American style fridge freezers

The 'American' styled fridge freezer corresponds to a side-by-side compartment design. The advantage to this style of fridge freezer is the extra storage capacity they feature and their ease of use.

For a traditional fridge freezer, the freezer is placed below the fridge, the drawback to this configuration is that it requires a person to bend down every time they need something out of the freezer. This is not ideal for someone with a bad back, or has trouble bending down, or is just plain lazy.

The side-by-side American styled design should not be confused with the retro designed fridge freezer. The American retro styled fridge freezer is simple styled from their 1950's counterparts. Smeg have designed an impressive range of 1950’s styled refrigerators, but they are more commonly referred to as 'retro' rather than 'American'.

Although the American styled fridge freezer take it's inspiration from America, it's still designed to European standards. Europe has a four star rating system to grade the capability of a freezer. For a break down on the rating system.

• 1 star : up to -6°C. Frozen food can only be stored for up to one week.
• 2 star : up to -12°C. Frozen food can only be stored for up to one month.
• 3 star : up to -18°C. Frozen food can only be stored for up to three months.
• 4 star : up to -18°C. Frozen food can only be stored for up to one year.
  

Features to look for

American styled fridge freezers are feature packed. They are expensive as well, so you should expect the following features. A selection of external electronic controls to easily alternate the temperature within the fridge and freezer. A crushed ice and water dispenser placed externally on the freezer door.It's placed externally for ease of use.

Quite a few models also include a built-in water filtration system. If your tap water is murky, then the filter can provide clean water which can last twelve months.

When it comes to storage, the fridge should provide a selection of solutions, such as an adjustable humidity crisper. This will allow for the storage of vegetables and fruit. There should be another draw which is temperature controlled for fresh meats and dairy products. The compartment for meats should be cooler than the rest of the fridge.

The advantage to a side-by-side freezer and fridge is that cool air can be diverted from the freezer section into the refrigerator section.