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Kitchen & Laundry Appliances
From Proven Experts

With five Sussex stores and free nationwide delivery on orders over £150, Carters Direct supplies reliable kitchen and laundry appliances backed by expert advice, competitive pricing and service you can count on.

Brighton Store Notice Our Brighton store will be closed Sunday 16 August. Open as usual Monday 17 August.
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Your Complete Refrigeration e
Buying Guide

Compare fridges, freezers and fridge freezers, understand energy ratings, explore cooling technologies and discover the features that matter most. Whether you're replacing an old appliance or designing a new kitchen, our expert guide will help you choose the perfect refrigeration solution for your home.

Start The Guide
Gas Installation Terms & Additional Charges
Important: Please read the information below before selecting our Gas Installation service. Additional charges may apply in certain circumstances where an installation cannot be completed due to factors outside of the installer's control or where additional work is required.

Additional Charges & Terms

  • Where an installation cannot be completed due to reasons outside of our installer's control (including faulty appliances, incorrect measurements, or sockets/cooker hoods located within the burner zone shown on the appliance specification sheets), and the installer's travel time is less than 45 minutes, a minimum charge of £80 + VAT will apply to cover attendance, time and fuel costs.
  • If the installer has travelled for 45 minutes or more and the installation cannot be completed for reasons outside of their control, the full installation charge will apply to cover travel time, fuel and business costs.
  • Any additional charges will be clearly detailed on the installation invoice.

Additional Information

  • Installation prices have only been increased where necessary to reflect the rising costs of fuel, insurance and general operating expenses.
  • Quotes outside the Brighton area may incur an £80 + VAT call-out charge, payable directly by the customer, unless the installer is already working nearby on a suitable date.
  • All installation prices are subject to VAT.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT APPLIANCE

Which Refrigeration Appliance Is Right For You?

Whether you're replacing an old appliance or planning a new kitchen, compare the four main refrigeration types to find the perfect option for your home and lifestyle.

100–400L
BEST FOR FRESH FOOD

Fridges

Ideal for keeping fresh food and drinks chilled. Perfect if you already have a separate freezer.

  • Fresh food storage
  • Drinks & dairy
  • Compact kitchens
  • Everyday use
60–400L
EXTRA FROZEN STORAGE

Freezers

Store frozen food for longer with a dedicated freezer. Great for batch cooking, bulk shopping and larger households.

  • Batch cooking
  • Bulk food storage
  • Garage & utility rooms
  • Extra freezer space
150–650L
PERFECT FOR MOST HOMES

Fridge Freezers

The perfect all round refrigeration solution, combining fresh and frozen food storage in one convenient appliance.

  • Fresh & frozen storage
  • Family homes
  • Space saving
  • Wide choice of sizes
500L+
IDEAL FOR LARGE FAMILIES

US American Style

Large capacity refrigeration designed for busy households, featuring generous storage and premium features like water and ice dispensers.

  • Large families
  • Entertaining guests
  • Water & ice dispensers
  • Maximum storage
02
Freestanding vs Integrated Refrigeration

Freestanding vs Integrated Refrigeration

Choosing between freestanding and integrated refrigeration depends on your kitchen design, budget and installation requirements.

Appearance
Freestanding
Visible appliance
Integrated
Hidden behind cabinet doors
Installation
Freestanding
Plug in & use
Integrated
Requires cabinet fitting
Cost
Freestanding
Usually lower
Integrated
Usually higher
Best For
Freestanding
Most homes
Integrated
Modern fitted kitchens

Choose Freestanding If...

  • You want the widest choice.
  • You need simple installation.
  • You may replace it in future.
  • You're looking for value.

Choose Integrated If...

  • You're renovating your kitchen.
  • You want a seamless look.
  • Cabinetry is important.
  • You prefer hidden appliances.
Our Recommendation
Freestanding refrigeration suits most homes, while integrated models are ideal for modern fitted kitchens.
05

Understanding Energy Ratings

Modern refrigeration appliances are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Choosing a more efficient appliance can help reduce electricity usage and lower running costs over its lifetime. Below shows the average annual running of a standard Fridge Freezer (300L-350L)

A

Most Efficient

≈ £27–£30/year
Average Fridge Freezer energy consumption annually: 100–110 kWh

Lowest running costs.

B

Very Efficient

≈ £41–£54/year
Average Fridge Freezer energy consumption annually: 150–200 kWh

Excellent efficiency.

C

Efficient

≈ £54–£68/year
Average Fridge Freezer energy consumption annually: 200–250 kWh

Great balance of efficiency and value.

D

Good Efficiency

≈ £68–£81/year
Average Fridge Freezer energy consumption annually: 250–300 kWh

Common on larger models.

E

Higher Running Cost

≈ £81–£95/year
Average Fridge Freezer energy consumption annually: 300–350 kWh

Usually older or larger appliances.

F

Less Efficient

≈ £95–£122/year
Average Fridge Freezer energy consumption annually: 350–450 kWh

Older models or larger appliances may have higher energy consumption and increased running costs.

Estimated Running Costs
Figures shown are estimates only. Actual running costs depend on appliance size, usage and electricity prices. You can use our cost calculator below to work out running costs for your appliances.
Energy Ratings Graphic
INTERACTIVE TOOL

Estimate Your Running Costs

Enter the annual energy consumption shown on the appliance energy label to estimate how much it could cost to run.

kWh/year
p/kWh
£44.60 Estimated Per Year
£3.72 Estimated Per Month
£0.12 Estimated Per Day

Potential Savings

1 Year £0
5 Years £0
10 Years £0

Could You Save By Upgrading?

Typical Older Appliance £72/year
Your Estimate £44/year

Keep your fridge between 3°C and 5°C for optimum efficiency.

Next Step

Explore Our Specialist Buying Guides

You've learned the basics of refrigeration including appliance types, installation, energy ratings and running costs. Now choose the appliance you'd like to explore in more detail with one of our dedicated buying guides.

✓ Refrigeration Basics Complete
6 min read

Fridge Buying Guide

Compare fridge types, capacities, features, door hinges and leading brands.

  • ✓ Types & Sizes
  • ✓ Capacity Guide
  • ✓ Features Explained
  • ✓ Door Hinges
Read Guide →
5 min read

Freezer Buying Guide

Learn about chest, upright and frost free freezers and find the right capacity.

  • ✓ Chest vs Upright
  • ✓ Frost Free
  • ✓ Fast Freeze
  • ✓ Energy Saving
Read Guide →
7 min read

Fridge Freezer Guide

Understand split ratios, storage capacity and the latest refrigeration features.

  • ✓ 50/50 • 60/40 • 70/30
  • ✓ Integrated vs Freestanding
  • ✓ Features
  • ✓ Brands
Read Guide →
5 min read

American Fridge Freezers

Discover side-by-side, French door and plumbed models with ice and water dispensers.

  • ✓ Large Capacity
  • ✓ Ice & Water
  • ✓ Smart Features
  • ✓ Premium Models
Read Guide →

Still Need Help Choosing?

Our appliance experts are here to help you compare models and find the perfect appliance for your home.

Contact Our Team