If you’re upgrading to an American fridge freezer, you’re probably looking for three things: lots of space, hassle-free cooling and a design that actually looks good in your kitchen. The Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE American Fridge Freezer ticks all of those boxes, with Total No Frost, a non-plumbed water dispenser and a sleek Black / Stainless Steel finish that suits modern homes. In this guide we’ll use it as a real-world example of what to look for, and also compare it with a few closely matched Hisense alternatives to help you decide which layout and feature set will work best in your home.
Why American fridge freezers are so popular in UK kitchens
For many households, a standard 60cm fridge freezer just doesn’t cut it anymore. Big weekly food shops, more fresh ingredients and busy family schedules all push storage to the limit. American fridge freezers bring wide shelves, generous door bins and a more organised freezer space, so you’re not digging around at the back of tiny drawers.
The Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE is a good example of this new generation. It combines a statement four-door design with modern features like Total No Frost and Wi-Fi connectivity, without the sky-high price you might expect from a premium-looking appliance. If you’re weighing it up for your kitchen, you can also read our full review of the Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE for a more detailed, hands-on look.
Understanding layouts: four-door versus side-by-side
Before you get carried away with finishes and fancy extras, start with the basic layout. It has the biggest impact on how easy the fridge freezer is to live with day to day.
Four-door flexibility with the Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE
The RQ5P470SMFE uses a four-door design, sometimes called a French-door or multi-door layout. This usually means wide fridge storage at the top with split doors, and freezer or flexible compartments at the bottom. It’s ideal if you like to keep fresh food at eye level, and if you want wide shelves for big salad bowls, trays and pizza boxes.
The separate doors also help with efficiency: opening just one side lets less cold air escape. For busy families who are constantly in and out of the fridge, that small saving adds up over time. If you like the sound of that, it’s worth taking a closer look at how the internal space is arranged in the model you’re considering – you’ll find more layout detail in our in-depth overview of the Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE.
Classic side-by-side: a simpler alternative
If you prefer the traditional two-door look with fridge on one side and freezer on the other, Hisense offers several alternatives that are worth shortlisting. The Hisense RS741N4WCE is a popular stainless steel American fridge freezer with a side-by-side layout and a non-plumbed dispenser. It keeps things straightforward, with tall fridge and freezer sections that make it easy to see what you’ve got at a glance.
If you’d rather have a bold, dark finish, the Hisense RS741N4WBE offers a similar design in black. Both models tend to suit narrower kitchens where a four-door design might bump into an island or opposite worktop, as you only have two main doors to swing open instead of four smaller ones.
Water and ice: plumbed versus non-plumbed dispensers
Once you’ve decided on a layout, the next big differentiator is chilled water and ice. It’s an everyday luxury that quickly becomes hard to give up.
Non-plumbed convenience on the RQ5P470SMFE
The Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE uses a non-plumbed dispenser. Instead of connecting to a mains water supply, it has a built-in tank you top up yourself. That makes installation much simpler – there’s no need to run a water pipe, and you have more freedom to position the appliance where it fits best in your kitchen.
Non-plumbed tanks are also easy to clean and maintain, which helps keep your water fresh. The trade-off is that you’ll need to refill the tank regularly, especially in summer or in a larger household. For many people, this is a small price to pay for a dispenser that doesn’t dictate where the fridge can go.
Other non-plumbed options to compare
If you like the idea of a dispenser without the plumbing, the RS741 series is also worth considering. Both the RS741N4WCE and RS741N4WBE models feature non-plumbed systems, pairing this convenience with the classic side-by-side design.
If you’re less concerned about dispensers and more focused on clean, uninterrupted doors, the Hisense PureFlat RF632N4AIE1 keeps a sleek stainless-steel look without an in-door dispenser, which some people prefer aesthetically.
Total No Frost: why it matters more than you think
Total No Frost has gone from nice-to-have to almost essential on modern American fridge freezers. It stops ice building up inside the freezer and helps keep air flowing freely.
The RQ5P470SMFE is a Total No Frost model, so there’s no need to schedule time-consuming manual defrosts. It also helps prevent drawers sticking and food getting freezer-burned at the edges. If you’re upgrading from an older, frosty appliance, this single feature can make a huge difference to day-to-day life.
Every alternative we’re looking at here – the RF632N4AIE1, RS3P558NEFD, RS741N4WCE and RS741N4WBE – is also Total No Frost, so you’re not compromising on this key convenience whichever route you take.
Energy ratings and running costs
Large American models inevitably use more power than a compact fridge, but energy labels give a useful guide to efficiency. The Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE is rated E under the modern energy label scheme. That might sound middling, but it’s very typical for full-size American fridge freezers, and represents a solid balance of capacity and efficiency.
The Hisense PureFlat RF632N4AIE1 and the RS741N4WCE / RS741N4WBE also carry E ratings, while the Hisense PureFlat RS3P558NEFD pushes things slightly further with a D rating. In practice, switching from an older, less efficient model to any of these can reduce running costs, especially if your current appliance struggles to maintain a stable temperature.
Whichever energy rating you choose, you can keep costs down by:
- Leaving a little space around the appliance for airflow.
- Keeping the interior organised, so you’re not standing with doors open hunting for items.
- Letting hot leftovers cool before popping them in the fridge.
- Checking and cleaning the door seals occasionally so they close properly.
Smart features and everyday usability
Smart features are becoming more common, but it’s worth asking how they help in real life. The “Wifi Connected” part of the Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE’s name points to app integration, and in most cases that means you can adjust settings and get alerts if something’s not right.
While you don’t need Wi-Fi to keep your food cold, app alerts can be genuinely useful if a door has been left ajar or there’s a prolonged power cut. They’re particularly handy if you travel often or have a busy household where doors are opened constantly. If you’re curious about exactly what the RQ5P470SMFE can do on the smart side, our full product review dives deeper into the available modes and app features.
Design and finish: matching your kitchen style
Because an American fridge freezer is such a dominant feature, the finish and design matter just as much as capacity. The PureFlat look on models like the RQ5P470SMFE, RF632N4AIE1 and RS3P558NEFD gives you very straight lines and minimal protrusions, which pairs well with handleless or modern slab-front kitchens.
Some design choices to think about:
- Colour: Black and black stainless steel, as seen on the RQ5P470SMFE and RS3P558NEFD, create a dramatic, high-end feel. Stainless or stainless-look models like the RF632N4AIE1 and RS741N4WCE blend more easily with most appliances.
- Handles: Recessed or integrated handles keep the front minimal, while more pronounced handles make doors easier to grab for younger children or anyone with limited grip strength.
- Door thickness and swing: Think about how far the doors need to open to pull out crispers and shelves. This is especially important if you have an island or a narrow galley kitchen.
Comparing the key Hisense alternatives
To help narrow things down, here’s how the main Hisense models in this space differ in terms of focus and feel:
- Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE – Four-door layout, non-plumbed dispenser, Wi-Fi connected, Black / Stainless Steel finish and Total No Frost. A strong all-rounder for families who like smart features and flexible storage.
- Hisense PureFlat RF632N4AIE1 – PureFlat design in a stainless-steel look with Total No Frost, ideal if you want a clean look and can live without an in-door dispenser or Wi-Fi extras.
- Hisense PureFlat RS3P558NEFD – Black stainless steel finish, D energy rating and side-by-side design. Good for those who care about energy efficiency and a bold, premium appearance.
- Hisense RS741N4WCE – Classic side-by-side layout in stainless steel with a non-plumbed dispenser and Total No Frost, aimed at practicality and value.
- Hisense RS741N4WBE – Similar to the RS741N4WCE but in black, for those who like the same feature set in a darker, more dramatic colour.
Thinking about which description sounds most like your household is often the quickest way to pinpoint the right short-list before you dive into detailed specs.
Practical buying tips for your American fridge freezer
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few models, it’s time to get practical. A little planning now can save a lot of hassle on delivery day.
- Measure everything: Not just the gap where the appliance will live, but doorways, hallways and tight corners too. Remember to factor in plinths, skirting boards and radiators.
- Plan the door swing: Sketch out how far the doors will open and check they won’t clash with islands, walls or cupboard handles.
- Think about power and water: Make sure there’s a plug socket nearby, and if you ever opt for a plumbed model in future, consider whether a water feed could be added later.
- Check delivery access: If you have narrow stairs or tight turns, speak to the retailer about access before ordering. Many American models have doors that can be removed temporarily, but it’s best not to rely on that on the day.
Looking after your new American fridge freezer
Good care doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does help your fridge freezer stay efficient and reliable for longer.
- Clean the seals: Wipe door seals with a mild, soapy cloth every few weeks to stop crumbs and spills compromising the seal.
- Keep vents clear: Inside, don’t pack food tight against air vents. Outside, avoid stacking items on top that block heat escaping.
- Wipe shelves regularly: Little spills can become sticky or smelly if left. Quick wipes after your weekly shop keep everything fresh.
- Check the temperature: Aim for around 4°C in the fridge and -18°C in the freezer. Many modern models have clear digital controls that make this easy to monitor.
Choosing with confidence
Picking an American fridge freezer is a big decision, but once you’ve pinned down the layout, dispenser style, energy rating and finish that suit your home, the choice quickly becomes clearer. The Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE is a strong example of what a modern, feature-packed four-door model can offer, bringing together Total No Frost, non-plumbed convenience and smart connectivity in a stylish shell.
If you’re leaning towards that model, you’ll find more detail on space, features and real-world usability in our full Hisense PureFlat Infinite RQ5P470SMFE review. And if you’re still weighing up alternatives, the linked reviews of the RF632N4AIE1, RS3P558NEFD and RS741 series will help you compare layouts, finishes and energy ratings side by side, so you can choose the fridge freezer that feels tailor-made for your kitchen.