When it comes to aspirational items for the home, the American style fridge freezer remains firmly at the top of the wishlist with many UK consumers. But why do we love them so much? And do they really live up to hype? We asked American fridge freezer repair specialists, DCC London to explain, what’s the buzz about these impressive home appliances.
We’re big fans of American style fridge freezers and there are many reasons why. We think they’re an essential item for every home and there are so many features that contribute to their overall quality and performance, which have made them the most aspirational of all kitchen accessories. We service and repair some of the top brands, including Amana, Sub-Zero and Maytag. Here’s a few of our top features to consider when purchasing your fridge freezer.
Size and capacity
American style fridge freezers are well-known for their spaciousness. A good one should provide ample storage capacity for both fresh and frozen food items, with adjustable shelves, drawers and compartments to accommodate various items. Bear in mind the size of your family and the amount of fresh and frozen food and drink it needs to accommodate.
Cooling technology
Effective cooling technology is essential to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels inside the fridge and freezer compartments. Look for features like multi-airflow systems, dual cooling circuits or frost-free technology to ensure even cooling and prevent frost build-up. This means the laborious task of defrosting the freezer will become a thing of the past!
Energy efficiency
Everyone wants to do their bit for the environment where they can and a very simple way is to select new appliances with high efficiency ratings. Energy Star ratings are a super helpful indicator of efficient appliances. Look for models with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce environmental impact and save you money on ever increasing utility bills.
Organisation and accessibility
A well-designed fridge freezer offers convenient storage solutions and easy access to food items. Again, what you need will depend on your specific situation, so think about how you’ll use it. Look for features like adjustable shelves, door-mounted storage compartments, slide-out drawers and clear visibility of contents. Some models also have dedicated compartments for specific items like fruits, vegetables, or deli items – what do you use the most?
Temperature control and features
Precise temperature control is crucial for preserving the freshness of your food. Look for models with digital temperature displays and controls, allowing you to accurately adjust settings. Additional features such as quick-freeze options, ice makers, water dispensers and built-in filtration systems may be things you’d like.
Noise level
Consider the noise level produced by the fridge freezer. A good one operates quietly, minimising disturbances in your home environment. There’s nothing more annoying than a loud buzzing fridge!
Durability and build quality
Check for sturdy construction and reliable build quality. Look for models made with durable materials that can withstand regular use and last for years without significant wear and tear. Prices vary greatly and we’d suggest going for the best model you can afford, to offer many years of trouble-free use.
Brand reputation and customer reviews
You can’t beat peer reviews to get an idea of what’s worth spending your hard earned cash on. Research the reputation of the brand to gain insights into the reliability and customer satisfaction levels of different models. Established brands with positive feedback and a history of producing high-quality appliances are a good choice.
Warranty and customer support
Look for American fridge freezers that come with a reasonable warranty period and comprehensive customer support, in case any issues arise.
How do they differ from traditional fridge freezers?
There are a few key ways American-style fridge freezers – also known as side-by-side fridge freezers – differ from traditional fridge freezers.
Design
American-style fridge freezers have a distinctive design with two main doors that open from the centre. The refrigerator compartment is typically on one side, while the freezer compartment is on the other side. This side-by-side layout provides equal access to both compartments.
Size and capacity
American fridge freezers are generally larger and offer more storage capacity compared to traditional fridge freezers. They’re designed to cater to the needs of larger households and extensive storage space for fresh and frozen food items.
Wide shelves and compartments
The refrigerator section of an American-style fridge freezer often features wide shelves and spacious compartments. This allows for easier organisation and storage of larger items, such as party platters, pizza boxes and bulky items.
Water and ice dispensers
Many American-style fridge freezers come equipped with built-in water and ice dispensers, offering filtered water, cubed ice, or crushed ice directly from the front of the appliance. Traditional fridge freezers just have a simple ice cube tray!
Temperature zones
Some American-style fridge freezers offer temperature zones within the refrigerator compartment. These allow you to customise temperature settings for specific food items, such as a colder zone for meats and a slightly warmer zone for fruits and vegetables – a useful feature, not found in older fridge freezers.
Design and aesthetics
These fancy appliances offer a sleek and modern appearance, often with a stainless steel finish. They’re designed to make a statement, where traditional models typically have a more standard design or are integrated.
It’s worth noting that while American-style fridge freezers offer larger storage capacity and convenient features, they require more space in your kitchen and won’t slip into the slot of a traditional style.
How do you choose?
As mentioned before, select a model that fits in with your lifestyle. American style fridge freezers feature a double door design with a freezer on one side and fridge on the other. The proportions can differ from 50-50, 60-40 or 70-30 split so you can decide how much space you want for each. Advanced models allow you to switch the temperature in specific sections, to adapt to your needs. Some also have a large freezer drawer at the bottom, which provides easy access to your frozen goodies.
Maintenance and repair
Keeping your fridge freezer in tip-top condition will ensure the best performance and reduce the need for repairs. These are our top maintenance tips that you can do yourself.
Cleaning
Regularly clean the interior and exterior of the fridge freezer. Wipe spills and food debris promptly to prevent odours and stains. Use mild soap and warm water for cleaning, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can damage surfaces.
Defrosting
If your American fridge freezer is not a frost-free model, it will require periodic defrosting to prevent excessive ice build-up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on defrosting frequency and procedures.
Airflow and ventilation
Ensure that all vents and airflow channels inside the fridge and freezer compartments aren’t blocked. Proper airflow helps maintain consistent temperatures and prevents frost build-up. Clean any dust or debris from vents regularly.
Temperature settings
Check and adjust the temperature settings according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep the fridge compartment between 36°F (2°C) and 40°F (4°C), and the freezer compartment at 0°F (-18°C) for optimal food preservation.
Door Seals
Inspect the door seals regularly to ensure they’re clean and intact. Damaged or worn-out door seals can lead to air leakage, compromising cooling efficiency and may need to be replaced.
Condenser coils
Condenser coils need cleaning at least once or twice a year. Dust and debris accumulation on the coils can reduce cooling performance. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to access and clean them.
Water and ice dispenser
If your fridge freezer has a water and ice dispenser, clean and sanitise it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Replace water filters as recommended to maintain water quality.
Servicing and repairs
When it comes to repairs and servicing, always use fully qualified engineers from a professional fridge freezer repair company. Check they’re manufacturer trained to diagnose and repair any issue with genuine parts. Annual servicing is recommended by most manufacturers and will reduce the chance of costly and inconvenient breakdowns.
