The best 70/30 fridge freezers have a generous fridge section and a smaller freezer that's usually on the bottom. That's not always the case, as we've found a couple of fantastic freezer-on-top models, but it's always super useful to have an eye-level fridge. The best fridge freezers are energy efficient and have technology that keeps food at a constant temperature. Saving money and avoiding food waste are front-and-centre considerations when it comes to levelling up to a new appliance. Oooh, and have you heard about frost-free technology? You'll never have to defrost the freezer ever again.
If you're considering a 70/30 fridge freezer, it's a lifestyle choice. Perhaps you have a separate chest freezer in the garage, or simply that you buy more fresh food than frozen. However, if you are partial to batch cooking and freezing do consider a 50/50 split fridge freezer as an easy way of saving money and wasting less. Additionally, a 60/40 split fridge freezer might just be the best of both worlds for your household and give a loved one the opportunity to smuggle an extra tub of Ben & Jerry's in the freezer compartment.
Best 70/30 Fridge Freezers At A Glance:
While it would be lovely to have the space for an American-style fridge freezer, quite simply, a lot of us have small kitchens (or one-too-many appliances). Do pay attention to the product specification and note the dimensions of the appliance. Measure the width and depth of the space you want to position your new fridge freezer, make sure there's an accessible plug socket and that the floor is absolutely flat. It's also important to note the separate capacities of the fridge and freezer sections. Capacity is often described as how many shopping bags the appliance can hold. It's a great way of visualising a quantity that is conventionally measured in litres.
Whether you're looking for a retro refrigerator or a high-tech and sleek appliance, budget and running costs are all-important. Fridge freezers range from £150 to over £1,000. In this guide we've taken care to include the best models at a range of price points. Additionally, we've included an integrated fridge freezer option alongside freestanding models. We'll also make a big fuss about the energy rating and annual energy consumption. Quite simply, the better the energy rating, the lower the running cost. If you're hungry to know more scroll to the FAQs at the end of the article.
Best 70/30 Fridge Freezer
Best overall 70/30 fridge freezer
Best overall 70/30 fridge freezer
www.currys.co.uk
Whether you love entertaining or have a large family, the LG Centum GBB92MCBAP 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer is an exceptional appliance that can cater for your household's needs. There's room for 21 bags of groceries inside. The Centum system motor has fewer moving parts so it reduces friction and produces less noise and heat. Unusually, it's been awarded an A energy efficiency rating, and its annual energy consumption is just 110kWh. That's staggering. Door Cooling Plus and Linear Cooling keeps an even temperature inside the fridge. Multi Air Flow keeps the fridge at a consistent temperature even when the door is open. Because this fridge freezer is so quiet, we think it's a great option for an open-plan kitchen and living space.
Customer review: "Hands down the best fridge freezer we've ever owned, it's quiet, creepily quiet at first but after we realised that it was supposed to be it was a godsend, the capacity inside both the fridge and the freezer are outstanding it's like a TARDIS inside. And the digital controls for the temperature are easy to use and have a distinct beeping sound to let you know if the doors have been left open too long."
Pros
- Extremely quiet
- The most energy-efficient fridge freezer we've encountered
- Food stays fresher for longer
- Stylish
Cons
- Not many reviews
Dimensions: | H203 x W59.5 x D67.5cm |
Capacity: | Fridge 233L; Freezer 107L |
Energy rating: | A |
Annual energy consumption: | 110kWh |
- 2-year warranty
- No Frost
- FreshZone drawer
- Wine rack
- Door Cooling Plus
- Linear Cooling
- Centum motor
Best luxury 70/30 fridge freezer
www.currys.co.uk
This is way too cool to put holiday souvenir fridge magnets on. The SMEG FAB30LRD5UK 70/30 Fridge Freezer is a bold cherry red and chrome appliance with a 1950s retro aesthetic and 21st-century performance. It uses fan cooling to maintain an ideal temperature and purrs quietly at just 37dB. The fridge boasts a whopping 222-litre capacity – that's 12 bags of shopping. The freezer is in the top section and can hold 72 litres. Importantly, this appliance is very energy efficient – it would have been A-rated under the old energy rating system.
Customer review: "Fantastic storage, the two drawers at the bottom hold loads. Be aware of the depth of the door for opening purposes, particularly if next to walls or cupboards.
Pros
- Extremely energy efficient
- Stylish
- Large fridge capacity
Cons
- The door is not reversible - it's hinged on the left
Dimensions: | H172 x W60.1 x D72.8cm |
Capacity: | Fridge 222L; Freezer 72L |
Energy rating: | D |
Annual energy consumption: | 156kWh |
- Fan assisted cooling
- Manual defrost
- 2-year guarantee
Best slim 70/30 fridge freezer
electriQ 157 Litre 70/30 Freestanding Fridge Freezer is an Appliances Direct Best Buy product. With a width of 48cm, this fridge is ideal for a small kitchen. Safety is an important feature of this appliance with its fire retardant metal back. The fridge section can hold eight bags of shopping, and with three spacious shelves, you'll be able to keep raw meat well away from cooked food. It runs quietly at just 39dB, which is a whisper. Also, the door is reversible, so you can position this appliance where it best fits. This fridge freezer would suit a single person or a couple on a budget. While it's not the most energy efficient or capacious, this electriQ is ample for chilling the essentials and holding a tub or two of ice cream.
Customer review: "Nearly impossible to get a fridge/freezer to fit in 48cm. This was the one, and considering the size constraints is great."
Pros
- Good value for money
- Quiet
- Slim
Cons
- Small capacity - best for a one or two-person household
Dimensions: | H144 x W48 x D50cm |
Capacity: | Fridge 109L; Freezer 48L |
Energy rating: | F |
Annual energy consumption: | Not specified |
- Reversible door
- Fire retardant back
Best Russell Hobbs 70/30 fridge freezer
Russell Hobbs RH180FFFF55B Freestanding Frost Free Fridge Freezer has a generous-sized fridge that can hold up to 11 bags of shopping. It boasts four glass shelves and four door racks which will make the Mrs Hinch in your life very happy when it comes to food organisation goals. The frost free freezer has three drawers and can accommodate four shopping bags of groceries. The best bit is that ice crystals won't build up, so you'll never have to defrost this appliance. If you're on a mission to coordinate your kitchen with sleek space-age appliances (like one of us at A Modern Kitchen – ahem), this is the fridge freezer for you. Also available in white or silver and with a water dispenser
Customer review: "Looks brilliant, and is. VERY roomy inside. I did my normal shop that normally lasts me two weeks and had to go out and do the exact same shop again to fill it, lol. Which means less car journeys and better for the environment."
Pros
- Lots of shelving
- Good capacity
- Frost free
- Quiet
Cons
- Recessed handle isn't the most ergonomic
Dimensions: | H70.9 x W23.4 x D21.3cm |
Capacity: | 279L |
Energy rating: | F |
Annual energy consumption: | 280 kWh |
- Frost free
- LED light
- Adjustable thermostat and feet
- Reversible door
- 2-year guarantee when registered
Best 70/30 fridge freezer for capacity
www.argos.co.uk
At A Modern Kitchen, we're a sucker for a Samsung appliance, all the tech jargon this super smart premium model comes with adds to the overall user experience. Like Apple or Nespresso, Samsung wants you to invest in a family of its appliances… all controlled by the SmartThings app. While the Samsung RB34T602ESA/EU SpaceMax Fridge Freezer isn't controlled by your phone – yet – it does boast a door and temperature alarm. Its best feature is the SpaceMax Technology, meaning it has slimmer walls, so this model has more capacity than other fridge freezers. In addition, it's frost-free and has an All-Round Cooling system to keep the appliance and food at a constant temperature. The door storage is extra spacious, perfect for four pinters, and there's a separate specially designed wine shelf. Finally, this Samsung model has a recessed handle that makes for a sleek design. We're putting it on our wish list.
Customer review: "Efficient, pleasing design and temperatures easy to set for fridge and freezer."
Pros
- More capacity than other fridges of similar size
- Frost free
- Temperature control
- Contemporary and sleek design
Cons
- A higher annual energy consumption than others
Dimensions: | H185.3 x W59.5 x D65.8cm |
Capacity: | Fridge 230L; Freezer 114L |
Energy rating: | E |
Annual energy consumption: | 254kWh |
- Holiday mode
- Power Freeze rapidly freezes food
- Power Cool
- Total frost free
- Alarm if temperature rises
- All-Around Cooling - circulates cool air to keep the fridge at a constant temperature
Best for energy efficiency
www.johnlewis.com
For its price, there's no other model that can beat the energy efficiency of the Bosch Series 6 KGE49AICAG Freestanding 70/30 Fridge Freezer. With VitaFresh technology, your food remains fresher for longer at a temperature near 0°C. While LED lighting illuminates your fridge with energy-efficient brilliance, making every item easily visible. Stack food containers effortlessly in the Big Box drawer, and say goodbye to frequent defrosting with Low Frost technology. The EasyAccess Shelf ensures quick and convenient access to all your fridge contents, while separate cooling circuits and electronic controls offer personalised temperature management. Activate the Super Cooling function ensuring just bought groceries are chilled to the perfect temperature.
Customer review: "I am very happy with my spacious Bosch fridge freezer. When chosing it I firstly wanted to buy an American typical double door fridge freezer but I realised that Bosch's big single door appliance has actually more space, practical drawers for meat and veg that are very functional. Freezer space is great."
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Spacious
- Large salad drawer
- Quiet
Cons
- It's wider than other models
Dimensions: | H201 x W70 x D65cm |
Capacity: | Fridge 302L; Freezer 117L |
Energy rating: | C |
Annual energy consumption: | 163kWh |
- VitaFresh
- Quiet Mark
- Low Frost
- 2-year guarantee
Best 70/30 fridge freezer for freezer features
ao.com
Haier HDPW5620ANPD Wifi Connected 70/30 No Frost Fridge Freezer boasts a spacious 409-litre capacity that accommodates up to 22 bags of groceries. With the innovative MyZone drawer, you can adjust the temperature between -3°C and +5°C. Plus, manage settings with the hOn app on your smartphone. Say goodbye to manual defrosting thanks to Total No Frost technology, which maintains consistent temperatures and prevents icy build-ups.
Customer review: "Absolutely brilliant. Spacious and very well designed. Great features, and 10/10 to AO from ordering to installation."
Pros
- Energy efficient
- App compatible
- Frost free
- Spacious
Cons
- Not many reviews
Dimensions: | H205 x W59.5 x D66.7cm |
Capacity: | 409L |
Energy rating: | A |
Annual energy consumption: | 114 kWh |
- MyZone drawer lets you change the temperature between -3°C and +5°C
- Multi airflow
- Super Cooling
- No Frost System
- Holiday Setting
- 1-year warranty
Best integrated 70/30 fridge freezer
www.currys.co.uk
This Beko BCFD373 Integrated 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer has a large capacity for a built-in appliance and can hold 14 bags of food shopping. Fanned air stops ice crystals from forming, so you never have to defrost the freezer. The salad crisper drawer keeps fresh fruit and vegetables fresher for longer. It's quiet at just 38dB, you'll forget it's behind your kitchen cabinet door. If you enjoy a Chardonnay or two, you'll appreciate the specially designed wine rack.
Customer review: "Good integrated fridge/ freezer at a reasonable price. Perfect quantity of shelves, has a very useful bottle shelf. Would recommend."
Pros
- Frost free
- Air flow keeps food fresher for longer
- Quiet
Cons
- Be aware this is an integrated appliance
Dimensions: | H177.5 x W54 x D54.5cm |
Capacity: | 262L |
Energy rating: | F |
Annual energy consumption: | 286kWh |
- Safety glass shelves in fridge
- Open door alert
- Door alarm
- Reversible door
Best high-end 70/30 fridge freezer
www.currys.co.uk
The BOSCH Series 6 KGN39AWCTG 70/30 Fridge Freezer is packed with features, but we particularly like the Flex Interior: trays and shelves in the fridge can be rearranged, which is fantastic if you have an extra tall bottle or large poultry that needs chilling. In addition, Multi AirFlow and VitaFresh XXL Pro 0°C keep the humidity at the optimum to preserve fresh food and retain its goodness. Also, FreshSense sensors control the temperature in the fridge and freezer to keep food at an ideal temperature throughout ambient temperature fluctuations. In the freezer section NoFrost technology removes the hassle of defrosting. This is a Perfect Fit model which means it can be positioned tight against a wall. It really is a superb family fridge freezer with ample capacity
Customer review: "Low energy consumption. Ridiculously efficient, compared to my old fridge on current energy prices it will pay for itself in less than a year. Great internal lighting, almost silent, lots of space. Effective "door left open" warning."
Pros
- Extremely energy efficient
- Packed with features to preserve food
- Flexible fridge racks and shelving
- Frost free
Cons
- None
Dimensions: | H203 x W60 x D66.5cm |
Capacity: | Fridge 280L; Freezer 119L |
Energy rating: | C |
Annual energy consumption: | 162kWh |
- Total frost-free with NoFrost
- Rapid freeze
- VitaFresh XXL Pro 0°C
- 5-year guarantee (register in 2nd year)
Best for large capacity
www.sonicdirect.co.uk
Salad stays crisp and crunchy for longer thanks to the advanced features in this fridge freezer. The LG GBB72PZEFN_ST 70/30 Total No Frost Fridge Freezer is a stunning appliance that's highly praised by customers who have bought it. We love the Fresh Balance Drawer that can be adjusted for fish, meat or vegetables and maintains optimum humidity to keep food fresher for longer. Cool air is circulated through vents and the fridge is kept at a constant even temperature no matter how many times you open the door. There's even a two-step folding shelf so extra large items will fit with ease. With a whopping 384-litre total capacity this fridge freezer holds 21 bags of food shopping. It has an Inverter Linear Compressor, which is quiet, efficient and long-lasting. Highly recommended.
Customer review: "I love my new fridge freezer. The fridge on my old FF had stopped working and I had forgotten how nice it is to have genuinely cool stuff from the fridge. The fridge is particularly spacious and the space is flexible. Furthermore, my electricity bill has gone down by £4 a week. Excellent value and great service from the delivery people who kept me informed and took away my old unit."
Pros
- Advanced features
- Frost free
- Huge capacity
Cons
- Note the dimensions, as this is a large and deep fridge freezer
Dimensions: | H203 x W59.5 x D67.5cm |
Capacity: | 384L |
Energy rating: | D |
Annual energy consumption: | 215kWh |
- Anti-bacterial protection
- Total No Frost
- Express Cooling rapidly chills just-bought food
- NatureFRESH - Keeps the fridge evenly cool
- DoorCooling+ - Food stays fresh on every shelf
- LINEARCooling - Maintains a perfect fridge temperature with no fluctuations
- Inverter Linear Compressor - Energy-efficient motor
Our Verdict: Best 70/30 Fridge Freezer
If you have the budget opt for the LG Centum GBB92MCBAP 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer. It is amazingly energy efficient and has advanced features that preserve your food for longer. It is the energy efficiency that sets it apart from other appliances, all thanks to its Centrum motor. A sleek and stylish black appliance that would look at home in any modern kitchen.
If you are on a tighter budget, we recommend the Russell Hobbs RH180FFFF55B Freestanding Frost Free Fridge Freezer. Ideal for families, this energy-efficient and frost-free fridge freezer is available with or without a water dispenser. We particularly like the number of shelves and storage racks in this appliance, with lots of space for tall items.
FAQs
What Features Should I Look For When Buying A New Fridge Freezer?
It's the one appliance that is constantly switched on, so it definitely pays to buy the most energy-efficient fridge freezer that you can afford. According to Freeze It, a fridge freezer with an A energy rating will cost 10p a day to run. In comparison, an F-rated appliance will cost around 39p. Look at the annual energy consumption (measured in kWh) and multiply this by the current unit cost of electricity (1kWh = 34p). For example, the most energy-efficient fridge freezer in this article is the LG Centum GBB92MCBAP 70/30 Frost Free Fridge Freezer using just 110kWh a year, therefore 110 multiplied by 0.34 works out to £37.40 annual cost. Divide this by 365, and it's 10p a day to run this appliance.
Other considerations include the capacity; making sure you have enough space for your household's food and drink. Also, note the dimensions of the appliance and the space that you want to position it. Flexible safety glass shelves and racks are super useful for those times of the year when guests need to be fed and there may be an extra bottle or two in the fridge. You're going to have to live with it, so style is an important factor too. It's great that fridges don't have to be boring white. If you're concerned about noise, most new fridges operate at less than 40 decibels, so you won't even notice it's there. Look for appliances that have been awarded Quiet Mark, as these have quieter fans.
Additionally, look for advanced features such as frost-free, so you never have to defrost again. A rapid chill feature quickly gets food down to a temperature that will preserve it - useful if you've just been grocery shopping. Similarly, a rapid freeze function will preserve more nutrients and better retain food's texture. Most new appliances have an air flow system and temperature control that can preserve food for longer and reduce food waste.
Finally, new fridge freezers have LED lighting which is cheaper and lasts the duration of the appliance's lifespan.
What's The Benefit Of Having A Freezer On Top?
Surprisingly, having the freezer as the top section of a fridge freezer can actually make the appliance more energy efficient. Traditionally freezer compartments were located in the top section of the fridge freezer. Think of your grandparents' under-counter fridge that had a glove box-size freezer section – just enough for a bag of oven chips.
Interestingly, there are some benefits to having the freezer on top. First, because cold air is denser than warm air, it will sink to the fridge section and keep it cool. This means the motor doesn't have to work as hard to cool the fridge and this reduces the running cost. Another money-saving point is that appliances with the freezer on top tend to be cheaper to buy.
What Is A Climate Class Rating?
Fridge freezers are designed for different climate classes. In the UK, most fridge freezers are SN (subnormal). Additionally, some models are a combination of climate classes, for example SN/ST. Climate class rating is most applicable to freezers that are stored in garages where there's less insulation. But it's important to know because your fridge freezer will have to work harder (and use more electricity) if it's not in the ambient temperature that it's designed for. The climate class ratings are as follows:
SN: Subnormal units operate between a temperature range of 10 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
N: Normal units operate between a temperature range of 16 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
ST: Subtropical units operate between a temperature range of 16 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius.
T: Tropical units operate between a temperature range of 16 degrees Celsius and 43 degrees Celsius.
What Is The Best Way To Store Food In The Fridge?
There's a few tips you need to know in order to keep your lettuce looking lovely. First, the fridge temperature should never exceed four degrees Celsius. Also, don't be tempted to overfill your fridge – allow air to circulate, as this lets your fridge function normally. Never put hot food in the fridge as it raises the internal temperature. This causes condensation that allows harmful microbes to spread. Only when food is at room temperature place it in the fridge. Also fresh food needs to be refrigerated within two hours of buying to prevent the risk of food poisoning. Wipe up spills to prevent contamination, and clean your fridge regularly.
How Should I Organise My Fridge?
There are few things in life more disappointing than a limp stick of celery, therefore store it in the bottom of the fridge – this is the coolest area and it's the perfect place for fruit and vegetables. Similarly, store raw meat, poultry and fish in sealed packaging at the bottom of the fridge. Keep cooked food separate from raw food.
Placing food on particular shelves in the fridge can help to preserve them for longer. Heat rises, so the warmest part of the fridge is the top shelf. Also, door storage is typically warmer than the middle and bottom shelves. Eggs are fine in the door, along with condiments. Dairy can be stored on the middle or top shelf. Prevent cross-contamination by storing cooked meat separately from raw meat, again middle or top shelf. Get into the habit of stock rotation and bring products that need consuming to the front.
How many times have you spied a jar of jam or a bolognese sauce and found it's full of mould when you open it? We can all be a bit better about reducing food waste. A top tip: When you use a cupboard item and need to store it in the fridge, write the date on the opened packet or jar. Knowing when you open it is a visual reminder to use the rest up.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen appliances. When she's not testing coffee machines, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.