Best fridge freezer 2024: Our favourite freestanding picks, from £379

If your kitchen space is at a premium, then you probably don’t have the luxury of considering a separate fridge and freezer. Or maybe you’ve just got your heart set on filling that space with a gargantuan American-style unit. Either way, there are plenty of great fridge-freezers on the market that can provide everything you’re looking for everything in one tidy, easy-to-get-at package.

Of course, with so many fridge-freezer models on show, working out which model to buy can be an intimidating process. Do you go for a wide American-style, two-door option, an upright 60cm, single-door model with a 60/40 split (60% for the fridge and 40% for the freezer) or a smaller stature 60cm model with a large fridge section and a much smaller freezer compartment? That all depends entirely on how much room you have, and how much you value a constant supply of fish fingers and ice cream – and, of course, whether you could even fit a 1.8m-tall monster in your kitchen in the first place.

To make your life a little easier, we’ve curated this shortlist of the best fridge freezer models, which cover the whole gamut of options from more compact models suitable for more modest kitchens to king-sized giants for the smartest of smart homes.

How to choose the best fridge freezer for you

What is an American-style fridge freezer?

These two-door behemoths are the be-all and end-all of fridge freezers and anyone with a large family, enough space and a high enough income to afford it, should seriously consider putting one near the top of the list. When it comes to refrigeration, you can never have too much space.

What does No Frost mean?

Frost and ice is usually caused by internal condensation hitting the freezer’s cold coils. This condensation freezes against the rear wall and, over several months, grows like a mushroom, eventually engulfing the contents in an impenetrable Arctic ice floe. Frost Free or No Frost freezers get around this anomaly by using a fan to blow cold air around the interior. This cold air is then ported to a coil hidden behind the freezer’s rear wall where it turns to frost. Every so often, the coil is heated up and the melted water runs down a pipe into a tray where it eventually evaporates. Wahey, no more long-winded defrosting sessions.

How long can I freeze stuff for?

It depends on the type of product and whether it’s cooked or raw. Most cooked foods can be safely frozen for up to three months but some items such as pre-cooked sausages and hot dogs are best consumed within one to two months. Raw foods can be frozen for up to a year, but again this changes from product to product. A whole chicken, for instance, can stay frozen for up to a year, but chops and steaks are best stored for no longer than six months, while bacon is best eaten within a month. Remember, these are only rough guidelines, so it’s best to check instructions on the food packaging first.

How does the energy rating system work?

A fridge freezer’s energy rating label gives an indication of any given machine’s annual running costs. As of March 2021, these energy ratings have had been given an overhaul. Where the previous system denoted the overall energy efficiency with a rating from A to D followed by up to three plus signs, the new system does away with the plus signs in favour of a simpler A to G scale. As before, A is reserved for the most energy-efficient appliances.

The energy rating labels for fridge freezers also reveal the estimated yearly running costs in kWh and the total capacity of the fridge and freeze compartments in litres. The claimed noise level is also shown, and is indicated by both a broad A to D rating and a specific loudness figure measured in decibels.

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The best fridge freezers you can buy in 2024

1. Samsung Bespoke RL38A776ASR 70/30: Best fridge freezer overall

Price when reviewed: £1,299 | Check price at John Lewis

The Samsung Bespoke RL38A776ASR is the best a contemporary-style, standard-width fridge freezer can be. Despite its small footprint, the appliance offers a massive 387 litres of storage space (net), and its efficient operation has been rewarded with a prestigious ‘A’ energy rating. So, over time, you may recoup some of the substantial cost of the fridge freezer through bill savings.

This fridge freezer is a tech-lover’s dream, packed with genuinely useful and innovative features. We were particularly impressed with the ‘Cool Select+’ compartment, which has adjustable temperature control, allowing users to select the best temperature for particular groceries. You also have a humidity control to play with, plus a ‘Power Cool’ setting that’s ideal for rapidly bringing your chosen treat down to a nice, cold temperature, after a tiring trip to the supermarket.

Key specs – Type: Freestanding; Rated efficiency: A; Gross fridge capacity: 273l; Gross freezer capacity: 114l; Frost-free: Low-frost; Ice dispenser: No; Water dispenser: No; Width: 59.5cm; Height: 203cm

2. Beko CFG4582DW: Best fridge freezer under £400

Price when reviewed: £379 | Check price at AO

The reasonably-priced Beko CFG4582DW gives you great, basic refrigeration and freezing functionality – and then some. It provides some of the nice-to-have features found in more expensive models, including a frost-free freezer compartment and a water dispenser on the front of the fridge door.

We’re not massively keen on the placement of the fridge door handle at the bottom of the compartment – but that’s just a matter of personal taste. With eight storage shelves split evenly across the fridge and freezer compartments, the CFG4582DW is a good choice for households that freeze quite a lot of their groceries.

There’s good news for buyers who have a compact kitchen, as the CFG4582DW is relatively compact, compared to other family fridge-freezers. The doors are reversible, so you can choose which way it opens into your space.

Key specs – Type: Freestanding; Rated efficiency: E; Gross fridge capacity: 166l; Gross freezer capacity: 102l; Frost-free: Yes; Ice dispenser: No; Water dispenser: Yes; Width: 54cm; Height: 182.4cm

3. LG InstaView ThinQ GSXV91MCAE: Best high-end American-style fridge freezer

Price when reviewed: £1,799 | Check price at CurrysWhile on the more expensive end of the scale, this fridge freezer is packed with cool technology that will delight gadget lovers. The big attraction is InstaView: simply knock twice on the door and the black glass becomes transparent to allow you to see what’s in the top half of the fridge.

As you would expect, Wi-Fi connectivity and an accompanying app come as standard, and the non-plumbed ice and water dispensers mean installation is easy. The integrated UV light kills bacteria in the water dispenser for peace of mind, too.

With the left side housing the freezer and the fridge on the right, this American-style model offers a vast amount of storage space that’s well laid out with a combination of shelves and drawers. What’s more, the matte black exterior elevates the appearance, making this an appliance you’ll want to show off to your friends. Users don’t disagree, praising its looks and quality as well as the amount of space on offer.

Key specs – Type: Freestanding; Rated efficiency: E; Net fridge capacity: 416l; Net freezer capacity: 219l; Frost-free: Yes; Ice dispenser: Yes; Water dispenser: Yes; Width: 91.3cm; Height: 179cm

Check price at Currys

4. Hotpoint HTFC850TI1W1 50/50: Best fridge freezer under £600

Price when reviewed: £539 | Check price at AO

This 50/50 fridge-freezer offers remarkable value relative to its budget friendly price. Low on gimmicks, this appliance provides most of the features that matter in most people’s day-to-day usage, including frost-free tech (meaning no defrosting is required) and a roomy salad crisper drawer at the bottom of the fridge compartment.

Understandably, given its very reasonable price, this fridge freezer does have a few weak points. It isn’t particularly energy-efficient, with a rating of ‘F’, and the fridge capacity will be too low for people who like to cook with lots of fresh ingredients. With that said, users who store a pretty even mix of refrigerated and frozen foods will love the generous freezer space, with four large drawers allowing for compartmentalisation of frozen meats, pre-cooked meals, vegetables and more.

Key specs – Type: Freestanding; Rated efficiency: F; Gross fridge capacity: 202l; Gross freezer capacity: 120l; Frost-free: Yes; Ice dispenser: No; Water dispenser: No; Width: 59.5cm; Height: 186cm