American style fridge freezers divide into models that connect to the mains water for ice and chilled water, and models that do not. It is the first decision to make because it limits which models you can have and may need a plumber before the fridge arrives.
Plumbed
A plumbed fridge freezer has a water inlet at the back that connects to the cold water supply, usually through a self-cutting valve on the kitchen supply pipe and a length of 6mm tubing. It gives unlimited chilled water and automatic ice. You need a cold water pipe within reach, roughly 1.5 metres, a water filter inside the fridge that is replaced every six months at around 30 to 50 pounds, and a plumber or competent DIY for the connection.
Non-plumbed
A non-plumbed fridge freezer either has no dispenser or has a dispenser fed by a refillable tank in the fridge door, typically 3 to 4 litres, which gives chilled water but not automatic ice. It needs only a socket and can go anywhere. There is no filter to buy and nothing to install.
Which to choose
- Choose plumbed if you drink a lot of cold water, use ice daily and have a supply pipe nearby.
- Choose non-plumbed if the fridge will stand away from any pipework, if you rent, or if you want the lowest running cost.
- Ice makers inside the freezer compartment on non-plumbed models need filling by hand but still produce ice.
Layouts
Side by side models split the cabinet vertically into a tall fridge and tall freezer. French door models put a full-width fridge above freezer drawers, which suits large dishes. Four door and multi-door models add a convertible compartment.
Getting it into the house
American fridge freezers are 90cm wide and around 70cm to 75cm deep with handles, and the doors may need removing to pass through a standard door frame. Measure the route in before ordering and tell us about tight access when you book delivery.
Compare American style fridge freezers, plumbed and non-plumbed.