In the UK, fridges, freezers and fridge/freezer combined units come in different sizes. There are freestanding standard or tall ones, smaller ones that potentially go under the counter or in the corner of a dorm room, and everything in between.
We’re providing this fridge and freeze dimensions and sizing guide to assist our readers who are confused about the various names and sizes of appliances that they can purchase for their home or another place like a games room, man-cave, office and so forth.
So, let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Fridge and Freezer Dimensions and Sizes
Fridge/freezer Combi Size
A fridge/freezer combi is a freestanding unit that typically has the fridge part in the upper section and a freezer section below, but this can vary as demonstrated in the image above. How this is arranged, and the door configuration is up to the individual manufacturer.
This type of fridge is the most common appliance in this category within UK households.
The standard, freestanding fridge/freezer combination typically measures 60-70cm in width and has a height of 83cm to over 174cm on the largest models, with 122.5cm, 157cm and 175cm being seen most frequently. Larger models tend to be wider with a width of 60-80cm too.
Returning to the subject of the doors, this isn’t standard across the industry. Some fridges are given greater space than the freezer (and visa- versa). Therefore, there are models which are evenly split 50/50, at 60/40 or even 70/30 between the fridge and freezer compartments with separate doors to each.
Standard Fridge Size
A standard fridge is going to be a similar size to a fridge/freezer combi in many cases, but there are also taller ones for families that require more cold storage space. They may have different sections and may have compartments despite not having a dedicated freezer section. However, usually, they have just one door.
Although the type is named ‘standard fridge’, this type of fridge isn’t actually very popular within the UK market.
The standard fridge is 60-70cm in width and comes with a height of under 120cm to as high as 200cm for the tallest models.
The bigger fridges get a little wider at 60-80cm depending on the manufacturer and will undoubtedly be taller up to 200cm.
Under-counter Fridge Size
The under-counter fridge is designed for compact locations. They can fit under a kitchen counter where there isn’t space for a standard or taller freestanding fridge. They usually have space for a couple of levels and interior door storage space too.
The compact under-counter fridge either comes in a width of 47cm to 55cm or as 55cm to 60cm sizes. Their height typically falls between 82cm to 84cm (82cm is the most common). About 55cm is required for their depth.
Under-counter Freezer Size
It’s worth bearing in mind that under-counter models are also smaller for storage capacity, so when going too small, it becomes very cramped indeed. While you’ll be height-restricted when there’s a counter above where the freezer will be situated, if you can make a greater width available, then that’ll make a difference in the eventual internal freezer storage that you get.
The under-counter freezer is often the wider option with a 55cm to 60cm measurement, but smaller models start at just 47cm. For their height, it often comes neatly between 82cm – 84cm (again, 82cm is seen most often). The depth is found to be around 55cm with many models.
Integrated Fridge Size
An integrated fridge is one that slides into a pre-designed cabinet often with a kitchen cabinet door that can be closed at the front. These models are not designed to be freestanding, and so they lack side panels and other niceties because they’re not required. Despite this, integrated fridges may be larger than standard ones in some situations, which can surprise buyers.
The width is usually as much as 60cm but can be a little narrower. If you have a current model fitted in a position that you’re planning to replace, measure this to get an idea of its size. However, bear in mind the additional clearance space needed on each side and above the fridge may differ from the current model. The depth is 55cm in the majority of integrated models.
You can of course also get integrated fridge/freezer combi’s as shown below. These have a similar width and depth as an integrated under-counter fridge, but with a much larger height of around 178cm.
American-style Fridge Size
The American-style fridge (also referred to as side-by-side doors) has a set of double doors that opens left and right to create a kind of walk-in effect is more substantial in all departments. With the American-style fridge, the left side is smaller and used as a freezer. Many models also have a water and ice dispenser integrated into the door.
The width for American-style fridges is 70cm to 92.5cm. The tallest models are around 196cm, but this does vary considerably. Their depth is usually 78cm or less.
Because these types of models often include pipped in water access and may dispense ice too, they usually need to be connected to the water system as well as the electrical one.
Also, bear in mind that the doors each open out widely at the front, so they have the potential to block whatever is on either side of the fridge door when it’s open.
French-style Fridge Size
Many people get the French-style fridge/freezer mixed up with the American-style fridge. Although they are both large, have double doors, and have an enormous amount of storage space, there is a clear difference between them.
The French-style fridge has equal-sized doors which open to reveal one large fridge compartment. The freezer space can be found below, designed as deep pull out draws.
If you’ve got the space and budget for one, the French-style fridge/freezer is by far the most luxurious and spacious type available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to allow extra space when installing a fridge or fridge/freezer combi unit?
Should under-counter and integrated fridges fit snugly, or should there be additional room?
Does the fridge measurements include space needed around the item?
How much space do you need to leave behind a fridge for ventilation and cables?
How much does each different type of fridge typically weigh?
Do you need a professional to install each type of fridge? Could you install a fridge or freezer yourself?
Founder of homeappliancegeek.com, avid cook, and lover of Asian food.
Signature dishes include Thai Red Curry, Chicken Saag, Bibimbap and Sushi.
Massive clean freak; a habit baked-in after spending 9 years in the catering industry.
The one appliance he couldn’t live without? Easily the dishwasher (total relationship saver!).
