ABOUT FRIDGE FREEZERS

Whereas a normal refrigerator has only a small freezer compartment, fridge freezers combine a good sized freezer compartment in a single unit with a refrigerator. There are two main designs: vertical, in which the fridge compartment is above the freezer compartment, and side-by-side or 'american style' in which there are two tall compartments beside each other for fridge and freezer.

Factors to consider in choosing fridge freezers include capacity, energy efficiency, and features including frost free operation. Some frost free fridges have air vents at the back of the fridge, through which air is blown to avoid condensation build-up. Other special features of fridge freezers include a holiday setting, so that the fridge can be emptied and kept at a moderate temperature while you are away on holiday.

CONSUMER ADVICE ON FRIDGE FREEZERS

John Lewis publishes good guides to buying fridges and freezers. The guides cover features, energy efficiency, installation, and delivery and disposal.

Which? publishes a report of its tests on more than 50 fridge freezers including models from Zanussi, Hoover and Hotpoint. The report includes a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about fridge freezers; and reports of product tests. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.

Energy Saving Trust has a certification scheme for energy efficiency, and also has links on its website to recommended products and retailers.

The EU Energy Label scheme, described in Wikipedia, certifies the energy efficiency of washing machines and other household appliances.

Reevoo publishes a useful short guide to fridge freezers, covering dimensions and capacity, energy rating, freezer star ratings, frost free operation, auto defrosting, shelving, and noise.

LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF FRIDGE FREEZERS

AEG. AEG of Germany has a section of its website dealing with fridge freezers. These include fridge freezers with the fridge and freezer compartments arranged vertically, and side-by-side fridge freezers. Features include a holiday setting, allowing you to empty the fridge and keep it at 15 degrees centigrade while you are away on holiday.

Bosch. The Bosch UK website has a section covering fridge freezers. Features include anti-bacterial protection, frost-free systems, multi airflow cooling, and active cooling. Bosch supplies fridge freezers which are either free-standing or built-in.

Hotpoint. Hotpoint has a fridge freezer section on its website. Features include frost free systems, flexible glass shelves, deep salad crispers, and big bin freezer baskets. Fridge freezers can be side-by-side or vertical desing. Brochures can be downloaded.

Miele. The Miele website has a section on fridge freezers. Miele fridge freezers are of vertical design, with the fridge above the freezer. They may be free-standing or integrated. The model range can be searched by type, by colour (white or stainless steel) and by energy efficiency.

Zanussi. Zanussi is part of the Electrolux Group. There is a fridge freezer section in its website. Zanussi make upright fridge freezers, with the fridge compartment above the freezer. They also make counter-height side-by-side models, with fridge and freezer compartments beside each other.

LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF FRIDGE FREEZERS

Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, whose online prices are claimed to be up to a third less than high street prices. Its website has sections covering more than 80 conventional fridge freezers and more than 60 frost free fridge freezers, showing in each case the saving against full retail price.

John Lewis is a national retailer selling online and through its department stores. Its website has a section on fridge freezers. This can be searched by brand and price, and results can be arranged in ascending or descending price order. John Lewis provides a free second year service guarantee, and free delivery for orders over £100.

Tesco Direct. Tesco Direct's easy-to-use website has a section covering twenty two fridge freezers. These can be searched by brand, by colour (graphite, silver and white), and by feature, including auto defrost, bottle rack, dairy compartment, digital display, extra deep door storage, and fast freeze facility.

PRICE COMPARISONS FOR FRIDGE FREEZERS

The following websites supply UK price comparisons for fridge freezers: Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK and provides price comparisons for fridge freezers together with user reviews. Reevoo provides user reviews.

OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO WASHER DRYERS

Wikipedia articles on refrigerators and freezers.

Appliance Aid. US website providing repair and maintenance advice for washing machines, refrigerators, dryers and dishwashers.

Diyfixit. UK website with hundreds of articles providing advice on DIY tasks.

Part Select. US website with troubleshooting advice on dishwashers, dryers, ranges, stoves, ovens, refrigerators and washing machines.

Epinions. User reviews on fridge freezers from the US-based Epinions website.

How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how refrigerators work, including illustrations.

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