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Fridge with Ice Box vs Larder Fridge: Which Is Right for You?
If you've ever stood in front of a row of fridges wondering whether you really need that little freezer compartment at the top, you're not alone. It's one of the questions we're asked most often in store. A fridge with an ice box and a larder fridge look similar, but they suit different kitchens and different households. Here's our plain-English guide to the difference, so you can choose with confidence.
Fridge with Ice Box vs Larder Fridge: What's the Difference?
A fridge with an ice box has a small freezer compartment built into the top or inside of the fridge. A larder fridge has no freezer compartment at all, so the whole interior is dedicated to fresh food and drink. Neither is better in every situation, so it comes down to how you shop, cook and store food.
| Fridge with ice box | Larder fridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer compartment | Yes, a small ice box | No |
| Space for fresh food | Smaller, because the ice box takes up room | The whole interior is fridge space |
| Frozen food | A few items, depending on the star rating | None, so pair it with a separate freezer |
| Best for | Small kitchens, flats and second kitchens where you want a bit of everything | Households with a separate freezer, or anyone who wants maximum fresh storage |
What Do the Ice Box Star Ratings Mean?
The star rating on an ice box tells you how cold it gets, and therefore what you can safely use it for. The ratings are defined in UK legislation as follows:
| Rating | Temperature | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 star | -6°C | For keeping already-frozen food for a short time |
| 2 star | -12°C | A little longer storage for frozen food |
| 3 star | -18°C | For storing frozen food at freezer temperature |
| 4 star | -18°C, with freezing capacity | Can freeze fresh food, like a mini freezer |
Our tip: if you want to freeze fresh food, such as home-cooked portions, look for a 4 star ice box. A lower star rating is fine for keeping a few ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas, but it won't freeze fresh food safely. Models such as the Neff KI2822FE0G and the Montpellier MBUR115E are listed with a 4 star ice box.
What Is a Larder Fridge?
A larder fridge is designed purely for fresh food. With no freezer compartment taking up room, you get more usable space for fruit, vegetables, dairy, drinks and leftovers. It's the natural partner for a separate freezer, or for a home that already has a freezer in the garage or utility room.
As an example, the Liebherr TK14VE00 is a 55cm under-counter larder fridge, about 85cm high, with 125 litres of fridge space, adjustable glass shelves, a fast-cooling SuperCool function, automatic defrost and noise levels of just 35dB.
Which One Is Right for You?
- You already have a freezer — a larder fridge gives you the most room for fresh food
- You need one appliance in a small kitchen or flat — a fridge with an ice box covers the basics in one space-saving unit
- You freeze a lot of food — an ice box won't be enough, so look at a separate freezer or a fridge freezer, and read our fridge freezer buying guide
- You want a second fridge for drinks and entertaining — a larder fridge is the simple choice, and a table top fridge suits very small spaces
Choosing the Right Size and Style
Under-counter fridges are usually around 85cm high, so they slot under a standard worktop and are perfect for smaller kitchens. Browse under-counter larder fridges or under-counter fridges with an ice box.
Tall fridges give you much more storage at eye level, and are a good choice if a fridge freezer isn't right for you. See our tall larder fridges and tall fridges with an ice box.
Integrated fridges sit behind a cabinet door in a fitted kitchen. Take a look at integrated larder fridges, including built-in column and built-under models, or integrated fridges with an ice box, in in-column and built-under styles. Always check the fixing method suits your cabinets.
How Cold Should Your Fridge Be?
Your fridge should be kept between 0°C and 5°C, according to government food safety guidance, and a fridge thermometer is the best way to check it, ideally about once a week. Avoid leaving the door open for long, as the fridge then has to work harder to cool down again.
Energy Efficiency and Running Costs
Fridges run around the clock, so it pays to check the energy label. The A to G scale was reset in recent years, so compare models of a similar size against each other rather than expecting the very top rating, and read the UK Home Appliance Association's guide to the new labels for background. For everyday savings, see our guides on choosing an energy-efficient appliance and lowering your energy bills this season.
Features Worth Looking For
- Automatic defrost — saves you manual defrosting in the fridge section
- Adjustable glass shelves — easy to clean and flexible for taller items
- Fast cooling — chills a new shop quickly
- LED lighting — lights the interior clearly while using little energy
- Reversible door — lets you choose which way the door opens to suit your kitchen
- Low noise — worth checking for open-plan kitchens, with some models as quiet as 35dB
- Crisper drawer and door bins — keep fruit, veg and drinks organised
Examples From Our Range
Here are some popular models. Availability changes, so ask us what's currently in stock.
- Sensis RFUCF01F54EW — 54.8cm under-counter fridge, 99 litres, from our fridge with ice box range
- Bosch KTL15NWEAG — 56cm under-counter fridge with a freezer compartment, 106 litres of fridge space
- Fridgemaster MUR4894E — compact 47.5cm under-counter fridge, 93 litres
- Liebherr TK14VE00 — 55cm under-counter larder fridge, 125 litres
- Liebherr RCI1620-20 — 60.7cm larder fridge, 141 litres
- Beko LSG4545W — 54cm tall larder fridge, 252 litres
- Neff KI2822FE0G — built-in 177cm tall fridge with a 4 star ice box
We stock fridges from brands including Liebherr, Bosch, Neff, AEG, Blomberg, Beko and Sensis.
Looking After Your Fridge
Wipe up spills as they happen, check that the door seals close tightly, and leave a little space around the food so the air can circulate. If your fridge has an ice box that needs defrosting by hand, don't let the ice build up too thickly, and follow the steps in our guide to defrosting your freezer. Our guide to kitchen appliance care has more tips, and if yours is on its last legs, when to upgrade your appliances can help you decide between repair and replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fridge with an ice box?
Only if you want a small amount of frozen storage in the same appliance. If you already have a freezer, a larder fridge gives you more room for fresh food.
What's the difference between a larder fridge and a fridge freezer?
A larder fridge has no freezer compartment and is dedicated to fresh food. A fridge freezer combines a fridge and a full-size freezer in one tall appliance. Our fridge freezer buying guide explains the options.
Can I freeze fresh food in an ice box?
Only in a 4 star ice box, which holds -18°C and is designed to freeze fresh food. Ice boxes with fewer stars are better for keeping food that's already frozen, and for a shorter time.
Do fridges with an ice box need defrosting?
It depends on the model. Some ice boxes need defrosting by hand and others defrost automatically, so check the defrost type on the specification.
Will an under-counter fridge fit under my worktop?
Many are around 85cm high, but always measure your space and check the dimensions on the specification, including a little room for ventilation. Ask us in store if you're unsure.
What temperature should my fridge be?
Between 0°C and 5°C, according to government food safety guidance.
What's the difference between freestanding and integrated fridges?
A freestanding fridge stands on its own. An integrated fridge is hidden behind a matching cabinet door in a fitted kitchen, so you need to check the fixing method and the size of the housing before you buy.
Can you take away my old fridge?
Yes, we offer removal of your old appliance when we deliver your new one. Our guide to disposing of your old electrical appliances has more information.
Find the Right Fridge at Barlows
Not sure whether an ice box or a larder fridge suits you? Our teams at our Ellesmere and Whitchurch stores are happy to talk you through the options. Browse our full range of fridges online, or pop in and see them for yourself. We also offer local delivery, installation and removal of your old appliance and click & collect.
We deliver across Shropshire and the surrounding area, including Oswestry, Wem, Market Drayton, Nantwich and Chester, and our price match guarantee means you can buy with confidence.
Ready to find the right fridge for your kitchen?
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