Best Energy Efficient Fridge Freezer To Save On Your Bills

An energy efficient fridge freezer is an important foundation for sustainable living. Investing in the best fridge freezers is a wise decision in the long run, as even though they can be quite an investment at the start, you will save on your energy costs over the years. These appliances, all of which have an energy rating between A and C, can help you save on your electricity bills. An A-rated fridge freezer, for instance, costs around 10p a day to run, while an F-rated one costs about 39p. This difference may seem small on a daily basis, but it adds up significantly over time, making energy-efficient models a smart investment.

Investing in energy efficient appliances cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to fridge freezers, as they are one of the home appliances that consume the most. As of 1 March 2021, energy ratings have undergone a significant change. Now, when shopping for a fridge, freezer, or other appliances, you'll notice a different rating system. Under the new system introduced in 2021, very few appliances currently achieve the top energy rating bands, and those that do are often very expensive. Fridge freezers that would have been rated A+++ would now be rated a D, so if that fits within your budget, this is the rating to look out for.

Best Energy-Efficient Fridge Freezer At A Glance

• Best XL energy efficient fridge freezer: Samsung 8 Series RS68A884CSL - Buy now on Samsung
• Best energy efficient fridge freezer for internal capacity: Bosch Series 6 KGE49AWCAG - Buy now on John Lewis
• Best quiet energy efficient fridge freezer: LG GBB92MCBAP Freestanding 70/30 Fridge Freezer - Buy now on Currys

There's a perfect fit for every kitchen with a variety of models available, from the best 70/30 fridge freezers for those who need a significant amount of refrigeration space. You can also opt for a more balanced of the best 60/40 fridge freezers and expansive American-style fridge freezers. These appliances are not just about practicality; they also bring a sleek, modern aesthetic to your kitchen.

The market is filled with many types of fridge freezers, each with its unique features. Some models offer adjustable shelves, temperature controls, and frost-free technology, while others boast features like rapid chill and freeze functions for better food preservation and airflow systems for longer food life. All the appliances on this list have an A-C energy rating, making them a smart choice for the environmentally conscious consumer - so let's get into it.

Best Energy Efficient Fridge Freezer

Our Verdict: Best Energy Efficient Fridge Freezer

For those who can afford to splurge, the Samsung RF65A977FSR Freestanding 60/40 American Fridge Freezer is the ultimate choice. For its massive 637-litre capacity - the energy rating is at an impressive C. Plus it is perfect for large families or those who love to entertain. The SpaceMax technology maximizes the interior space without increasing the external dimensions, and the Twin Cooling Plus system ensures your food stays fresher for longer. Plus, the sleek silver appliance is a stylish addition to any modern kitchen.

On the other hand, if you're working with a tighter budget, the Bosch Series 6 KGE49AWCAG Freestanding 70/30 Fridge Freezer is a fantastic option. This fridge freezer offers an A-energy rating, generous capacity, frost-free operation and is excellent value for money without compromising on quality. Both these models are energy-efficient, making them great investments for the long run.

What To Consider When Buying An Energy-Efficient Fridge Freezer

Size and Capacity: It is good to ensure the fridge freezer fits in your kitchen and has the capacity to accommodate your food storage needs for a large family or if you require a compact appliance for a smaller kitchen.

Energy Efficiency: Prioritise models with high energy efficiency ratings to save on your electricity bills. Remember, an A-rated fridge freezer costs around 10p a day to run, while an F-rated one costs about 39p. Also, consider the type of fridge freezer, as this can impact energy usage. For instance, a small F-rated fridge freezer might be more efficient than a large E-rated one, especially if the full capacity of the larger model isn’t used.

Features: Look for features that can help save energy. For instance, some models include a door within-door access to the fridge, which means you’ll lose less cold air if you only need to reach for the milk or juice. Inverter compressors, compared to the start-stop regular type, do this more efficiently, running more consistently and at a controlled speed to use less energy.

FAQs: Best Energy-Efficient Fridge Freezer

What should I consider for energy efficiency?

When buying a new fridge freezer, prioritize energy efficiency as it's constantly in use. Calculate annual energy consumption by multiplying the kWh by the unit cost of electricity (1kWh = 28p).

What features should I look out for in a fridge freezer?

Consider the capacity to accommodate your household's needs and the appliance's dimensions for fitting purposes. Look for features like frost-free operation, rapid chill and freeze functions for better food preservation, and airflow systems for longer food life. LED lighting is a common feature in new models, offering cost-effectiveness and longevity.

Your choice of freezer size may be influenced by your lifestyle and cooking habits. Stocking up on frozen food can lead to significant savings. In this instance, a 50/50 fridge freezer is an optimal choice for storing both chilled and frozen food.

Why is having an energy efficient fridge freezer so important?

You'll find now that there are much fewer A and B-rated appliances. Those that were previously A+++ may now be an F. This is to give the opportunity for higher ratings in the future. Plus, it encourages manufacturers to make their machines even more sustainable.

A fridge freezer is switched on all of the time. It is constantly consuming electricity. So, it's important to get the most efficient model. The energy-efficient rating that came into effect in 2021 means that appliances that were previously rated A have been reclassified and rated D on an A-G scale. So do not be horrified if the appliance is rated D–F, these are efficient models.

Mira Yordanova from London End of Tenancy Cleaning company shares some compelling findings the cost of running a fridge: "depending on the energy rating, these can cost between £70 and £138.72 per year to run". If you have an older appliance Mira suggests giving your fridge freezer a thorough clean can help it to run more efficiently, therefore saving money.

"Cleaning the coil in your refrigerator can be done in as little as 15 minutes. This will increase energy efficiency because too much dust can sometimes make your refrigerator work harder to maintain a temperature that is safe for food without releasing heat.

“Remove the rear panel, then thoroughly hoover off all the dust. Use baking soda or white vinegar and warm water to clean the inside of the refrigerator. Rub the interior with a soft cloth and then rinse for the best results.”

Ellen Kinsey is a Senior Health & Wellness Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in sustainable living and healthy cooking. She lives and breathes all things food, travel and wellness.