Fridge and freezer features: What to look for

The ability to store food safely may be one of our society's most amazing achievements. The humble fridge is probably the most important appliance you own, so when it's time to replace it and your freezer, it's worth taking the time to assess what you really need. Buying a new fridge and freezer can be a little confusing, but by assessing your budget and needs honestly it becomes much easier.

What to look for in a new fridge and freezer

There are a few important features to consider before buying a new fridge and freezer.

• Assess your needs and your budget honestly. The budget you have to spend will limit the extra features, and perhaps size of the fridge and freezer you can buy
• Choose the fridge and freezer with the highest energy star rating in the category you are considering. This will save you a great deal of money and reduce your environmental footprint over the life of the appliance
• Consider whether a fridge freezer combination, or a separate fridge and freezer will best suit your needs. The combination is cheaper, although if you are planning to store large amounts of home grown food, or cheap food bought in bulk, a separate freezer may be necessary
• Fridge freezer combinations come in several styles, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Upside down (with the fridge on top of the freezer) is better for accessibility and energy conservation. Side by side can also be practical, though this option may only be available for larger units
• Stand alone freezers are available as chest or upright. Chest freezers are certainly more energy efficient, but uprights are much easier to access and clean. Avoid chest freezers if you have any back or joint problems that make bending over difficult
• Fridges and freezers are rarely worth buying second hand. The things that may go wrong with them can be hard to spot, so if you are considering this option make sure you get the best warranty you can.
• Be honest in assessing your needs. The larger the fridge, the more expensive it will be and the more energy it will use. A larger capacity fridge and freezer than you need wastes energy cooling empty air
• What accessories do you need? Icemakers are available in more expensive models, but may not be necessary and will certainly raise the price. Stronger shelves or a better quality motor may be more worthwhile investments
• Ask about the warranty of any fridge and freezer you are looking at, and consider purchasing an extended warranty. Be aware, though, that problems often arise in appliances after the three years offered in most extended warranties

Buying the most suitable fridge freezer for your household requires a careful assessment of your needs and budget. Consider the features that you actually need first, then additional ones like ice makers or stainless steel cabinets if your budget allows.

Fridge and freezer features

The basic features you need to consider when purchasing your new fridge and freezer are practical ones such as size, energy usage and reliability, as well as whether you need a combination or individual units. If budget allows, additional features offered by more expensive models can certainly be nice, but ensure that you get the basics right first.