Fridge Buying Guide
Fridge Buying Guide
An essential in the kitchen, fridges keep your food and drinks cool and in the best condition, ready whenever you need them. But gone are the days of standard white fridges. There are so many to choose from, from integrated to freestanding, coloured to retro. Choosing a new fridge can seem overwhelming -but it doesn't have to be.
Read our fridge buying guide below to find out how to choose the perfect fridge for your kitchen.
What is a fridge?
A fridge is an essential kitchen appliance designed to keep food and drinks fresh by maintaining a consistently cool temperature, typically between 3-5 degrees. Store your favourite foods for everyday use, including fruit and veg, dairy products and leftovers.
Modern fridges don't have to be boring. We have a range of fridges that would look great in your kitchen. From compact to retro, to appliances in a variety of different colours, you'll find exactly what you're looking for from our brands
How to choose a fridge
Wondering how you're going to choose the right fridge to fit into your home? We've broken it down into the following steps:
- Choosing your fit
- Types of fridge
- Fridge sizes
- How to measure for a new fridge
- Features to consider
- Fridge energy ratings
- Retro fridges
- Fridge brands
- Fridge FAQs
1. Choosing your fit
The first thing is to choose your fit: freestanding and integrated. Points to consider here include how much fridge space you'll need, where you'd like to position your new appliance, and the style of your dècor.
Freestanding fridges
A freestanding fridge is a classic option, giving you more freedom when choosing the size and design. These types of fridges stand upright and are on show, with no panels covering the appliance. Freestanding fridges can be placed anywhere that has a power socket close by, so they're a convenient option that you can take with you if you move house.
Integrated fridges
Integrated fridges are built into your kitchen units, hidden away behind a cupboard door to create a seamless, discreet look. An integrated fridge is a great option if you want to reduce visual clutter, save space and create the illusion of a larger kitchen. They need to be vented, so make sure to consider where you will install the fridge in your layout.
2. Types of fridge
After you've decided on the right fit, the next step is to choose the type of fridge that will best serve your needs.
Freestanding fridge types
Tall:
A tall fridge is great if you tend to have a lot of groceries that need to be refrigerated because they offer maximum storage. This type of fridge is designed with multiple compartments, making it easier to organise your food. You can find tall fridges with ice boxes as well as upright larder fridges without ice boxes.
Under-counter:
Under-counter fridges are hassle-free because they're tucked out of your way. These fridges are a perfect choice for small kitchens in homes and flats due to their size. Depending on your preference, you could consider under counter fridges with ice boxes or under counter larder fridges.
Integrated fridges
Keen on an integrated fridge that blends seamlessly into your fitted kitchen? There are fewer types available with an integrated fit, but you still have the choice between a built-in or built-under model.
Built-in fridges:
With a built-in fridge, the cupboard door covers the front of the appliance. Some built-in models are full height and blend perfectly into a row of tall kitchen units; others are smaller and fit beneath your counter. If you choose this type of fridge, you have the option of either a built-in fridge with an ice box or a built-in larder fridge (with no ice box).
Built-under fridges:
Built-under fridges also have a panel to hide them, but are boxed in at the sides and the top. As the name suggests, all built-under models are designed to fit perfectly under a kitchen counter. There are two different options: built-under fridges with ice boxes or built-under larder fridges, which don't have a freezer compartment.
3. Fridge size
Each type of fridge comes in a range of different sizes. It's worth considering which fridge size to go for based on the number of people in your household, your storage requirements, and the available space.
Freestanding fridge sizes
Tall upright fridges are usually between 120cm and 190cm in height, offering you lots of choice in terms of fridge size. This type is usually 54-60cm wide, with a depth of between 56 and 70cm.
Under-counter fridges are designed to slide beneath your kitchen counter, so they stand at around 80-85cm tall. They tend to be between 47-60cm wide and 44-64cm deep.
Compact fridges are the smallest design at less than 50cm in height, width, and depth.
Integrated fridge sizes
Integrated fridge sizes tend to be more uniform as this fit is designed to be integrated into standard-sized cabinets:
Built-in fridges vary between 87 and 180cm in height, depending on whether you go for a full-height or under-counter model. This style has more uniform widths (54-57cm) and depths (50-55cm) to fit a standard cabinet.
Built-under fridges are all designed to fit beneath a kitchen counter. The dimensions of this type are typically 82-88cm high, 59-60cm wide, and 50-60cm deep
4. How to measure for a new fridge
We always advise measuring for your new fridge to make sure it'll fit before making a purchase. Follow the steps below to ensure a snug and smooth fit:
- Measure the height of the available space (for integrated models, allow a few centimetres of height clearance for ventilation).
- Measure the width of the available space, leaving a few centimetres on either side for freestanding models so that the door can open properly.
- Measure the depth of the available space (for integrated models, allow a few centimetres at the back so there's space to plug the appliance in).
- As you shop, compare the dimensions of the available space with the appliances you're looking at.
- If you're replacing an integrated fridge, simply measure your old fridge and use those measurements.
- Once you've worked out that your new fridge will fit, select our installation service at checkout for an easy, hassle-free process.
5. Features to consider
Think about which features each fridge comes with when shopping around and compare them with your needs. Below, we've mentioned some key features for you to consider when browsing for your new fridge.
Water dispenser fridge:
A fridge with a water dispenser will provide filtered cold or room-temperature water on tap. Some modern appliances are non-plumbed - rather than having a plumbed water supply, the water tanks in these models can be refilled by hand for flexibility.
Smart technology:
Smart fridges use Wi-Fi technology to connect your appliance to your smartphone, so you can remotely operate and monitor your fridge. The features of smart fridges allow you to keep track of expiry dates, check on contents using a built-in camera, and control internal temperature via your phone.
Auto defrost:
Tired of manually defrosting your fridge and putting your chilled food at risk? Then look out for a fridge with auto defrost. This handy functionality helps to prevent the buildup of ice inside your fridge.
Door alarm:
In the past, forgetting to close the fridge door properly could be disastrous. Thankfully, most modern fridges have door alarms that will sound when the door is left open after a certain amount of time.
Holiday mode:
A fridge with the holiday mode option is ideal for when you're going away. Before you set out on your travels, empty the fridge completely and turn holiday mode on. The interior of your fridge will stay at the right temperature to avoid any bad smells whilst also saving energy
Antibacterial lining:
Some high-end fridges come with antibacterial lining. A special coating on the inside of the appliance helps to prevent the formation of bacteria. As well as reducing the chance of any mould forming. This antibacterial coating is great for eliminating bad smells in your fridge.
6. Fridge energy ratings
Fridge energy ratings range from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient.
Choosing a fridge with a good energy rating will save you on energy bills, and you will be doing your bit for the planet long-term. Appliances with energy ratings of E and above are considered to have better-than-average energy efficiency.
7. Retro Fridges
We stock a unique range of retro fridges that will give a kitchen an individual look with personality. These vintage designs are inspired by the 1950s yet come with advanced modern technology. Our selection of retro fridges features a wide range of colours to suit your unique style.
8. Fridge brands
Once you've considered the above, you'll need to find a brand that comes with all of the features you'd like from your fridge. We stock fridges from a range of brands including Miele, Smeg, Bosch, Samsung and more.
Fridge FAQs
You might still have some queries about which new fridge you should buy. Below are the questions our customers ask us most often
If you can't find your answer here get in touch with our team of experts, and we'll be happy to help.
What is an integrated fridge?
Integrated fridges are built into your kitchen units, hidden away behind a cupboard door to create a seamless, discreet look. An integrated fridge is a great option if you want to reduce visual clutter, save space and create the illusion of a larger kitchen. They need to be vented, so make sure to consider where you will install the fridge in your layout.
What is a smart fridge?
Smart fridges use Wi-Fi technology to connect your appliance to your smartphone, so you can remotely operate and monitor your fridge. The features of smart fridges vary between brands, but can include the ability to: keep track of expiry dates, check on contents using a built-in camera, and control internal temperature via your phone.
What is the smallest type of fridge you can buy?
Compact or mini fridges are ideal for couples or those living alone. They're the smallest type, with measurements of less than 50cm in height.
What is a larder fridge?
A larder fridge is a term used to describe a freestanding fridge that doesn't have an ice box
How long does a fridge last?
A fridge will tend to last around 9 to 13 years, but can last even longer if taken care of correctly. To extend the lifespan of your appliance, call a repair specialist if you notice any signs of faults, such as loud noises or excessive buildup of ice.
What number should I set my new fridge at?
It's recommended that your fridge should be between 2 and 4. If you're not storing much, choose between 2 and 3. If you're storing a full fridge, you need a colder setting, so it's advisable to set your fridge to 4
How long does a fridge take to get cold?
Typically, you should wait at least two hours after you've plugged your new fridge in before storing food in it.
What should I do with my old fridge?
We recommend recycling your old fridge. When our delivery team drops off your new fridge, we can take away your old appliance and recycle it for you. Visit our recycling page to learn more.
Added to your basket
You've added an item to your basket.