Fridge capacity is given in litres, and it’s used to describe how much produce a fridge can hold; the larger the capacity, the more storage space you’ll have. When shopping around for a new fridge, you’ll come across two terms: gross and net capacity. Gross capacity refers to the total volume inside the fridge; net capacity is the usable storage space that’s left once its components – like shelving – have been factored in. Some Samsung models come with SpaceMax™ technology, whereby the fridge walls are thinner. This increases the fridge’s internal capacity, without affecting its external dimensions or compromising on performance. To ensure that your new fridge is going to meet your needs, think about how much fresh and frozen food (and drink) you’ll want to store at any one time.

When buying a new refrigerator, it’s important to think about whether you’ll benefit from any additional features. Here are some of the most common extras you’re likely to find.

Frost Free

Make manual defrosting a thing of the past with a frost-free fridge. All Samsung refrigerators come with frost-free technology (or Total No Frost), maintaining an even temperature to prevent frost build-up. Frozen food is better preserved, because ice crystals – which can affect the overall taste and texture of food – don’t form on food packaging or in freezer drawers.

Water and Ice Dispensers

For cold water and ice on tap, choose a refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser. If you want unlimited cold water and ice, your fridge needs to be plumbed in; if your appliance isn’t close to a water supply, you’ll need to buy a non-plumbed fridge freezer. Samsung offers the latest in dispenser technology, having both plumbed and non-plumbed fridges with water and ice dispensers in them. With Samsung’s Beverage Center™ you can enjoy fast and easy access to refreshingly cold and flavoured water. The Beverage Center™ has a BPA free* Autofill Pitcher full of purified water, which can be infused with fruits and herbs, so it’s always ready to serve. And the Water Dispenser ensures you can quickly enjoy a cool drink. Plus, with the Dual Auto Ice Maker you can be prepared for any occasion with an ice maker that provides a choice of both Cubed Ice and Ice Bites™. And being stored in the freezer, the Dual Auto Ice Maker helps free-up fridge space too.

Twin Cooling Systems

Samsung’s Twin Cooling Plus™ system was first introduced in 1995. Twin Cooling fridges contain two evaporators that manage the fridge and freezer space separately, which minimises temperature fluctuations and prevents odours from spreading between the units. Twin Cooling Plus™ systems also help to keep food fresher for longer.

Vacation Mode

Putting your refrigerator into holiday mode whilst you’re away will reduce energy consumption. This feature shuts off the fridge function for the duration of your trip, whilst allowing the freezer unit to remain active. Plus, with Cool Select+™ there's a choice of four temperatures, so you can even customise the temperature of one section to perfectly chill or freeze your food.

*Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are often used in food and beverage containers, and has been linked with possible adverse health effects.

Refrigerators, like other white goods, are rated according to their energy efficiency. The EU energy label grades products from A to F, but the best rating for fridge freezers is A. With improved insulation and temperature control, modern fridges tend to be more energy efficient. Our A Energy Grade Bespoke 2.03m Fridge Freezer with Twin Cooling Plus™ is the best for energy saving.

Whilst shopping around for a new fridge, you’ll come across the terms ‘integrated’ and ‘freestanding.’ Integrated (or built-in) fridge freezers are hidden away behind a kitchen cabinet door; freestanding fridges are separate, stand-alone appliances that aren’t fitted into your kitchen units.

When choosing a freestanding fridge freezer, it’s important to think about the look of the model, since it’s going to be a focal point in your kitchen. Freestanding units can be installed pretty much anywhere in a room, as long as they’re close to a plug socket. What’s more, they’re easy to move if needed; you can take them with you if you relocate, so freestanding fridges are a sound investment.

Because they’re hidden from view by cupboard doors, integrated fridge freezers offer a streamlined finish, which is probably why they’re becoming an increasingly popular option for family homes. However, they can be more expensive, so you’ll need to think about your budget before buying one. And because they’re difficult to fit into a new space, integrated appliances are usually left behind during house moves, so you should only consider buying a built-in fridge if you’re unlikely to relocate.

Freestanding refrigerators are easy to install; you just plug them in. However, integrated types should be installed by a professional fitter. Once your new fridge has arrived, you should leave it to sit for 3 hours before plugging it in and switching it on; you’ll also need to let the fridge stabilise overnight before loading it with food. It’s always worth giving new fridges a quick wipe down before you use them too. Any installation concerns you have should be covered in the user manual.

Fridge freezer sizes vary by model. To make sure your appliance is going to fit in your home, check the measurements of the fridge you’re looking at against the space that’s available. Measure the width and depth of the area where you’re planning to put the fridge. If you want to fit it beneath a counter, or if your ceiling is low, you should measure the height too. Remember to factor in ventilation space to make sure your fridge doesn’t overheat once installed.

Consider models that you know will fit in the space you have. Samsung fridge freezer dimensions are measured in centimetres and follow a height x width x depth scale. Integrated fridge freezers, or in other words, fridge freezers with a cupboard door attached to the front that matches the rest of the kitchen, are usually built to a standard size of 54cm wide and 55cm deep. If you prefer a freestanding fridge freezer, you could opt for something a little larger, as you won’t need to accommodate the door.