How to choose a refrigerator and freezer

Do you need a new refrigerator or freezer? Whether you're looking for appliances for a new kitchen or planning to replace or upgrade your existing ones, choosing the right refrigerator and freezer isn't as difficult as you might think. Start with this guide to buying a refrigerator and find out what questions to ask yourself before you start shopping for your appliances.

A FORSNÄS refrigerator integrated behind white VEDDINGE fronts with an open door; inside, bright blue containers are stored.

Built-in or freestanding refrigerator/freezer?

When deciding between a built-in or freestanding refrigerator/freezer, think about what best suits your kitchen. If you can choose either option, here are the pros and cons of each type to help you decide.

A freestanding RIBBENÅS French door refrigerator/freezer is placed next to an integrated FORSNÄS refrigerator and a FORSNÄS freezer.

Freestanding refrigerator/freezer

Pros: It usually has more storage space than a similar built-in appliance and is easy to install, as you can simply place it wherever you want and plug it in.

Cons: As it is not paneled, you don't get a uniform kitchen style.

See all freestanding refrigerators and freezers

Built-in refrigerator/freezer

Pros: An integrated solution is installed in a kitchen cabinet with a front that matches the rest of the room, resulting in a uniform and elegant look.

Cons: As the refrigerator/freezer is inside a cabinet, it has less capability than a freestanding one and you lose some storage space.

See all integrated refrigerators and freezers

How to improve the efficiency of your refrigerator and freezer

A refrigerator with a good energy rating helps you save on your energy bill. With a few simple habits, you can also improve its efficiency and reduce food waste:

– Set the temperature correctly: 3–5 °C in the refrigerator and -15 to -18 °C in the freezer

– Prevent frost buildup by defrosting regularly or choosing frost-free models.

– Place older food at the front and newer food at the back so that it is consumed in time.

– Defrost your food inside the refrigerator: it is safer and helps save energy.

A built-in SKOGNÄS refrigerator/freezer with various fruits and vegetables, as well as green containers, inside.

The only decoration your refrigerator needs: organization!

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Clear plastic storage box with lid, rectangular shape, built-in handle, and transparent body for organising fridge contents.

How can I know what size refrigerator I need?

To calculate the ideal size of your refrigerator, you need to consider how many people are in your household and your shopping habits:

If you live alone and shop a couple of times a week, a capability of around 100 liters is sufficient.
For each additional person, add about 50 liters more.
As for the freezer, you only need to size it if you actually use it: as a general rule, calculate between 30 and 50 liters per person, depending on how much you freeze and how much you cook.

A small LAGAN refrigerator with freezer compartment placed next to a FORSNÄS refrigerator and a FORSNÄS integrated freezer.

Key functions of the refrigerator and freezer (and what they are used for)

Smart features are designed to better preserve food, reduce waste, and optimize energy consumption. Here are some of the most useful ones:

– Frost: Prevents ice from forming in the freezer, maintaining efficient performance and eliminating the need for manual defrosting.

– Fast cooling freezing: Ideal if you do a big shop. They allow newly added food to quickly reach the correct temperature without affecting the food already inside.

– Fan cooling: A fan distributes cold air evenly, preventing cold spots or warm areas and facilitating better food organization.

There are also other practical features such as vacation mode or temperature and humidity-controlled drawers, designed to adapt the refrigerator and freezer to your lifestyle and get the most out of them.

A person is going to take a jar of pickles from a shelf in a SKOGNÄS integrated refrigerator/freezer filled with food.

The complete guide to getting your appliances right the first time

Choosing appliances shouldn't be complicated. Our interactive guide walks you through the process step by step to find the oven, microwave, hob, refrigerator, and other appliances that fit your space and lifestyle. Fewer doubts. Better decisions.

Find out which one you need

How to keep your refrigerator organized and clean

With a few simple habits and good organization, your refrigerator can work better for you. Discover how to clean it properly, distribute food smartly, and make everything last longer... and look better.

Find out how