How to choose a new fridge and how to safely dispose of your old one: A guide from Ship It
In the modern home, there’s one appliance that’s arguably more important than any other. No, we’re not talking about the television. A fridge affords us a means of keeping food fresh for days – or longer – even in hot weather.
But not all fridges are built equally – they come in a wide variety of types and configurations, and so choosing the right one to service your needs at home can be a challenge.
In this blog we will look into the different types of fridges you can buy, and the different special features that you can find in them.
We’ll also tell you how to properly get rid of your old fridge with minimal fuss.
Types of Fridges
For the most part, the most obvious differences between the various types of fridges are the most superficial:
Freestanding Fridges
Freestanding fridges consist of a single unit – there’s no freezer taking up space. They can be large (ideal for homeowners wanting to maximise the room in their refrigerator) or very small (perfect for small kitchens or as a second fridge).
Under-counter Fridges
An under-counter fridge is one that’s designed to fit – you’ve guessed it – under the counter in your kitchen. As such, they tend to be significantly shorter (and shallower) than their free-standing counterparts. On the other hand, they’re great for kitchens where space is at a premium.
Integrated Fridges
Integrated fridges are designed to be concealed within your kitchen cabinets. The door of the fridge will be attached to and covered by a front panel which matches the surrounding units. They come in a number of different sizes – including under-the-counter models and tall fridges, like the one pictured below.
Integrated fridges tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This could be down to several factors: integrated fridges must be replaced by a fridge with precisely the same dimensions, which reduces the effective supply and allows manufacturers to raise prices without fear of competition. In addition, fewer homeowners tend to choose integrated fridges, so they must be manufactured on a smaller scale.
Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer is an appliance which incorporates a fridge and a freezer into a single unit. In larger (and more expensive) models, the two compartments are often divided vertically, resulting in a full-size fridge and freezer.
For the most part, they’re stacked one atop the other. Fridge freezers can either be free-standing or integrated but under-counter fridges and freezers tend to be separate units.
Dimensions and Sizing
Naturally, the size and shape of a fridge is an important consideration – you’ll want it to fit as snugly as possible into the surrounding space. If you’re considering a free-standing fridge, then you’ll have a bit of leeway to work with; if you’re considering an integrated or under-counter fridge, then you’ll need to take careful measurements to ensure you buy a fridge that will fit.
This leads us to a common question: are integrated fridges a standard depth? If you’re buying an under-counter fridge, you should be aware that most work surfaces in the UK are 90cm tall. Going over (or significantly under) this height is likely to result in problems. Standard kitchen cabinets are around 60cm wide and deep, so new fridges should stick within these boundaries. Of course, it might be that the space you have in mind doesn’t quite fit standard dimensions. In that case it’s worth breaking out the tape measure and double checking.
Fridge Features
Let’s talk about a few features you might want to look out for when buying your new fridge.
Auto defrost
Over the lifespan of a fridge, ice can build up along the interior walls and along the condenser coils at the rear of the fridge. If this ice is allowed to accumulate, it can begin to effect the flow of air around the fridge, thus preventing the fridge from working properly. An auto-defrosting fridge will automatically perform defrosts, saving you the trouble.
Antibacterial coating
In order to provide extra protection against harmful bacteria, many fridges come coated with special inorganic compounds designed to prevent harmful microbes from establishing a foothold in your fridge. It’ll also help eliminate nasty smells.
Adjustable shelves
Not everyone uses their fridge in the same way and adjustable shelves represent a welcome convenience for most of us.
Wine Rack
A wine rack is a simple metal frame that hangs within your fridge. It can be easily detached if not required and it’s capable of storing drinks other than wine – so if you think you’re going to be using a lot of space in the door of the fridge, it’s a worthwhile addition.
Reversible Door
Depending on where you’ve positioned your fridge, you might wish for the door to open in the opposite direction, in which case you would require a fridge with a reversible door.
How To Properly Dispose of Your Fridge
Improperly disposed of fridges are really harmful to the environment. In the UK, we part with around three million fridges each year. The average lifespan of these appliances is just over a decade – but many of them are closer to two. In the world of fridge technology, this is a long time – and many older fridges contain chemicals that can inflict lasting harm on the natural world.
How can I dispose of my fridge responsibly (and legally?)
In order to dispose of your fridge without impacting the environment or incurring the wrath of the law, please refer to the following options:
Sell/donate the fridge
If the fridge is still in good working order, you may be able to pass it on to a friend or family member. However, the market for second-hand fridges is a little bit on the fraught side as you’ll have to worry about things like transport and persuade the people you’re selling to that the fridge is in good working order.
Arrange for your council to pick it up
Your local council is obliged to collect your fridge when its lifespan has ended. They’ll charge you a small fee but this is usually quite reasonable when compared to the cost and hassle of arranging a sale. If your fridge isn’t worth much money, this is undoubtedly a route worth pursuing.
Take it to the tip/recycling centre
If none of the above options appeal, you might consider taking the fridge to your local recycling centre to be disposed of. Be sure to check with them that they deal with fridges before going ahead in order to save yourself a wasted journey.
Where Can I Buy A Fridge?
At Ship It Appliances, we stock refrigerators and fridge freezers from a wide range of leading brands for great prices. Whatever the size of your kitchen, we can provide you with a fridge that will perfectly suit your needs.
We provide free & fast delivery available on all of our top-quality fridges when you buy online today. We also have an exceptional product warranty on all of our SIA products.
Need more information on refrigeration, have a look at guides:
How to choose a new fridge and dispose of you old one correctly
How to dispose of a fridge
How to move a fridge freezer
Why is my fridge leaking water?
Most common fridge fault and how to fix them
