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How to choose a fridge and freezer

Need a new fridge and/or freezer? Whether you’re looking for appliances as part of planning a brand-new kitchen or want to replace or upgrade what you currently have at home, picking the right fridge and freezer doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may think. Start with this refrigerator buying guide to find the right questions you need to ask yourself before starting your appliances buying journey.

A built-in FORSNÄS fridge behind white VEDDINGE fronts has one door open and there are bright blue packages stored inside.

When choosing a fridge and freezer, keep the following in mind:

1. Type of fridge

What’s your style? Go for a freestanding fridge with a bold design or a built-in one for a sleek, seamless look.

2. Functions

Are there any accessories or features you can’t live without? We’ve got fridges that tick all your boxes.

3. Storage capacity

How much food do you need to store? And how big is your household? We’ve got fridges in all sizes and capacities to match your needs.


1. Fridge types

An integrated SKOGNÄS fridge/freezer has different kinds of green vegetables and fruit and green containers stored inside.

Built-in fridges

Want a seamless look? Integrate your fridge or freezer behind the same fronts as the rest of your kitchen.

Several fridges and freezers of different sizes and models are placed against a bright yellow-orange background.

Under-counter fridges

If you’ve got a small kitchen or don’t cook that often, a handy built-in fridge or freezer fits perfectly between two base cabinets under your worktop.

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

Freestanding

If you’d like your fridge or freezer to stand out as a statement piece in your kitchen, go for a freestanding option. These models offer more storage and don’t take up any of your built-in kitchen space.

How to measure the niche size for a built-in fridge

Measuring your niche correctly is key to making sure your built-in fridge fits perfectly in the space. Follow these steps to get it right:

  • Measure the height: Measure from the floor to the top of the niche. Take measurements at several points to make sure the space isn’t narrowing anywhere.
  • Measure the width: Measure the inside width from wall to wall. Do this at different heights, especially if the niche isn’t perfectly straight.
  • Measure the depth: Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the cabinet or worktop. Make sure to measure at the deepest point of the niche.
  • Measure the ceiling height: If the fridge will go under a cabinet, also measure from the top of the niche to the bottom of the cabinet.
  • Measure the opening: Check the height and width of the kitchen space where the fridge will go. Don’t forget to account for skirting boards or any obstacles at the sides.
  • Consider ventilation: Built-in fridges usually need some space at the back and sides for proper airflow. Check the fridge’s installation instructions to see how much ventilation space is required.
  • Check the installation requirements: Look at the installation guide for the specific fridge you’re considering. It includes detailed information on niche dimensions, ventilation space, and other important instructions.
  • Consider door opening and hinge side: Check which way the fridge door opens and whether it can be adjusted to fit your kitchen layout. Make sure there’s enough space for the door to open fully without any obstacles.

2. Available Features per Model

A built-in fridge fan circulates the air to keep the temperature even, so you can store your food anywhere in the fridge.

No more defrosting or scraping! The No Frost feature automatically controls humidity to prevent ice build-up in your fridge.

You can easily select functions and settings via the touch control panel – whether it’s chilling desserts, freezing fresh vegetables, or saving energy while you’re on holiday.

Integrated LED lighting brightens every corner. The lights are maintenance-free, last as long as your fridge, and make it easier to see all your food and drinks.

With Vacation Mode, you can keep your empty fridge closed while you’re away, without worrying about unpleasant odors.   

With the quick-cool button, you can chill fresh groceries fast – perfect for when you’ve just come back from shopping.

With fast-freeze, you can quickly lower the temperature to keep your food fresh and nutritious, even in large amounts.

In Bottle Chill mode, an alarm sounds when the cooling time is up – perfect for chilling glass bottles.

If your fridge door isn’t properly closed, the door alarm will sound to remind you to shut it.

The temperature alarm warns you of a sudden rise in temperature, for example in case of a malfunction.


3. Storage capacity

Built-in fridges and freezers

Less than 150L | Between 150 and 200L | More than 200L

Less than 150L

Between 150 and 200L

More than 200L


Under-counter fridges and freezers


Freestanding fridges and freezers

Less than 100L | Between 100 and 220L | More than 220L

Less than 100L

Between 100 and 220L

More than 220L