Watch Out: How Fridge-Freezer Is Taking Over And How To Stop It

A Guide to Buying a Fridge Freezer A fridge freezer helps you keep healthy meals on hand and keeps leftovers fresher for a longer period of time. A lot of fridge freezers come with smart features. Energy efficiency is a key aspect when selecting a fridge-freezer. The kWh number is displayed on the label for energy and informs you the amount of electricity used each year. Quick-chill & fast-freeze functions Many fridge freezers have extra features that can help you keep your food fresher longer. Certain features can help you save energy or time, while others aren't necessary. So if you're looking to buy one, consider how much each feature will cost to the cost and if it will impact your life before making a choice. A quick-chill feature provides an extra boost of cooling power to cool fresh food items to safe temperatures quickly. This can to stop harmful bacteria from forming and also helps to keep nutrients inside. It's handy if you often do a big grocery shop and need to store food quickly. Some fridge freezers feature a speed-freeze feature that allows you to freeze food items at lower temperatures than usual, which helps them retain their texture and quality when they're frozen. This is helpful if there are lots of food items to store in the freezer, like after a large dinner party. Be aware that freezing food below 0°C can affect its taste and nutritional value. Certain models have an accumulation box for cold which stores ice in order to maintain the temperature of the appliance in the event of an electrical outage. Certain models have an outlet for drainage that can be pulled out to drain melted ice and food spillages. Ice-cube trays Ice-cube trays have long been an essential part of every fridge. They are an excellent way to store leftover soups, sauces, buttermilk and juices. You can freeze small batches of herbs to use in a later meal. But not all ice-cube trays are created to be the same. Some are made from hard plastic which can crack or break if you attempt to remove the cubes. There are many options for durable ice cubes available that don't require you to pound and twist the cubes of ice. Another factor to consider is the speed at which the ice-cube tray can be frozen. Typically, the smaller the tray's surface area, the more quickly it will freeze. In the same way, an item with separate compartments for each cube will freeze more quickly than one that simply has dividers. You can choose from a range of shapes and sizes available on the market. For instance, larger cubes of ice work well for cocktails since they melt slower and don't dilute drinks as much. Cocktail lovers are increasingly attracted to spheres. This set of four ice cube tray from OMorc comes with a silicone lid which seals well and keeps freezer odors from getting out. It also has a convenient handle that makes it easy to carry and stack. It can make 14 ice cubes. The base is rounded to allow for an easier removal. It is dishwasher-safe, BPA-free and constructed from plastic. The trays are easy to grip and can be frozen flat to avoid cracking during transportation from the sink to the freezer. They can be placed in the bin that comes with them to make storage easier. Aesthetics Refrigerator freezers can be more than just functional appliances. They can also be style icons. From polished steel finishes to elegant, 1950s-inspired designs, there's fridge freezers that will fit every kitchen. Many refrigerators and freezers come with bottle racks that can be used to store bottles in a safe manner. They stop them from bouncing across shelves and occupying valuable space and preventing them from breaking or cracking. Certain fridge-freezers come with various bold colors, like the chrome-colored finish of SMEG's FAB32 fridge. This gives a modern twist to a classic style, and is in line with the latest trends that play around with textures and materials. The fridge-freezers integrated into the cabinet can be hidden behind cabinet doors to blend in seamlessly with your home decor. They are also great for people who have small kitchens or open-plan living spaces as they can help maximize space and create a neat and tidy appearance. Energy efficiency Energy efficiency is essential since fridges are in use all the time and consume a lot of electricity. If you choose an energy-efficient fridge-freezer, it will save you money on your electric bill and reduce carbon emissions. You should also check the energy consumption of your fridge to get an idea of the cost. You can check this using an energy meter with a plug-in or by checking the cost per kWh of your electricity provider. The labels on appliances display the amount of electrical energy each appliance uses annually and how it compares to similar appliances. You should look for an A+ rating or higher because they are the most efficient. You should look for the yellow Energy Guide Label on your refrigerator or freezer prior to you purchase it. It will give you an estimate of annual operating costs. You can also compare energy consumption with similar refrigerators. There are ways to lower the expense of running your fridge-freezer. For instance leaving the space between the shelves and food allows cold air to circulate more easily so it consumes less energy. This can help stop condensation, which is a big energy drain. If you're looking to buy a compact fridge that can be tucked away in any space, this Energy Star-rated model from Frigidaire might be the perfect choice. It's more expensive than other models, however it's easy on your electric bills and comes in white, black and a finish that looks like stainless steel but doesn't show fingerprints or smudges. It's also great for break rooms, offices and dorm rooms.