How to Choose the Smallest American Fridge Freezer
American fridge freezers are large and take up lots of space. It is important to measure your kitchen to make sure that the fridge fits. You don't have to leave any space or risk damaging other white appliances by crashing into it.
Some manufacturers offer slim American fridge freezers that are specifically designed for the UK market. They measure 70cm in width and come with all the design, technology and storage capacity you would expect.
Size
If you have limited space in your kitchen, and you want to make a statement with an American fridge freezer, go for one of our slim models. With a width of less than 70cm, they're thinner than the typical freestanding appliance and provide more practical storage capacity too. They look great when pushed back against a bank of kitchen cabinets to create an elegant appearance.
American fridge freezers have a bigger footprint than their UK counterparts, so verify the measurements carefully to make sure they fit. Make note of the height too - many models reach more than 180cm. This could be too tall for certain homes. You can refer to our refrigerator sizes guide to compare different models against each other - or ask a sales associate in store to help.
It is worth checking the energy rating of any American fridge freezer you consider purchasing. The ratings are indicated with an asterisk and range from A to, with A being the most efficient. Pick a model with an energy rating of 'E' or better to reduce your utility bills. It is also advisable to look at the annual operating costs per kWh listed in the product's details. This can give you a precise idea of how much it will cost you to operate your new appliance.
Capacity
American fridge freezers are massive inside, giving you plenty of space to store your shopping list. You'll want to look for models that have up to 700 litres - this is enough space for the majority of families. There's typically a separate freezer as well as an automatic dispenser. Digital displays let you monitor your energy consumption and make sure the door is shut correctly.
If you're looking to cut down on your running expenses, opt for a model that has twin cooling systems that keep the fridge and freezer at different temperatures. This prevents cold, dry freezer air from causing dehydration to the food items in the fridge and helps to stop the transfer of smells between the two zones. It is also more efficient than a single zone appliance and can cut your annual electricity bills by 10%.
Slimline American fridge freezers designed for smaller homes are available in case you're working with a limited kitchen space. The Hisense RQ560N4WCF is a good choice, sporting a low energy rating of 'E' and an option for holiday mode to help you save energy even when the fridge isn't filled. It's also one of the quietest American fridge freezers that we've tested. It can be put into an existing cabinet, making it ideal for kitchens that are small or have odd shapes. Measure your cupboards before buying any white goods to ensure that the fridge freezer fits. Also, allow for ventilation on the sides and back as well as on the top.
Design
The beauty of a refrigerator freezer in the American style is that it can be pulled back to fit in a kitchen unit to create a sleeker appearance, or left freestanding as an accent piece. No matter if you opt for a design that is a stand-alone unit or one that's tucked inside a cupboard, it's important to measure the dimensions of the space with care to ensure your new appliance will be able to fit. Also, note the distance it will be from your cooker so that you can estimate the clearance required for opening and shutting the doors - all fridges and freezers require some space around them to allow for airflow.
A slimmer alternative to larger models, more info this fridge freezer from Hotpoint features an upright fridge with a freezer drawer-style. This lets you easily access your food and reduces energy consumption since you only open the door one at each time. This is a great choice for smaller households. It also comes with a non-plumbed dispenser to provide instant refreshment.
If you'd like to enjoy fresh-brewed coffee and crisp soda without leaving your house This American-style fridge from Beko could be a great option. It's stylish and has plenty of storage space, which is enough for 33 bags of groceries. It also features 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 can more than keep food and drinks. They can also display smart screens that can be used to make shopping lists, recipes, or inventory. They can also dispensate chilled ice and water. There are also models with automatic ice makers that make ice in a separate tray with crushed ice, or manual ones inside the freezer compartment. In both, you simply add water and turn the dial to release a cube.
You can pick between slim models, which are about 70cm in width, and larger models that can reach 90cm. Some models are taller too that can reach 175cm or 180cm with feet. This is crucial when you have low ceilings in your kitchen or space for the fridge freezer is limited to an enclosed area with shelving above.
Many of the models we have on our best small American fridge freezer list have without frost or are frost-free which makes it easier to keep clean and tidy. This will help you save time as well as money on defrosting, and reduce your energy bill.
You can browse through a selection of fridge freezers that have different features on our best American fridge freezer page, or use our filters to limit the choices to your preferred size price, brand or retailer. You can also narrow down your choices by colour, to make the most out of your kitchen's design.