American Style Fridge Freezers

1. What is an American-style fridge freezer?
It’s a large, side-by-side (or French door) fridge with a separate freezer section. These models are known for offering lots of storage space, with features like ice makers and water dispensers built right into the door.

2. Are American-style fridge freezers easy to maintain?
Yes, most models have easy-to-clean surfaces and removable shelves. As for the ice maker, regular cleaning is recommended to prevent buildup.

3. Do American-style fridge freezers need to be plumbed in?
It depends on the model you choose. Plumbed-in models connect directly to your mains water supply to give you a continuous stream of chilled water and freshly made ice without needing a refill. However, if you don't have a water connection nearby, you can opt for a non-plumbed model, which uses an internal manual-fill water tank instead.

4. How much space do I need to leave around the appliance? Because American fridge freezers are significantly larger than standard models in Irish kitchens, clearance is vital for ventilation and to allow the doors to swing open properly. You should generally leave at least 5cm of clearance at the sides and back, and roughly 1cm to 2cm at the top. Leaving this gap prevents the motor from overheating and ensures your appliance runs efficiently.

5. Will an American-style fridge freezer fit through a standard Irish doorway?
This is a crucial check before ordering. Our doorways are usually around 76cm to 82cm wide, while American fridge freezers often range from 70cm to over 90cm deep. We always recommend measuring your front door, internal doors, and narrow hallways carefully. In some cases, delivery teams may need to temporarily remove the appliance doors to navigate it safely into your kitchen. Chat to us first to be sure.

6. What is the difference between side-by-side and French door models?
Side-by-side models feature a vertical split down the middle, with the full-height fridge on one side and the freezer on the other. French door models feature a wide, double-door fridge section on top, with one or two large freezer drawers pulling out horizontally at the bottom. French door styles are excellent if you frequently store wide platters or large pizza boxes that require full-width shelving.

7. Are American fridge freezers completely frost-free?
Almost all modern American-style models feature "Total No Frost" technology. This continuously circulates cold air throughout both the fridge and freezer compartments to prevent ice build-up on the walls or over food labels.