What are American-style fridge freezers?
American fridge freezers are generally much larger than traditional fridge freezers, offering ample capacity for families and larger households.
Substantial in size yet incredibly stylish, most American fridge freezers are made from black or silver stainless steel. While some have freezer drawers, most appliances have full-length, side-by-side storage, with wide-opening doors that allow excellent visibility of the contents.
They tend to be more expensive than smaller models, however, the best American fridge freezers are usually frost-free, with practical features to maximise airflow and keep your food fresher for longer. While not present on all models, many also include water dispensers and ice dispensers, helping serve cool water and ice-cold drinks at the touch of a button.
An American freestanding fridge freezer is usually around 90cm wide, though some slimline models are 70cm and the height of a standard tall/upright fridge freezer. However, take note of the difference in fridge and freezer split, as the freezer section may actually be smaller than the average UK-style tall 60cm freezer.
Another common complaint about most American-style fridge freezers is that they tend to have glass shelves rather than drawers (although this will vary between models). A French door style may be more practical if a large freezer capacity is crucial to you—these have a side-by-side fridge above and a large pull-out freezer drawer underneath.
Do I need to install an American fridge freezer?
American fridge freezers are generally substantial in size, so while many ‘plug and play’ designs don’t require plumbing, you’re likely to need at least two people to manoeuvre them into place, ensuring adequate airflow around your appliance.
While some American fridge freezers have non-plumbed water dispensers with refillable water tanks, many appliances with ice makers need to be connected to the water supply. We recommend using the services of a plumber to ensure a safe connection.