Frost-free Vs normal fridge-freezers... any difference?

maz_student

I have a few questions. Would someone please answer some of them. If you cant answer all of them then its okay... but I just want to get a general idea

I want to buy a fridge freezer and my budget is about £200 max (because i need to still set aside about £50 for the insurance).

1. Ive already come across some OK models for about £170 from Argos but I have no idea if I should get it or not because theyre not "frost-free".
   If its a normal (i.e. not frost-free), will I really have to keep scraping off ice every day?
2. Is it worth the extra money to go for a frost-free fridge freezer? They're much more expensive
3. When buying fridge-freezers, is it best to go for well-known brands, or is something like "Fridgemaster" still okay? I think i'll be getting an insurance aswell so does it really matter about the brand? If its insured then its insured so im covered...
4. Not sure where to get it.
   So far ive looked at: Argos, Iceland, other big High Street electrical retailers: (Dixons, Currys). Can you think of anywhere else?
   Whenever I come across cheap fridges being sold online, it is on websites which ive never even heard of... so i dont even bother looking into it or getting my hopes up, because i dont want to buy from dodgy websites. In the past people have said that "you should buy from websites which look reputable "... but just because a website uses a nice template doesnt guarantee anything!

thanks for your time

ktuludays

one is frost free the other...............isnt.

MEGANE

ktuludays wrote: »

one is frost free the other...............isnt.

I wonder why you have only been thanked ONCE????


Maz can only give a personal opinion and that is, having had both types would not get a non frost free one again as too much trouble to find suitable storage for frozen food when it needs defrosting.

I'm sure some other friendly MSE'er will be along soon with more advice.

ktuludays

they asked the question, i answered it.

robv_3

The only down side to some frost frees is normally they have fans built in which are noisy when they run.

olly300

I wrote you a long reply and it didn't print.

1. No
2. If you keep your freezer full then you will have to defrost it about once a year as it won't build up excess ice.
3. I have a fridge and freezer that I have inherited they look about 10 years old and aren't well known brands. You don't need insurance. Most electrical products that go wrong go wrong in the first 2 years of ownership and you are covered by the Sale of Goods Act. If you know your consumer rights and are willing to inform the retailer of them in writing using registered post, report them to trading standards and threaten to take them to court you don't need insurance. Plus you have the option to add freezer contents on contents insurance.
4. There is also Tesco's, other large supermarkets, local departments stores and local independent electrical retailers. I suggest you ask your neighbours where they got their appliances from. I would avoid using Curry's and Dixons as they are well known for their delivery problems especially if they have to take your applicance above the ground floor.

newlywed

We have a frost free freezer... I would certainly not replace it with anything that wasn't frost free. Defrosting is too much of a pain - never having to defrost is worth the extra money in my view.

Doozergirl

I agree that I wouldn't want to live without frost free now. I'd save for just a little longer to get the benefit of it.

cattie

I'd never have anything other than frost free either. It is well worth paying the extra for.

Try to stick to the established brands when buying appliances. There are bargains to be had from some internet retailers, so don't be afraid to order from those you are able to establish as reputable.

I replaced my fridge freezer last year having had a new kitchen fitted & by shopping around on the net managed to save £130 on a frost free integrated appliance.

You can google for reviews on any appliances you may be interested in as these can often help you chose which is the best choice/value.

virgo149

Frost free all the way! I went frost free when my last 'normal' freezer packed up and defrosted all over my kitchen floor and it seeped into the lounge and, well, basically, everywhere. Yes, they are definately noisier but having had ours for over 2 years now, I wouldn't have the other type again.

In relation to what and where, to be honest these days I don't think it really makes a difference. Make sure it is big enough for your needs (compare the cubic measurements). We've a Hotpoint Fridge Freezer and bought it online but can't remember where from.

littlereddevil

I like the frost free fridge but I really didn't like the frost free freezer. I found sometimes my food wasn't kept frozen enough especially on the top shelf, and it didn't seem to keep well for long, especially bread