If you’re fed up with cramming the weekly shop into a standard fridge freezer, an American-style model can feel like a breath of fresh air. Wide shelves, big drawers and side-by-side doors make it much easier to see what you’ve got and cut down on food waste. In this guide, we’ll use the Fridgemaster MF70450EB Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer as a reference point, and look at what to think about before you bring one of these big appliances into your kitchen.
Why American-style fridge freezers are so popular
American fridge freezers are all about usable space and convenience. Instead of a tall, narrow fridge with a small freezer on top or below, you get wide shelving for big trays, pizzas and party food, plus a generous freezer that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Models like the Fridgemaster MF70450EB in black put fresh food and frozen food side by side, so you don’t have to bend down as much or dig into dark corners. Add total no frost technology and you’ve got a low-maintenance workhorse that suits busy households.
If you want to dive into every detail, you can read our full review of the Fridgemaster MF70450EB Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer, then come back to this guide for bigger-picture buying tips.
Checking the size: will it actually fit?
Before you fall in love with any American fridge freezer, grab a tape measure. These appliances are wider and often deeper than standard models, so you need to be sure they’ll fit through the front door, past tight hallways and into their final position.
The Fridgemaster MF70450EB is a classic four-door American style, so think carefully about:
- Door swing: Make sure the doors can open fully without clashing with walls, cupboards or an island.
- Clearance: Leave a small gap around the sides, top and back for ventilation so it can cool itself properly.
- Depth: Check how far it will project from your cabinets and whether that works with walkways and dining areas.
If your space is a bit tight, it can be worth looking at alternative designs with slightly different proportions. For example, the Fridgemaster MQ79460DS Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer and the black Fridgemaster MQ79460DB Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer offer a similar American layout but may suit a slightly different kitchen footprint.
Total No Frost: what it really means day to day
No frost is one of those phrases you see everywhere, but it genuinely makes a difference once the fridge freezer is in your home. With the Fridgemaster MF70450EB, “Total No Frost” means the cold air is circulated in a way that stops moisture settling on the walls and around drawers.
In practical terms, that gives you three main benefits:
- No manual defrosting: You won’t have to unplug the freezer every few months to chip away at ice.
- Stable performance: Without frost build-up, the appliance doesn’t have to work as hard to keep a steady temperature.
- Usable space: Drawers slide more smoothly and you don’t lose precious room to frozen build-up.
If you’re comparing models, look for the phrase “Total No Frost” or “Frost Free” in both the fridge and freezer sections. All of the alternatives here, including the silver Fridgemaster MF70450ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer and the Fridgemaster MS91547DFE Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer, also use no frost systems, so you’re not trading away convenience if you opt for a different finish or layout.
Energy rating and running costs
Large fridge freezers inevitably use more energy than compact ones, simply because there is more air and food to keep cold. That’s why people often worry about running costs when moving up to an American-style appliance.
The Fridgemaster MF70450EB carries an E energy rating, which is typical for this size and price band. Some close alternatives manage a D rating, such as the Fridgemaster MQ79460DS and Fridgemaster MQ79460DB, which may appeal if efficiency is high on your list.
Whichever model you choose, you can keep running costs under control by:
- Setting the fridge to around 4–5°C and the freezer to about ‑18°C.
- Letting leftovers cool before putting them inside.
- Keeping the coils and vents free from dust so cooling can work efficiently.
- Checking the door seals for gaps and cleaning them occasionally.
Finish and style: black vs silver in your kitchen
Once you’re happy with the size and features, the next big decision is how the fridge freezer will look in your kitchen. The MF70450EB comes in a sleek black finish that pairs nicely with dark units or creates a strong contrast against white cabinetry. It tends to hide minor marks and smudges well, which is handy in busy homes.
If you prefer a lighter, more reflective look, the Fridgemaster MF70450ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer is the closest silver-finished sibling. It mirrors the same overall idea but blends more easily with stainless steel ovens and hobs. Silver alternatives like the Fridgemaster MQ79460DS or the Fridgemaster MS91547DFE Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer give you even more choice if your kitchen scheme is very particular.
When you’re weighing up colours, think about natural light in the room, how reflective surfaces might look at different times of day, and how easy each finish will be to keep looking smart.
Water dispensers and plumbing options
Many people eye up an American fridge freezer because of one standout feature: chilled water on tap. Some models require a plumbed-in water connection, while others rely on refillable internal tanks.
A good example of the non-plumbed approach is the Fridgemaster MS91547DFE Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer. Instead of calling out a plumber, you just fill the internal reservoir when it runs low. This can be ideal if your preferred spot for the appliance isn’t near a water pipe, or if you’re in a rental where permanent changes are tricky.
Plumbed-in dispensers are a little more hands-off once installed, as you never have to refill the tank. However, you’ll need to factor in installation and think carefully about where the pipework will run. Decide which approach suits your kitchen and lifestyle before narrowing down your shortlist.
Living with a large fridge freezer every day
Beyond the spec sheet, it’s worth picturing how a big American fridge freezer will fit into your daily routine. Here are a few practical points that owners of models like the Fridgemaster MF70450EB often appreciate:
- Wide shelves: Great for big casserole dishes and trays, so you can cool cooked food safely.
- Door storage: Deep racks usually hold large bottles, juices and condiments without a problem.
- Clear drawers: Being able to see your veg and frozen food at a glance makes meal planning easier.
- Lighting: Bright internal lighting helps you find things without rummaging.
Because the fridge section is at a comfortable height, you tend to waste less food: those leftovers and salad bowls are right where you can see them. If you often host or batch cook, the extra width can be a game changer.
Comparing similar American fridge freezers
The Fridgemaster MF70450EB sits in a competitive corner of the market, where you can get American styling and total no frost technology without spending premium-brand money. It’s also well received by owners, with a strong average rating and a healthy number of reviews behind it.
Depending on your priorities, one of these close alternatives might also be worth considering:
- Fridgemaster MF70450ES (Silver, E rated): Very similar concept to the MF70450EB but with a silver finish. A good pick if you like the layout but want a lighter look. You can see our detailed thoughts on the MF70450ES here.
- Fridgemaster MQ79460DS (Silver, D rated): Offers total no frost with a step up in energy rating. Ideal if you want to balance capacity with better efficiency. There’s more detail in our full MQ79460DS review.
- Fridgemaster MQ79460DB (Black, D rated): Combines a dark finish with that same D rating. A smart option for modern kitchens kitted out in black or graphite appliances – you can read more about the MQ79460DB here.
- Fridgemaster MS91547DFE (Silver, non-plumbed): Total no frost plus a non-plumbed dispenser for chilled drinks, all in a silver finish. If you want dispenser convenience without calling a plumber, it’s well worth a look in our MS91547DFE review.
All of these sit broadly in the same price range, so your decision will likely come down to finish, layout tweaks, dispenser preferences and the importance you place on stepping up from E to D energy rating.
Care, cleaning and keeping it fresh
One of the best things about a total no frost American fridge freezer is how little heavy-duty maintenance it needs. You won’t be hauling out drawers and defrosting ice, but a bit of regular care still helps keep things hygienic and odour-free.
Simple habits go a long way:
- Wipe up spills quickly so they don’t stain plastic or seep into seals.
- Give shelves and drawers a gentle wash in warm, soapy water every few weeks.
- Keep raw meat on lower shelves or in dedicated drawers to avoid drips.
- Use airtight containers for strong-smelling foods like cheese or cooked onions.
Door seals are especially important. A quick wipe with a damp cloth stops crumbs and grime building up in the folds, helping the doors close tightly. That, in turn, keeps the cold air in and the running costs down.
Getting the most from your new American fridge freezer
Once your new appliance is in place and has had time to settle and cool down, a few simple tweaks will help you get the best from it:
- Organise by zone: Use upper shelves for ready-to-eat foods, middle shelves for dairy and leftovers, and lower areas for raw ingredients.
- Label and date: Particularly in the freezer, clear labels stop food getting forgotten at the back.
- Rotate items: When you do the weekly shop, bring older items to the front so they get used first.
- Avoid overcrowding: Leave a bit of space around items so cool air can circulate properly.
The wide layout of an American-style fridge freezer really rewards good organisation. You can dedicate sections to school lunches, batch-cooked meals, baking ingredients or weekend treats so everyone in the household knows where to look.
Where to go next
Choosing an American fridge freezer is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Start with the basics – size, finish, no frost, energy rating and dispenser options – then narrow things down to a couple of models that suit your kitchen and budget.
If the Fridgemaster MF70450EB has caught your eye, you can read our full review of the Fridgemaster MF70450EB here for in-depth impressions from hands-on testing. And if you decide a different finish, better energy rating or non-plumbed dispenser would suit you better, the linked alternatives above are all strong options to explore in more detail.
Whichever route you take, a well-chosen American fridge freezer should make everyday life in the kitchen feel calmer, more organised and that bit easier.