BUYING A COMBI REFRIGERATOR? 7 THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU DECIDE

Buying a refrigerator may seem simple at first: measure the available space, choose the right size, and find a model you like. However, it is only through everyday use that you realise how much your choice is affected by factors you may not have considered, such as the distribution of space between the fridge and freezer compartments, the cooling system, noise level, and energy consumption.

A combi refrigerator is a practical solution when you want both a refrigerator and a freezer in a single appliance, but not all models are the same. That is why it is worth looking beyond the total capacity and design before making a purchase.

Here is what you really need to check.

1. What fridge freezer capacity do you actually need?

A larger refrigerator is not necessarily a better choice. It is far more important that its capacity suits the size of your household and your habits.

If you cook frequently, shop for several days in advance, or store plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, having more space in the refrigerator compartment may be more important than having a large freezer.

On the other hand, if you freeze prepared meals, meat, vegetables, or seasonal produce, pay close attention to the capacity of the freezer compartment.

When comparing two fridge freezers, do not look only at the figure indicating the total net capacity. Check how that capacity is divided between the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

For example, the Tesla RC4201FTBE has a total net capacity of 417 litres, with 276 litres allocated to the refrigerator and 141 litres to the freezer.

In other words, ask yourself where you actually need more space, not simply how many litres the appliance offers.

2. Do not look at capacity alone: check the refrigerator’s dimensions

This is one of the easiest things to overlook.

Two refrigerators with a similar capacity do not necessarily have the same external dimensions.

Before purchasing, carefully measure the space where the appliance will be placed and check:

• the width, height, and depth of the appliance;
• the space required for correct installation and ventilation, as specified by the manufacturer;
• whether the doors can open freely;
• whether open doors or pulled-out drawers will come into contact with a wall, kitchen units, or other appliances.

Pay particular attention to the refrigerator’s depth. A few additional centimetres can make a significant difference to how far the appliance extends beyond the line of the kitchen units.

One more practical point: before buying a large refrigerator, check the route it will need to take to reach the kitchen, including the width of the entrance and internal doors, hallways, and any stairs.

This is not information you will find on the energy label, but it can become crucial once the refrigerator arrives at your address.

3. Would you prefer the freezer at the top or the bottom?

In many modern fridge freezers, the freezer is located in the lower section of the appliance.

This layout offers a very practical advantage: the refrigerator compartment, which we use most frequently, is positioned roughly at eye and hand level, so there is less need to bend down whenever you need to reach your food.

If you use the freezer only occasionally but open the refrigerator many times throughout the day, this layout may be particularly convenient.

However, there is no single solution that suits everyone. Consider your habits: which compartment do you open more often, and how much space do you need in each one?

That is a much more useful question than simply asking, “Which fridge freezer is the best?”

4. What does Total No Frost mean, and do you need it?

If you have ever had to switch off a freezer and wait for built-up ice to melt, you probably already understand why No Frost technology has become an important factor when choosing a new appliance.

Total No Frost uses the circulation of cold air to reduce moisture build-up and the formation of ice. In Tesla models featuring this technology, separate airflow between the refrigerator and freezer compartments also helps prevent odours from mixing between the two sections.

For the user, the most important practical benefit is less need for manual defrosting and easier appliance maintenance.

If you are buying a refrigerator that you intend to use for many years, this is certainly a feature worth considering.

5. How important is the refrigerator’s energy class?

Very important, because a refrigerator is one of the appliances that operates 24 hours a day, throughout the entire year.

As a result, a difference in consumption that may seem small on a daily basis becomes much more significant over years of use.

When comparing models, do not focus solely on the energy-class letter.

Also check the annual electricity consumption in kWh, as this allows you to compare appliances more accurately.

For example, the Tesla RC3800FHXC is rated energy class C and consumes 168 kWh of energy per year.

Therefore, when choosing between several models, compare the energy class, annual consumption, capacity, and your own needs together—instead of basing your decision on a single figure.

6. Look at the interior, not only the exterior design

Black, white, or stainless steel? Of course appearance matters. A refrigerator is a large appliance and has a significant impact on the overall look of your kitchen.

However, you will spend much more time using its interior.

Check the number and arrangement of shelves, the door storage, the fruit and vegetable drawers, and the organisation of the freezer.

Think about real-life situations.

Where will you place a large cooking pot? Is there enough room for tall bottles? Can you easily organise the food you use every day? Does the arrangement of the freezer drawers allow you to quickly find what you are looking for?

A well-designed layout can make a smaller refrigerator more practical in everyday use than a larger but poorly organised model.

7. Pay attention to the features you will actually use

Modern fridge freezers may offer a wide range of additional features, but not all of them are equally important to every user.

The Super Cooling function, for example, is useful when you add a large amount of food or drink that needs to be cooled quickly.

The Super Freezing function can be practical when placing a larger quantity of fresh food in the freezer.

Models such as the Tesla RC4201FTBE offer both functions, as well as an external touchscreen display for easier temperature control.

The rule, however, is simple: do not choose a refrigerator based on the number of features listed in its specifications. Choose it according to the features you will actually use.

The best fridge freezer is the one that suits your habits. There is no single capacity, technology, or model that will be ideal for every household.

When buying a fridge freezer, the best approach is therefore to first consider how you will actually use it—and only then compare the specifications.

Tesla’s range of fridge freezers includes models with different capacities, dimensions, energy classes, and features, allowing you to choose the appliance that best suits the available space and the needs of your household.

Explore Tesla combi refrigerators

FAQ: frequently asked questions about combi refrigerators

What is a combi refrigerator?

A combi refrigerator combines a refrigerator and a freezer in a single appliance. The two compartments have separate storage areas and doors, while the freezer may be located either above or below the refrigerator compartment, depending on the model.

What does Total No Frost mean?

Total No Frost is a cooling system that circulates cold air to reduce ice formation and the need for manual defrosting. The exact design and operation of the system depend on the manufacturer and model.

Which is more important: the total capacity or the capacity of the refrigerator compartment?

Both are important, but the total capacity alone is not enough to make an informed choice. Check how many litres are allocated to the refrigerator and how many to the freezer, then choose the ratio that best suits your habits.

What should you consider when checking the dimensions of a fridge freezer?

Check the appliance’s width, depth, and height, as well as the installation requirements specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. It is also important to ensure there is enough room to open the doors fully and pull out the drawers without obstruction.