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Refrigeration Buying Guide

With practical tips for purchasing chilled or frozen food storage, this refrigeration buying guide is designed to help homeowners make an informed choice when kitting out a cooking space. Explore the types of devices available and features to look out for, as well as planning considerations to bear in mind when choosing a new model. This expert advice will make it easy to find the right product to keep groceries fresh, supplies stocked up, and suit any room size or layout.

What are the different types of refrigeration available?

Fridges

Refrigerators keep groceries chilled, so they remain nutritious for longer and enable families to enjoy delicious meals filled with fresh produce.

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Freezers

Save surplus ingredients or leftovers by storing items in freezers. These can also store pre-prepared meals that make dinnertime easy.

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Fridge freezers

Store various food supplies with a product that combines separate compartments for chilling and freezing – good for stocking up on groceries.

Fridge Freezer Buying Guide
Wine coolers

Enjoy refreshing drinks on demand with a dedicated wine chiller, which will keep bottles cold and ready for serving while freeing up space in refrigerators.

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What are the different fitting types?

Freestanding

Pick a freestanding model for the flexibility to choose where it is located within a layout or move when relocating.

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Freestanding

A classic design that can be installed wherever there is a power outlet, a freestanding option can be fitted into any floorplan. With the whole model on show, it is good for those wanting to create an eye-catching feature. It is also simpler to replace than a built-in alternative as there is no need to remove the entire cupboard. As well as the ability to be moved to a new property, these portable units can be easily repositioned during a home makeover.
Integrated

Go for an integrated design, which is neatly concealed behind a cupboard door to create a streamlined and clutter-free cooking area.

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Integrated

Also known as a built-in model, integrated equipment a good option for maintaining the sleek appearance of a room, as the unit is hidden by a door-front that matches other units. This helps cut down visual distractions and can make a layout feel less crowded, which is useful in smaller spaces.

Under counter

Save space in smaller schemes with under counter equipment, that slots beneath a work area while offering easy access to ingredients.

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Under counter

Designed to sit below a work surface, under counter models have a capacity that suits couples or solo occupants and are quick to install for a fast room refresh. This is also a popular option for gaining additional food storage in a dining area or utility and a good choice where floor space is at a premium.
Tall

Choose a tall or larder-style model to maximise storage for fresh or frozen produce – a smart solution for larger households or those with spacious layouts.

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Tall

Featuring one big compartment dedicated to chilling or freezing, these models can hold plenty of groceries and offer space to stock up on supplies at busy times, like Christmas. Popular with families who need extra capacity for food and drink, this option is handy for budding chefs and homeowners who love to host, thanks to its ample storage. Its larger size also means it is best suited to bigger layouts.

Features to look out for

Bottle racks

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Bottle racks

Bottles can be awkward to store, which is why drink racks are a desirable and convenient feature. This ensures glass containers are supported on the shelf, preventing breakages and spills - great for those who get milk or juice delivered in refillable containers.
Salad crispers

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Salad crispers

A salad crisper drawer helps to regulate the humidity around leafy greens, like spinach and lettuce or thin-skinned berries, which maintains nutrients and locks in healthy goodness for longer. It reduces cross-contamination with raw meat too, as well as odour transfer from fragrant dishes, so food stays safe and tasty to eat.

Reversible doors

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Reversible doors

With fronts that can be configured with either a left or right-hand opening, reversible doors are versatile, allowing a trade professional to install around existing elements. It can be fitted without altering the position of cupboards or other equipment and can also be adapted when moving to a new home, making products with this feature a long-term investment.
Frost free

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Frost free

Frost-free systems use a fan to circulate cold air around the compartment, so excess frost is unable to develop. This saves time and effort manually defrosting icy build ups to maximise space. This function also prevents frozen produce getting stuck, making it easier to grab a quick ready meal or leftover dish for dinner.

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Planning considerations

Capacity

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Capacity

Consider household size and how much food needs to be stored when deciding on a product for a room. A standard shopping bag can hold up to 20 litres of food, which is a good starting point for calculating how much chilled or frozen storage is needed. Our collection includes models which range from around 100 to more than 500 litres, meaning there is an option to match the needs of every home – from solo occupants to growing families.
Energy efficiency

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Energy efficiency

Running all day, every day, and throughout the year, chiller equipment accounts for a large proportion of monthly bills. Switching to a more efficient model will reduce running costs and a household's carbon footprint. Some of the latest designs include digital thermostats, which make it easier to set a precise temperature, reducing energy waste further.

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Location

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Location

Placing chilled or frozen storage units in a spot that is easy accessible from the washing and cooking areas will create a working triangle that will make a layout more ergonomic. Keep equipment away from heat sources, like radiators and direct sunlight, to ensure that it stays cool. It is also important to leave a 2 to 5cm gap around the product during fitting – a trade professional can check the manufacturer’s installation guide for model-specific advice.
Ventilation

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Ventilation

Ventilation is a key factor in energy efficiency, and when done correctly, it can keep running costs down. If a model is integrated, the back panel needs to be removed before fitting. Plinth vents can be added to provide an outlet for warm air to prevent a unit from overheating and impacting its performance, while on freestanding styles, vents need to be kept clear of obstructions.