Top rated
Top rated
- best buy
- eco buy
- Chilling power
- Freezing power
- Energy efficiency
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The best fridge freezers maximise the freshness and lifespan of your food without using more energy than they need to.
Our independent lab tests rate freestanding, integrated and American-style fridge freezers – and give you their real running costs. We don't just rely on what the manufacturers tell us.
Go to our fridge freezer reviews to see all the models we've tested, or visit our roundup of the best fridge freezer deals
We've selected the fridge freezers that impressed us the most in our independent tests. These models excelled in our testing criteria – from chilling and freezing to accuracy of thermostat – meaning you can be confident in your new purchase.
We rigorously test our fridge freezers - from freezing power to ease of cleaning - to help you find the best model. Which? members can log in to see our recommendations. If you're not a member, join Which? to unlock the table and gain instant access to all our product reviews.
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
We review fridge freezers throughout the year and often start testing new models as soon as they're released. These are some of the models we've tested recently.
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RCB736E3MX
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We buy every single fridge freezer we test - that means no 'free samples'.
We test more than 125 fridge freezers every year. Each model undergoes rigourous independent lab testing and all models are tested in the same way, regardless of manufacturer's claims.
Our testing is constantly improving to ensure our Best Buy recommendations showcase the best models available right now.
Read more about how we test fridge freezers.
A quick lowdown on the pros and cons of fridge freezer types: freestanding, integrated or American-style.
Freestanding fridge freezers can be placed anywhere, so are suitable for most homes and situations. They're usually 60cm wide but slimmer models are available.
Pros:
Cons:
See our freestanding fridge freezer reviews.
Pros:
Cons:
See our integrated fridge freezer reviews.
Pros
Cons
See our American-style fridge freezer reviews.
Fridge freezer features make your life easier and preserve your food better but they can increase the model price.
The following are worth looking out for:
Visit fridge freezer features explained to read more about these and other features.
Before buying, check the external dimensions and internal volume.
Carefully measure the space in your kitchen before buying a new fridge freezer.
As neat as a snug fit looks, remember that you often need to allow for additional space at the back of the appliance, and sometimes the sides as well. This space is important, as it can help prevent the fridge freezer from overheating.
Before you start comparing fridge freezer storage volumes, bear in mind that manufacturers typically calculate this with all the shelves, drawers and door racks taken out.
When we test fridge freezers, we leave everything inside and measure the space you can actually use to store food.
Manufacturer's storage measurements vs Which? test results
The table below shows the differences in measurement (%) between manufacturers' claims and our own test results.
It demonstrates why you might find that your fridge freezer is less spacious than you think.
The differences between our measurements and manufacturers’ can be huge – the worst differ by as much as 38%. Even the best differ by 9%.
Worst | Average | Best | |
---|---|---|---|
Freestanding | -38% | -27% | -9% |
Integrated | -37% | -29% | -20% |
American | -36% | -29% | -21% |
Our guide to fridge freezer brands will tell you which brands are the most reliable.
Your fridge freezer is plugged in and running 24/7, so it's vital to get an energy efficient model
Prices can vary from £40/year to more than £156 per year, depending on the type and size of model. On average, a freestanding fridge freezer will cost around £75 per year, while a large American-style fridge freezer will cost around £108 (prices based on a unit price of 24.5p per kWh, as of April 2024).
When we test fridge freezers, we measure how much energy they use to keep cool, as well as how much energy it takes to chill and freeze fresh items, so you can work out how much extra the appliance is likely to add to your bills before you buy.
We've pulled this information together into a handy fridge freezer running costs tool, so you can check the model you're interested in before you buy.
A lot of a fridge freezer's environmental impact comes from it being on all day, every day.
An energy efficient model is a great way to reduce your environmental impact, and save you money. But not all energy-efficient fridge freezers are good chillers, and some are from brands that develop faults more quickly than average.
That's why we highlight Eco Buy fridge freezers. We've chosen our Eco Buys because they balance good chilling and freezing performance with energy efficiency and brand reliability. To find the most sustainable models, go to our fridge freezer reviews and use the filter for Eco Buys.
See our guide to the best energy efficient fridge freezers, best energy efficient freezers and best energy efficient fridges.
The average price of all the fridge freezers we've reviewed is a fairly hefty £800, but you don't have to spend anything like that to get a great one.
Best Buys | Don't Buys | |
---|---|---|
Up to £250 | 0 | 3 |
£251-£400 | 0 | 18 |
£401-£700 | 1 | 10 |
£700+ | 7 | 1 |
There are currently none good enough to be Eco Buys that cost less than £650. We want to see more manufacturers producing models that are kind to the planet and kind to your wallet, so that environmentally friendly fridge freezers aren't reserved for those with bigger budgets.
There are plenty of Don't Buys in the £400 or less price bracket, so you need to pick carefully if you're after a cheap fridge freezer. Though, as you can see, some very expensive models are still Don't Buys.
Paying more can also unlock premium features, such as a super-sleek black steel finish and multi-temperature zones.
The integrated or American models we've seen tend to cost more than freestanding models, so you'll need to spend more if you have your eye on one of those.
Not sure what to do with your old appliance? Find out How to dispose of or recycle a fridge freezer
Every fridge freezer has a climate class which tells you the range of room temperatures it’s designed to work in.
In the UK, models have a climate class beginning with either SN or N, meaning they're designed for room temperatures as low as 10°C or 16°C respectively.
Unless the manufacturer says otherwise, using a fridge freezer outside its designated range could damage it and invalidate your warranty – which is why you'll struggle to find ones suitable for your garage.
Regardless of climate class, we test every fridge freezer in room temperatures as high as 35°C, replicating a heat wave.
The worst models struggle to maintain a safe and stable temperature in these conditions, potentially reducing the lifespan of your food.
Want a freezer for your garage instead? See our guide to the best freezers and chest freezers for garages.