February 2023 - Power To The Kitchen

Is Microwave 900 Watt Good? Know From Power To The Kitchen

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Is a 900 watt microwave good? A microwave 900 watt should give you a good amount of cooking power which should result in food that is cooked quickly.

Most microwaves are rated between 600 – 1100 Watts. Microwaves rated at 700 watts and less may not cook food at the same speed as those with higher ratings. Generally the higher the wattage rating, the quicker food should cook.

At 900 watts you should be able to cook and heat up your food relatively quickly.

However, just because a microwave has 900 watts of power does not necessarily mean it will be the best performer. It’s usually best to look at each microwave.

Ultimately it will depend on the specific 900 watt model you choose to buy. Let’s take a look at the best microwaves 900 watt in UK available.

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Lets Find The Best Microwaves 900 W

Not all 900 watt microwaves will perform the same. Below we take a look at our best microwaves 900 watt.

1 – Bosch Series 2 HMT84M461B

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The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B is a great 900 watt solo microwave that combines excellent build quality, lots of useful features, great performance and high user satisfaction to make it one of the very best microwave 900 watt available.

This a solo microwave (meaning there’s no oven or grill) and it does the job perfectly.

The Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B is a powerful unit coming in at 900W which comes in handy when you need to quickly heat your food. It has 5 power levels which are easy to select with 5 clearly labelled corresponding buttons on the control panel (90, 180, 360, 600, 900 Watts). This gives you a great range in cooking flexibility from a low 90W which is recommended for defrosting delicate items to a blistering 900 W best for heating up liquids.

In fact the simplicity of the control panel is one of the best features of the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B. You can tell it has been designed with making life as simple as possible. It comes with a pull-out rotary dial for making your selections.

The control panel makes life easy if you’re just looking for a quick re-heat option but also has 7 pre-set automatic programmes. These include options for cooking rice, potatoes and vegetables as well as defrosting meat, poultry and bread.

The microwave is also equipped with an option that allows you to select the weight of your food and let the machine do the rest.

Quite helpfully it also comes with a timer which can run up to 99 minutes which can be handy for dishes that need to be slow cooked. The long countdown is a nice feature as a lot of models only give you around 30 minutes.

A nice added bonus for the settings is the fact this model has a memory function that will allow you to create your own program. This is particularly useful if you have one dish you tend to cook or heat up regularly.

The control panel is equipped with an LED display which is clearly visible from meters away. It can also be used as a clock when not in use which can be surprisingly handy in the kitchen.

The great visibility also goes for the internal light which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on your food whilst it is cooking.

Coming in black and white options, it may not have the glitzy colours of some other models but what you get is powerful and reliable machine from a world-renowned German engineering brand.

With a 25Litre capacity it has a fairly generous capacity whilst a 315mm turntable means you can get large plates and dishes into the microwave. These features make it a great fit for families as well those looking for a solo microwave that’s larger than the average size.

Another great benefit with this unit is the fact it comes with ample information and cooking guides to help you find the best ways to make the most of the power you are getting.

Something else you don’t often see is the possibility of changing the duration of the beeping when the timer comes to an end. You can choose a short duration of 3 beeps or a much longer duration of 30 beeps.

One thing to bear in mind for where you place the microwave on your kitchen counter is that it needs a minimum of 30cm clearance above the unit.

Verdict

Overall the Bosch Series 2 HMT84M421B is one of the most highly rated solo microwaves on the market and when you look closely it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for microwave that does everything well, is built to a high standard and won’t cost you too much, look no further.

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Key Features

900 watts of cooking power for quick meals
Easy to use control panel
25litre capacity
5 power levels

2 – Sharp R372WM Solo Microwave – White Microwave 900 Watt UK

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The Sharp R372WM is a microwave that does what is was designed to do well and keeps things simple in the process whilst offering your excellent value for money.

Everything with this microwave is kept simple but high quality and it works brilliantly.

With 900W of cooking power, your food is cooked fast and also evenly. You’ll get a range of 11 different power levels to give you lots of flexibility when determining how much power you need for whatever you are cooking.

One of the things that users mention the most about the Sharp 372WM is just how easy it is to use. It’s always a good sign if you can quickly look at the control panel of a microwave and figure out how to get it working without needing to resort to the instruction manual though this is always a good idea to get the maximum value out of it. The Sharp 372WM falls into that category. The control panel is digital and touch control as well as relatively easy to understand.

Quite usefully it has a auto minute button which can often end up being the one that gets used most often by people just looking for a quick re-heating job. This will heat your food at maximum power (900W) for one minute at the touch of the button. You can extend the cooking time up to a maximum of 99 minutes.

There’s also a kitchen timer which can use for other jobs around the kitchen such as timing boiled eggs.

The Sharp 372WM also comes with a range of auto-cook functions which will automatically determine the best cooking mode for 6 different food groups including jacket potatoes, pizza, popcorn as well as reheating tea and coffee.

The microwave also has two defrost functions based on time and weight.

Indeed if you are like many microwave users who will only need their machine for re-heating and defrosting food then this is a perfect option.

The Sharp 372WM is 25litre capacity microwave which is a good ample size and would suit families and larger households. Indeed Sharp

The door opening mechanism adds to the ease of operation which is equipped with a push button rather than a handle. This method of door opening tends to be easier for most as it relies on far less force than a door handle.

For added peace of mind, the Sharp 372WM is equipped with a child lock.

Verdict

Overall, the Sharp 372WM is an excellent solo microwave that does its job well and offers brilliant value for money as well as a highly rated microwave. If you need a microwave that will cook, heat and de-frost your food quickly and efficiently with none of the fuss, the Sharp 372WM fits the bill.

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Key Features

900 Watts
11 power levels
Digital touch pad
25litre capacity
Child lock
Type: Solo microwave
Dimensions (External): W51.3cm x 306.2 x 429.5
Dimensions (Internal): 330.0 x 208.0 x 369.0
Available Colours: (i) White and (ii) Black

#3 – Russell Hobbs RHM3003B 30L Digital 900W Combination Microwave

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The Russell Hobbs RHM300B 30litre digital 900w combination microwave is a rare beauty as it does everything it is supposed to do well.

Combination ovens don’t always have it it easy as most only manage to some things well never allowing the user to get the full value of what they were supposed to be ordering (which may explain why some combination models are only slightly more expensive than their solo counterparts but that’s another topic).

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B does not fall into this trap with users rating it very highly and repeatedly commenting on how it does all three of its jobs (microwave, convection oven and grill) very well.

With 900 watts of cooking power the Russell Hobbs RHM300B gets through jobs easily and gives you a good range of 5 different power levels to get food exactly how you need it.

The combination mode will give you 4 different ways to combine the microwave cooking, grill and convection oven: (i) microwave and convection (ii) microwave and grill (iii) grill and convection oven and (iv) all 3.

The fan assisted convection oven does a great job of functioning like a traditional oven and has been rated very highly by users. It allows you to set temperatures between 140 degrees to 230 degrees in 10 degree intervals which is very useful as many other models only have large increments limiting your flexibility to match the desired temperature.

Another useful cooking features of the Russell Hobbs RHM300B is the multi-stage cooking for the microwave which will allow you to set two cooking modes into one timed cycle e.g. you could defrost some leftovers for 5 minutes and then heat them up for 7 minutes.

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B also comes with a handy 30+ seconds/quick start button where you can quickly cook your food for 30 seconds at 100% power. You can add 30 second intervals with another touch of the button up to a maximum of 95minutes.

For your defrostings needs you also get the choice timed or weight (it automatically selects the time needed based on entered weight) defrost functions.

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B is also equipped with 10 auto-cooking programmes for foods such as potatoes, pizza, popcorn and cake.

For a microwave with so many features, Russell Hobbs have managed to keep the control panel very simple with only 7 clearly labelled buttons and a rotary dial.

This 900watt microwave oven combination comes with an ample 30litre capacity which is great if you have a large family or tend to cater for large groups. It also has a 31.5cm turntable which will easily take large plates and various dishes for the oven.

In true Russell Hobbs fashions the RHM300B combination microwave looks sleek and elegant with a mirror door finish. It is available in either black or white.

The mirror door finish however, can be somewhat problematic as it can get easily smudged during use though a soft cloth should take care of that.

Some users also report that the internal oven light is not always as bright as they would like which is a surprisingly common issue amongst microwaves in general though given how well the Russell Hobbs RHM300B does pretty much everything else, it’s hardly a deal breaker and is not a universally held view.

One thing to bear in mind is the overall size and weight. At 19.9kg it is fairly heavy as microwaves go but considering you are also using it as an oven it is reassuring in many ways that it can’t be easily moved due to its weight.

With external dimensions of L52.0cmX W51.0cm XH33.5cm it has a relatively large footprint so bear that in mind when contemplating where it will be placed.

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Verdict

The Russell Hobbs RHM300B offers a brilliant option if you need a combination microwave, grill and convection oven that does all of its jobs well. It looks sleek and elegant, comes in two different brilliant colours and can cater for all of your family’s cooking needs.

Key Features

900 Watts
Combination microwave, grill and fan assisted oven
31.5cm turntable perfect for large plates
30 litre capacity
External Dimensions: L52.0cmX W51.0cm XH33.5cm

#4 – The Sharp R959SLMAA

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The Sharp R959SLMAAis one the best microwave 900 watt around. If you’re looking for a high capacity microwave, oven and grill with excellent features that’s easy to use then this is it.

This 900W microwave is equipped with 5 power levels giving you lots of range when cooking. You also get access to 8 preset cooking modes which help take the guesswork out of getting your food exactly how you want it. The preset options include pizza, ready meals, rice/pasta and cake.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is a combination microwave, oven and grill all in one brillaint device. This will give you lots of versatility in your cooking.

In addition to the microwave seeting, the 900W grill is equipped with quartz technology. The quartz heating elements get hot very quickly making them perfect for cooking and browning foods such as pizzas, grilled cheese sandiches and sausages.

There is convection oven with this model which can reach temperatures up to 250°C.** With ten different temperature settings ranging between 40°C and 250°C, you’ll have plenty of options for making the perfect meal for your family of 5.

To help you get the most out of your various functions the Sharp R959SLMAA also has a combination (“COMBI”) mode allowing you to combine the microwave with either the grill or convection oven. This reduces cooking time and also means your food can come out with a crispy brown finish.

One of the best features of the Sharp R959SLMAA is its extra large 40 litre capacity means you can easily cater to the needs of your household and make large dishes with no trouble. In addition the large size means it can take large dinner plates with no problem.

The Sharp R959SLMAA is designed for use on counter-tops or for built-in installation, rare versatility.

It will look great anywhere in your kitchen as the silver trim finish gives it a modern and stylish feel.

Something to bear in mind though is due to its large capacity and size it does mean that it takes up a lot of space.

So if you are tight for space in your kitchen but still need a 900w microwave then you may need to look at another option on the list.

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Verdict

Overall the Sharp R959SLMAA is a well performing 900w combination microwave, oven and grill which offers lots of cooking capacity and versatility for your kitchen.

Key Features

Extra large 40 litre capacity microwave
Microwave, convection oven, grill and combination
Quick and convenient cooking with 900W of power
Modern and stylish silver with a stainless steel finish
Dimensions: Outside dimension-W55cm x H36.8cm x D53.7cm; Inside dimension W37.5cm x H27.2cm x D39.5.

Let us know your thoughts below.

What Are The Best Ingredients For Juicing?[Updated 2023]

So you’ve just got yourself that awesome new juicer but with so many different possibilities, what are the best ingredients for juicing? Let’s take a look at some of the best ingredients and then look at some recipes.

Best Ingredients For Juicing:

Before we get into our favourite recipes, lets take a quick look at some of the best fruit and vegetables for juicing. When it comes to squeezing juice, not all produce is created equal and some types are certainly better than others.

Best Fruits For Juicing

Apples
Pineapples
Oranges
Limes
Lemons

Best Vegetables For Juicing

Carrots
Ginger
Kale
Spinach

1 – Apple, Carrot and Ginger juice

This gets our number one pick for the best juicer recipe as it combines readily available, low cost fruits and vegetables for a really great taste.

The apples (we recommend royal galas but feel free to experiment) give this juice a sweet get tangy flavour which blends perfectly with the sweet and mellow flavour of the carrots .

This hearty beverage would be good enough without ginger (and some may prefer it this way) but we think this is what gives this juice it’s x-factor. Ginger brings out the flavours in the apples and carrots perfectly whilst awaking your senses.

This recipe is perfect at anytime of day but especially good in the mornings as it can kickstart your system.

Ginger has been used for culinary as well as medical purposes for thousands of years. It is thought to help with alleviating inflammation, pain and nausea.

We especially like this recipe during the winter as ginger helps to keep you warm, it is a diaphoretic meaning it promotes sweating.

Ingredients

1 Apple, peeled or unpeeled depending on preference
3 Large Carrots, scrubbed thoroughly
10g of fresh Ginger, unpeeled

Method

Combine in machine, juice away and enjoy

2 – Strawberry and Lime Juice

Strawberry and lime headline this act but are backed up by a stellar supporting casts combining kale, spinach, apples and mint.

This is one of the most delicious juice recipes around, full of heavy hitting vitamins and nutrients.

The strawberries, lime and apples are packed full of immune boosting vitamin C, perfect for those long winter months spent battling away colds.

These are complemented by the high levels of vitamins A as well as C found in kale and spinach.

If that wasn’t quite enough punch for you, this recipe also comes equipped with a full dose of potassium which is great for fighting fatigue and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

Ingredients

1 peeled lime
1 large Granny Smith apple (peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference)
3 mint bunches/stems
8 strawberries
4 kale leaves
1 cup/serving of spinach

Method

Combine in machine, juice away and enjoy

3 – Apple and Pineapple Juice

The great taste of this juice recipe is only surpassed by its wholehearted goodness and nutrient rich blend. This healthy mix combines apple, pineapple, cucumber and lime for a great all-round flavour.

Pineapples are high in manganese which helps the body regulate calcium absorption, metabolism and bone formation. They are also rich in vitamin C giving you a welcome boost to your immune system.

The pineapple in this recipe provide a rich sweetness to the flavour that is well complemented by the slight tanginess of the gala apples.

The cucumbers help to give the juice a mellowness whilst packing it full of anti-oxidants and lots of nutrients including vitamin K which is vital for blood clotting meaning it helps wounds heal properly.

Ingredients

1 peeled lime
1 large Granny Smith apple (peeled or unpeeled, depending on your preference)
Half a large unpeeled cucumber
1 cup of peeled and cubed pineapple

Method

Combine in machine, juice away and enjoy

Check Out: Adding More Veg And Fruit in Diet in 5 Easy Ways!

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Top 4 Best Metal Backed Fridge Freezers under $600

Your fridge freezer is perhaps the most important appliance in your home. But deciding on the best model isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the contenders for the best metal backed fridge freezer.

What Are Metal Backed Fridge Freezers And Are They Better Than Others?

Metal backed fridge freezers are those that use metal for the material on the backing plate. Typically fridge freezer backs have been made of either metal or plastic.

Though both types can meet the relevant safety standards in recent years it has been established that those with plastic backings can sometimes accelerate the spread of fire.

The metal backed fridge freezers are flame retardant.

From this point onwards any models we mention in our list of the best metal backed fridge freezers below are all metal backed.

What are the best metal backed fridge freezers?

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1 – Beko CFG1582DW – Best Fridge Freezer Under £300

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We’re big fans of the Beko CFG1582DW and it makes our pick for the best fridge freezer under £300 as well as being our overall number one selection for the best metal backed fridge freezers. It is easily one of the best metal backed fridge freezers around and you’ll quickly notice why.

One of the first things that stands out is the clever design of the water dispenser which is a must for many these days. The water tank is built into the bottom of the side tray on the door meaning it does not take up space unnecessarily with a separate tank and blends in very nicely to the overall design.

Another bonus with this dispenser is that it does not require any additional plumbing – just top up the water whenever you run low.

The frost free feature with this fridge is one of the best things about it and you’ll notice that you never have to worry about frost building up which will keep your machine running as efficiently as possible.

Talking of which, this model has an energy efficiency rating of A+ which should help with your electricity consumption.

As an added extra Beko state that due to its ‘Freezer Guard Technology’ you can use the model in outbuildings, garage or anywhere else in the home and it will continue to operate smoothly.

Quite helpfully the freezer has an ice bank tray which is handy for making and holding ice cubes on a flat surface – rather than finding them balancing atop of your frozen peas.

This Beko has a fairly large capacity (net volume 261 litres) for what you pay. It has full width commodity racks on the side of the door leaving you with plenty of space to store your favourite essentials.

Final Verdict: The Beko CFG1582DW is our overall number 1 pick and our choice for the best fridge freezer under £300 for the great value it offers and excellent features.

Key Benefits

Metal Backed (Flame Retardent)
261litre capacity
Frost free feature to keep your machine running efficiently
Plumbing free water dispenser
Ice bank tray for easy storage of ice cubes
Energy efficiency rating of A+ which should result in better energy usage
H182 x W54.5 x D60cm

2 – Samsung – RB31FDRNDSA – Best Fridge Freezer Under £400

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The excellent Samsung RB31FDRNDSA fridge freezer is our number 2 pick for the best metal backed fridge freezers and our choice for best fridge freezer under £400.

This sleek Samsung frost free model with a 70/30 split, packs in a lot of benefits for the price you pay (£365.00 at the time of writing). It has a number of features you would expect to find in more expensive models.

The first thing that hits you about this fridge freezer is it’s stylish design and smooth finish. Whether you opt for the sliver/grey or black versions, each will leaves you with a notable first impression.

The water dispenser on the front of the model will make a great addition to your kitchen as it lets you store and chill your drinking water.

It’s not connected to your mains water supply however, meaning you will have to remove the water container and top it up manually which can sometimes feel like a chore but is definitely not a deal-breaker.

The fridge has a capacity of 208 litres meaning you will have plenty of space to store fresh food and more in the top compartment. Whilst the freezer has a net capacity of 98 litres big enough to store plenty of food.

One of the best things about this model is the fact that you will hardly notice it’s there when you are not using it. At 39 decibels it is relatively quiet.

It has an A+ energy rating and reassuringly comes with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Final Verdict: This is a great all-round fridge freezer model which gives you several features you would expect to pay more for than the £349 it is currently available for.

Key Benefits

Metal Backed (Flame Retardent)
Large 308 total net capacity
Frost free functionality giving you a hassle free model
A+ Energy Efficiency rating which should help with energy consumption
2 Year Manufacturer’s warranty giving you peace of mind
70/30 Split
Dimensions: H185 x W59.5 x D66.8cm

3 – Samsung RB29FWRNDBC – Best Fridge Freezer Under £500

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The brilliant Samsung RB29FWRNDBC makes it on our list as our best fridge freezer under £500 and number 3 on our overall picks for the best metal backed fridge freezers.

This model has a 60/40 door split making it a good option if you consume a lot of fresh stuff but also need a good amount of freezer space.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you get this model whether in black or silver is just how good it looks.

As you would expect of any Samsung designed product, it looks sleek and impressive. This model certainly stands out and has the look of a high-end machine to it.

When you first open the fridge door, you’ll be immediately struck by how open and spacious the compartments feel.

The fridge comes with 4 shelves including the top of the salad crisper. One of these is a handy “Easy Slide” shelf which means you can pull it forward all the way to the edge and reach for items that would otherwise require lots of navigation to get to.

It’s built on rolling hinges so you can easily slide it back into place once you have what you need.

Continuing the theme of easy and convenient storage, the 3 freezer drawers have larger openings than conventional models.

The “Full Open Box” design of the draws makes easy to remove large and bulky items. It can also fully open even if the door is only open at 90 degrees which will allow you to make optimum use of the space in your kitchen when deciding where to locate it.

This Samsung model boasts a net capacity of 288 litres . The fridge has 190 litres to offer whilst the freezer has 90 litres.

The machine is frost free due to its consistent cooling mechanism meaning you will not have to worry about constantly defrosting it manually. This also means it is more energy efficient.

The plumbing free water dispenser on the front door is a real winner; simply fill up the 4.5litre capacity tank and sip away on beautifully chilled water.

Final Verdict: If your budget can afford to stretch this far then this is a great option. It offers some great features as well as plenty of capacity for your cooling needs.

Key Benefits

Metal Backed (Flame Retardent)
Frost free functionality for low maintenance
Freestanding – place it anywhere in your kitchen
Good sized net capacity at 288 litres
60/40 door split
Available in black and silver
Dimensions: 64.7 x 59.5 x 178 cm

4 – Which Is Better Hisense Fridge Freezer OR Russell Hobbs

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The wonderfully slim Hisense 264 Litre Freestanding Fridge Freezer or Russell Hobbs RH50FF144B both gets our vote for the best freezer for a single person and number 4 on our list of the best metal backed fridge freezers. However we’ll discuss Russel Hobbs Model below in detail.

This model looks brilliant and is likely to be a welcomed upgrade in most kitchens. One of the best things about this excellent fridge freezer is the choice in colour. Whether its the sleek black; striking red; cool silver or classic white the Russell Hobbs RH50FF144B caters to all kinds of tastes

You will quickly come to appreciate the relative silence that comes when this fridge freezer is on. You will barely notice it is on thanks to the 41dB operating noise level (normal conversation is around 60dB).

This fridge freezer features reversible doors meaning you can choose which was you want the doors to open. This is particularly useful if you have space constraints in your kitchen.

In terms of style, this Russell Hobbs model looks sleek in any colour though we especially like the white and red designs.

The cool thing with Russell Hobbs appliances of course is that you can match the colour across various appliances so for example if you opted for the red fridge freezer you could then also go for red matching microwave, kettle and toaster.

The size of this fridge freezer unit means its perfect if you have a smaller than average kitchen or are tight for space but still want a reasonably sized machine.

With 50cm width and 54cm depth it comfortably has the smallest footprint on our list meaning you will not have to give up nearly as much space as some of the other models.

With a height of 141cm (roughly 4ft 6inches) it is also far shorter than the rest of the options on our list and makes it a great option if you have height constraints or need to fit in a small utility room.

The capacity of this fridge freezer is great if you don’t need as much as space as the typical models offer.

There are certainly other fridge-freezer models on this list and available that offer you more capacity for a similar price. However, if you don’t actually need all that space a half-empty fridge may not always be the most efficient to operate.

The unit has a total net capacity of 156 Litres with the fridge offering 100 Litres and the freezer providing 56 Litres. At this capacity you could fit around typical 9 shopping bags

This capacity would be well suited to a small household or a single person as well as a couple.

The fridge compartments comes equipped with 3 glass shelves 2 of which are very helpfully adjustable. There is also a storage compartment (cripser drawer) for your fruit and vegetables.

The fridge door has 3 fixed racks which will be handy for holding milk and drink bottles as well as condiments and things you use regularly. There is also an egg tray.

The freezer has 3 draws all of which are see-through. This is a great feature which will make it easier to pick out things you need.

As is common with freezers, the bottom drawer is taller than the rest which makes it perfect for storage larger items.

This model has an A+ energy rating which compares well to units of a similar price range.

One thing to note that may not be entirely appealing although unlikely to be a deal-breaker, is that it does not have a specific frost-free system. However, it still runs very efficiently and it’s unlikely that you will see reports of any issues on this front.

To keep it working at its best over the long-run, a defrost is probably a good idea every so often.

The unit comes with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. You may be able to get an additional year for free if you register the appliance with Russell Hobbs.

Final Verdict

The Hisense 264 Litre Free is a great model if you are searching for a sleek and modern looking fridge freezer that will be well suited to a small kitchen or a single person household at a great price.

Key Benefits

Metal Backed (Flame Retardent)
156 Litre Net Capacity – perfect for smaller households
Free-standing – so it can be located anywhere in your kitchen
Available in white, black, red and silver
Dimensions: H141.8 × W50 × D54cm.

What factors do I need to consider when buying a fridge?

Size: The size of the fridge freezer is critical as it needs to fit into your existing kitchen in keeping with the style you want.

Be sure to check the space where you intend to put the fridge to make sure it is suitable. It also will need space around the back and sides for air circulation.

Price: How much you spend on your fridge freezer of course depends on your budget but we mention it here because price is not always an indictor of quality.

Fridge freezers tend to start from around £200 to a few thousand however, just because a model costs £8,00 doesn’t necessarily means it will be any better than one that sets you back £350. It really depends on what your needs are.

Fridge-Freezer Ratio: To give you a quick and easy way to compare the split between the fridge and freezer models are often stated in proportions e.g. 50/50; 70/30 and 60/40.

As an example a 50/50 models means 50% of the machine is taken up by the fridge door whilst the freezer occupies the other 50%. Remember this is not the actual split of the capacity; merely the doors but it at least gives you a rough idea.

Think carefully about the type of storage you need. If you tend to buy a lot of fresh food then you may want to prioritise a larger fridge compartment (e.g. 70/30). Whereas if you do a lot of bulk cooking or reliant on ready meals then you may want a larger freezer section.

There are some other splits like 80/20 and 65/35 however, they are not as readily available.

Capacity/Space: The internal storage space/capacity of your fridge freezer is one the most important features you need to think about.

Slightly confusing at times you’ll see capacity stated in both gross and net terms. Gross capacity is the total space you have in a given compartment or overall.

The net capacity is the usable space you have once you take away what’s already occupied by shelving units etc.

Freestanding vs. Built-In: You’ll often see descriptions of machines online with the term “freestanding” next to them. This simply means the model is standalone and can be set anywhere there is space in your kitchen. This contrasts to built-in model that are suitable for integration into cabinets etc.

Other Features To Look Out For: Water dispensers can be useful especially for chilled water in the summer months; transparent glass and plastic draw and shelves for visibility and frost-free function for extra convenience.