Freestanding Fridge-Freezer Buyer's Guide

Choosing a new freestanding fridge-freezer can be a challenge, given the vast array of models, sizes, and features available. Whether it's for a single-person household, a growing family, or an open-plan kitchen, requirements vary. This guide provides a structured overview of key criteria and presents various models to give you a solid basis for your decision.

What to Look for When Buying a Fridge-Freezer

To find the right appliance for your needs, you should consider a few fundamental aspects. The following points will help you narrow down your choices.

1. Design and Capacity: From Classic to Side-by-Side

The design determines not only the look of the appliance but also its everyday usability.

• Classic Combination: In these models, the freezer compartment is usually at the bottom. They are available in many widths and are suitable for most household sizes.
• Side-by-Side Refrigerator: Here, the fridge and freezer sections are arranged next to each other. These appliances often offer a very large capacity and extra features like water or ice dispensers. However, they require more floor space in width.
• French Door Refrigerator: These models combine a double-door refrigerator section with freezer drawers below. The advantage is the wide, uninterrupted fridge space, which is ideal for large platters or baking sheets.

The required capacity depends on the size of your household. As a rule of thumb, allow about 100 litres for one person and an additional 50 litres for each subsequent person.

2. Energy Efficiency and Noise Level

A refrigerator runs around the clock. Therefore, energy consumption and noise level are crucial factors.

• Energy Efficiency Class: Since the recalibration of the EU energy label in 2021, appliances with an Energy efficiency class C or D are already considered very efficient. A look at the annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) reveals the expected running costs.
• Noise Level: A quiet refrigerator is particularly advantageous in open-plan kitchens. The noise emission is specified in decibels (dB). Models with a value below 40 dB are considered quiet, while appliances around 35 dB are barely perceptible.

3. Practical Features: No Frost and More

Modern appliances offer technologies that make everyday life easier. One of the most important is the No Frost fridge-freezer function. A circulating air system prevents ice and frost from building up in the freezer section, completely eliminating the need for manual defrosting. This not only saves time but also ensures consistently low energy consumption.

Recommended Freestanding Fridge-Freezers

Here is a selection of models that cater to different requirements in terms of size, function, and design.

homeX CFS1110-S Fridge-Freezer

Why it stands out: This model from homeX is a compact and energy-efficient solution. With its slim design and excellent C energy efficiency class, it is perfect for kitchens with limited space.

Advantages:

• Low energy consumption: With an annual consumption of 124 kWh and Energy efficiency class C, the appliance is economical to run.
• Compact dimensions: With a height of 142.5 cm and a width of 49.5 cm, it fits into smaller alcoves.
• Quiet operation: The noise emission is 40 dB, which is comfortable for most living situations.
• Flexible interior: Height-adjustable glass shelves and a reversible door hinge allow for customisation.

Who is it for? Ideal for singles, couples, and small households looking for a reliable, space-saving appliance with low running costs.

View Product: homeX CFS1110-S

LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Why it stands out: The LG GSXB90EVDD is a state-of-the-art Side-by-Side Refrigerator with generous storage and innovative features. Its elegant design in black and the InstaView door make it a centrepiece in any kitchen.

Advantages:

• Large capacity: With a total of 628 litres of usable space, it offers plenty of room for a large family's weekly shop.
• InstaView Door-in-Door: Knock twice and the glass panel becomes transparent, allowing you to see inside without opening the door and letting cold air escape.
• Total No Frost: Manual defrosting is a thing of the past.
• Additional features: An integrated water, ice, and crushed ice dispenser, as well as a Craft Ice maker for slow-melting ice spheres, offer added convenience.
• Very quiet operation: At just 35 dB, the appliance is exceptionally quiet.

Who is it for? Perfect for large families and tech-savvy users who value design, ample storage, and smart features like app control and an ice dispenser.

View Product: LG GSXB90EVDD InstaView

Hisense RF540N4SBF2 French Door Refrigerator

Why it stands out: This French Door Refrigerator from Hisense combines a large capacity with high flexibility. The "My Fresh Choice" compartment can be used as either a fridge or freezer zone, depending on your needs.

Advantages:

• Flexible storage compartment: The "My Fresh Choice" zone can be set to a temperature range from -18 °C to +5 °C, offering maximum flexibility for food storage.
• Total No Frost: Here too, the tedious task of defrosting the freezer is eliminated.
• Generous storage space: With approx. 480 litres of total volume and a wide refrigerator section, the appliance is well-suited for storing bulky food items.
• Inverter Compressor: Ensures quiet and energy-efficient operation.

Who is it for? An excellent choice for families who need a flexible and spacious refrigerator and appreciate the benefits of the wide storage space offered by a French Door model.

View Product: Hisense RF540N4SBF2

Other Options: Refrigerators without a Freezer Compartment

If you already own a separate chest freezer or simply don't need a freezer section, a refrigerator-only model might be the better solution. These appliances offer maximum space for fresh food.

Discover our selection of models that focus exclusively on cooling.

To the Category: Refrigerator without Freezer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does "No Frost" mean in a fridge-freezer?

"No Frost" technology prevents the formation of ice and frost in the freezer compartment by using a circulating air system that reduces humidity. This eliminates the need for manual defrosting, preserves food better, and keeps the appliance's energy consumption consistently low.

How important is the energy efficiency class for a refrigerator?

The energy efficiency class is very important as it has a direct impact on long-term running costs. An appliance with a better class (e.g., C instead of E) uses significantly less electricity per year. Investing in a more efficient model can pay for itself over the years through a lower electricity bill.

What noise level is acceptable for a refrigerator in an open-plan kitchen?

For open-plan kitchens, the quietest possible appliance is recommended. Calling a refrigerator quiet is subjective, but as a guideline: models with a noise emission of 35 dB or less are barely audible. Appliances up to 40 dB are also generally not considered disruptive and are well-suited for most living situations.