How to Choose the Smallest American Fridge Freezer
American fridge freezers can take up plenty of space, so it's essential to measure your kitchen thoroughly to ensure that they will fit. There's no need to empty an area or risk damaging other white appliances by banging into it.
Certain manufacturers offer slim American refrigerator freezers designed specifically for the UK market. These models measure 70cm in width and come with all the design, technology and storage capacity you would think of.
Size
If you're looking for a small space in your kitchen, and you want to upgrade your kitchen with a bold American fridge freezer, opt for one of our slim models. They are narrower and have more storage space than freestanding appliances. They look great when pushed back against a wall of kitchen cabinets, creating an elegant appearance.
American fridge freezers are bigger than their UK counterparts, so be sure to check the dimensions carefully to ensure they fit. Make note of the height too - a lot of models rise to over 180cm. This could be too tall for certain homes. Use our refrigerator sizes guide to help you compare different models against one another - or ask a sales representative in store to help.
It's worth looking at the energy efficiency of any American fridge freezer that you're considering purchasing. The ratings are identified by an initial letter and range from A-F. A is the most efficient. Choose a model that has an energy rating 'E' or above to cut down on your costs for utilities. It is also advisable to check the annual running costs per kWh listed in the product's specifications, as this will give you an accurate picture of what it will cost to operate your new appliance.
Capacity
American fridge freezers offer plenty of space, so you can store your weekly food items. It is recommended to choose models that can hold up to 700 litres - that's enough space for most families. There's typically a separate freezer as well as an automatic dispenser, and digital displays allow you to monitor your energy consumption and make sure the door is shut properly.
If you're looking to reduce your operating expenses, go for a refrigerator with twin cooling systems that keep the fridge and freezer at different temperatures. This prevents the cold, dry air from the freezer from drying the food in the refrigerator and can help stop smells transferring. It can be up to 10% more efficient than single-zone appliances, and reduce the annual cost of electricity.
Slimline American fridge freezers designed for smaller homes are readily available if you're working with a limited kitchen space. Hisense RQ560N4WCF has a low energy rating of "E" and a holiday setting that saves your energy even when the fridge isn't full. It's also among the quietest American refrigerator freezers we've tested. It can be incorporated into cabinets, making it ideal for small or oddly-shaped kitchens. Check your cupboards prior to buying any white goods to make sure that the fridge freezer fits. Also, ensure that there is ventilation on the sides and back as well as on the top.
Design
The great thing about an American-style fridge freezer is that it can either stand alone as a separate standout feature, or it can be placed in a set of kitchen units to give a more modern look. If you decide to go for a stand-alone design or one that is tucked away inside a cupboard, it's crucial to measure the dimensions of the space so you can be sure the appliance you choose to purchase will fit. Take american style fridge freezers of how far away it is from your cooker to ensure that there is enough room to open and close the doors.
A smaller alternative to larger models, this refrigerator freezer from Hotpoint is a combination of an upright fridge with a freezer drawer. This gives you easy access to your food at eye level and reduces energy use since you only open one door at a given time to prevent cold air from escaping. It's a great solution for smaller households and is equipped with a non-plumbed, water dispenser that can be used for instant refreshment.
If you want to be able to savour fresh-brewed coffee and crisp soda without ever leaving your home the American-style freezer from Beko could be the ideal option. The model is elegant and has plenty of storage space, which is enough 33 bags of food items. It also has a non-plumbed instant drink ice maker and non-frost technology to keep your food fresh and free of frost.
Features
American fridge freezers offer many more features than storage for drinks and food, they also have smart screens to help you plan shopping lists as well as recipes and inventory. They can even serve chilled water and ice cubes too. You can select models with automatic ice makers, which fill a separate tray with crushed ice. Or manual ones, where you add water to the freezer compartment and then turn a knob.
You can choose from slim models that are about 70cm wide, or larger ones that are as wide as 90cm wide. Some models are also tall with a height of 175cm or 180cm, including feet. This is essential in the case of kitchens with low ceilings or if the space for the fridge-freezer is limited to an enclosed area.
A lot of the models on our best small American fridge freezer list have no frost or frost-free which makes it easier to keep clean and tidy. This will help you save time as well as money on defrosting, and cut down on your energy bill.
You can find a range of fridge freezers featuring different features on our top American fridge freezer page, or make use of our filters to narrow the choices to your preferred size, price or retailer. You can also narrow down your choices by colour, in order to get the most out of your kitchen's décor scheme.