No Frost or static fridge freezer

No Frost or Static Fridge Freezer: What to Look For

The fridge is the only appliance in the home that runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. That is why the right choice matters both for keeping food fresh and for your electricity bill. This guide covers the difference between No Frost and static fridge freezers, how many litres you need and what the energy label says.

At a glance
  • A No Frost fridge freezer does not build up ice, so it never needs defrosting.
  • A static fridge freezer costs less, but its freezer needs defrosting once ice builds up. LowFrost models reduce the amount of ice.
  • In a No Frost fridge freezer, uncovered food dries out more quickly, so it is worth keeping it in sealed containers.
  • Since 2021, the energy label for fridges runs from A to G, and annual energy use in kWh is shown on it.
  • For a family of 3 to 4 people, a fridge freezer of 300 to 400 litres is usually enough.
Contents
  1. What No Frost means
  2. How a static fridge freezer works
  3. No Frost or static: the comparison
  4. How many litres you need
  5. Dimensions and placement
  6. Energy rating and consumption
  7. Features worth having
  8. Which one to choose

What No Frost means

In a No Frost fridge freezer, a small fan circulates the cold air inside the compartments. Moisture does not settle on the walls as ice. Instead, it collects on the evaporator, which defrosts automatically at regular intervals. The water drains away by itself and evaporates. The result: no ice forms in the freezer, so you never need to defrost it.

You will also see the term Total No Frost. It means the technology covers both the fridge compartment and the freezer, not just the freezer. Air circulation also keeps the temperature more even across all the shelves.

No Frost fridge freezers from our store

Arielli ARD-341CBY1 Fridge Freezer 262L, Total NoFrost, E (H178.9xW55xD60cm) White
Arielli ARD-341CBY1 Fridge Freezer 262L, Total NoFrost, E (H178.9xW55xD60cm) White
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Finlux FBN301EWD Fridge Freezer 291L E Total NoFrost H185xW60xD60cm. White
Finlux FBN301EWD Fridge Freezer 291L E Total NoFrost H185xW60xD60cm. White
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Samsung RB33B610EWW/EF Fridge Freezer 344L, NoFrost, E (H185xW59.5xD59.5cm) White
Samsung RB33B610EWW/EF Fridge Freezer 344L, NoFrost, E (H185xW59.5xD59.5cm) White
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How a static fridge freezer works

In a static fridge freezer, cooling comes from the walls without a fan. Moisture freezes onto the walls, and over time a layer of ice forms in the freezer. When the ice builds up, the freezer loses space and efficiency, so it has to be defrosted by hand.

LowFrost models are an intermediate option. They have a special design that greatly reduces the ice, so defrosting is rarely needed and takes less time.

No Frost or static: the comparison

FeatureNo FrostStatic or LowFrost
Ice in the freezerNoYes, to a lesser extent with LowFrost
DefrostingNeverEvery so often, by hand
Even temperatureVery goodColder near the walls
Uncovered foodDries out more easilyKeeps more moisture
NoiseSlight fan noiseQuieter
Purchase priceHigherLower

Static and LowFrost fridge freezers from our store

Crown CBR271 E Fridge Freezer 262L, E (177.7x55.5x58cm) White
Crown CBR271 E Fridge Freezer 262L, E (177.7x55.5x58cm) White
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BOSCH KGE49AICA Fridge Freezer LowFrost Stainless Steel 419L
BOSCH KGE49AICA Fridge Freezer LowFrost Stainless Steel 419L
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How many litres you need

Capacity is given in litres and is split between the fridge and the freezer. As a guide:

  • Up to 250 litres: for 1 to 2 people
  • 250 to 350 litres: for 2 to 3 people
  • 350 to 400 litres: for a family of 4 people
  • Over 400 litres: for large families or anyone who shops for the whole week

If you freeze a lot of food, such as meat or vegetables from the garden, a separate freezer gives you much more space.

Dimensions and placement

Most fridge freezers are about 55 to 60 centimetres wide and 170 to 203 centimetres high. Measure the height, width and depth of the space, as well as the door opening, so that the door opens comfortably to 90 degrees. Leave a few centimetres around the unit for ventilation, and keep the fridge away from the oven and sunlight, otherwise the compressor has to work harder.

Larger Total No Frost fridge freezers

LG GBV21L0EEP Fridge Freezer 344L, Total NoFrost, E (H186xW59.5xD68.2cm) Anthracite
LG GBV21L0EEP Fridge Freezer 344L, Total NoFrost, E (H186xW59.5xD68.2cm) Anthracite
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LG GBV22L0EPY Fridge Freezer 387L, Total NoFrost, E (H203xW59.5xD68.2cm) Stainless Steel
LG GBV22L0EPY Fridge Freezer 387L, Total NoFrost, E (H203xW59.5xD68.2cm) Stainless Steel
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LG GBBSJ2CCEP Fridge Freezer 375L, Total NoFrost, AI, Wifi, C (H203xW59.7xD67.4cm) Matt Black
LG GBBSJ2CCEP Fridge Freezer 375L, Total NoFrost, AI, Wifi, C (H203xW59.7xD67.4cm) Matt Black
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Energy rating and consumption

From March 2021, fridges carry a new energy label on a scale from A to G, which is stricter than the old one that ran up to A+++. That is why most fridges on the market today are in classes D or E, while classes A to C are the most energy-efficient models. The label shows annual energy use in kWh, capacity and noise in decibels, so you can compare models accurately.

Tip: Set the fridge compartment to around 4 degrees and the freezer to minus 18. Do not put hot food inside, and do not leave the door open for long. This way the fridge uses less energy and the food keeps for longer.

Features worth having

  • Inverter compressor: quieter operation and a steady temperature
  • Crisper drawer: for fruit and vegetables
  • Reversible doors: you can change the opening side
  • Water dispenser: cold water without opening the door
  • Fast freezing: for fresh food going into the freezer
  • WiFi: temperature control and alerts on your phone

Which one to choose

If you want to forget about defrosting and prefer an even temperature, a No Frost fridge freezer is the best choice, and it is now the most common type. If you are looking for a lower price and do not mind defrosting now and then, a static or LowFrost model does the job well.

See all our fridge freezers, or the whole fridges category.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, a No Frost or a static fridge?

For most families, No Frost is the better choice, because it does not build up ice, does not need defrosting and keeps the temperature more even. A static fridge freezer costs less and is slightly quieter.

What are the downsides of a No Frost freezer?

It costs a little more, and food that is not wrapped well can dry out or suffer from freezer burn. Using freezer bags and sealed containers avoids the problem.

What are the downsides of a No Frost fridge?

The fan makes a slight noise, and the air it circulates dries out uncovered food. For fruit and vegetables, use the crisper drawer, which keeps more moisture in.

Is a No Frost fridge freezer worth it?

Yes, if you do not want to deal with defrosting. You save time, the freezer always keeps all of its space, and the temperature stays more stable.

What does No Frost mean on a fridge?

It means the fridge does not form ice, because a fan circulates the cold air and moisture is removed automatically. So it never needs defrosting.

What problems can a No Frost fridge have?

The most common ones are ice on the back wall when the door does not close properly, water at the bottom caused by a blocked drain pipe, or noise from the fan. Check the door seal and do not press food against the back wall.

Which fridge should I avoid buying?

Avoid a fridge that does not fit properly in your space, or that is too small for your family, as it will always be packed full and working hard. Also check the annual energy use on the label, because the fridge runs all year round.

Find the fridge freezer that suits you

Dozens of No Frost and LowFrost models, with delivery across Greece.

See the fridge freezers

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