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There’s never been a better time to buy a new fridge-freezer. Nowadays there’s a huge choice available, in terms of size, style and colour. The only downside is it’s difficult to know which one to choose, with so many different models on the market! At Caple, we offer an extensive range of freestanding and built-in fridge-freezers. So, follow our guide, which will help you select the right one for your needs and keep your food fresher for longer.
First and foremost, you need to decide where your fridge-freezer is going to go. How much space do you have to house it? Of course, if you’re redesigning your kitchen, you’ll have more flexibility. However, if you’re replacing or upgrading an existing model, your choices will be more limited.
It may sound obvious but you should always measure your available space carefully. Don’t set your heart on a huge American-style side-by-side fridge-freezer if it just won’t fit. Think too about what would work best with the rest of your kitchen. Would a freestanding model suit you better?
Or would an integrated fridge-freezer that’s hidden away neatly behind cupboard doors complement your overall design?
Remember to allow sufficient space around the back, sides and top for ventilation. Otherwise the condenser will need to work harder, which means your fridge-freezer won’t run so efficiently.
Your fridge-freezer’s dimensions (width, height and depth) are clearly crucial but so is its capacity. Fridge-freezers that seem to be the same size can have different amounts of storage space inside. So, do take time to check the stated internal storage volumes (net capacity).
How you arrange that storage is also important. For example, are the shelves adjustable? How many freezer drawers do you need? Are there enough door storage compartments? Are crispers, egg and ice trays essential or optional extras?
How you arrange that storage is also important. For example, are the shelves adjustable? How many freezer drawers do you need? Are there enough door storage compartments? Are crispers, egg and ice trays essential or optional extras?
You’ll also need to decide on your fridge-freezer split. If both functions are equally important, a 50/50 split is perfect. If you use a lot of fresh produce, you’ll need a bigger fridge space. However, a larger freezer may be your best bet if you’re a fan of weekend batch cooking. Luckily, we offer a range of combinations to suit every family, couple or individual’s needs!
For maximum versatility, our new French door CAFF45GM in on-trend gunmetal grey, is perfect for design-led, open-plan kitchens. It features four compartments, one of which can be used as an additional fridge or freezer. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Colour might not be the first thing you think of, but the shade and finish will matter with freestanding models. For example, a grey or silver fridge-freezer will instantly add a stylish touch to a contemporary kitchen.
All about the energy
Your fridge-freezer stays switched on 24/7 all year round, so it’s vital to choose a model that’s energy efficient. It’s best to choose a fridge-freezer with an energy rating of at least A+, so this will help to keep your electric bills lower.
We have made it even easier to be energy efficient, with our CAFF60 six-compartment fridge-freezer. This A++ model has three temperature zones, each of which can be turned off independently. So you can switch off an entire section if it’s not being used, saving energy and money in one fell swoop.
This king among fridge-freezers is perfect for large families or those who entertain regularly. And you could build your kitchen cabinets around this model for the wow factor or simply leave it as a stand-alone, statement piece.
Fridge-freezers have evolved hugely since the early days of basic cold or frozen. These days, there are a whole host of extra features available to maximize food freshness and save energy.
Auto Defrost is a super useful function that prevents your appliance from icing up too much, saving both money and maintenance time. A more recent development is the Sabbath mode, which disables the internal lights when the door is opened.
Then there’s holiday mode, which prevents your appliance from wasting energy when it’s not in regular use. Open door and high temperature alarms are other useful features as is a child safety lock.
Certain functions do come with a higher price. But it’s worth investing in a model that offers frost-free, fast-chill functions, energy-saving options and, of course, comes with peace of mind.
