How to Choose the Smallest American Fridge Freezer
American fridge freezers can take up an enormous amount of space, which is why it's important to measure your kitchen carefully to make sure that the freezer can fit. You don't want to leave a gap, or run the risk of smashing it into other white goods, causing damage.
Some manufacturers offer slim American fridge freezers designed specifically for the UK market. They measure 70cm in width and come with all the design storage capacity, style and cutting-edge technology you would.
Size
If you have limited space in your kitchen and would like to add a statement American fridge freezer, opt for one of our slim models. They are smaller and offer more storage space than freestanding appliances. They also look fantastic pushed back into a bank of kitchen cabinets for a minimalist look.
American fridge freezers are larger than their UK counterparts, so make sure to check the dimensions carefully to ensure they fit. Be aware of the height as well - many models reach more than 180cm. This could be too high for some homes. You can use our refrigerator sizes guide to assess the different models against one another or ask a sales associate in the store for assistance.
You should also take into consideration the energy rating of any American fridge-freezer that you're considering buying. The ratings are indicated with a letter and vary from A to with A being the most efficient. Choose a model with an energy rating of 'E' or higher to save money on your utility bills. You might want to examine the annual operating expenses per kWh mentioned in the product's information. This can give you an accurate estimate of what it will cost to run your new appliance.
Capacity
American fridge freezers are huge inside, which means you'll have plenty of space to store your daily purchases. Look for models with up 700 litres of storage space - enough for the majority of families. You'll often find a separate freezer compartment and an automatic ice maker too and digital displays allow you to monitor your consumption of energy and make sure you've shut the door correctly.
Select a model with two cooling systems to keep the freezer and fridge at different temperatures. This prevents dry, cold freezer air from drying your food in the fridge. It also helps keep smells from spreading between the two zones. It can also be more efficient than a single-zone appliance which can reduce your annual electricity bills by up to 10 percent.
Slimline American fridge freezers that are suited to smaller homes are readily available if you are working with a small kitchen space. Hisense RQ560N4WCF has a low energy rating of "E" and a holiday setting that saves the energy of your fridge when it is not full. It's among the quietest-running American fridge freezers we've tested too, and it's designed to fit inside cabinets making it ideal for kitchens with small or awkward shapes. Take measurements of your cabinets prior to purchasing any white items to make sure that the fridge freezer will fit. Also, ensure that there is ventilation on the sides and back as well as on the top.
Design
The appeal of an American-style refrigerator freezer is that it can either stand on its own as a standalone statement feature, or be integrated into an array of kitchen units for a more minimalist look. It is crucial to ensure that the appliance you choose to purchase is suitable for the space, regardless of whether you opt for a standalone design or one that is tucked away in cabinets. Also note the distance it is from your cooking area so you can calculate the amount of space here needed for opening and shutting the doors. All fridges and freezers need a certain space around them to allow for air circulation.
This slimmer model of full-size models integrates a refrigerator drawer with an upright one. This allows easy access to your food at an eye-level and helps reduce energy consumption as you only open one door at a given time to prevent the cold air from venting out. It's an excellent choice for smaller homes and comes with a non-plumbed water dispenser for instant refreshing.
If you'd like to be able to savour fresh-brewed coffee and crisp soda without ever leaving your home This American-style fridge from Beko could be the perfect option. It's stylish and sleek, with ample storage capacity that can store 33 bags of food items. It also comes with a non-plumbed ice maker for instant drinks as well as no-frost technology to ensure that your food stays free of frost and crisp.
Features
American fridge freezers provide an array of features beyond storage for drinks and food - they can feature smart screens to help you plan shopping lists, recipes or inventory and can serve chilled water and ice cubes as well. There are models with ice makers which automatically create a separate ice tray with crushed ice or manual ones inside the freezer compartment. In both, you simply add water and then turn a dial to release a cube.
You can choose between slim models, which measure around 70cm wide and larger ones up to 90cm. Certain models are taller as well that can reach 175cm or 180cm excluding the feet. This is important in the case of kitchens with low ceilings or if space for a fridge-freezer is limited to an enclosed space.
Many of the models we have on our best small American fridge freezer list are free of frost, or no-frost making it easier to keep clean and neat. This can save time and money in defrosting as well as reduce your energy costs.
There's a wide selection of fridge freezers featuring different features on our top American fridge freezer page. You can also use our filters to limit the choices to your desired size and price or retailer. You can also narrow down your choice by colour to help you maximize the kitchen's decor.