If you’re upgrading to an American fridge freezer, you’re probably looking for lots of space, fuss-free cooling and a design that actually works in a busy UK kitchen. The Fridgemaster MS91520ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer in silver is a popular choice thanks to its side-by-side layout and wallet-friendly price point, but it’s not the only option worth knowing about. In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for in an American fridge freezer, using the MS91520ES and a few closely related Fridgemaster models as real-world examples, so you can choose confidently for your home.
Why consider an American fridge freezer for your kitchen?
American fridge freezers are all about capacity and convenience. With tall side-by-side doors, you get a fridge on one side and a freezer on the other, making it much easier to see everything at a glance. That’s particularly helpful for families who shop once a week, batch cook, or like to keep frozen food on hand without digging to the bottom of a chest freezer.
The Fridgemaster MS91520ES sits squarely in this category. It’s designed to feel generous inside while staying sensible on price, which is a big reason it’s attracted so many buyer reviews. If you’d like a deeper dive into real-world performance, you can read our full review of the Fridgemaster MS91520ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer once you’ve finished this guide.
Understanding Total No Frost – and why it matters
One of the standout features in the MS91520ES is Total No Frost. In simple terms, this means it uses built-in circulation to prevent ice from forming on the freezer walls and around your food. You won’t need to chip away at frosty drawers or schedule a full defrost day every few months.
This tech has two main benefits:
- No manual defrosting: You save time and avoid the hassle and mess of defrosting.
- More consistent cooling: With no ice build-up blocking vents, air can circulate more evenly, helping food stay fresher for longer.
The good news is that this isn’t unique to the MS91520ES. All of the alternative models we’ll mention here, such as the Fridgemaster MS91558EB and Fridgemaster MS91558ES, also feature Total No Frost. So whatever you choose from this family, you can confidently cross “defrost freezer” off your to-do list.
Getting the size and layout right for your home
Before falling in love with a particular model, make sure it will physically fit. American fridge freezers like the MS91520ES are wider than standard 60 cm fridges, and the side-by-side doors need room to swing open fully.
When planning, think about:
- Width, height and depth: Measure your available space carefully, including skirting boards and any radiators or pipes that might intrude.
- Door clearance: Check that the doors can open without hitting walls, handles or kitchen islands, especially in galley-style kitchens.
- Delivery access: Measure doorways, halls and tight corners to make sure the appliance can actually get into your kitchen.
The MS91520ES offers the classic American fridge freezer layout: tall fridge shelves on one side and a full-height freezer on the other. If you prefer to tweak capacity slightly, alternatives in the same range such as the Fridgemaster MS91558DEB and Fridgemaster MS91558DES are worth looking at, as they offer similar proportions with subtle updates and different finishes.
Silver vs black: choosing the right finish
For many buyers, the choice between silver and black is about more than just looks; it can change how the appliance feels in your space. The Fridgemaster MS91520ES comes in a modern silver finish that pairs easily with stainless steel ovens and hobs. It tends to show fingerprints less than true stainless steel, which is handy if you have children.
If you prefer a bolder look, consider the black-finished Fridgemaster MS91558EB Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer or its closely related MS91558DEB sibling. Black finishes can make a statement in more contemporary kitchens and often blend nicely with darker cabinets or contrasting white worktops.
If you like the clean, neutral style of the MS91520ES but want a slightly newer silver option at a similar price point, the Fridgemaster MS91558ES and Fridgemaster MS91558DES are both in the same family, with very similar audiences in mind.
Energy rating, running costs and everyday efficiency
The Fridgemaster MS91520ES carries an E energy rating under the current UK labelling scheme. For a large-capacity American fridge freezer, that’s fairly typical and represents a sensible balance between performance and running cost for most households.
Whichever model you choose, you can keep running costs sensible by:
- Keeping the appliance well ventilated so the compressor doesn’t have to work too hard.
- Allowing hot food to cool before putting it into the fridge or freezer.
- Organising food so you can find items quickly without holding the door open for long periods.
- Checking and cleaning door seals a few times a year so cold air doesn’t leak.
If you’re replacing an older, less efficient fridge freezer, stepping up to a modern E-rated American model like the MS91520ES or the MS91558 series can often trim your energy usage, even if the new appliance offers more space.
Living with a side-by-side American fridge freezer
Beyond specs and labels, the MS91520ES is designed to be easy to live with day to day. Side-by-side doors mean more of your food is at eye level, which can help reduce waste because you’re less likely to forget what you bought. The freezer side usually features multiple shelves and drawers, making it easier to separate long-term storage from quick-grab items like chips or ice cream.
Flexible shelving and decent door racks are particularly helpful in households that mix large bottles, lunchbox bits and prepared meals. The overall idea with models like the MS91520ES is that you can configure the space around your habits, rather than constantly fighting for room.
For a more detailed look at how this feels in real use, including feedback from hundreds of UK buyers, you can read our full hands-on review of the Fridgemaster MS91520ES.
Comparing the MS91520ES with close alternatives
If you’ve narrowed things down to this Fridgemaster range, it helps to understand how the hero model compares with its siblings. The key differences tend to be finish, minor design tweaks and availability, rather than a complete change in philosophy.
Fridgemaster MS91558EB – black, bold and family-friendly
The Fridgemaster MS91558EB Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer offers a similar proposition to the MS91520ES but in a black finish and with updated styling. It’s a strong option if you want the same side-by-side practicality and Total No Frost convenience, but with a darker, more modern look that stands out in the kitchen.
Fridgemaster MS91558ES – a newer silver option
The MS91558ES keeps the silver aesthetic but shifts to a slightly different design generation. It sits at a very similar price point to other models in the MS91558 line, so this is more about styling preferences and stock availability than a radical change in function.
Fridgemaster MS91558DEB and MS91558DES – subtle design variations
The MS91558DEB (black) and MS91558DES (silver) round out the family, again focusing on finish and styling detail. For most UK households, choosing between these and the MS91520ES will come down to which colour you prefer, which model is in stock at the right price, and any small feature differences highlighted in the individual reviews.
Installation, ventilation and where to position your appliance
Once you’ve chosen a model, it pays to plan the installation properly. American fridge freezers are heavy and tall, so think ahead about where it will sit and how you’ll get it there.
Keep in mind:
- Ventilation gaps: Leave a small gap around the sides, top and back for air to circulate. This helps the compressor run efficiently and can extend the life of the appliance.
- Away from heat sources: Avoid placing the unit directly next to ovens, hobs or strong sunlight, as that will make it work harder to stay cool.
- Levelling: Once installed, use the adjustable feet (if fitted) to ensure the fridge freezer sits level. A stable base helps doors seal properly and reduces vibration.
If you pick a model with a plumbed water and ice dispenser, you’ll also need a suitable water connection close by. Many of the Fridgemaster units in this family focus on simplicity rather than plumbing, which helps keep installation straightforward.
Everyday organisation tips for a side-by-side fridge freezer
To get the most from the space in a model like the MS91520ES, it’s worth thinking about how you organise things from day one. This makes it easier to find what you need and helps you avoid wasting food at the back of the shelves.
- Keep frequently used items such as milk, juice and sauces in the door shelves for quick access.
- Store raw meat and fish on lower shelves to avoid any risk of drips onto ready-to-eat foods.
- Use the drawers for fruit and veg, and consider dedicating one drawer to salad items so they stay together.
- In the freezer, group foods by type (for example, vegetables, meat, baked goods) and label containers clearly.
With thoughtful organisation, the tall side-by-side design becomes one of the most user-friendly layouts for busy households, letting you see at a glance what you have on hand for dinners and packed lunches.
Cleaning and caring for your American fridge freezer
Models like the MS91520ES are designed to be low-maintenance, especially with Total No Frost taking care of ice build-up, but a little routine care goes a long way. Aim to give the interior a light clean every month or so, and a more thorough wipe-down a few times a year.
Practical steps include:
- Wiping shelves and drawers with warm, mildly soapy water, then drying them thoroughly before putting them back.
- Cleaning door seals gently and checking for any cracks or damage.
- Removing and washing door racks now and then to get rid of spills.
- Vacuuming the back or lower grille area carefully to clear dust and fluff.
These small jobs help keep your fridge freezer looking smart and running efficiently, whether you’ve chosen the MS91520ES or one of the MS91558 alternatives.
Is the Fridgemaster MS91520ES right for you?
If you want the space and convenience of an American fridge freezer without straying into premium price territory, the Fridgemaster MS91520ES is a very sensible starting point. It combines a family-friendly side-by-side layout with Total No Frost cooling and a neutral silver finish that suits most modern kitchens.
If you prefer a different look or want to compare this model closely against its siblings, it’s worth exploring the dedicated reviews for the MS91558EB, MS91558ES, MS91558DEB and MS91558DES as well. And if the MS91520ES still looks like the best fit for your kitchen after that, you can be confident you’re choosing a popular, well-liked American fridge freezer that’s built for everyday UK family life. For the full low-down on features, user feedback and performance, don’t forget to check out our in-depth Fridgemaster MS91520ES review before you buy.