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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
Our Top Picks
Best integrated fridge freezerBosch series 6 KIS86AFE0G integrated 60/40 fridge freezerRead review£1,018
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: 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
In an ideal world, this is what the fridge freezers of the future would look like.
The LG Centum is beautifully finished, marvellously quiet and a pleasure to use, with effort-busting features such as its ice-free compartments, which consign the chore of defrosting to the permafrost of history. Best of all, it is superbly energy-efficient – a quality recognised in the appliance’s energy rating of A, which is rarely awarded.
Despite its sleek design, this fridge freezer offers a decent amount of storage space, with over two-thirds of its litrage taken up by the refrigerator compartment.
Beko harvestfresh CFP3691DVW
- 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
This fairly priced fridge freezer from Beko would be particularly well-suited to households that freeze lots of foodstuffs, with equal amounts of space taken up by the freezer and refrigerator compartments. The downside, inevitably, is that users may struggle for fridge space after a big shop.
Despite its reasonable pricing, this model has some interesting bells and whistles. We were particularly impressed with the appliance’s “harvestfresh” tech, which helps keep fruit and veg fresh by using lighting to simulate a natural light cycle.
Another bonus: the ice dispenser on this fridge freezer doesn’t need plumbing in.
Bosch series 6 KIS86AFE0G integrated 60/40 fridge freezer
- 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
Quiet, capacious and packed with clever tech, the serie 6 is everything we’d hoped for in a Bosch fridge freezer.
We were particularly impressed with the “Freshsense” technology – a sensor system that regulates the fridge freezer’s temperature, minimising the risk of food spoilage. We found the layout of compartments to be logical and user-friendly, and the interior of the appliance looks smart, if unspectacular.
This model integrates into your kitchen units, with the option to have the doors hinge from whichever side of the appliance suits you best.
Smeg right hand hinge FAB30RRD5UK 70/30 fridge freezer
- 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
What round-up of the best fridge freezers would be complete without a retro stunner from Smeg? And this model is a thing of beauty, with its carefully sculpted handles, its gorgeous colour and its chic, retro layout.
Offering far more than just looks, this fridge freezer is equipped with high-quality, up-to-the-minute tech. Its energy efficiency is relatively good, compared with other fridge freezers we’ve tested, and the fridge compartment is beautifully lit.
One minor downside to this model is that it lacks anti-frost technology – so you’ll need to manually defrost it every now and then.
Cookology UCFF87 under counter fridge freezer
- 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
This smart little fridge freezer is designed to slot neatly under a kitchen counter, providing basic storage for your perishables while taking up minimal space. The appliance looks great in this silver colourway, and its layout makes good use of the limited space inside, with drinks storage on the back of the door.
We were impressed to note that the doors on this fridge freezer are reversible, which could be a dealbreaker for those who need to make efficient use of their kitchen space.
It goes without saying that this model is only suitable for users who have a relatively small amount of food to store.
Swan retro SR11010CN 80/20 fridge freezer
- 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
The Swan retro range consistently strikes a winning balance between eye-catching vintage style, solid performance and value for money – and this 80/20 fridge freezer is no exception.
We were impressed with the layout of this model, which includes plenty of handy bottle storage on the inside of the fridge door. Another selling point is the classically stylish cream colourway.
If you’re thinking of buying this fridge freezer, do bear in mind that it is relatively low-capacity, and therefore best suited to households of one or two people.
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