Fridge Freezer FAQs

Whether you’re wondering what fridge freezer to buy, or simply have a few questions about your existing model, it can be tough finding the answers you need. Luckily, we’re here to provide you with some information on some of the most commonly asked questions.

How Do You Defrost a Fridge Freezer?

Nobody enjoys defrosting a fridge freezer. It’s a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you imagine! If you’ve never defrosted your freezer before then it may seem like a daunting task, but it really isn’t. Here’s how to do it:

• Turn your fridge freezer off at the wall.
• Remove all frozen food.
• Place hot water inside the freezer (in bowls or glasses).
• Have plenty of towels and a container on hand to collect the water from the thawing ice.

Certain fridge freezers are frost free, meaning that they don’t need to be defrosted. If you’re not sure if your model has this then it is best to read the manual or contact the manufacturer.

Integrated Fridge Freezer vs Freestanding: What is Better?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to this question. The functionality of both will be similar (if the price point, brand, and specifications are the same), however it’s the practicality of it that will decide which option is best for you. The choice between an integrated fridge freezer and a freestanding fridge freezer is really dependent on how much space you have.

If you’re looking for a fridge freezer for a small kitchen then an integrated under counter model will be perfect. This option is ideal if you don’t have space between your worktops for a freestanding unit. It’s also well worth considering an integrated fridge freezer with 50/50 split.

If you’re lucky enough to have a large open kitchen space, or perhaps an alcove, then a freestanding unit may be more suitable as this will allow you to reposition your freezer in future.

If you want your fridge freezer in the garage then you’ll likely want to opt for a freestanding unit. It’s unlikely you’ll have the necessary housing space for an integrated fridge freezer. If you have work surfaces in your garage then you may consider an under counter integrated unit, but freestanding units are more common.

How to Look After Your Fridge Freezer

There are a few things to remember when learning how to properly maintain your fridge freezer, these are:

Cleaning fridge freezer drawers

Fridge freezer drawers are a common source of spillages and expired food. If you commonly keep fruit in your fridge drawers then this can easily expire without being noticed, especially if it is a loose grape or strawberry. Over time, these can cause your drawers to smell and will require a deep scrub to remove any odours.

A good rule of thumb is to check your drawers monthly, and if you feel that they would benefit from a light clean, remove any food and use soapy water for a light scrub.

How often to defrost a fridge freezer

Earlier in the article we discussed how to properly defrost your freezer, and now we will show you how to prevent your freezer from needing to be defrosted in the first place. A common cause of frost in freezers is a loose or damaged door seal. If this is the case with your freezer then replace your seal, ensure your freezer is level, and routinely check the inside of the freezer (especially at the back).

If you cannot see an issue with the seal, or other aspects of the freezer, yet it still frosts, a temporary solution is to routinely defrost the small amounts that build up. This isn’t the ideal situation but it will prevent much bigger problems down the line.

If this is the case we recommend consulting a professional to review the freezer and assess the issue. A fridge freezer thermometer can help you monitor the internal temperature.

Expired food

We’ve discussed this briefly already but we’re going to pinpoint which food items to monitor, as these can cause odours to develop within your fridge freezer:

• Meat: expired meat will start to smell, and quickly. If you have a big family or regularly buy large volumes of meat then make sure to bring the products with the shorter expiry date to the front to ensure it’s used first.
• Fruit & Vegetables: these can expire very quickly and if left long enough can begin to decompose. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to not buy more than you will be able to realistically eat before it expires. Alternatively, opt for frozen vegetables.

Which Fridge Freezer is Best?

Deciding the best fridge freezer model is not a simple question to answer. You need to measure your available space and then check the dimensions of the models that tick your boxes.

You will also want to consider what split you want between the fridge and freezer. If you purchase a lot of frozen food then you may want a 60/40 or 50/50 (fridge/freezer) split. If you don’t need much freezer space then a model offering an 80/20 split may work better for your needs.

Also, consider what add-ons you want from your appliance. Do you want a fridge freezer with a water and ice dispenser? Do you want a Frost-Free function? If you can decide this prior to starting your search, finding the perfect model for you will be much easier.

Shop our diverse range of Fridge Freezers in our Refrigeration section. With Liebherr Fridge Freezers, LG Fridge Freezers and Samsung Fridge Freezers available amongst other models from market-leading brands, you can be sure you’ll find what you’re looking for. Don’t miss our American-Style Fridge Freezers for those seeking a large capacity. With other fantastic ranges to shop from as well as Cooking, Extraction and Laundry sections, you can save money if you buy today at Appliance City!