10 UK Fridge Freezer-Friendly Habits To Be Healthy
Buying a Fridge Freezer
Fridge freezers are one of the largest and most expensive purchases you can make for your home. There are many choices to consider, regardless of whether you're buying a brand-new model or replacing one that's been in use for a while.
This paper draws on research from Finland and Norway to examine how the freezer developed into a standard household technology. It examines how a variety of factors contributed to it becoming normal, such as the expansion of supermarket shopping as well as a cultural emphasis on family economics.
Features
Refrigerator freezers are one of the most commonly used appliances in your home. It is essential to pick one that is suitable for your lifestyle and needs. For example, some models come with extra features, such as wine racks and bottle dividers while others offer adjustable shelves or door storage compartments to accommodate various items. There are models that feature convertible technology - sections of the freezer or fridge that can be used as an additional fridge or freezer, based on your requirements.
Some brands include smart fridge freezers that are connected to Wi-Fi and can be controlled through an app. These fridges & freezers can send you notifications when your food is about to go out, or suggest recipes based on the contents of your fridge. These fridges are more expensive than those that are not connected.
The energy efficiency factor is another aspect to consider when choosing the best fridges uk fridge freezer. Energy ratings are important. As new regulations are set to be in effect in 2021, all fridge-freezers must be classified as A-G. Higher ratings mean lower operating costs. Consumer watchdog Which? The consumer watchdog Which?
There are models that come with energy-saving features, such as automatic defrost that ensures your freezer is kept at the right temperature without burning up energy. Others have the holiday mode which reduces the use of power when you're away, or a speed-chill function that helps keep food fresher longer.
The average annual operating cost of each refrigerator-freezer is stated in the product description. Retailers such as Currys John Lewis and AO also provide an estimated cost per kilowatt hour, which can help you calculate how much the refrigerator will cost over the course of time. This will be dependent on electricity prices at the time of purchase, but it's recommended to take these figures into consideration when considering the best model to purchase.
Size
The size of your fridge freezer is a crucial decision when choosing one for your home. Take into consideration the amount of space your family requires and how you intend to make use of it. Larger families could benefit from a larger fridge freezer, while single-person households may be fine with a small freezer for their fridge.
You'll also need to take into consideration the dimensions of the fridge freezer because some models may be taller than others. This is particularly important for flats and apartments where to buy fridge freezer you may have to make sure that your new fridge will fit into any lifts or go down any stairs if it's to be sent upstairs.
When buying UK refrigerator freezers there are a range of sizes to choose from. For instance there are taller models that will fit under your custom kitchen worktop and have the refrigerator stacked on top of the freezer, while smaller fridge freezers are smaller and more easily tucked away in the cupboard.
It is common to find the capacity (in litres) and ratio of your refrigerator freezer in its instruction manual. You can find these in the specifications section or by searching. Currys also has a useful guide to help you pick the right fridge freezer to meet your requirements.
Refrigerator freezers are among the biggest consumers of energy in the home, which is why it's worthwhile to invest in one with a a high energy efficiency rating to lower your electric bill. Look for features like LED lighting which are more energy efficient than conventional bulbs. Also, look for anti-bacterial coatings in the interior of freezers and refrigerators and drawers that can safely store meat.
Certain models also come with a holiday mode that turns off the freezer to maintain a bare minimum temperature while you're away, as well as an automatic defrost that circulates cold air throughout your freezer and fridge to avoid ice build-up, so you don't need to defrost it manually. Other new features you might be able to find are built-in dispensers for water and ice with digital displays, as well as adjustable shelves for the most flexible storage.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators and freezers are in use all the time and consume plenty of energy, so they can have a huge impact on your electricity bills. However, the good news is that fridges and freezers are more energy efficient than they were in the past and you can reduce your running costs without needing to cut down on your frozen ice cream collection.
It is important to check the kWh number on the label of energy when looking for an integrated refrigerator freezer. This will tell you how much energy is used by a product per year. Standard fridge freezers have higher kWh than energy-efficient models. The Energy Saving Trust website allows you to check the energy consumption of appliances.
Energy-efficient refrigerator freezers can cost more than conventional models, but they will save you money in the long term. Simple energy-saving tips can help you cut down on your energy bill. For example, you should keep the items you use frequently in the front of the refrigerator to limit the time the door is opened. It is also recommended to let the food cool down before placing it in storage. It's also a good idea for you to regularly empty your fridge so that it uses less energy when it's empty.
Another thing to take into consideration is what refrigerant your fridge or freezer is using. Some brands use CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) which damage the ozone layer. These are being phased-out and Greenfreeze is one of the best technologies that make use of propane or isobutane (as the primary refrigerant) and the cyclopentane (to blow insulation foam).
A fridge that is reversible will also use less energy because it doesn't have to turn on and off as often. It is also possible to determine how much a fridge freezer will cost to run by studying the estimated annual energy cost on the Energy Saving Trust's website.
You can also assess the energy efficiency of your fridge by looking at its European Energy Label. The new labels, which came into use in 2021, are much easier to read and understand than the old ones. The labels now display an energy rating from A to G, with A being the most efficient.
Stores
Compared to traditional fridge freezers American-style models come with larger storage capacities. In fact, they can accommodate up to 30 shopping bags of food items - perfect if you have a large family, often entertain guests, or buy food items prior to the Christmas season!
Certain appliances have clever features that make life easier. A door alarm, for example will send a text message to your mobile when the refrigerator or freezer is left open. You can also cut down on energy by setting the appliance to power-saving mode when you're away from the house.
Select a model with clever storage solutions, such as Bosch's VitaFresh Drawers. They permit you to store food at the ideal temperature and humidity for each kind of food, making sure that they stay fresher longer. Fridge freezers with auto defrost prevent icy build-ups and Active Ion systems neutralise bacteria and other impurities that cause unpleasant odours from food.
Fridge freezers come in both standalone and integrated styles. Integrated models are ideal if you're replacing an existing appliance or redecorating your kitchen, since they can be concealed behind a panel or incorporated into furniture. They are smaller than freestanding units and have an elegant appearance.
Freestanding fridge freezers can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. They are usually split 50-50, with the freezer on one side and the fridge freezer near me on the other. You can also find them with a 60-40 or 70-30 split if you prefer to concentrate on chilled food items.
Certain fridge freezers are equipped with halogen lighting that is 36% brighter than traditional bulbs and more efficient at maintaining the temperature of your fridge freezers for sale uk. Other models have LCD or LED lighting which is more efficient and lasts longer than the halogen lamps. There are also refrigerator freezers with touchscreens that are digital, which makes it easy to control the appliance and gain access to useful information, such as the current consumption of power. Some fridge freezers have an option to fast chill to ensure food stays at the right temperature for a longer time.