How to Choose a Fridge uk

fridge freezer in uk uk

A well-organised refrigerator is not only convenient but can also reduce the 5,000,000 tonnes of edible foods that UK homes throw away every year.

Start by clearing out your fridge and examining the dates. Check for indications of mould, and place raw foods at the bottom of the shelf to avoid spills on cooked food.

Energy efficiency

The fridge is among the most energy-intensive household appliances, with large ones using more power than smaller models. Refrigerators and freezers account for 17% of domestic energy usage, so choosing an energy-efficient model can help you save money on your electricity bill. But, it is crucial to select a fridge that suits your needs. A fridge that has a bigger capacity consumes more energy than a smaller one which is why you need to think about the amount of space you'll need prior to buying.

Many of the latest refrigerators have an A+ rating for energy efficiency. A+ energy ratings are the highest rating available and can help you reduce your energy costs by as much as PS60 annually. Certain fridge brands use low-carbon cooling agents which are more eco-friendly. For example, B&Q's Energy A+ fridges and freezers are made with an eco-friendly refrigerant known as R600A (isobutane) which has less impact on climate change than CO2.

The size of your refrigerator as well as whether it has a freezer will also affect its energy consumption. Larger refrigerators use more energy than smaller models and chest freezers use more energy than upright freezers. A fridge with an A+ energy rating is the most efficient, however you must think about your space and the amount of food you'll keep in the refrigerator prior to purchasing one.

Smart fridges can also help you save money on your energy bills. These fridges typically have a smart inverter compressor and door-mounted ice maker which can cut down on your electricity usage. Certain refrigerators feature smart controls such as Wi-Fi connectivity or voice control. These features allow you to track your energy consumption and make lifestyle changes that could result in significant savings.

New labels for energy have been created to help consumers to know how efficient a refrigerator is. The new labels show an easier range of energy ratings, ranging from A+++ to G and state the estimated annual energy usage of the fridge. This lets consumers evaluate the various options and make informed decisions.

Storage

Refrigerators are among the largest appliances in most homes, therefore finding a model that has sufficient storage capacity is crucial. Select a refrigerator that can accommodate large quantities of fresh food and drinks for families of any size. Look for features such as salad crispers deep drawers that can store large amounts of vegetables, and extra-fresh compartments to keep fish and meat fresher for longer. Also, look for areas dedicated to dairy products that are delicate.

Think about a refrigerator that has a handleless mechanism that opens by pushing it. This feature is used in conjunction with a door-mounted sensor to stop cold air from escaping and allows you to enjoy a seamless, smooth design for your space.

Hubbub connects you to a community of groups that run community fridges uk across the UK. These groups are able to collect and redistribute food that would otherwise be wasted, from supermarkets, local shops and producers householders, community gardens and communities. They can also hold workshops on gardening and cooking, as well as community meals. Each fridge can redistribute around 1 - 4 tonnes of food each month.

Style

The most common style of fridge freezers is the side-byside, that has two doors that are full height opening to reveal both the freezer and fridge compartments. French door refrigerators are designed to store chilled food items and have a smaller section for frozen food.

Certain kitchen trends last for long, while others are replaced by more modern designs. American style fridge freezers are currently enjoying popularity and may soon be the standard choice for many homeowners here in the UK. The Community Fridge Network, coordinated by Hubbub is a network that connects all groups running a fridge across the UK and offers them free resources including posters and templates for health and safety and more. It also supports them to run events like cooking, growing and meeting up workshops.

Technology

Fridge freezers continue to get smarter and more eco-friendly. Consumers are looking for technologies that help keep food fresher longer, cut down on waste and cut energy consumption. This can be seen in the increasing variety of refrigerators equipped with features like ice cube trays or air purification systems. The latest innovations include advanced compressors that use inverter technology to alter the output of cooling according to internal temperature and airflow. This enables a more quiet operation and lower power consumption.

Auto defrost is yet another important feature. It utilizes an automatic timer that defrosts the refrigerator or freezer in accordance with pre-set times. This eliminates the necessity of manually defrosting your fridge freezer or freezer, and can also to preserve the freshness of stored food items. The DuoCooling technology, which is utilized by Liebherr in its many fridges and refrigerator-freezer combos, creates separate cooling cycles for the freezer and refrigerator compartments. This stops the transfer of unpleasant odours.

Other technology that can improve the efficiency of refrigerators includes an automatic defrost and door sensors, which allow you to control the appliance with your smartphone. The latest refrigerators also feature an LED screen that allows you to monitor and access information such as current power consumption and energy consumption. This allows you to monitor your energy usage and make adjustments.

A smart fridge can be integrated into your home automation system, allowing you to control your appliances with voice commands. This is particularly beneficial for those who are unable to use their hands when cooking or cleaning. Smart refrigerators offer excellent hands-free support. You can make calls via the built-in speakers or even your phone's mic.

A community fridge is an established and tried method of reducing food waste, which is responsible for a third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. They are run by volunteers in shared spaces and are open to everyone from local businesses to households, community groups and farmers. They provide a place to meet to share ideas, developing new skills and preventing fresh food from being wasted. Over 700 community refrigerators are found across the UK. They redistribute surplus food from local businesses, supermarkets farmers, households, and other growers.