American Style Fridge Freezers
A fridge freezer in the American style will make a statement. They are a lot bigger than the traditional models, and can hold a great deal of food. Some even have more advanced features, like the holiday mode and intelligent displays.
Some of these dispensers also include ice and water dispensers that are plumbed-in or not plumbed, with tanks integrated.
Large capacity
An American fridge freezer is a striking design statement in your kitchen and offers much more space than traditional British fridge freezers. This lets you store the shopping of larger families, or even more food items if you're catering for lots of guests.
There are models that have double doors or designs with two doors above one drawer (also called French style American refrigerator freezers). A majority of them are freestanding, however you can opt for integrated models that are flush with your cabinetry.
As well as having a large capacity of storage These large models usually have additional features that will make life easier and add a bit of luxury to your kitchen. You can, for instance, choose a door-mounted cool water dispenser and crushed ice maker that can provide unlimited chilled water.
These extras can take up space and make your fridge freezer larger than a normal one. This may limit where you can place it or when it's being delivered and you're not sure how easy it will be to get it in your home! It's a good idea to determine the doorways you have and any other spaces the fridge freezer needs to travel through prior to completing your purchase. This includes your front door, as well as any internal doors it'll have to manoeuvre through.
Convertible zones
In addition to offering ample storage space, American fridge freezers have numerous features to help ensure that your food is at its peak. The models with convertible zones allow you to change the freezer compartment between fridge and freeze depending on your requirements. This is perfect for Christmas when you need more space to store wine. There are also energy efficient models with an E rating such as the Hisense RQ560N4WCF, our top pick from this category because of its holiday mode and dual cooling system that separates the fridge from the freezer to prevent dry freezer air from affecting chilled food items.
There are also American fridge freezers that have water and ice dispensers that are built into the doors, thus saving space. They are usually plumbed in and will require to be near to your water supply, so take note of the location in your kitchen prior to purchasing. The majority of American fridge freezers are freestanding, and can be a bit difficult to pass through doorways and into your home. So take precise measurements and think about any stairs, hallways or corners that you'll need to go through before purchasing one. It's worth having someone strong help you out if you need.
Water & ice dispensers
The majority of American refrigerator freezers come with an integrated water dispenser that allows you to dispense crushed chilled, filtered, or crushed cold ice by pressing the button. It's an excellent way to help your family to stay hydrated and adds to the fun factor, especially for children.
Depending on the model, this feature might require plumbing or restrict the space you can place your appliance. You'll require a water-filter that needs to be changed every six months.
As well as providing an excellent convenience, the ice and water dispenser can also help prevent food and drinks from getting cold or rotting. It's also a lot easier to clean than having to empty and replenish the ice cube tray on a regular basis.
These freestanding models are stylish and innovative. They have received many positive recommendations on Mumsnet forums. The Russell Hobbs RH90FF176BWD features a digital LED display for temperature control as well as an electronic child lock that gives you peace of assurance. It has a huge capacity and the freezer is separated by shelves rather than drawers to give it a more modern look. With an A+ energy rating, this refrigerator is also a good value to run. It is also backed by a two-year warranty.
Aesthetics
These colossal kitchen behemoths have many appeals. They're designed to create a focal point in your kitchen and will surely attract attention. With freezer drawers positioned at eye level, you'll have quick access to what you need without having to dig down into your cold storage. There's also the possibility of having an water and ice dispenser, so that you'll have immediate access to chilled, filtered water as well as crystal-clear ice.
American-style refrigerator freezers work well for families with large numbers of members or those who require storage for lots of food. But that doesn't mean they aren't suitable for other households, with a variety of models available in a range of finishes, and with the flexibility of doors that can be reversible and alarms to alert you when the door is open.
If you're looking to keep your groceries fresher, you should look for models with a glass panel on the freezer door. The panel will glow when you tap it. This allows you to observe what's inside the fridge without having to open the door, thus preventing the air from fridge freezers escaping and saving you money on your energy bills. There are fridges equipped with a salad crisper drawer to keep your vegetables neatly separated and fresh.