Latest news with #Hotpoint
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Limited-time deal axes price of Samsung dishwasher by a massive £200
Now's the time to step up your kitchen with a gadget that won't break the bank with this freestanding Samsung Dishwasher that's now £200 less If you're looking to step up your kitchenware game, now's the time to do just that without spending a fortune. Thanks to this limited-time deal and a handy voucher that's still available to claim, a Samsung dishwasher is currently up for grabs on Amazon with a major discount. Though you may want to act fast, there's no telling how long this sale will last. This Series 7 Freestanding Dishwasher from Samsung normally retails for £599 on Amazon but is currently available with 23% off, bringing its price down to £459. The good news doesn't stop there, as there is also a £59.80 discount voucher available, saving shoppers £199.80. Promising a simpler and more intuitive way to clean your dishes, this dishwasher comes with a large and wide LED display that is easy to read and use. Quickly check the status, settings, remaining time and cycle progress at a glance, even from a distance, without stress, ensuring you can effortlessly monitor and control the washing performance without confusing settings. This dishwasher can store up to 14 place settings and has a flexible third rack with tumbler support, ensuring your glassware is kept tidy and safe during the wash cycle. Gone are the days of loading up the dishes and battling for space, as this machine lets you simply fold down and adjust the flexible racks to make more room. Thanks to the Flex Load system and Auto Adjust, this gadget has three different storage settings, so you can fit all the pots and pans left from a Sunday roast without the dread of having to hand wash any leftover dishes afterwards. The Samsung dishwasher also offers a half-load function, which is great when you've only got a few bits to wash, and it saves energy too, so you're not racking up expensive energy bills. Also armed with an intensive wash deep, this dishwasher promises to clean even the toughest stains and grime, so you can relax even if you've burnt your dinner. Shoppers who have picked up one of their own have been raving on Amazon about this kitchen gem. One 5-star reviewer beams: "Had my Samsung dishwasher for a few months now. Quiet, efficient and runs cheaper than my old Hotpoint one did. Plenty of room inside. Middle tray you can alter the height. Can't think of anything bad to say." Another shares: "I had to get up and look at the Dishwasher to see if it was working it was so quiet. Other features are very good. Buy it." And a third buyer beams: "This is a first class. Very impressed."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Restaurant Inspection Scores, May 6
Newest Restaurant Report Card | If you want the latest Shelby County restaurant scores sent directly to your inbox, sign up for it today on WREG's Newsletter Kingdom5054 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38117Score: 62Violations include: Dirty prep tables; improper cold holding of shrimp and cut onions on the prep line; toxic chemicals stored on the kitchen floor; food containers and condiment bottles labeled incorrectly; boxes of meat on the kitchen and walk-in refrigerator floor; seaweed strips beside hand soap on the storage shelf; hand towels resting on the handwashing sink; mops laying on the floor; dirty microwave; stained cutting boards; dirty refrigerator and exterior of kitchen equipment; dirty curtains, walls, and floors; and dirty vents in women's restroom. Full report PHO House1278 Jefferson Avenue Memphis, TN 38104Score: 64Violations include: Dog on property in fence; dumpster overflowing; dirty grills and microwave; no knowledge of employee illness policy; no soap at sink; raw beef cooked over noodles; no thermometer present inside freezers; unlabeled seasonings and sauces; employees not wearing hairnets; and excessive food found stored on the floor. Full report Big Cypress Lodge Kitchen1 Bass Pro Drive Memphis, TN 38105Score: 77Violations include: Mold in the ice machine; unknown change of management; raw pork stored over cheese; personal backpacks and drinks left on prep stations; excessive wiping cloths found on prep stations; employees not wearing hairnets. Full report Flame Grill3065 Thomas Street Memphis, TN 38127Score: 78Violations include: Frozen chicken improperly thawing on the prep table; no thermometer available in the chest freezer or the Hotpoint refrigerator; Philly steak and hamburger patty not covered in the deep freezer; ice build-up inside of Blue Bunny ice cream freezer; dirty restroom; no dumpster available at the establishment; dirty floors near grill; and grease build-up on vent filters. Full report The Blue Monkey513 S. Front Street Memphis, TN 38103Score: 80Violations include: Chlorine level is too low in dishwasher; dirty kitchen; hand washing sink is draining very slowly; dirty ice machine; dirty coolers and freezers; dates missing on products in kitchen coolers; products on the floor in the walk-in cooler; employee seen wearing gloves walking outside of kitchen and coming back without replacing them; dirty/damaged exterior of equipment; dirty fryers, ovens, walls, coolers, and freezers; dirty sink in men's restroom; dusty walls, and wet floor underneath tables in drink machine area. Full report Piccadilly2055 Exeter Road Germantown, TN 38138Score: 81Violations include: Soap not dispensing from the dish machine; black build-up on the ice dispenser at the drink fountain; chicken stored over beef in the prep cooler; wiping cloths stored improperly at the serving line; 1/6 pan used as a scoop in rice; and food build-up on the ground around the dumpster. Full report Mahogany River Terrace280 Island Drive Memphis, TN 38103Score: 81Violations include: Ready-to-eat chicken mixed in and stored under raw ground beef; excessive black slime in the ice machine; wrong dates on salad bar items; improper thawing of scallops and other seafood items; personal bottles of sprite and water bottle found inside reach in prep cooler mixed in with other food items for customer; boxes of food also stored on the floor; excessive trash build-up near dumpster; and thermometers not found inside multiple units. Full report Moondance Grill1730 S Germantown Road Suite #117 Germantown, TN 38138Score: 82Violations include: Beef fillet stored on the same shelf as asparagus; soap sensor not working in women's restroom; soup container used as a scoop in rock salt and sugar; multiple items are out of temp in cold holding unit at server area; chicken tortilla soup was not cooled down properly before being put into walk in cooler; cutting boards are stained and have deep grooves; and raw fish is stored under raw beef. Full report Southern Hands1811 Kirby Parkway Germantown, TN 38138Score: 82Violations include: Black build-up on water and ice dispenser; ground beef steaks stored above raw fish; employee washing dishes without soap; top missing from vegetable fryer oil; uncovered containers of meat and fish in walk-in cooler; corn meal stored on floor; bowl used as scoop in corn meal container; employee not wearing hair net; food build-up on rolling cart next to fryer; dirty microwave; grease build-up on floor under grill; food build-up next to mop sink near back door; dumpster door open and drain plug missing from dumpster; and stained/dusty ceiling tiles. Full report Belly Acres6130 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38119Score: 84Violations include: Black build-up on nozzles at the drink fountain; coolers missing thermometers; ramekin used as a scoop in feta cheese; leaf and tree debris build-up present at the dumpster; and food build-up present in the Atosa shake cooler. Full report Hyderabad Biryani and More3675 Southwind Park Cove Suite #105, Memphis, TN 38125Score: 84Violations include: Cutting boards are stained and deeply grooved; no thermometers in chest freezers; food stored on the floor; single-use deli containers used as a scoop in a yogurt bucket; dumpster door left open; back doors have a gap at the bottom; and walls, floor, and ceiling are deeply soiled. Full report McDonald's6690 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38138Score: 85Violations include: Black build-up on both ice dispensers at the drink fountain; black build-up on the Coke slushie spout; no hanging thermometers in coolers; grease and food build-up under the fryer; ice build-up in the walk-in freezer; dumpster lid left open. Full report Purple Diamond, 6102 Macon Road, Memphis, TN 38134 Tacos 4 Life, 3565 S Houston Levee Road, Collierville, TN 38017 Delta Blues Winery, 6585 Stewart Road, Lakeland, TN 38002 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Irish Sun
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The secret code on your washing machine that'll make sure your clothes are extra clean – it makes a huge difference
WE use washing machines regularly, but many of us only rely on the basic buttons for a standard wash cycle, unaware of the hidden features they might offer. However, one cleaning enthusiast has revealed a Advertisement 3 A cleaning fan has gone viral after sharing her secret code hack Credit: Getty Vicky Carruthers, known as ' Before unveiling the trick, Vicky expressed her surprise, saying: 'I can't believe I never knew about this.' She then went on to demonstrate how to activate a self-cleaning mode on a digital Hotpoint washing machine. By holding down the 'extra rinse' button, the machine cycled through nine different settings before settling on 1:10. Advertisement READ MORE ON WASHING MACHINES This activated the washing machine's self-cleaning programme, ensuring it stays fresh and free from built-up grime. The hack is a game-changer for anyone looking to maintain their washing machine's performance without relying on expensive cleaning products. Vicky's video has left viewers impressed, with many expressing their surprise at how simple it is to unlock this hidden feature. So much so, after just one day of sharing the video Vicky received 318.7 views with 281 people rushing to the comments section to share their thoughts. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous One asked: 'I have this machine, what does that do?' To which Vicky replied: 'It cleans the drum.' People's minds are blown as they never realised there's a special button on your tumble dryer that makes odors vanish from smelly clothes Experts say that giving your washing machine drum a good clean can make a big difference to how fresh and clean your clothes come out. Over time, dirt, detergent residue, and bacteria can build up inside the drum, which can transfer onto your laundry, causing unpleasant odours or even stains. Advertisement By cleaning it regularly, you'll keep your machine in top condition, your clothes smelling fresh, and your washes as effective as they should be. Someone else who tried it after watching Vicky's video said: 'Just did mine. 3 The secret code will get your clothes extra clean Credit: Tiktok/@vickycarruthers5 3 She held the button until it reached 1:10 Credit: Tiktok/@vickycarruthers5 Advertisement 'Thanks for that but sitting in front of the machine wondering where all this soap comes from, because I didn't put any in the machine.' Another laughed and wrote: 'How many people are rushing to their washing machines.' Top clothes drying hacks If you're looking for a cheap clothes drying method - here's A cleaning pro has shared her top tips for One woman who's And have you tried the '
The Guardian
27-04-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Grenfell fire fridge maker accused of safety test failings in council lawsuit
The company that made the fridge-freezer blamed for starting the Grenfell Tower fire has been accused in a lawsuit lodged by the local council of failing to run adequate safety tests on that model of appliance. The Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea has brought a lawsuit against Hotpoint-maker Beko Europe, previously Whirlpool, as part of wider legal action against companies it believes are culpable for the fire eight years ago that killed more than 70 people. RBKC, which has brought the suit alongside the borough's Tenant Management Organisation, was heavily criticised for its handling of the fire and subsequent response in a public inquiry into the tragedy. The local authority is suing a range of companies at the high court for more than £358m, including those involved with the refurbishment and cladding as well as the maker of the Hotpoint fridge-freezer where the public inquiry concluded the blaze started. In a legal filing, the borough said that the appliance contained materials that could 'catch fire and burn easily', according to the Financial Times, which first reported the council's allegations against the appliance maker. Lawyers representing the claimants argue that the company did not adequately test the materials used in the model against applicable fire standards. The lawyers claim that if the materials – especially plastic backing, foam and polystyrene – had been tested they would have failed under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994. It 'should have been obvious to any reasonably competent designer, manufacturer and/or supplier of the fridge-freezer that the plastic backing was not resistant to ignition and/or the spread of fire', the legal claim states. Defence documents have not yet been filed with the court, but Whirlpool said that it was 'vigorously defending' the legal action. 'Whirpool Corporation disputes and is vigorously defending the proceedings brought by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea,' the company said. 'It would not be appropriate to comment further on ongoing litigation.' Turkey-based Arçelik and New York-listed Whirlpool struck a deal last year to combine their European domestic appliance businesses under Beko Europe. At the public inquiry, Whirlpool claimed that the fire could have been started by a lit cigarette rather than an electrical fault. However, inquiry chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick dismissed this assertion as 'fanciful', saying that the evidence left him in 'no doubt that the fire originated in the large fridge-freezer'. While RBKC is pursuing a number of actions at the high court it also faced strong criticism at the inquiry. Quentin Marshall, chair of the borough's housing scrutiny committee with oversight of Grenfell Tower, told the inquiry that the council 'lacked a little humanity' in its dealings with residents before the 2017 fire. His admission came after it emerged that he had personally dismissed residents' complaints about refurbishment works as 'grossly exaggerated'. The council has said it has made significant changes to its operations since 2017. A spokesperson for the council said: 'We have issued legal proceedings against a number of companies, in line with the council's ongoing commitment to ensure those parties pay a share of the costs incurred against the public purse.'
Telegraph
27-01-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
The best fridge freezers, recommended by experts – from integrated to American-style
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 Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product at the best price. No manufacturer ever sees copy before publication and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews. Visit our 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.
