What is it?
The fridge keeps food cold and fresh, and in most kitchens it is paired with a freezer in a single appliance, a fridge freezer. It is one of the few things in a kitchen running all day every day, so how efficient and reliable it is matters more than for anything else.
Fridges come in several formats, from a unit built under the worktop, to a tall freestanding or integrated model, to a wide American style. Modern ones add frost free freezing and fresh zones that keep produce longer. Because it runs constantly, the energy rating has a real effect on running costs.
- 1Tall Unit
- 2Fridge
- 3Base Unit
What does it do?
Keeping food cold and fresh
The fridge holds food at a low, steady temperature that slows spoiling, with fresh zones and humidity drawers keeping fruit, vegetables and meat in good condition for longer.
Freezing and storing frozen food
The freezer section stores frozen food and freezes fresh food, with frost free systems keeping ice from building up so it rarely needs defrosting.
Running efficiently around the clock
Because it is on all the time, a fridge is designed to run quietly and use as little energy as possible, which is why its energy rating is worth weighing carefully.
Where is it used?
Built under the worktop or as a tall unit within the run, the usual spot in most kitchens.
Built in behind a matching cabinet door so it disappears into the units for a seamless fitted look.
A wide American style unit stands as a feature in larger kitchens, often with water and ice through the door.
Types
Fridges are chosen mainly by format, and by whether they stand on show or hide behind a cabinet door.
Freestanding fridge freezer
A standalone tall unit with the fridge and freezer stacked together. The most common and best value choice, in a finished colour on show.
Integrated
Built in behind a matching cabinet door so it blends into the run. It costs more and holds a little less, but gives a seamless fitted look.
American style
A wide side by side or french door unit, often with water and ice through the door, for large households wanting plenty of space.
Undercounter
A compact fridge, sometimes with a small freezer box, that fits under the worktop where space is tight or a second fridge is useful.
Larder
A tall fridge only unit with no freezer, giving maximum fridge space for those who keep a separate freezer elsewhere.
Typical sizes
Fridge sizes follow standard widths, with capacity given in litres.
| Feature | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Standard width | around 600 mm |
| Tall unit height | around 1.8 to 2 m |
| American style width | 900 mm or more |
| Undercounter height | around 820 mm |
| Supply | a socket behind the unit |
How to specify
Choose the fridge for the household size and the look you want, and pay particular attention to the energy rating, since it runs constantly.
Format and split
Decide freestanding, integrated or American style, and the split between fridge and freezer space that suits how you shop and cook.Size and capacity
Set the width and height to fit the space, and the capacity in litres to suit the household, allowing air gaps around it.Features and efficiency
Choose the features you want, such as fresh zones, frost free or water and ice, and pick a strong energy rating to keep running costs down.
Other considerations
Interacting elements
The fridge fits alongside the units and services around it.
- Base or tall unit houses it, built under or as a tall unit.
- Cabinet door an integrated fridge takes a matching door on the front.
- Plumbing an American style unit with water and ice needs a cold feed.
- Electrics it needs a socket behind the unit.
Popular manufacturers
Bosch
A reliable, well engineered choice across freestanding and integrated fridges and fridge freezers, with a wide range of sizes and good efficiency.
Samsung
Strong on American style and side by side units, with SpaceMax insulation for more room inside and water and ice options, a common choice for larger kitchens.
Liebherr
A German refrigeration specialist and Europe's largest private fridge maker, known for BioFresh fresh zones, NoFrost and quiet, premium build across freestanding and integrated models.