Choosing the Right Freestanding Refrigerator: Buying Guide

Buying a new freestanding refrigerator can be a daunting task. The market offers a huge variety of models, from compact counter-top units to spacious American-style refrigerators. Specifications like capacity, energy rating, and features such as No Frost don't make the choice any easier.

This guide is designed to help you make an informed choice, free from marketing jargon. We'll highlight the key factors to consider and present a selection of popular models for various households and needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Refrigerator?

Before you buy a refrigerator, it's wise to consider a few practical matters. This will help you narrow down the options and find a model that truly fits your situation.

1. Size and Capacity: From Counter-Top to American-Style

The required capacity of your refrigerator depends directly on the size of your household.

• Up to 150 litres: A counter-top refrigerator is often sufficient for one or two-person households, student dorms, or as an extra fridge in a utility room.
• 150-250 litres: Suitable for a small family (three to four people). These are often the standard fridge-freezer combinations.
• Over 250 litres: Large families or those who enjoy meal prepping and keeping plenty of stock should consider a larger model, such as an American-style refrigerator. In addition to ample space, these often offer extras like an ice or water dispenser.

Always measure the available space in your kitchen before making a purchase. A freestanding refrigerator needs some clearance at the back and sides for ventilation.

2. Energy Consumption and Useful Features

A refrigerator runs 24/7, so an energy-efficient refrigerator can lead to significant long-term savings. The energy label, which ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), indicates the annual consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

A common and practical feature is No Frost. This system prevents ice build-up in the freezer compartment, eliminating the need for manual defrosting. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures a more consistent temperature and efficient operation.

3. A Refrigerator With or Without a Freezer?

Most freestanding models are a refrigerator with a freezer. Pay attention to the star rating of the freezer compartment:

• *: Suitable for short-term storage of ice cubes (-6 °C).
• **: Suitable for storing frozen foods for up to a week (-12 °C).
• ****: Suitable for long-term storage and freezing of fresh products (-18 °C or colder).

If you already have a separate freezer, a refrigerator without a freezer compartment (a so-called 'larder fridge') can be a more efficient choice.

Popular Freestanding Refrigerator Recommendations

Based on specifications and functionality, we have selected a few models that cater to different needs.

Salora CFT109B Freestanding Refrigerator - 109L - Black

Why this model stands out: The Salora CFT109B is a compact and functional black refrigerator that combines a 95-litre cooling space with a 14-litre 4-star freezer compartment. Its sleek design and counter-top size make it highly versatile.

Advantages:

• Capacity: A total of 109 litres, divided between a fridge and freezer section.
• Freezer Compartment: A 4-star freezer compartment for optimal storage of frozen goods.
• Flexibility: The door hinge is reversible, allowing it to fit into almost any space.
• Control: Simple temperature regulation via an adjustable thermostat.

Who is this for? Ideal for students, singles, or as an extra refrigerator in an office or utility room. It offers enough space for daily groceries in a compact unit.

Samsung RF24BB620EB1EF Freestanding Refrigerator - 650L - French Door

Why this model stands out: This Samsung refrigerator is a spacious American-style model with a French Door design and a massive capacity. The built-in Beverage Center, featuring a water pitcher and ice maker, offers added convenience.

Advantages:

• Capacity: A very generous capacity of 674 litres, perfect for large families.
• No Frost: Prevents ice build-up, making manual defrosting a thing of the past.
• Beverage Center: Provides chilled water and two types of ice cubes.
• Twin Cooling Plus: According to Samsung, this technology keeps food fresh and crisp for up to twice as long by managing the fridge and freezer sections separately.
• Connectivity: Control and monitoring via the SmartThings app.

Who is this for? Large families or households that value storage space, modern features, and convenience. It's a centrepiece for the kitchen for those who want everything within easy reach.

Comfee by Midea RCD115DK2 Refrigerator with Freezer - 80L - Black

Why this model stands out: This counter-top refrigerator from Comfee is a very compact and efficient solution. Despite its small footprint, it features a full-fledged 12-litre 4-star freezer compartment, which is not standard in this category.

Advantages:

• Freezer Compartment: A 4-star freezer compartment that can freeze food down to -18 °C.
• Compact Size: With a height of 84.5 cm, it fits easily under a countertop or in a small alcove.
• Flexible Layout: The door is reversible and the shelf is removable to customise the space as needed.
• Noise Level: With a noise level of 39 dB, it is a relatively quiet model.

Who is this for? Perfect for those with limited space who don't want to compromise on freezer capacity. Think of a studio, holiday home, or as a supplement to an existing refrigerator.

Looking for a Different Style?

The models we've highlighted here all feature a modern, black finish. If this is the style you're looking for but you want to compare more options, a black refrigerator can add a stylish accent to your kitchen.

Then check out our full range of refrigerators with a black door.

Frequently Asked Questions about Freestanding Refrigerators

What is the difference between a freestanding and a built-in refrigerator?

A freestanding refrigerator is a standalone appliance that you can place anywhere there is a power outlet. Its sides have a finished look. A built-in refrigerator is integrated into a kitchen cabinet and finished with a custom panel that matches the rest of your kitchen.

How important is a No Frost feature?

The No Frost feature is very practical. It prevents ice build-up in the freezer section. This means you never have to manually defrost the freezer, packaging remains legible, and items don't stick together. Furthermore, an ice-free freezer operates more efficiently, which is beneficial for energy consumption.

What does the energy label on a refrigerator mean?

The energy label indicates how energy-efficient an appliance is on a scale from A (very efficient) to G (least efficient). The label also states the annual energy consumption in kWh, the total capacity of the fridge and freezer compartments in litres, and the noise level in decibels (dB). An energy-efficient refrigerator with a better rating can be more cost-effective in the long run, despite a potentially higher purchase price.

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer