American Style Fridge Freezers

Shop American style fridge freezers with side-by-side, French door and quad door layouts, including freestanding and selected built-in models. Compare width, fridge and freezer capacity, energy rating, noise level, frost-free cooling, smart connectivity and plumbed or non-plumbed ice and water options before choosing the right model for your kitchen.

Choosing an American style fridge freezer

Start with the space available rather than capacity alone. The current range includes slimmer models around 79–80cm wide as well as larger appliances around 90–92cm wide. Check the full width, height and depth of the appliance, then allow for ventilation, handles and the space required to open the doors and drawers fully.

American style fridge freezers also differ significantly in layout. A side-by-side model divides the appliance vertically, while French door models normally place a wide refrigerator above one or more freezer drawers. Quad door models use four main doors or compartments and can make it easier to organise different types of fresh and frozen food.

Freestanding or built-in?

Freestanding American style fridge freezers are generally simpler to position and replace, but their width, depth and door swing still need careful measurement. Many models are deeper than standard kitchen base units, so check how far the doors and handles will project beyond surrounding cabinetry.

Built-in and integrated large-format models require more detailed planning. Panel-ready Fisher & Paykel models are designed to sit flush within cabinetry and require suitable front panels. Some versions with water dispensing have additional panel and plumbing requirements. Miele MasterCool fridge freezers are also designed around dedicated cabinetry, furniture fronts and precise installation dimensions rather than being treated as standard freestanding appliances.

Ice and water: plumbed or non-plumbed?

Do not assume every American style fridge freezer has an ice or water dispenser. Where a dispenser is fitted, check whether it needs a permanent mains-water connection or uses an internal water container. A plumbed model can provide convenient filtered water and automatic ice production, but the installation position must be close enough to an appropriate water supply.

Samsung's current RS70 side-by-side models use a plumbed ice and water dispenser. Selected Fisher & Paykel models also provide chilled water and automatic ice, while other models omit an external dispenser to provide a cleaner door design or maximise internal storage.

Fresh-food storage and cooling features

Different manufacturers use different names for systems that control temperature, airflow and humidity. It is more useful to understand what the feature does than to compare names alone.

Capacity, energy use and noise

A larger litre capacity can be useful for family shopping, batch cooking and entertaining, but compare the split between refrigerator and freezer space rather than relying on the total figure alone. Two appliances with similar total capacities can provide very different amounts of frozen storage.

Compare the current A–G energy class together with annual electricity consumption in kWh. Capacity matters when making that comparison: a larger appliance may use more electricity in absolute terms even where its cooling system is efficient for its size.

Noise is particularly relevant in open-plan kitchens. Check the stated airborne noise figure in dB rather than relying on broad descriptions such as “quiet”. The current American style range includes models in the 30dB and low-40dB range, depending on size and specification.

Measure the installation space carefully

Measure the opening at more than one point and check the appliance's full width, depth and height. Also check the manufacturer's ventilation requirements, door-opening angle, drawer clearance and delivery route through doorways, halls and stairs.

For built-in models, use the manufacturer's niche and installation drawings rather than the appliance dimensions alone. Panel-ready appliances may require separately supplied furniture panels, handles, toe kicks or other installation components.

American style fridge freezer FAQs

What width is an American style fridge freezer?

There is no single standard width. The suitable models currently sold in this category include slimline large-capacity designs around 79–80cm wide and many 90–92cm models. Always use the dimensions of the individual appliance rather than assuming that “American style” means exactly 90cm.

What is the difference between a French door and a side-by-side fridge freezer?

A side-by-side fridge freezer normally divides fresh and frozen storage vertically behind two tall doors. A French door model typically has two refrigerator doors across the top with freezer drawers or compartments below. The better option depends on how much wide-shelf fridge space and freezer organisation you need.

Are all American style fridge freezers plumbed?

No. Some models require a mains-water connection for ice and chilled water, some use a refillable internal container, and others have no dispenser. Check the individual specification and installation requirements before ordering.

Can I buy an integrated American style fridge freezer?

Yes. Selected large-format Fisher & Paykel, Bertazzoni and Miele fridge freezers are designed for built-in or integrated installation. These require more precise cabinet dimensions, ventilation and door-panel planning than freestanding models.

Do American style fridge freezers need plumbing if they only make ice?

It depends on the model. Some automatic ice makers connect to the mains water supply, while other appliances use an internal water tank or provide no automatic ice function. Check the dispenser and water-connection specification for the exact model.

Do frost-free American fridge freezers need defrosting?

Frost-free and No Frost systems are designed to prevent significant ice build-up in the freezer, removing the routine manual defrosting required by traditional static freezers. Normal cleaning and maintenance are still required.

Related fridge freezer categories

For a wider selection of sizes and formats, browse fridge freezers. If you only need appliances designed to stand independently, see freestanding fridge freezers. For concealed kitchen installations, compare integrated fridge freezers and large built-in cooling. You can also browse frost-free fridge freezers or return to the complete cooling appliances range.