Fridges Buying Guide

Do you need a fridge with an ice box? If you already have a freezer, it's worth considering a larder fridge as you will get extra storage space ordinarily taken up by the freezer compartment. A larder will also automatically defrost itself.

A fridge with a freezer compartment lets you store frozen food for a limited period, the length of which will depend on its star rating. (Always check maximum storage times on the packaging of the food product to ensure food safety.) A 4 star rating means that the compartment reaches a minimum temperature below -18ºC, allowing you to freeze small amounts of fresh food.

Fridges come with a number of different features to make your life easier. These may include:

Auto defrost

All larder fridges have auto defrost so you will never have to defrost it. If you choose a fridge with an ice box, it will need to be defrosted periodically.

Antibacterial coating

Some fridges have an antibacterial coating on the walls and door that helps prevent bacteria growth, improving the hygiene in your fridge.

Temperatures will vary throughout your fridge, depending on the type you have. However, some larder fridges have a dynamic cooling system by which a built-in fan circulates cold air at about 5ºC. This ensures less variation in fridge temperature and is especially useful when you've had the fridge door open in for a while to unload shopping and pack the fridge as the fan speeds up the return to normal operating temperature.

When energy labelling was introduced, all fridges received an energy efficiency grading ranging from A - G, with A being the most efficient. However, since manufacturers have striven harder than ever to make their refrigeration appliances more efficient, the only 2 energy grades you’ll find in use are A+ and A++. Standardised tests, monitored by Trading Standards, are carried out by manufacturers, who are responsible for grading their appliances.

We also quote annual running costs; this is calculated by multiplying the number of kW used by the average national cost of electricity + VAT, but please bear in mind these costs may vary according to how much you pay for your local electricity supply.

You'll often find that the more expensive the appliance, the better the running costs because energy-saving features such as thicker insulation, automatic door closing or 'door open' audible alerts will be included.

If you live within the delivery area of a John Lewis shop (you can check your postcode on the specific product page), your new appliance will be delivered by one of our vans. You will also be able to arrange for collection and recycling of your old appliance (at a cost of £9) so that we can dispose of it safely. Disposal must be booked and paid for when you place your order, and we can only remove the old appliance if it has been disconnected. Once your old appliance has been removed, it is deemed of no value and we will be unable to return it to you

If you're putting your fridge underneath a worktop, you must normally allow a gap of 25mm at the top, back and sides of the appliance so that the warm air produced by the condenser can be properly ventilated. Lack of ventilation will cause the compressor to work harder, resulting in faster frost build-up. (This does not apply to built-in appliances.) Please ensure you measure up space available before ordering.

A fridge freezer is the ideal solution if you're short of floor space but have height to spare. Decide on the fridge and freezer capacities you need as the combination of these varies - all types are available but not all will have independent controls. Those that do mean that you're not relying on the fridge thermostat to also control the compressor for both appliances. There are also some models with a 0ºC compartment in the fridge which is particularly useful for the safe storage of chilled ready meals.

Large American-style fridge freezers have huge capacities and dynamic styling. They are tall and normally configured side by side with doors opening in opposite directions from the centre. They're frost free and may have several cool zones at different temperatures.

The freezer section usually has ice and chilled water dispensers, but for them to operate the appliance must of course be plumbed in within one metre of a water supply. Do bear in mind the sheer size of the evaporator in these large appliances will create a slightly higher level of background noise.

Take a look at our freezers buying guide for more information