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6 best fridge-freezers, tried and tested

Whether it’s a freestanding or integrated model, we’ll help you find the best fit for your kitchen

Pete Wise
IndyBest contributor
Monday 19 August 2024 12:41 BST
There’s something here for every kitchen, with options from Samsung, Beko and more
There’s something here for every kitchen, with options from Samsung, Beko and more (The Independent)
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The role of a fridge freezer is fairly straightforward and yet they’re actually remarkably varied, making it difficult to know which model will be best suited to your kitchen and requirements.

Our IndyBest shopping experts are here to help. Our first recommendation? Figure out whether you want a freestanding model or an integrated option that you can build into a kitchen unit. Then, decide on the ratio of fridge to freezer space you think you’re going to need.

Once this is handled, any other differences between fridge freezers on the market will become less important. Style is one aspect to consider as while some will prefer a retro finish, others will warm to a more contemporary look. And if you’re looking for particular features, say, whether there’s smartphone connectivity and frost-free tech, make sure to check for this.

As you read our reviews, you may notice the fridge freezers seem to have relatively poor energy efficiency ratings. This is due to a shake-up of the energy efficiency rating system for appliances, which took effect in March 2021. The scale no longer includes the high-end ratings of A+++, A++ or A+, and a low-end rating of G has been added. So, the new scale goes from A to G, with the most energy-efficient appliances rated A.

The new rating system imposes higher efficiency standards, meaning some appliances which once had impressive-sounding energy ratings now have a more modest grade. For instance, the Siemens fridge freezer featured in this article has been regraded from A+ to E. Do bear in mind that, as a whole, the fridge freezer market hasn’t quite caught up to the new energy-efficiency benchmarks at this point in time.

How we tested the best fridge freezers

We included a wide range of fridge freezers in this round-up to suit all needs – from the simple, budget-friendly and compact to the all-bells-and-whistles, wallet-busting makes. We then evaluated their ease of use, design, size, extra features, results, noise level, energy efficiency and cost.

The best fridge freezers for 2024 are:

  • Best overall – LG Centum GBB92MCBAP 70/30 fridge freezer: £1,399, Currys.co.uk
  • Best budget buy – Beko harvestfresh CFP3691DVW: £569, Very.co.uk
  • Best integrated fridge freezer – Bosch series 6 KIS86AFE0G integrated 60/40 fridge freezer: £1,018.50, Plumbingworld.co.uk
  • Best for small kitchens – Swan retro SR11010CN 80/20 fridge freezer: £569.99, Swan-brand.co.uk

LG centum GBB92MCBAP 70/30 fridge freezer

best fridge freezer indybest review LG Centum
  • Best: Overall fridge freezer
  • Capacity: 384l
  • Energy rating: A
  • Noise level: 35dB
  • Weight: 103kg
  • Dimensions: 203cm x 59.5cm x 67.5cm
  • Storage compartments: Four
  • Warranty: Two years
  • Why we love it
    • Quiet
    • Energy-efficient
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Beko harvestfresh CFP3691DVW

Beko best fridge freezers reviewed
  • Best: Budget fridge freezer
  • Capacity: 324l
  • Energy rating: F
  • Noise level: 39dB
  • Weight: 71.3kg
  • Dimensions: 191cm x 59.5cm x 65.5cm
  • Storage compartments: Two
  • Warranty: One year
  • Why we love it
    • Affordable price
    • Lots of freezer space
    • Doesn’t need plumbing in
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Bosch series 6 KIS86AFE0G integrated 60/40 fridge freezer

Bosch best fridge freezers reviewed
  • Best: Integrated fridge freezer
  • Capacity: 265l
  • Energy rating: E
  • Noise level: 36dB
  • Weight: 62.54kg
  • Dimensions: 177.2cm x 55.8cm x 54.5cm
  • Storage compartments: Three
  • Warranty: Two years
  • Why we love it
    • Minimises food spoilage
    • Capacious
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Smeg right hand hinge FAB30RRD5UK 70/30 fridge freezer

Smeg best fridge freezers reviewed
  • Best: For retro design
  • Capacity: 294l
  • Energy rating: D
  • Noise level: 37dB
  • Weight: 93.8kg
  • Dimensions: 173cm x 60.1cm x 788cm
  • Storage compartments: Four
  • Warranty: Two years
  • Why we love it
    • Looks gorgeous
    • Fairly energy-efficient
  • Take note
    • Doesn’t have any anti-frost technology
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Cookology UCFF87 under counter fridge freezer

Cookolgy best fridge freezers reviewed
  • Best: Fridge freezer for large kitchens
  • Capacity: 87l
  • Energy rating: F
  • Noise level: 42dB
  • Weight: 24kg
  • Dimensions: 85cm x 50.5cm x 47cm
  • Storage compartments: Two
  • Warranty: On year
  • Why we love it
    • Compact
  • Take note
    • Not the most capaciou
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Swan retro SR11010CN 80/20 fridge freezer

Swan best fridge freezers reviewed
  • Best: Fridge freezer for small kitchens
  • Capacity: 208l
  • Energy rating: F
  • Noise level: 42dB
  • Weight: 51kg
  • Dimensions: 149.7cm x 54.5cm x 63.8cm
  • Storage compartments: Three
  • Warranty: One year
  • Why we love it
    • Vintage-inspired design
    • Ample bottle storage
  • Take note
    • Not the most capacious
  1.  £569 from Ao.com
Prices may vary
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Why you can trust us

Pete Wise has reviewed thousands of products for titles including The Independent, Evening Standard, i, and BBC Good Food. As well as specialising in reviewing large home appliances and white goods, he also writes on a wide range of topics, from good causes and global development to food and drink.

Fridge freezer FAQs

Will I need to get my fridge freezer professionally installed?

While its not necassary to get your new fridge freezer professionally installed, it’s probably worth doing. While most models don’t require any plumbing, some may need to be connected to the water supply which is worth keeping in mind. As you might expect, many retailers will include installation, sometimes for free. If you have our best buy delivered, the centum fridge freezer from LG, from Currys, it will deliver the new model, remove your old one and install the new model for £15.

What are the different options?

There are a variety of styles of fridge freezers that suit different types of kitchens. Different types include:

  • An integrated fridge freezer: this sits inside a cupboard, so the appliance is hidden from view
  • A freestanding fridge freezer: you’ll have more luck fitting your new appliance in your kitchen.
  • An American-style fridge freezer: often a style statement, as well as offering a large capacity. They open outwards, with a fridge section on one side and freezer on the other, so are not ideal for every kitchen.

How to choose a suitable fridge freezer

Firstly, think about the size of your kitchen, as no matter how much you’ve idolised the aesthetically pleasing American-style fridge freezer, it simply may not fit. Another important thing to consider is how much fridge versus freezer space you’ll want, as this will determine whether you want an even split of 50/50 or more fridge space, such as an 80/20 ratio.

In addition to size, think about what features you might want your fridge freezer to have. Things such as digital displays to monitor temperature and whether the door is open, for instance, are handy, as are separate controls, water dispensers and ice-cube makers.

How long should fridge freezers last?

According to kitchen connoisseurs Magnet, the life expectancy of a fridge freezer is, on average, 10 years. Some might last longer but the best way to extend the lifespan of your appliance is to keep it clean, defrost your freezer and replace any filters.

How to clean a fridge freezer

If you’re looking to deep clean your fridge freezer, the task will go beyond a simple disinfectant wipe. While removing all of the contents can seem quite tedious, we promise it’s well worth it. Shelves and salad crisper drawers can be washed with your regular washing up liquid and hot water, while anything that can’t be removed from your fridge freezer can be wiped down.

How to buy an affordable fridge freezer

While annual sale dates such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday are excellent periods to try and scoop a saving, especially on kitchen appliances, some brands and retailers discount their products throughout the year – so, if you’re looking to bag yourself a bargain on your new fridge freezer, we’ve rounded up the best monthly deals for you.

The verdict: Fridge freezers

We’re naming the LG centum GBB92MCBAP our best buy. This fridge freezer feels a step ahead of its competitors, with superb energy efficiency, a chic design and some useful features that will save you time and effort, such as its frost-free technology. Our only complaint would be that it’s a little pricey for a fridge freezer of its size.

For more kitchen gadgets, check out our guides to the best air fryers and blenders

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