The split ratio of your fridge freezer refers to the percentage of space allocated to the fridge and the freezer compartments. You can determine the split ratio by measuring the height of each door and dividing it by the total height of the appliance. For example, if your fridge door is 120 cm and your freezer door is 71.5 cm, and the total height of your fridge freezer is 191.5 cm, then the split ratio is 120/191.5 = 0.63 for the fridge and 71.5/191.5 = 0.37 for the freezer. This means you have a 60/40 fridge freezer.
But why does the split ratio matter? And how do you choose the best split ratio for your needs? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide some tips on how to find the best fridge freezer for your kitchen.
The split ratio of your fridge freezer affects several factors, such as:
Storage capacity: The split ratio determines how much food you can store in your fridge and freezer. Depending on your eating habits and preferences, you may need more or less space for fresh or frozen food. For example, if you eat mostly fresh food, you may want a larger fridge section, such as a 70/30 or 80/20 split. If you stock up on frozen food, you may want a 50/50 or 40/60 split.
Energy efficiency: The split ratio also influences how much energy your fridge freezer consumes. Generally, the freezer section uses more energy than the fridge section, because it has to maintain a lower temperature. Therefore, a larger freezer section means higher energy consumption and costs. According to the Energy Star website, a typical 60/40 fridge freezer uses about 551 kWh per year, while a typical 50/50 fridge freezer uses about 608 kWh per year. That’s a difference of 57 kWh, or about $7 per year, based on the average electricity price of 12.8 cents per kWh in the US.
Kitchen layout: The split ratio also affects how your fridge freezer fits in your kitchen. Depending on the size and shape of your kitchen, you may have more or less space for your fridge freezer. For example, if you have a narrow kitchen, you may want a taller fridge freezer with a smaller footprint, such as a 70/30 or 80/20 split. If you have a wide kitchen, you may want a wider fridge freezer with more storage space, such as a 50/50 or 40/60 split.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best split ratio for your fridge freezer. It depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, budget, and kitchen design. However, here are some general guidelines to help you make an informed decision:
Consider your eating habits: Think about how much fresh and frozen food you buy, cook, and consume. Do you prefer fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meats? Or do you rely on frozen meals, pizzas, and ice cream? Do you shop frequently or in bulk? Do you cook for yourself or for a large family? These questions will help you determine how much fridge and freezer space you need.
Compare different models: Once you have an idea of your preferred split ratio, you can start looking for different models of fridge freezers that match your criteria. You can use online tools, such as the Bing Shopping website, to compare different brands, features, prices, and ratings of fridge freezers. You can also visit local appliance stores to see the fridge freezers in person and get a feel for their size and quality.
Check the measurements: Before you buy a fridge freezer, you should always check the measurements of the appliance and the space where you plan to install it. You should measure the height, width, and depth of both the fridge freezer and the kitchen space, and make sure they fit. You should also leave some extra space around the fridge freezer for ventilation and opening the doors. You can find the measurements of the fridge freezer on the product specifications or the user manual.
Read the reviews: Another way to choose the best fridge freezer for your needs is to read the reviews from other customers who have bought and used the same model. You can find reviews on online platforms, such as the Amazon website, or on independent websites, such as the Consumer Reports website. Reviews can give you valuable insights into the performance, reliability, durability, and customer service of the fridge freezer.
The split ratio of your fridge freezer is an important factor to consider when buying a new appliance. It affects the storage capacity, energy efficiency, and kitchen layout of your fridge freezer. To determine the split ratio of your fridge freezer, you can measure the height of each door and divide it by the total height of the appliance. To choose the best split ratio for your needs, you should consider your eating habits, compare different models, check the measurements, and read the reviews. By following these tips, you can find the best fridge freezer for your kitchen and enjoy fresh and frozen food at your convenience.
