Refrigerator and Freezer Sizes & Formats
General considerations
Before diving in to fridge & freezer brochures, it is well worth while first assessing your needs. A myriad of permutations and combinations are available on the market and three factors in particular will be important in helping you make your selection;
- What type of meals do you tend to eat? Are they cooked from fresh or frozen? This will help you decide on the allocation of refrigeration to freezer space.
- How big is your family (now, or in the future!)? A larger family will require more physical food storage space, unless you’re prepared to shop more frequently.
- How much space do you have available? If your kitchen cannot fit a large, or multiple cooling appliances, a separate freezer could be located in another area, such as the garage or a utility room.
With answers to the above questions, you can narrow down your search from the following main options;
Larder Fridge
Does not include a freezer compartment.
- Usually 85cm (33½in) high x 55cm (21½in) wide x 60cm (24in) deep, although taller versions are available.
Conventional Fridge
Has a small freezer compartment suitable for ice.
- Normally 85cm (33½in) high x 55cm (21½in) wide x 60cm (24in) deep, although taller versions are available.
Fridge Freezer
This is a single unit that has a refrigerating section stacked on top of, or beneath, a separate freezer, which is ideal where floor space is tight.
- Available in almost any size, where the balance of fridge to freezer space can be 70:30, 60:40 or 50:50.
- Generally 60cm (24in) wide x 60cm (24in) deep, and can be anything from 130cm (51in) up to 200cm (78¾in) high.
Upright Freezer
This has a front-opening door that reveals several draws which store food at several sub-zero temperatures.
- Usually 60cm (24in) wide x 60cm (24in) deep and height can be anything from 85cm (33½in) to 175cm (79in).
Chest Freezer
Accessed via a top-loading door so requires free space above, with general storage space beneath wire baskets on top.
- Normally around 90cm (35½in) high x 60cm (24in) deep and available in various widths from 55cm (21½in) up to 170cm (67in).
American Style
Vast American style fridge freezers are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a huge storage capacity, fit with contemporary kitchen styles, and also offer chilled water and ice dispensers (which requires them to be plumbed in).
- Usually around 180cm (71in) high x 70cm (27½in) deep and anything from 90cm (35½in) to 120cm (47¼in) wide.
Almost all of these models, except the American style fridge, are available in models to be integrated into your kitchen, and most have reversible doors that can be mounted to swing open in the most convenient direction.
Further information and useful links
- Find a Kitchen Appliances supplier near you
- Find an Electrician near you
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