Fridge Features
Once you’ve decided on the type and size you’re after, it can be difficult to know what else to look for in a fridge. Features are one of the main factors which sets a budget buy apart from a top-of-the-range model.
That’s because when it comes to fridges, the small details make a big difference. Clever features like reversible doors and auto defrost make life a little easier, while intelligent modes and smart cooling systems ensure your food is always kept at its best.
Auto Defrost
Auto defrost is a serious time saver, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most sought after features when buying a fridge.
Fridges naturally produce condensation as part of the cooling process. Unfortunately this can turn into ice on the back wall of your fridge, preventing the appliance from running as efficiently as it could.
Auto defrost makes this problem a thing of the past. By heating the cooling element every now and again, frost is melted away, before being drained away through the back of the fridge. This saves time as you’ll never need to defrost it manually.
Most models have this feature, but not all, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for.
Cooling Systems
Traditionally, fridges use static cooling systems to keep items cold. The cooled air moves by convection, with warm air rising and cool air sinking to the bottom.
Modern dynamic cooling systems use a fan to encourage better ventilation. This keeps different parts of the fridge at the same temperature, and foods stay fresher for longer. Dynamic cooling tends to be limited to more high-end models.
Another feature to look out for is a concealed evaporator. This will save space, leaving you more room for food.
Modern dynamic cooling systems use a fan to encourage better ventilation.
Controls and Display Panels
While some fridges have manual controls, usually a dial which you twist to set the temperature, others offer more precision with a digital thermostat.
You may find basic operating buttons and lights on manual models, such as a power on light. Digitally controlled fridges tend to have an electronic control panel. Sometimes these include lights to show which modes are in operation, as well as lights or alarms which alert you if the door is left open.
Helpful Modes
Ever thought about how much you’re paying to run your fridge while you’re away? Choose a fridge with a holiday mode.
This will run the appliance with minimal electricity consumption as you won’t be opening the door and letting any warm air in.
A quick cool function is another handy detail. It’ll chill your items rapidly, preserving nutrients and flavours more effectively.
A quick cool function is another handy detail. It’ll chill your items rapidly, preserving nutrients and flavours more effectively.
Lighting
A fridge light is a fridge light, right? Not necessarily. In the past, conventional light bulbs were used, which had a tendency to get hot and made it harder for the fridge to maintain its temperature.
The introduction of halogen lighting meant fridge interiors were brighter, making it easier to find even the smallest items hidden at the back. These bulbs are energy efficient and have a long lifespan of 2,000 hours.
Top-of-the range fridges benefit from the latest LED lighting. LEDs get bright instantly and remain cool to the touch, keeping the fridge interior cold. Their lifespan is even longer than halogen bulbs – a remarkable 50,000 hours.
Antibacterial Coatings
Many brands are using antibacterial components to help you maintain a healthy storage space.
Special door seals prevent the harmful bacteria outside from getting to your food, while coatings inside make everything a little more hygienic. Some models even have antibacterial door handles to protect the most-touched part of the fridge.
Fitting
Clever little design features help you integrate your new fridge into your home with ease.
Adjustable feet mean uneven floors are no longer an issue, while a reversible door means you don’t have to worry about it knocking into your kitchen door or cupboards.
Water Dispenser
Some high-end fridges have a water dispenser in the front of the door, for chilled drinks on demand.
You’ll find this feature more often on tall fridges than undercounter models, but even then, it’s relatively rare. If a water and ice dispenser is very important to you, consider a combi fridge freezer instead – you’ll find a wider variety of models with this feature.
Water dispensers come in plumbed and unplumbed varieties. Plumbed variants are connect to your mains water, while non-plumbed versions have a container you’ll need to keep topped up.
Water dispensers come in plumbed and unplumbed varieties.
