the market and you can pick the one that best meets your needs. For example, bigger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails as they melt slower and don't cause as much dilution. Cocktail enthusiasts are increasingly drawn to spheres.
The set of four ice cube trays from OMorc is equipped with a silicone lid which seals well and keeps freezer odors at bay. It also has a handy handle that makes it simple to transport and stack. It can make 14 ice cubes. Additionally, the base has been rounded for easy removal. It is BPA-free, dishwasher safe and constructed from plastic. The tray is easy to grasp and can be frozen flat to prevent cracking during transportation from the sink to the freezer. They can be stacked in the included bin to make storage easier.
Aesthetics
In contrast to their freestanding counterparts fridge freezers aren't merely functional appliances: they can be stylish as well. There's a fridge freezer that will fit every kitchen, from brushed steel finishes to modern designs inspired by 1950s.
Many refrigerators and freezers have bottle racks that can be used to store bottles in a safe manner. These racks prevent bottles from rolling around on shelves which can take up valuable space and causing them break or crack.
Certain fridge-freezers come with an array of striking color finishes, such as the shiny chrome finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge freezer in uk. This adds a modern spin to a classic design and is in line with the latest trends that play with texture and materials.
Integrated fridge-freezers are great for those who prefer a streamlined aesthetic, as they can be hidden behind cupboard doors, fitting seamlessly into their interior decor. They are also perfect for those with small kitchens and open-plan living spaces, since they maximise space and create an appealing appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is crucial to be energy efficient because fridges are on all the time and consume lots of energy. If you select an energy-efficient fridge-freezer, it will save you money on your electricity bill and also help reduce carbon emissions. You should also examine your fridge's energy consumption to get an idea of the price. You can do this with a plug in energy usage meter, or by reviewing the cost of your electricity provider per kWh.
New models are becoming ever more efficient and the energy labels show the amount of kWh that each appliance uses per year and how it compares to similar appliances. The most efficient appliances have an A or higher rating. If you are considering buying a fridge or freezer look for the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of the annual operating costs and allows you to evaluate the energy consumption of similar refrigerators.
Fridge-freezers are often the most expensive appliances to operate but there are some things you can do to cut down on the cost. By leaving space between the shelves and the food, cold air can circulate more easily. This will require less energy. This will also help prevent condensation, which is a major energy hog.
