Sponsored Content
Cool It: Your Common Fridge-freezer Questions, Answered!
We unravel common fridge-freezer conundrums, so you can make the very best choice
Sponsored Content
Are you looking to buy a fridge-freezer but feel a little baffled by the choice available? Maybe you’re unsure of what capacity will suit your family’s needs, or you’re simply stumped on what special features will benefit your lifestyle? If so, take a breath and read on for all the answers to your refrigeration woes.
Here to help are the experts at Fisher & Paykel, who weigh in on the key questions to ask before you make your fridge-freezer purchase. From finding the ideal model that will fit your layout, to deciphering the right ratio of fridge to freezer space, we’ve done the research for you to save you time.
Here to help are the experts at Fisher & Paykel, who weigh in on the key questions to ask before you make your fridge-freezer purchase. From finding the ideal model that will fit your layout, to deciphering the right ratio of fridge to freezer space, we’ve done the research for you to save you time.
Built-In, Integrated or Freestanding?
So, what’s the difference? Well, built-in models are often slotted into a purpose-built space with fitted cupboards surrounding it for a seamless look, while integrated models are similar as they sit flush with the cabinetry, however they are hidden behind a door panel. Both of these choices offer a clean, streamlined effect, which makes them especially popular in modern kitchens or busy family spaces that are full of activity.
The other option is a freestanding model that stands free of the cabinetry. It offers a little more flexibility than integrated designs as it can be placed in practically any location as long as there’s a plug socket nearby. Its position within the kitchen layout is not so restricted as integrated models and you can take them with you if you move, making them a better choice financially. Chic freestanding designs can also be used to introduce a particular colour or finish to your kitchen’s aesthetic, and create a style statement.
Consider your layout. Your fridge-freezer is likely to be the most used appliance in your kitchen and therefore needs to be in an accessible location, with plenty of bench space close by. Then you’ll need to decide whether you want a top or bottom-mounted freezer, or a side-by-side model. Your final choice will depend on the amount of space you have to play with, how much freezer capacity you’ll need, and ultimately your budget.
So, what’s the difference? Well, built-in models are often slotted into a purpose-built space with fitted cupboards surrounding it for a seamless look, while integrated models are similar as they sit flush with the cabinetry, however they are hidden behind a door panel. Both of these choices offer a clean, streamlined effect, which makes them especially popular in modern kitchens or busy family spaces that are full of activity.
The other option is a freestanding model that stands free of the cabinetry. It offers a little more flexibility than integrated designs as it can be placed in practically any location as long as there’s a plug socket nearby. Its position within the kitchen layout is not so restricted as integrated models and you can take them with you if you move, making them a better choice financially. Chic freestanding designs can also be used to introduce a particular colour or finish to your kitchen’s aesthetic, and create a style statement.
Consider your layout. Your fridge-freezer is likely to be the most used appliance in your kitchen and therefore needs to be in an accessible location, with plenty of bench space close by. Then you’ll need to decide whether you want a top or bottom-mounted freezer, or a side-by-side model. Your final choice will depend on the amount of space you have to play with, how much freezer capacity you’ll need, and ultimately your budget.
What Size?
When shopping for a fridge-freezer, not only do you need to consider key measurements, such as height, depth, width and enough space for door clearance, but you must also remember to allow sufficient space around it for ventilation, especially for integrated models.
Then there’s the matter of choosing the right amount of space to hold your household’s food capacity. Consider your family’s eating and shopping habits. If you buy a lot of fresh produce you’ll most likely need more fridge space, while families who batch-cook for the week ahead are likely to need more freezer capacity.
Seek out space-savvy features. If your kitchen is on the compact side, such as a narrow galley layout, then a French door-style fridge-freezer with narrow doors won’t encroach on the space as much as a full-width door, leaving more room in front to move about. Similarly, if there’s no room for a full-size fridge, then a CoolDrawer™ can be integrated into a kitchen island and goes from fridge to freezer to pantry drawer, just at the touch of a button.
When shopping for a fridge-freezer, not only do you need to consider key measurements, such as height, depth, width and enough space for door clearance, but you must also remember to allow sufficient space around it for ventilation, especially for integrated models.
Then there’s the matter of choosing the right amount of space to hold your household’s food capacity. Consider your family’s eating and shopping habits. If you buy a lot of fresh produce you’ll most likely need more fridge space, while families who batch-cook for the week ahead are likely to need more freezer capacity.
Seek out space-savvy features. If your kitchen is on the compact side, such as a narrow galley layout, then a French door-style fridge-freezer with narrow doors won’t encroach on the space as much as a full-width door, leaving more room in front to move about. Similarly, if there’s no room for a full-size fridge, then a CoolDrawer™ can be integrated into a kitchen island and goes from fridge to freezer to pantry drawer, just at the touch of a button.
How Do I Organise It?
Want to keep your food fresher for longer? Then organise your food items in terms of temperature and type. For example, fresh produce like fruit, veg and dairy need to be kept towards the back and bottom of the fridge where it’s coolest, while non-perishable and sealed items, like butter, cheese and condiments, will be ideal for the upper shelf and door, which are the warmest parts.
To make your fridge super-organised and ease food preparation, store similar items together in removable and washable containers that will make it quicker to find what you need.
Look out for clever technology that can also help. Busy households will know all too well how often the fridge door is opened in a day, but with innovative ActiveSmart™ technology, you and your family’s activity at the fridge door is monitored and the airflow is adapted accordingly to create a consistent and stable temperature inside.
Want to keep your food fresher for longer? Then organise your food items in terms of temperature and type. For example, fresh produce like fruit, veg and dairy need to be kept towards the back and bottom of the fridge where it’s coolest, while non-perishable and sealed items, like butter, cheese and condiments, will be ideal for the upper shelf and door, which are the warmest parts.
To make your fridge super-organised and ease food preparation, store similar items together in removable and washable containers that will make it quicker to find what you need.
Look out for clever technology that can also help. Busy households will know all too well how often the fridge door is opened in a day, but with innovative ActiveSmart™ technology, you and your family’s activity at the fridge door is monitored and the airflow is adapted accordingly to create a consistent and stable temperature inside.
How Do I Keep My Food Fresh?
Not only is it hard to navigate an overstuffed fridge freezer, with items at the back being missed and going to waste, but packed shelves will prevent the air from flowing freely between the items and the temperature won’t remain consistent, which is key to keeping food fresh.
Think about what you’re storing in the fridge and if it really needs to be kept cold. Some items, like bread, coffee, onions and potatoes, are better in a cool, dark cupboard, while tomatoes can be stored at room temperature.
Separate the vegetables into humid zones. Another bit of clever technology to look out for is fridge-freezers that offer storage bins with humidity controllers. These create a microclimate to help keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.
Not only is it hard to navigate an overstuffed fridge freezer, with items at the back being missed and going to waste, but packed shelves will prevent the air from flowing freely between the items and the temperature won’t remain consistent, which is key to keeping food fresh.
Think about what you’re storing in the fridge and if it really needs to be kept cold. Some items, like bread, coffee, onions and potatoes, are better in a cool, dark cupboard, while tomatoes can be stored at room temperature.
Separate the vegetables into humid zones. Another bit of clever technology to look out for is fridge-freezers that offer storage bins with humidity controllers. These create a microclimate to help keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer.
Your Fridge-Freezer Can Make You Healthier. Fact.
We all know the importance of drinking plenty of water every day – it’s hydrating, it flushes toxins, it boosts energy and also keeps hunger at bay. However, for most of us it’s the inconvenience, and expense, of constantly carrying around a bottle of fresh water that prevents us from getting our recommended two litres. Not to mention the plastic waste.
But just imagine how much easier it would be to get your whole family drinking more if you had a quick and convenient source of fresh, filtered water to hand. Invest in a fridge-freezer with an easy-to-use ice and water dispenser and you’ll increase your family’s health and wellbeing instantly.
More: For more information and advice on innovational kitchen appliances, visit Fisher & Paykel.
Your turn
What type of fridge suits your family’s needs and why?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
We all know the importance of drinking plenty of water every day – it’s hydrating, it flushes toxins, it boosts energy and also keeps hunger at bay. However, for most of us it’s the inconvenience, and expense, of constantly carrying around a bottle of fresh water that prevents us from getting our recommended two litres. Not to mention the plastic waste.
But just imagine how much easier it would be to get your whole family drinking more if you had a quick and convenient source of fresh, filtered water to hand. Invest in a fridge-freezer with an easy-to-use ice and water dispenser and you’ll increase your family’s health and wellbeing instantly.
More: For more information and advice on innovational kitchen appliances, visit Fisher & Paykel.
Your turn
What type of fridge suits your family’s needs and why?
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE
Behind every product is a story and that story starts with you. Your home is an... Read More
DESIGNED FOR REAL LIFE
Behind every product is a story and that story starts with you. Your home is an... Read More
More Stories from This Brand
Buying a New Fridge? 4 Game-Changing Features to Consider
Here's how to choose a fridge freezer that your kitchen and lifestyle will thank you for
Full Story
Is This the End of the Kitchen Work Triangle as We Know It?
With kitchens evolving into open-plan social hubs, we investigate the impact on traditional layouts
Full Story
We just had our F&P fridge-freezer installed taking a built-in approach, and boy does it look amazing! The setup in the image below is 650cm wider than a normal American fridge freezer, so make sure you have enough space to accommodate this, but at the same time, it is slightly shorter at 171cm compared to 177cm for most American fridge freezers.
Because this setup stands out as the main centerpiece in our kitchen-diner it is always the first subject of conversation when we have friends and family over. You'll also need the surround kit to complete the finish.
Check out table top Berkey Water Filters - best portable purification system on the market. Takes out everything except the good stuff from the water and filters will last around 10 yrs. I put the water in a glass bottle in the fridge door if I want it really cold or drink straight from the system for room temperature. Water tastes great and it is a much better health option. Fill up your sports bottle for on the go.
I love all those lined up apples. What happens if someone wants to eat one? ;)