What types of refrigeration are there?
Refrigeration. With so many types, sizes, features…it’s easy to get overwhelmed. No worries, we’re here to take you through what you need. Let’s dive deeper into what types of refrigeration there are and which type you should be looking for in your kitchen.
Type by door style / configuration
From the left, right, top, bottom… fridge freezer doors can be swung open from various configurations. Here are some of the most common fridge freezer types by door style as well as their pros and cons.
French style fridge freezers
French door fridge freezers, or multi-door fridge freezers, usually come in larger capacities and with advanced features, so we recommend them for larger households. Two narrow doors on top and a freezer below with a drawer or more sometimes in between. Their narrow swing doors save you space, but they also save energy by opening only half the fridge as needed. French door models come in 3-door types, 4-door types with a mid-drawer, 4-door types with two-door setups at the top and bottom, and more, so try each of them out and see which setup feels comfortable to you.
American style fridge freezers
Two, long narrow doors that split the fridge freezer at the center into a fridge and a freezer. American style fridge freezers (also called Side-by-side fridge freezers or double door fridge freezers) let you organise your items based on your consumption with shelves designed for vertical storage, which help you better organise and locate frozen items for households that consume frozen goods more often.
Classic fridge freezers
As the traditional fridge freezer with a freezer at the bottom, classic fridge freezers are the most common type in the UK. Classic fridge freezers come in different height options, so double-check the dimensions based on your space requirements and storage needs, before purchasing.
One-door fridges / One-door freezers
One-door fridges (also called larder fridges or single door fridges) are tall, single-door units that offer plenty of storage making them suitable for larger households or for cooking in batches. Choose either a fridge or a freezer, or one of each to create the effect of a large fridge freezer.
BESPOKE fridge freezers with customisable configurations
Samsung Bespoke refrigeration provides classic fridge freezer, one-door fridge and one-door freezer options to meet any kitchen needs. Simply integrate multiple modules and create your perfect setup by customising the colour and finish. This modular build means your fridge freezer can become whatever you need it to be by adding extra fridge or freezer components onto your setup at any time.
Type by installation
Fridge freezers are also categorised by installation types, which basically are common fridge freezers that we purchase and position in our kitchens and integrated types that are professionally designed and installed.
Freestanding fridge freezers
Most fridge freezers you’ll see are freestanding, meaning they’re simply not built-in to your kitchen. There are many types of freestanding fridge freezers, including some you’ve probably heard before, so let’s lay them out and see their distinctions. Freestanding units can be installed pretty much anywhere near a plug socket. What’s more, they’re easy to move, so you can take them with you even if you relocate.
Explore our range of white, black, and silver fridge freezers to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Integrated fridge freezers
Integrated fridge freezer, also known as built-in fridge freezers, are fitted into the kitchen cabinet, sitting behind a cupboard door. They’re more permanent fixtures in your home and are sought out by those who have a specific interior design in mind or very much prefer a seamless look.
Integrated fridge freezers come in two different hinge arrangements: Fixed hinge types and sliding hinge types.
Fixed hinge types are installed separately from the cabinets by attaching cabinet doors on the fridge freezer. They’re usually used more for larger fridge freezers and boast better durability, as they’re installed directly onto your cabinets. However, this also makes it difficult to change to sliding hinges after installation.
Sliding hinge types, on the other hand, have cabinet doors that move on sliding rails. They’re used widely for various fridge freezers and are easier to install than fixed hinge types.
What are the pros and cons of each type?
We’ve got it down to a table for you, so take a look and choose the one for you.
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Number of doors / Configuration
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Pros
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Cons
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Recommended for
- Number of doors / Configuration : Two doors on top; freezer drawer on bottom, mid-drawer on selected models
- Pros : Larger capacity, wider compartments, advanced features
- Cons : Requires a larger installation space
- Recommended for : Large families and households with a spacious kitchen
- Number of doors / Configuration : Two doors; fridge and freezer compartments split at center
- Pros : Larger capacity at reasonable price, fresh/frozen items both at eye level
- Cons : Harder to store larger items
- Recommended for : Households that need a larger fridge freezer
- Number of doors / Configuration : Two doors; fridge on top and freezer below
- Pros : A streamlined set of features at an entry price-point
- Cons : Relatively smaller storage space
- Recommended for : Single or couple households or families with limited kitchen space
- Number of doors / Configuration : One door with a single, large fridge or freezer compartment
- Pros : Customisable combination
- Cons : Only with either fridge or freezer compartment
- Recommended for : Households needing either only a fridge or a freezer, or looking for flexible modularity
- Number of doors / Configuration : Cabinet doors that are installed on the fridge freezer for a seamless look
- Pros : Most stylish and integrated look
- Cons : Relatively high cost. Installation often requires professionals.
- Recommended for : Households that are looking for an integrated kitchen look
What are the top 4 considerations?
Now that you know which type of fridge freezer is the best for you, let’s look at some other considerations you should check before purchasing your next fridge freezer.
Budget
Size and fitting
Finishes and look
Features
FAQ
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What types of fridge freezers are there?Classic Fridge Freezer, One Door Fridge Freezer, American Style, French Style & Integrated.
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What are the top 4 checkpoints?1. Budget - For bigger budgets look into French or American style fridge freezers for larger storage space and advanced features. For tighter budgets, look for classic fridge freezers or one-door models.
2. Size & Fitting - Check your kitchen and installation path to measure how much space you have.
3. Finishes & Look - If you're interested in seamless looks and sleek design, take a closer look into materials, such as fingerprint resistant finish, as well as colours.
4. Features - It all depends on your family’s needs. Ice and water dispensers, No Frost, and freshness settings are some of the most popular features today.
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