Side-by-side American fridge freezers have gone from luxury to everyday essential for busy UK households. If you’re constantly fighting for space in a standard fridge, models like the Fridgemaster MS91558ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer in silver offer that extra capacity without a sky-high price tag. In this guide we’ll walk through what to look for in an American fridge freezer, using the MS91558ES and a few closely related Fridgemaster models as real-world examples to help you decide what will work best in your kitchen.
Why choose an American fridge freezer in the first place?
Before drilling into model numbers, it’s worth asking whether an American-style fridge freezer is actually the right format for you. These tall, side-by-side appliances give you a full-height fridge and freezer next to each other, with wide shelves and big door bins. For families, batch-cookers or anyone who likes to keep a fully stocked freezer, the layout can be far more practical than a slimmer, traditional combi.
The Fridgemaster MS91558ES is a good example of what this style offers. It’s designed as a large-capacity, American fridge freezer with Total No Frost technology and an E energy rating. If you want a deeper dive into its performance, layout and day-to-day usability, you can read our full review of the Fridgemaster MS91558ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer here. In this article, we’ll stay high-level and focus on how to choose the right type of model around it.
Understanding Total No Frost – and why it matters
Most modern American fridge freezers now mention No Frost or Total No Frost, but the wording can be confusing. Total No Frost, as found on the Fridgemaster MS91558ES, means cold air is circulated so that neither the fridge nor the freezer section should build up ice on the walls or around drawers.
This has a couple of real advantages at home:
- No defrost weekends: You avoid the messy job of emptying the freezer and waiting for chunks of ice to melt.
- More consistent cooling: Air can flow properly around food, helping maintain a steady temperature.
- Improved visibility: With no icy build-up, drawers slide more smoothly and stays clear.
The same Total No Frost tech appears across much of this Fridgemaster range, including the Fridgemaster MS91520DES Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer, the Fridgemaster MS91558DEB, the Fridgemaster MS91558DES and the Fridgemaster MS91547BFE Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer. So whichever style or colour you lean towards, you don’t have to compromise on frost-free convenience.
Size, doors and getting it into your kitchen
American fridge freezers are big appliances, and the first job is simply checking that you can get one into place. The Fridgemaster MS91558ES is a classic side-by-side model, so expect a wider footprint than a standard 60 cm fridge freezer and full-height doors that open from the centre.
When measuring up, think about three stages:
- Doorways and hallways: Measure the narrowest point the appliance needs to pass through on delivery. If your hallway turns sharply, you might need the doors removed for access.
- Final position: Measure width, height and depth of the intended space, including any worktop overhangs and skirting boards.
- Ventilation space: Leave a little clearance around the sides, back and top for air to circulate, as recommended in the manual.
Side-by-side doors, as on all the Fridgemaster models listed here, can actually be easier to live with than a single huge door, especially in a galley kitchen. Each door is narrower, so it needs less swing clearance, and you can open just one side when grabbing the milk instead of having half the fridge exposed.
Thinking about plumbing: plumbed vs non-plumbed models
One of the biggest decisions with American fridge freezers is whether you want a plumbed-in water and ice dispenser or something non-plumbed. The product title for the MS91558ES doesn’t highlight a non-plumbed design in the same way as some of its stablemates, so if you know you don’t want to connect to a water supply, it’s worth comparing directly with models that clearly state this.
For example, the Fridgemaster MS91520DES Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer and the Fridgemaster MS91547BFE Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer are clearly pitched at buyers who want the American look and storage, but with flexible placement.
Here’s how to weigh up the choice:
- Go plumbed if: You use a lot of ice, love chilled water on tap, and have an accessible water supply behind or beside the appliance’s future home.
- Choose non-plumbed if: You might move the appliance in future, don’t want the cost or hassle of plumbing in, or your preferred spot is away from any pipes.
If the dispenser is a must-have, check the detailed product spec on each model carefully; if you’re less fussed, the MS91558ES and its siblings can still give you excellent storage and frost-free performance without needing any plumbing at all.
Energy rating and running costs: what E really means
All the Fridgemaster models we’re looking at here carry an E energy rating on the refreshed EU/UK energy label. That can sound low at first glance, but remember the new scale is far stricter than older labels – many previously A+ or A++ appliances now sit in the D–F range under the new system.
In practical terms, choosing an E-rated American fridge freezer such as the MS91558ES, MS91520DES, MS91558DES, MS91558DEB or MS91547BFE means you’re getting a modern compressor and insulation that should keep running costs reasonable for the size. You can keep bills down further by:
- Keeping the fridge between about 3–5°C and the freezer around -18°C.
- Avoiding leaving the doors open for long stretches when unpacking the weekly shop.
- Letting hot food cool before putting it inside.
- Making sure nothing blocks the internal vents.
The MS91558ES has earned an impressive average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 200 buyer reviews, which is a strong indication that real households are finding its efficiency, cooling and day-to-day usability up to the job. If you’d like to see how owners are finding noise levels, build quality and storage in more detail, you can read our full review of the MS91558ES here.
Colour and finish: silver vs black in a real kitchen
With the functional basics in place, most people then narrow down the short list on style. The Fridgemaster MS91558ES is finished in silver, a popular, modern look that sits comfortably alongside stainless steel hobs, ovens and dishwashers. It’s a safe choice if you’re refreshing one appliance at a time and want something that blends with both white and darker cabinet doors.
If you’re after a stronger statement, you might prefer one of the near-identical black alternatives. The Fridgemaster MS91558DEB Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer in black offers a very similar proposition, just with a darker finish that can look striking in a monochrome or handleless kitchen. Likewise, the Fridgemaster MS91547BFE Non-Plumbed Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer in black gives that same bold look on a clearly non-plumbed design.
When deciding between silver and black, consider how much natural light your kitchen gets, how often you’re willing to wipe fingerprints off the doors, and what other appliances will sit nearby. Silver tends to be more forgiving of smudges; black wins on drama.
Comparing closely related models: MS91558ES and its siblings
One of the advantages of shopping within a single range is that you can pick the variation that suits you best without learning a completely new layout. The Fridgemaster family around the MS91558ES is a good illustration of this idea.
- Fridgemaster MS91558ES (hero model): Silver, Total No Frost American fridge freezer with an E rating and excellent owner feedback. A strong all-rounder if you like a modern metallic look.
- Fridgemaster MS91520DES Non-Plumbed: Also silver and Total No Frost, but clearly flagged as non-plumbed, making it easier to position without worrying about a water connection.
- Fridgemaster MS91558DES: Another silver Total No Frost American fridge freezer, sitting very close to the MS91558ES in proposition and price. Ideal if one of them is on a better deal when you’re ready to buy.
- Fridgemaster MS91558DEB: The black-finished sibling to the 58-series silver models, perfect if you like the spec but want a darker, glossier look.
- Fridgemaster MS91547BFE Non-Plumbed: A black, non-plumbed Total No Frost American fridge freezer aimed at buyers who want the dramatic look without pipework.
In practice, your choice will probably come down to three questions: do you need non-plumbed flexibility, do you prefer silver or black, and which one has the best price on the day? Because the core technology is shared across the range, you can confidently shop around within it on appearance and budget without losing key features like Total No Frost.
Making the most of a large American fridge freezer
Once you’ve chosen your model, a bit of thought at the start can make life with a big American fridge freezer smoother. The MS91558ES and its alternatives offer generous shelving and door storage, which you can organise to reduce food waste and keep everything easy to find.
Some practical ideas:
- Set up zones: Keep raw meat on the lowest shelf or dedicated drawer, dairy together, and ready-to-eat leftovers in a clearly labelled area so they don’t get lost.
- Use door space wisely: Doors are slightly warmer, so store condiments, drinks and items with preservatives there, not milk if you can avoid it.
- Freeze with a system: Use baskets or tubs in the freezer to group veg, meat, bread and leftovers. Label and date everything so older items get used first.
- Don’t overpack: A big fridge invites stuffing it full, but leaving a little room around vents will help air circulate and keep temperatures even.
Because these Fridgemaster models use Total No Frost, you won’t need to clear the freezer for defrost days. That makes it easier to keep a larger variety of frozen food on hand, from batch-cooked meals to bulk-bought meat, without worrying about drawers sticking or frosting up.
Cleaning and basic care for a long-lasting appliance
Even the best fridge freezer benefits from a little regular care. The good news is that frost-free models such as the MS91558ES, MS91520DES, MS91558DES, MS91558DEB and MS91547BFE are designed to reduce the worst of the maintenance. Instead of chipping off ice, you can focus on quick wipe-downs and checks.
Key habits to adopt:
- Wipe spills promptly: Clean up leaks in the fridge as soon as you spot them to avoid smells and sticky shelves.
- Clean seals: Run a damp cloth around the door seals every so often to keep them free from crumbs and ensure a tight close.
- Check the back: If safe to do so, gently vacuum around the rear vents or grille occasionally so dust doesn’t build up and force the compressor to work harder.
- Defend against odours: Open boxes of bicarbonate of soda or purpose-made fridge deodorisers can help keep smells under control.
Handled this way, an E-rated American fridge freezer should give you many years of service, making the most of the investment in a larger-capacity appliance.
Which Fridgemaster American fridge freezer is right for you?
If you’re leaning towards Fridgemaster, the MS91558ES is a strong starting point: a silver, E-rated, Total No Frost American fridge freezer with outstanding owner feedback and a sensible price. It’s a balanced option for families who want space, frost-free convenience and a neutral finish that slots into most kitchens.
If plumbing isn’t on the cards, the MS91520DES Non-Plumbed and MS91547BFE Non-Plumbed are well worth considering. If you simply prefer a different colour or want to compare very close alternatives on features and price, take a look at our in-depth write-ups of the MS91558DEB and MS91558DES too.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, spend a few minutes checking measurements, thinking about where it will sit, and planning how you’ll use all that extra space. With a bit of preparation, a well-chosen American fridge freezer can genuinely change how you shop, cook and store food day to day.
To help you go deeper on the hero model, including owner opinions and more detailed specs, don’t forget you can read our full review of the Fridgemaster MS91558ES Total No Frost American Fridge Freezer any time. From there, it’s simply a case of picking the finish, plumbing option and price that suits you best.