5 Things you don't readily think about when buying a refrigerator/freezer

Buying a new refrigerator or freezer is a long-term investment you make but don't want to spend too much time on. In kitchen land, summer is the time when most refrigerators and freezers are sold. That's why ETNA shares 5 smart tips you might not immediately think of, but they do make a difference.

1. Sound

Do you have an open kitchen? Then it's a good idea to look at how much noise a refrigerator makes. These days, refrigerators already make much less noise than they used to but there are still big differences. The quietest models have a noise level of about 32 decibels.

up to 35 dB: very quiet, barely audible in an open kitchen.
36-40 dB: still quiet, audible in a quiet room but not distracting.
40-42 dB: average, this is common with standard refrigerators.
43 dB or higher: well audible, though suitable for the garage or utility room, for example.

• Energy consumption  

ETNA's recent research shows that energy efficiency in kitchen appliances is considered most important in refrigerators, followed by freezers. Those looking for a new model will find that there are big differences between energy labels.

Since 54% of the Dutch are willing to pay more for an appliance with a better energy label, it is useful to know what to look out for. For an American refrigerator, energy label C (or lower) is currently already considered very energy efficient. For a fridge-freezer it is energy label A. For built-in refrigerators it is slightly different: a model with energy label D is currently considered economical.

• Humidity and temperature control

Temperature and humidity control greatly affect the shelf life of fresh and prepared foods in the refrigerator. So see if you can find a model where cool air is evenly distributed through the refrigerator compartment, so everything keeps longer. Many refrigerators today also have vegetable drawers, like the Convert FreshZones at ETNA, where humidity can be adjusted separately. This keeps your salad fresh and crunchy longer.

• Maintenance

A well-maintained appliance uses less energy and lasts longer. So occasionally wiping down the rubbers in the door is a rewarding task. So is defrosting the freezer, but fortunately many models these days have a "no-frost" function that saves a lot of time. 

• Water and ice

A boiling water faucet is now well established, a water and ice dispenser is still emerging. If you drink a lot of water, a refrigerator with a water and ice dispenser is a fine investment: a nice jug of cool water with ice with your meal or a quick fill up of a water bottle: done in no time. There are models with a fixed water connection or with a reservoir that you can refill.

Help choosing a new refrigerator or freezer?

We have so many models, we also understand that you don't immediately know which model best suits your needs. We'll help you choose. Visit ETNA's selection guide for freestanding refrigerators and you'll have found your refrigerator or freezer in a few minutes.

Sports fans take note: ETNA is an official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ this summer. Want to score a new refrigerator or freezer this summer? Then check out www.etna.nl for this summer's top scorers.