American Fridge Freezer - The King of Domestic White Goods
In sparkling silver, minimalist white or elegant black, American fridge freezers promise the kitchen with a smattering of praise. They also offer practicality with a host of clever technology including full air circulation, as well as fancy drawers for vegetables and fruits to ensure optimum long-lasting freshness.
Some have water and ice dispensers that are plumbed into while others have jugs with refillable ice. Make sure to take measurements of your doorways and interior spaces prior to purchasing.
Size
As the name suggests American fridge freezers are larger than the standard UK models. This can be a significant selling feature if you reside in a house with lots of people who like to bring food in or enjoy entertaining. They can also be stylish and elegant with a flat front and handles that are recessed to match a run of kitchen appliances to create a seamless appearance. Some come with plumbed in water dispensers and ice makers, providing instant chilled and purified water. It's also easy to create cubes for popping into drinks - ideal for parties.
They can be heavy and occupy a lot of space in the kitchen. Good news! Manufacturers are now producing smaller 70cm American refrigerator freezers that are suited to the UK market. You can still enjoy the sleek design and the latest features without having an appliance dominating your kitchen.
You must measure your space prior to buying to be sure you can accommodate the fridge you're considering. Also, keep in mind that you'll require an opening of 60cm around the doorframe. It's a matter of finding the perfect place for your American refrigerator freezer to ensure you're never left scrambling through the back and sides of your new purchase, trying to fit things into.
Style
The most popular of white domestic items, American fridge freezers offer large capacity - enough to hold up to 38 bags of food. They're also extremely sleek and stylish in an elegant silver finish which makes them a true statement piece for your kitchen that will delight your family and friends. Plus, with clever technology such as the ability to circulate air to prevent frost, and fancy zero-calorie fruit and vegetable drawers for maximum freshness they're loaded with extra features.
If you don't have enough space for a massive two-door monster but are still keen on an American fridge freezer, there are models with slimlines that can be a great fit for smaller spaces. Many manufacturers provide 70cm American refrigerator freezers that have been specifically made specifically for the UK market. They give you the look and cutting edge technology of an American without taking too much space.
This Haier American refrigerator freezer is a great option for those who are looking for a model that's affordable and has plenty of storage. It's capacity is huge of 521 litres which is enough to store 28 bags of food items. This model features Total No Frost technology to ensure that you don't have to defrost manually again. It also has a handy water dispenser that puts ice-cold drinks right in your hands. There's even LED lighting to help you find what you require in the dark.
Technology
American fridge freezers come packed with technological features to ensure they work at their best. Look out for smart screens that let you plan your shopping list or look up recipes, and handy dispensers that can serve chilled water or cubes of ice.
Models that have convertible zones can be switched from freezer to refrigerator. This is a fantastic feature for the holidays or other occasions when you have to store extra food items. Other innovative features include Twin Cooling to stop warm freezer air dehydrating your fresh food, and no-frost technology which stops the need to chip away at ice layers.
Some models are equipped with automatic ice makers that can provide fresh cubes of filtered ice at the touch of a button, and you'll also find options with plumbed-in features that connect to your mains water system, and can provide refreshingly chilled water or instant ice. You can also add a manual ice maker to your refrigerator if prefer that type of storage.
Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect to take into account, with the Energy Saving Trust recommending that you choose a model with an A G rating, with the letters 'E' or 'F' being the most efficient. You american-style fridges should look out for the brand new E - F energy label, which replaces the old A + and D rating, and will reveal your estimated annual operating costs in kWh.
Energy
Fridge freezers that have a large capacity are perfect for those who want to store food and save money by not having to visit the supermarket frequently. Large appliances consume more energy. It is therefore essential to select one that have high energy efficiency ratings. The new UK energy labels are more logical and show an energy rating from A to G as well as annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours.
There are some fridge freezers with higher energy ratings. A less rated appliance might be more affordable based on the household's usage and electricity rates.
Many models also feature No Frost technology, preventing the accumulation of frost and ice that can encroach on storage space and requires manual defrosting. The models that are plumbed in connect directly to the water supply. The models that are not plumbed draw water from an internal tank which is fast and easy to refill.
The size of the American fridge freezer could be an issue for some, especially since they are typically 90cm wide and 178cm high. The manufacturers have responded by making smaller versions of 70cm that offer the desired look, extra storage, and modern technology without the bulk. If you're considering purchasing one of these slimline models, measure your front and interior doors to ensure that you fit it in your home.