Why You Should Have A Separate Fridge And Freezer

Deciding to purchase a separate refrigerator and freezer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination can be a tad confusing when you are out shopping for new appliances — especially if you didn't even know you had the option of getting them separately! The choice also raises the question of whether it's better to have a separate freezer and fridge, or a single combined fridge that contains both. 

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but custom kitchen designer Jean Stoffer thinks a separate fridge and freezer setup is the way to go (via House Beautiful). It isn't a hard and fast rule, so a smart homeowner will consider their options carefully before making a purchase. Keep in mind that you may have to alter your kitchen configuration in order to accommodate everything, but separate appliances may still be the superior choice. To help you make an informed decision, here are some pros and cons of each set-up

Here's one very possible scenario you may find yourself in if you have a combined fridge: if either the freezer or the fridge goes down, you then have to buy an entirely new unit, with one fully functional appliance discarded. Thus, it's likely that you'll have to replace your fridge more frequently if you use a combined one.

Even though combined refrigerators come in a variety of sizes, you may discover that the storage space you're provided with is rather limited. You may want to have either a larger refrigerator or larger freezer, or perhaps both, depending on your needs and preferences. If you have a particularly large family, prefer to buy in bulk, or do your meal prep well in advance, you'll need plenty of space, and a separate appliance setup may come in handy. 

Jean Stoffer makes an excellent point that having a separate fridge and freezer can actually make cooking simultaneously with another person a lot more efficient (via House Beautiful). Convenience also depends on how often you use both the fridge and the freezer to prepare a single meal. With these benefits, why wouldn't you want a separate fridge and freezer? Well, there are a few other factors you should consider...

There's no way around it — in nearly every case, two appliances cost more than just one. The price, of course, is determined by other factors such as the brand and size of the appliance, but all else being equal, this rule of thumb still applies. Before making a decision, you'll need to determine your budget and which of the available options fall within that number. 

 Some manufacturers specialize in just a few types of fridges and freezers, but you can find a good deal with others who provide a wider range. If you place a high value on brand recognition, know that your search may be narrowed to only the most expensive options (via Appliance Chat).

When weighing the various pros and cons of each option, there are several aspects to take into account. According to CNET, you'll have to first figure out how much available space you have in your kitchen for an upgrade and reflect on your household's grocery habits. Dependability is another major consideration that could either grant you peace of mind or cost you down the road. In addition to all this, it's best to research your options to avoid mistakes that you might make when buying a refrigerator. If you're thoughtful and diligent, you're sure to find the right fit!