You've Forgotten Fridge-Freezer: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer helps you to keep healthy meals on hand, and also keeps leftovers fresher longer. Many fridge-freezers come with clever features, too.
When choosing a refrigerator-freezer, the energy efficiency is a key aspect to consider. You should check the kWh number on the label for energy, which tells you the amount of electricity it consumes per year.
Quick-chill and fast freeze functions
Many fridge freezers have additional features that allow you keep your food fresher for longer. Certain features can save you time or energy, while others are optional. So if fridges & freezers looking to purchase one, think about the amount each feature will add to the cost and whether it will impact your lifestyle before making your decision.
Quick-chill provides you with an increase in cooling power, allowing you can quickly chill food to safe temperatures. This can help keep harmful bacteria from growing and keeps nutrients locked in. This is great if you are doing a lot of grocery shopping and need to store your food in a hurry.
Some fridge freezers feature the ability to speed-freeze, which allows you to freeze foods at lower temperatures than usual and helps them keep their texture and quality when they are frozen. This is helpful if there are lots of food items to be stored in the freezer, for instance after a large dinner party. Be aware that freezing food below 0°C may affect its taste and nutritional value.
Certain models have a cold accumulation box that stores ice to keep the temperature of the appliance in the event of power outage. Some models have a pull-out drain spout, which makes it easier to drain off the melted ice or food spills.
Ice-cube tray
Every refrigerator has ice-cube trays. They are an excellent way to store leftover sauces, soups, buttermilk, and juices. You can freeze small quantities of herbs to use later in a meal.
But not all ice-cube trays are created to be the same. Some are made from hard plastic that can crack and splinter when you try to extract the cubes. There are many options for durable ice cubes available that don't require you to smash and twist the ice cubes.
The speed at which the ice cube tray frozes is another thing to take into consideration. The smaller the size of the tray's surface is, the faster it will freeze. A tray that has separate compartments for every cube will also freeze faster than one that has divided compartments.
You can choose from a variety of sizes and shapes on the market. For example, bigger ice cubes are ideal for cocktails since they melt more slowly and don't cause as much dilution. Other popular shapes include spheres which are becoming increasingly popular with cocktail connoisseurs.
This set of four ice cube tray from OMorc comes with a silicone lid that seals tightly and keeps freezer odors out. It has a comfortable handle that allows it to be easily stacked and transport. It can make 14 ice cubes. Additionally, the base has been rounded to allow for easy removal. It's BPA-free and dishwasher safe. The tray is easy to hold and can be frozen flat to avoid cracking during transportation from the sink to the freezer. They can also be placed inside the included bin to make it easy to store them.
Aesthetics
Refrigerator freezers can be more than just appliances that are functional. They can also be fashion icons. There's a fridge freezer that will fit every kitchen, from brushed stainless steel finishes to modern designs inspired by the 1950s.
A lot of refrigerators and freezers have bottle racks that can be used to store bottles safely. These stop them from rolling around on shelves and taking up valuable space and also prevent them from breaking or cracking.
Certain fridge-freezers come with various bold chromatic finishes, such as the chrome-colored finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This gives a modern twist to a classic design and is in line with the latest trends that play around with textures and materials.
The fridge-freezers integrated into the cabinet can be hidden behind cabinet doors to blend seamlessly with your home's decor. They are also great for those who have small kitchens and open-plan living spaces, as they maximize space and give an attractive appearance.
Energy efficiency
It is essential to select an energy-efficient fridge because they are always on and consume a large amount of electricity. If you select a fridge that is energy efficient, this will help you save money on your electricity bill and also help reduce carbon emissions. You should also check your fridge's energy consumption to get an idea of the cost. You can do this by using an energy usage meter or checking your electricity supplier's price per kWh.
The labels for appliances' energy consumption show how much electricity each appliance consumes each year, and how it compares to similar appliances. The most efficient appliances are those with an A or higher rating. If you are considering buying a freezer or fridge, look for the yellow Energy Guide label which gives you an estimate of your annual operating costs and allows you to determine the energy efficiency of similar refrigerators.
Refrigerators are typically the most expensive appliances to operate, however there are a few things you can do to lessen this. For example leaving the space between the shelves and food allows cold air to circulate more easily so it uses less energy. This will also prevent condensation which is a major energy drain.
If you're looking for a small fridge that will fit into any space and is Energy Star-rated, this model from Frigidaire could be a great choice. It is a little higher in price than other models, however it is easy to charge your electric bill. It's available in black or white and has a surface that looks stainless steel, but does not reveal smudges or fingerprints. It's also ideal for break rooms, offices and dorm rooms.