Types of freestanding fridge freezer
- Slim and standard: 55cm or 60cm wide, sized for a normal gap.
- Tall: about two metres high, adding capacity without taking more width.
- 50s-style: Smeg's retro fridge freezers in a big range of colours, each made in a left- or right-hand version. Retro fridges with a small ice box can appear here too, for when you only need a little frozen space.
- French door and quad door: wider and roomier; see all American-style fridge freezers.
Prefer one that's hidden? See integrated fridge freezers.
Which style suits you?
| Style | Suits | Worth checking |
| Slim, around 55cm | Flats, small kitchens and narrow spaces between units. | Its height, as that's where slim models gain capacity. |
| Standard 60cm | Most family kitchens, with the most makers and features to pick from. | The split, and the room under any wall cupboards. |
| 50s-style | Making the fridge freezer a feature. | The hinge side, as every colour is sold in left and right versions. |
| French door and quad door | Large households and big weekly shops. | Each doorway along the route, and space to open the doors. |
Making the choice
Frost free or manual defrost
Frost free models stay ice-free on their own. Retro fridges with an ice box, and a few other models, need manual defrosting, so expect to empty them and let the ice melt every so often. Browse every frost free fridge freezer together.
The split
70/30 favours the fridge and 50/50 the freezer. The product pages list litres for each section, which is the easiest way to compare.
Features
Useful extras include a chill drawer for meat and fish, humidity control to keep salad crisp, and ice makers on larger models. Some ice makers need connecting to a water pipe, so read the product page.
Finish
White remains the most popular, but black, silver and stainless steel are widely available, along with Smeg's retro shades for something bolder. Bertazzoni's professional-style models give a range-cooker look in stainless steel. If it'll stand beside other appliances, choose a finish that sits comfortably with them.
Running costs
It runs around the clock, so energy class matters more than for most appliances. Check the class and the annual energy figure on each product page; a bigger, better-rated model may be just as cheap to run as a smaller, less efficient one.
Before you order
- Measure the gap. Include the air gaps set out in the manual, and check the clearance under any wall cupboards.
- Mind the walls. If one side sits hard against a wall or tall unit, check the door will swing wide enough to remove drawers and shelves.
- Measure the way in. The wider French door and quad door designs need checking against every doorway on the route.
The brands we sell
Our freestanding fridge freezers come from Haier, LG, Midea, Blomberg, Liebherr and Sensis. Filter by brand to compare sizes, colours and features.
Buying a fridge freezer from KDH Electrical
Each fridge freezer has the full UK manufacturer's guarantee, and delivery is free on orders over £600, normally within 3–7 working days. In our installation area we can install it, move the door hinges to the opposite side where the model allows, and recycle your old one; each is priced in the basket before you pay.
Our price match means we'll do our best to match a lower price at another UK retailer. Ring 01622 541312 for help choosing, or visit our showroom in Rochester; please call first to check what's on display.
Freestanding Fridge Freezers: your questions answered
What size do I need?
Begin with a tape measure. Widths are usually 55cm to 60cm, and taller models fit more in the same width. The product pages list the litres for each section.
Is a retro fridge with an ice box a fridge freezer?
Not quite. Retro fridges with a small freezer compartment give you a little frozen storage without a separate freezer. If you need more, pick a model with a full freezer section.
Are retro fridge freezers frost free?
Some are and some aren't. Each product page states the defrost type in its key specifications.
Can one go in a utility room?
Yes, as long as air can circulate around it and the room doesn't get too cold. Garages without heating are another matter, so read the manual first.
Can it stand next to a cooker?
Ideally not right beside one. Check the manual for the minimum distance from an oven or range, and whether it recommends a heat shield.
Is a 55cm model big enough for a family?
A tall one can be, since height adds space without extra width. Check the litres on each product page.