The best fridge freezers, recommended by experts – from integrated to American-style

Telegraph

27-01-2025

Which is the best fridge freezer? It pays to spend time choosing the right one. An energy-efficient fridge freezer will help keep your bills down, while a big unit with eye-catching extras like a water dispenser makes a statement and could even improve the value of your home. A compact fridge freezer will be perfect if space is tight, while a quiet model is useful if you have an open-plan lounge / kitchen.
But with models in all sizes from SMEG, Samsung, Hotpoint and Bosch among others, it's hard to tell which is the right fridge freezer for you. Prices range from under £400 to well over £2,000.
We've spoken to experts to identify this year's best fridge freezers. They also gave us advice on how to choose the best model for your household and on how to clean, defrost and maintain these costly appliances. You'll find answers to some
Which are the best fridge freezers? At a glance
Best overall
-
Best value -
Best American fridge freezer -
Best fridge freezer for energy efficiency -
Best integrated fridge freezer -
Which size fridge is best?
'
Integrated fridge freezers
are mostly designed to fit inside a standard 60cm-wide cupboard and are about 178cm tall,' says Emma Cabourn-Hall, a senior buyer at
'A
freestanding fridge freezer
doesn't have to be integrated with your cupboards, so you won't have to worry about its size. They range from 130cm tall to 200cm. The standard width is around 55 to 60cm.'Some models are 50/50 split, so have equal fridge and freezer space, but some are 60/40 or 70/30.'
If you tend to eat mostly fresh food, opt for a larger fridge section. If you tend to stock up on frozen food, a 50/50 split fridge freezer might suit you better.'American-style side-by-side fridge freezers can make a real statement in the right style of kitchen. They're wider than standard fridge freezers and have side-by-side doors that open outwards, with a fridge section on one side and freezer on the other. They range from 70cm to over 90cm in width.'
'These are the most pricey models, with the largest capacity and the most high-end features. Many are frost-free and have several cooling zones in different areas. Chilled filtered water dispensers and ice-cube makers are often a standard too, so you may need to pay to get these plumbed in.'
If you are looking to completely fit our your kitchen, check our our guides for the
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How we chose the best fridge freezers
To help you decide, we asked the advice of experts Sarah Heaps at
Sarah, Matt and David advised us on the best fridge freezers based on factors like the capacity of the fridge and freezer, how it's organised inside (are the shelves adjustable, for example?), and the energy efficiency and running costs.
We also considered how well it kept food fresh, and how easy it is to clean. Plus, we looked at any special features on each model, such as anti-frost technology, door alarms and smart options to control the temperature. Here is what we found, starting with our favourite.
Best fridge freezers
1. Bosch Series 4 KGN392LAF Freestanding 70/30 Fridge Freezer
Best overall fridge freezer, 9/10
We like:
impressive A energy rating, and premium features
We don't like:
the high price, although we still think it's good value
260L fridge, 103L freezer capacity
203cm tall x 60cm wide x 66.5cm deep
Energy rating A
Two year guarantee
29 decibels (Quiet Mark certified)
The Bosch Series 4 is our pick for the best fridge freezer this year. It scores highly on storage, interior features, technology and energy efficiency.
David Baker, who has been a John Lewis buyer for seven years, calls it a 'great all-rounder', adding: 'With its Frost-Free Technology and Super Cool features to stop layers of ice forming, as well as an A rating designed with energy efficiency in mind, it's one of the best choices if you're looking for an upgrade.'
The A energy rating shows this model is super energy-efficient (A is the most energy-efficient, and G is the least) – making it a smart choice for the planet and your wallet. It's also nice and quiet with a noise level of 29dB, earning it a Quiet Mark certification, so you know you're avoiding the unpleasant background noise of some cheaper models.
The fridge has a capacity of 260 litres, while the 103-litre freezer offers three drawers with clear front panels to make checking on your food easy. The Fast Freeze option is handy to rapidly freeze your groceries – no more stress of quickly unpacking ice cream before it melts.
Baker notes: 'It's also able to keep the temperature lower for meat and fish, as well as a climate-controlled drawer to keep fruit and vegetables truly fresh.'
The only drawback we can think of is potentially the price. However, there are other, cheaper, Bosch fridge freezers that score highly and are worth a look. Baker flags the
I bought the
2. Indesit 339 Litre 70/30 Fridge Freezer
Best value fridge freezer, 7/10
We like:
low price, choice of two colours
We don't like:
lack of anti-frost protection
228L fridge, 111L freezer capacity
189cm tall x 60cm wide x 66cm deep
Energy rating E
One year labour, 10 years parts warranty
39 decibels
This Indesit fridge freezer punches above its weight. It's a quarter of the cost of some of the others on this list, yet comes with decent features like Fast Freeze, two humidity-controlled crisper drawers, and an alarm that alerts you if the freezer door has been left open.
It has low frost technology, making defrosting relatively easy, but it doesn't have a complete anti-frost feature like others on this list.
We found this model runs quietly, and is also fairly spacious, fitting in about 13 bags of shopping. We like that there's a choice of colours – silver or white – to match your style of kitchen. If you're after a budget fridge freezer that does the job, this is it.
3. Hisense RB440N4AFA 202cm High 70/30 No Frost Fridge Freezer
Best fridge-freezer for energy efficiency, 9/10
We like:
clever tech to maintain even temperature
We don't like:
freezer space is a bit small
238L fridge, 98L freezer capacity
201.7cm tall x 59.5cm wide x 57.9cm deep
Energy rating A
Two year guarantee
35 decibels
If energy efficiency is high on your priority list, this model, with a top class A energy rating, is a great choice. This Hisense model can save you £1,297 over 15 years (a typical lifetime for a fridge freezer) compared to the least efficient one on the market, according to research by AO.
The fridge freezer is also a good example of saving on energy costs without compromising performance. Engineered for optimal cooling, the Hisense appliance features a micro vent cooling system that circulates cool air evenly throughout the fridge.
Sarah Heaps, refrigeration expert at AO, is a big fan, commenting: 'This consistent airflow eliminates warm spots, ensuring your fresh food stays at its best for longer and helping to minimise waste.'
The fridge freezer boasts No Frost technology, as well as a Super Cool feature (rapidly chilling newly-added food) and adjustable shelves.
Be aware, though, that the three freezer drawers seem smaller than similar-sized models, with less than 100 litres capacity in total. So, if you're someone who likes to batch cook and fill up the freezer with home-cooked meals, and maybe pizzas and ice cream too, you may struggle to fit everything in.
4. Fisher & Paykel Series 7 American-style fridge freezer
Best American-style fridge freezer, 9/10
We like:
good looks and impressive storage
We don't like:
expensive, and a bit noisy
417L fridge, 152L freezer capacity
179cm tall x 90cm wide x 69.5cm deep
Energy rating E
Five year guarantee
42 decibels
This is a stylish fridge freezer that would look great in any home – as long as you have the space for it, and the budget.
According to Matt Ayres, appliance expert at RDO Kitchens and Appliances, this 'elegant model is perfect for larger families and those with ambitious meal preps'. It'll easily fit in large platters and big puddings if you're entertaining, and the adjustable door bins are useful for organising drinks.
Ayres also likes the integrated tech. 'The freezer compartment is a bottom-drawer style, equipped with spacious bins to keep your frozen items accessible and neatly stored, and the ActiveSmart technology is definitely a standout feature,' he says. 'It continuously monitors and adjusts the temperature to maintain optimal food storage conditions. The fridge also has humidity control in the storage bins, which helps to keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.'
As you'd expect at this price point, the freezer is frost-free and there's a fast freeze option, plus an ultra slim water dispenser and automatic ice maker. However, with an energy rating of E, it's far from the most eco-friendly model on the market. Ayres points out that it also tends to be slightly noisier than smaller fridges at 42dB, 'which may be more recognisable in smaller flats'.
5. Fridgemaster MTM48120E Small Fridge Freezer
Best compact fridge freezer, 7/10
We like:
low price
We don't like:
the short guarantee
96L fridge, 28L freezer capacity
117cm tall x 47.5cm wide x 48.7cm deep
Energy rating E
One year guarantee
36 decibels
If you're working with limited space, Heaps recommends this Fridgemaster fridge freezer. 'Despite its compact size, it features adjustable shelves for accommodating larger items and a salad crisper to keep your produce fresh. The reversible door also allows for flexible installation in any kitchen layout.'
At just 117cm tall and 47.5cm wide, it's a great option for small kitchens or if you've only got a narrow space to fit a fridge freezer. It could also be handy as a second fridge-freezer in a utility room.
We think it's easy to use and good value – although we were disappointed that it has a short, one-year warranty.
If you've got a bigger budget and want something better-looking, you could look at
6. Hisense RQ5X560SFLEF Smart Fridge Freezer
Best frost-free fridge freezer, 8/10
We like:
compartments that can be switched from freezer to fridge
We don't like:
bulky appliance
393L fridge, 215L freezer capacity
178.5cm tall x 91.4cm wide x 72.5cm deep
Energy rating E
Two year guarantee
37 decibels
This spacious four-door Hisense
Inside the fridge, there are two large crisper drawers for fruit and vegetables, plus an ice maker in the freezer. I liked the height-adjusted fridge shelves, and that it was easy to clean. As the name suggests, the fridge freezer is 'smart', meaning you can link it up to an app, where you can control the temperature (it'll also alert you if someone's left a door open).
The drawback for us was the dimensions. It's a really big American-style fridge freezer – the depth of more than 72cm makes it feel very bulky. Double-check that you can fit it in your kitchen and through your front door and kitchen door before you buy.
7. Siemens Iq500 KG39NAIAT Freestanding 70/30 Fridge Freezer Frost Free
Best quiet fridge freezer, 9/10
We like:
the A energy rating, and the five year warranty
We don't like:
it's a bit pricey
260L fridge, 103L freezer capacity
203cm tall x 60cm wide x 66.5cm deep
Energy rating A
Five year guarantee
29 decibels (Quiet Mark certified)
If you're fed up with the noise emanating from your fridge freezer and want to upgrade to a truly quiet appliance, consider this Siemens Free-Standing Fridge Freezer.
Ayres explains: 'This model runs smoothly and silently at just 29dB, making it a great choice for open-plan kitchens or households that value peace.' As you'd expect, it's been awarded the Quiet Mark.
He adds: 'It's stylish, reliable, and a smart addition to any home. The fridge freezer also benefits from two independent cooling systems and an anti-fingerprint door finish, which is one of my favourite features.'
It also comes with no Frost technology, which means no defrosting, and we like the five-year warranty should anything go wrong. A drawback is the price – it would be good to see it come down below £1,000.
If you're looking for a cheaper fridge freezer that's still relatively quiet, Heaps recommends the
8. AEG RMB954E9VX Wifi Connected American Fridge Freezer
Best fridge freezer with water dispenser, 9/10
We like:
its good looks
We don't like:
the price
363L fridge, 178L freezer capacity
174.6cm tall x 91.3cm wide x 74.9cm deep
Energy rating E
Two year guarantee
40 decibels
This 541 Litre French Door American Fridge Freezer will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Its adjustable shelves and convertible compartment that can be switched between chill and freeze is perfect for keeping your groceries organised. Even the door bins can move up and down or across to help you squeeze in big bottles of fizz.
The through-the-door ice and water dispenser is convenient for making refreshing drinks; you can choose between chilled water, ice cubes and crushed ice. And as you'd expect at this price point, there's frost-free tech, MultiFlow tech that circulates cool air to keep food fresh, and a
You can use the app to change the temperature, receive notifications if the door is left open, and get maintenance tips to keep your appliance performing at its peak. One useful feature is you can also tell the app what's going in the convertible drawer – such as ice-cream, strawberries or wine – and it'll set the most appropriate temperature.
It's a great choice if you've got the space for it, and you're looking for a statement fridge freezer with all the mod cons including a sleek water dispenser. You'll just need deep pockets to be able to afford it.
9. Beko BCFD473 178cm High 70/30 Integrated Frost Free Fridge Freezer
Best integrated fridge freezer, 8/10
We like:
its functional temperature range means it can be used in a garage
We don't like:
the fridge shelves feel a little narrow
193L fridge, 69L freezer capacity
177.5cm tall x 54cm wide x 54.5cm deep
Energy rating E
Two year guarantee
38 decibels
Heaps highlights this Beko appliance as the best integrated fridge freezer for a seamless kitchen design.
She says: 'It holds 14 bags of shopping and features a Door Open Alarm to prevent food spoilage. With Freezer Guard, it's ideal for garages, as it works even in temperatures as low as –15°C, a practical option for any home. However, as an integrated appliance, it might lack the storage space of larger free-standing models.'
It comes with adjustable shelves, a salad crisper and no frost protection – pretty good for less than £500. Some people may find the fridge shelves a little narrow, and there are only three door bins – an optional fourth one that you could slot in as required would be useful to fit in extra jars or bottles.
Owners of this fridge say they like that it works in an unheated garage or basement, it's fairly quiet, and that food is kept fresh and cool even on the lowest setting.
10. Samsung RS66A8101S9 Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer
Best large-capacity fridge freezer, 9/10
We like:
that it fits loads in, its sleek appearance
We don't like:
energy rating could be better
409L fridge, 243L freezer capacity
178cm tall x 91.2cm wide x 71.6cm deep
Energy rating E
Two year guarantee
36 decibels
If fitting loads of food in is your top priority, check out this Samsung fridge freezer. Whether you've got a large family or are running a food business, you'll appreciate the fact that this appliance has a whopping 652 litre capacity in total. That's about 80 per cent more space than our best buy, Bosch on this list. It's £100 cheaper, but of course you will need more space in your kitchen to fit it in: the Samsung is 50 per cent wider.
Heaps says: 'If you're looking for style and substance, this Samsung fridge freezer delivers. With Power Cool and Power Freeze systems [freezing and chilling food super quick], your food stays at the perfect temperature, and the Total No Frost feature means less time spent on maintenance. The walls of the fridge and freezer are thinner than other models, meaning it can hold more food.'
There's an ice maker in the freezer, plus a convertible space that you can toggle between fridge and freezer (or even switch off completely when not needed). If you go away, you can set it to 'holiday mode', which changes the fridge temperature to 15°C, keeping your fridge odour-free, and saving energy too. Just remember to empty the fridge before you leave.
We think this model ticks a lot of boxes, plus it's great value. Our only quibble is the E energy rating.
11. LG InstaView ThinQ GSGV80PYLL Wifi Connected Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer
Best smart fridge freezer, 9/10
We like:
lots of useful features, impressive storage
We don't like:
no compartment where you can toggle between chilled and frozen
416L fridge, 219L freezer capacity
179cm tall x 91.3cm wide x 73.5cm deep
Energy rating E
Two year guarantee (can upgrade to five years)
36 decibels
This is another enormous fridge freezer, holding 35 bags of food shopping. Heaps says that for the tech-savvy household, it's a 'game changer'.
She explains: 'The InstaView Door-in-Door feature lets you see inside with just two taps, reducing energy use and keeping your food fresher. With ThinQ connectivity, you're able to control settings remotely and monitor energy usage, making it ideal for busy lifestyles.'
The 'knock twice' feature is a bit of fun, allowing you to see inside the top half of the fridge without opening the door. You may not use it much, but if you do, it'll prevent cold air from escaping and could lower your electricity bill. You can also connect the fridge freezer to your smartphone and control the temperature – and even do so via voice commands if you link it to an Alexa device.
We found this LG fridge freezer looks stylish and slightly futuristic. There's a chilled water and ice dispenser, a holiday mode setting, no frost tech, and child lock. Surprisingly though for a smart appliance, there's no section that you can switch from chilled to frozen and vice versa.
Heaps points out that 'its advanced features come with a higher price tag and require ample space for installation' – so before buying, do measure up and check it fits your budget.
Are frost-free fridge freezers better?
Yes, according to David Miloshev, quality control officer at electricals experts
What should I look for when buying a fridge freezer?
'Nowadays, all machines have noise level and power consumption stickers on them,' David Miloshev says. 'Use those to compare different units and their efficiency. A new energy rating system came into effect in 2021, which means that models previously rated A now fall midway down the scale and are rated D (the full rating system runs from A-G). Refrigerators take a lot of power to run, so efficiency is important.'
In terms of noise, the gold standard is the Quiet Mark, awarded to the quietest fridge freezers, as well as the quietest
Which brand of fridge freezer is the most reliable?
David Miloshev, and Emma Cabourn-Hall at Appliances Direct, both recommend Samsung as making the best fridge freezers on the market at the moment, but we sought other expert opinions on the full range of models to bring you this guide to this year's best fridge freezers.
Which is the most energy efficient fridge freezer on the market?
The Hisense RB440N4AFA 202cm High 70/30 No Frost Fridge Freezer is the most energy efficient fridge freezer recommended to us by our experts, with an impressive A class energy rating.
Which is the best fridge freezer for a large family?
Think about how many bags of shopping you need to fit in a fridge freezer for your family. Sarah Heaps, refrigeration expert at AO, has this handy guide: 'A small fridge freezer (100-200 litres) can fit around 5-10 bags of shopping, while a medium model (200-300 litres) accommodates 10-15 bags. Larger models (300-400 litres) can handle 15-22 bags, and extra-large options (800 litres) can fit up to 40 bags.'
The best large capacity fridge freezer in our guide is the Samsung RS66A8101S9 Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer, which has space for 652 litres.
How long should a fridge freezer last?
According to Heaps, a fridge freezer should typically last between 10 to 15 years, depending on the brand, model and how well it's maintained. She adds: 'Higher-end models with advanced technology might last longer if cared for properly, but they may also have components that need repair or replacement over time.'
How do I maintain a fridge freezer to keep it efficient?
It's vital to maintain regular upkeep of your fridge freezer to get the best use out of it. David Baker at John Lewis recommends 'cleaning the shelves regularly and keeping the doors tightly closed in order to maintain the cold temperature', adding: 'It's also important to know where the condensing units are, and to keep these clear for maximum efficiency.'
The condensers are usually at the back or bottom of the unit. Wipe away any dirt and debris that might obstruct air intake.
If you have to manually defrost your freezer, remove ice build-up regularly – or when it reaches a quarter inch thick.
Matt Ayres at RDO Kitchens and Appliances also says that to help your appliance stay as efficient as possible, 'don't fill your fridge or freezer more than three-quarters full. This lets air circulate and makes it easier for the unit to chill your goods.'
Can I fit an American-style fridge freezer in a small kitchen?
Yes it is possible, says Matt Ayres. 'With some careful planning and organising, and an awful lot of measuring, you will be able to fit an American-style fridge freezer in a small kitchen. There are smaller models on the market, and manufacturers often refer to this as a 'slimline design' perfect for compact kitchens.'
When deciding where to place the fridge freezer, ensure you add a few extra centimetres for airflow around the back and sides of the appliance.
What is the ideal temperature for a fridge and freezer?
The ideal temperature for the inside of your fridge should be between 1.7°C and 3.3°C, says Matt Ayres. 'This range is cold enough to keep your food safe and slow down the growth of bacteria, helping it stay fresh for longer. If the temperature drops too low, your food may start to freeze, which can affect its quality,' he explains.
The ideal temperature for a freezer is 'around –18°C to -20°C as this prevents the growth of many harmful bacteria', Ayres adds.
How do I clean a fridge freezer effectively?
Although cleaning your fridge freezer might seem like a chore, it helps keep your food fresh and safe.
'Start by removing all the food, then pop anything perishable into a cool bag or insulated box to keep it safe while you clean,' says Ayres. 'If your freezer has frost build-up, switch off the appliance and let it defrost naturally. If you are tight for time, you can speed things up with bowls of hot water to help melt the ice.'
Take out all the removable parts and wash them in warm, soapy water, and let them air dry while you clean the interior of the fridge freezer. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where grime can hide.
You can clean it with a mixture of warm water and baking soda or an antibacterial spray.
Don't forget to clean the door seals, says Heaps: 'The door seals can carry nasty odours and bacteria if they aren't cleaned. With soapy water and a cloth or a toothbrush, scrub all the way along. Rinse with water and pat them dry with some kitchen roll.'
How often should I defrost my fridge freezer?
As a rule of thumb, fridge freezers should be defrosted at least once or twice a year. However, some fridge freezers have frost-free built-in technology, meaning you won't need to defrost it.
And those that do need to be manually defrosted are all a bit different plus it will depend on how you use it.
Heaps advises defrosting once you see around a quarter of an inch of ice built up on the walls. 'Grab that ice scraper from the car or something similar if you've got it and scrape away the ice. Catch the ice in a bucket and if any of it starts to melt on the kitchen floor or in the freezer, just wipe up with a towel.'
She adds: 'Excess ice in your freezer will mean it's working extra hard to keep your food cold.' So, remember: less frost means less cost.