In this section
- Planning your kitchen
- Buying your kitchen
- Appliances and furniture
- Maintenance and care
- Kitchen design tips
- Accessible kitchens
- FAQs
- Kitchen image gallery
Special features
KBSA Consumer Guide
Our FREE guide contains practical advice for consumers who are considering buying a new kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or home office.
Fridge freezers
Style is probably one of the most important considerations – do you want a freestanding or a built-in model? If you want your fridge to stand out as a style statement, choose one of the coloured, retro-style or stainless steel freestanding models. There are even some with designs such as the Manhattan skyline printed on them. Opt for a built-in or integrated style if you’d rather the fridge was an unseen workhorse or space is a problem.
Do you want a fridge/freezer, or a separate freezer and fridge? Extra-wide freestanding cooling appliances are now available as well as the standard 60cm models, whereas built-in appliances tend to be 60cm wide to slot into a standard cupboard width. Configurations and capacities vary enormously with the freezer on the top or the bottom, depending upon preference.
Large side by side American fridge freezers, with the freezer on one side and the fridge on the other, are becoming increasingly popular and can be integrated with decor panels to match kitchen furniture.
By law manufacturers must disclose the energy efficiency of their appliances, rated A to G. These are usually displayed prominently in showrooms. The better the rating, the more energy efficient the appliance is – good for both the environment and your pocket.
A large number of freezers have eliminated defrosting by continually circulating the air inside the freezer compartment, thus avoiding frost build-up—a feature well worth paying a little extra for.
Added features such as ice making and drinks dispensers can all add to the appeal of certain models. Ice making is an option on many American style fridge-freezers, sometimes available without opening the door, as are cold water dispensers. Zoned models offer several storage areas, all at different temperatures, designed to keep a variety of foods fresh for longer. Most manufacturers now offer adjustable shelf heights and storage units which simplify food storage.
No new fridge or fridge/freezer should contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) or HFCs (hydroflourocarbons), which have been linked to the “Greenhouse Effect”. However your old fridge may contain them, so please dispose of it thoughtfully. Your local authority should be able to give you some advice and guidelines.
