How much capacity do you actually need?

Before looking at features, start with storage. Think about how much fresh and frozen food your household gets through in a typical week — not just your current shop, but how you actually cook and eat.

• Singles and couples: 150–250 litres is usually plenty, covering weekly shops without wasted space.
• Families of 3–4: aim for 250–350 litres, with a decent-sized freezer compartment for batch cooking and bulk buys.
• Larger households: 350–500 litres gives you the headroom for a full weekly shop, meal prep, and extras without constantly juggling space.

Which layout is right for your kitchen?

Fridge freezers come in several configurations, each suited to different kitchens and lifestyles:

Energy efficiency — what the ratings actually mean

Since 2021, the UK uses a revised energy rating scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The old A+++ scale has been phased out, so don't be put off if you see a B or C rated model — on the new scale, these are still reasonably efficient.

Your fridge freezer runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — so efficiency matters more here than on almost any other appliance. A more efficient model costs more upfront but pays back over time through lower running costs. A larger, less efficient model can cost £50–£100 more per year to run than a comparable efficient one.

Check the annual kWh figure on the energy label rather than just the letter rating — a smaller fridge rated B may use less total energy than a larger fridge also rated B.

Features worth paying for

No Frost technology

No Frost (or Frost Free) technology prevents ice build-up in the freezer automatically, eliminating the need to manually defrost. If you've ever had to empty a freezer and chip away ice, you'll know why this is worth having. Most mid-range and above models now include it as standard.

Humidity-controlled drawers

Separate crisper drawers with adjustable humidity levels keep fruit and vegetables fresh significantly longer — useful if you do a big weekly shop and want produce to last until the end of the week.

Fast cool and fast freeze

Fast cool rapidly chills new groceries without warming up existing fridge contents. Fast freeze quickly brings the freezer temperature down before adding a large batch of fresh food. Both are particularly useful after a big shop.

Adjustable shelving and door bins

Flexibility matters more than it sounds. Being able to reconfigure shelves and door storage for large items — tall bottles, big platters, awkward containers — makes a real difference to day-to-day usability.

Water and ice dispensers

Convenient, but worth knowing they require a plumbed water connection. Factor in installation cost if this is something you want — and check whether the model you're looking at is plumbed or uses a reservoir tank.

Summary — what to weigh up

The right fridge freezer keeps your food fresh, fits your kitchen, and runs efficiently for years without you having to think about it. Take time to get the specification right and it's a decision you won't regret. Our team at Barlows are always happy to talk you through the options — browse our full fridge freezer range or come in and see us in store.