Fridge freezer recommendations?

[sleepyhead]

We're in the market for a new fridge freezer after living with the tiny one that came with our flat for the last 12 months.

The space will fit a 60cm one (current model is 50cm so have been living with an annoying gap as well as not enough fridge space).

We are a family of 4 and have no room anywhere else for a separate fridge or freezer and no space for an American style one so it'll be for all our fridge/freezing needs.

I'm confused by the various splits and sizes. I guess we want more fridge space, but then freezer space is taken up by the motor (or whatever) so a 50/50 split looks most sensible.

Do you have one that you're happy with and holds enough fresh food but with room to do the odd batch cook & freeze as well as the usual peas, chips, fish fingers?

Budget is in the £400 range (but hoping to get a deal in the sales) so we're not looking more Beko than Bosch.

[sleepyhead]

Oh, and not really interested in ice cube makers or cold drinks dispensers - want to maximise space.

[PigletJohn]

I have a Bosch and a Siemens.

I notice that I appreciate the buttons to set temperature, and to fast-chill, in both freezer and fridge. The Bosch has a full set, the Siemens has buttons for freezer and internal knob for the fridge. It did not occur to me to check before buying.

Are you tall enough to use a 1800mm or 2000mm tall one?

Customer service in John Lewis is so good that it is worth paying a bit extra to buy there.

We can look at Which Best Buys. Do you have a budget in mind?

[PigletJohn]

looking at Best Buys in the region of £400 (best first) there are basically two.

Samsung RB29FWJNDSA £349 scored 82% on test
Samsung RB29FWRNDSS £389 82%
Samsung RB29FWJNDWW £389 82%
possibly it is just different colour for these

Zanussi ZRB38213WA £429 79%
Zanussi ZRB34315XA £409.78
Zanussi ZRB34315WA £408.78

These all look like 50/50 split, but the freezer is usually small than it looks due to the thicker insulation and the air ducts.

I have not checked the dimensions, specs or features.

[PigletJohn]

the Samsung has a water dispenser in the door that takes up space

they both have bigger fridges than freezers

they both score 3 stars for brand reliability, which most of the others do too. Bosch and Siemens both have 5 star reliability, but cost more.

[marmaladegranny]

You need to research the internal size of fridge and freezer, decide what split you need (family of 4 probably need 50/50 but you may prefer 60/40). Do you need frost free (internal size is less) or can you live with reduced frost that only need defrosting once every year or two.
I have a Siemens - was advised by a superb specialist refrigeration shop, had excellent advice and paid no more than the usual high street outlets.

[sleepyhead]

Thanks both. The Zanussi looks like a possible.

180cm would be fine. 200 possibly a bit too tall to use the top shelf comfortably.

[LadyMcFish]

We have a hotpoint and it has been great. In-laws has a Bosch but the freezer drawer doors have been replaced 3 times now. But the fridge-freezer itself seems nice.

Personally, we went for 200m to get more fridge space. We have a foldable small stool in the kitchen (for my 4 years old daughter) which I use it to reach the top of the fridge if necessary. We used to have a 180cm Ariston and I would say being 200cm, makes a lot of different, basically one extra shelf in the fridge and the freezer!

John Lewis has good customer service and apparently their 5 years extended warranty plan is very popular too ;) Good luck in find ‘the one’ fridge-freezer :)

[PigletJohn]

it can be a good idea to put light stuff on top shelf (bread and yoghurt rather than glass bottles) in case it falls on you.

[Missingsleepandthecat]

Anything thats NOT a hotpoint or indesit, our hotpoint fridge is a bunch of rubbish! even the engineer who serviced it said they are a load of rubbish too (which says a lot)

[Norfolkandchance1234]

I bought my brilliant Bosch one a few months ago in the sales from John Lewis for £299. I absolutely love it. It pretty much is similar to the ones here for £389 £399

www.johnlewis.com/electricals/fridges-freezers/fridge-freezers/bosch=brand/c80000513

[Norfolkandchance1234]

I went for one that is not frost free because from experience they are a pain. The Bosch one is really well designed to fit magically all your items in.

[Norfolkandchance1234]

Don't ever buy hotpoint that's my only advice from experience.