WHICH? REVIEWS: FRIDGE FREEZERS

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Find out how to get the best for your money when you buy your new fridge freezer. We've pushed each model to extremes in our rigorous tests - covering models from the big brands.

Fridge freezers come in several different types and lots of different sizes to suit all needs.

The most popular and cheapest type are freestanding models, which are easy to fit. Freestanding fridge freezers come in a variety of colours and finishes to match your existing kitchen. You can choose to have the freezer at the bottom or the top. Freezers at the top tend to be more compact than those at the bottom.

Built-in fridge freezers are integrated into a kitchen cabinet and are hidden behind a door. Some people prefer the clean look this gives to a kitchen.

Below, we explain more about the features of fridge freezers.

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Capacity of fridge freezers

Generally, the bigger a fridge freezer is outside, the bigger it is inside. But that isn't always true: some models have more space inside than others of similar dimensions.

Capacities claimed by manufacturers can be misleading, so don't trust them to help you choose the right fridge freezer. On conventional models, we've found differences between the actual and claimed capacities of up to 25 litres for fridge compartments and 35 litres for freezer compartments.

Thermostats on fridge freezers

Some fridge freezers have a single thermostat for both the fridge and the freezer; others have a separate thermostat for each. One-control models tend to be cheaper. However, there is a risk that, when you set the right temperature for the fridge (38C to 58C), the freezer could be too warm or too cold.

Some dual-control models give you the option of switching off the fridge but leaving the freezer on. This is handy if you're going on holiday. Similarly, you can leave the fridge on while the freezer is defrosting.

Functions to look out for on fridge freezers

Super-cool

Many fridge freezers have a 'super-cool' setting, which cools the fridge compartment continuously for a set period of time, usually about six hours.

You turn it on when you put a lot of food into your fridge at once. Usually, big loads take longer to cool but the super-cool setting deals with them more quickly.

Frost-free

Frost-free models tend to be a bit more expensive to buy and run, but they do make life easier. If you buy a frost-free freezer, don't over-pack it. Air needs to circulate to keep the frost at bay. It's also worth noting that if food isn't carefully wrapped, it can become drier than it would in a conventional freezer.

So what's the best fridge freezer for you? Put us to the test, try Which? for a month for just £1 and get £5 worth of John Lewis vouchers. You'll instantly unlock all the reviews and advice on www.which.co.uk including fridge freezers.

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