Fridges with bottom freezers make accessing the more-often-used chiller easier. WONG SIOW YUEN checks out four models of convenience.
most spacious and energy-efficient
PANASONIC NRF603 FROM $4,499, FROM MAJOR ELECTRICAL STORES STORAGE
It has big door pockets, especially the ones on the right that are two times deeper than regular ones. Each holds 12 canned drinks and 12 small mineral water bottles – great for stocking up drinks for a party. Of all the models, this has drawers that slide out the most and let you view fruits right at the back of them. This is the only one with the freezer just above the fruit compartment. The others have them right at the bottom of the fridge.
FEATURES
Families who prepare meals for the week ahead will find the Fresh Freezing function a time-saver. Put hot food into the compartment and an industrial-strength blast of minus 40 deg C cold air quickly freezes it. It stops when the food’s surface temperature reaches minus 15 deg C and automatically switches to regular freezing. The auto icemaker churns out a tray of ice cubes in about 80 minutes.
SPECS*
74cm x 179.8cm x 70.9cm
NEA SCORECARD
484 litres. Annual power consumption: 646kwh (which is approximately $197 a year, the lowest among the four models here).
VERDICT
Big, yet energy efficient.
FISHER & PAYKEL E552BMFDU
$2,899, FROM MAJOR ELECTRICAL STORES STORAGE The freezer consists of three drawers behind a swing door. Some might not like the extra step in getting to the frozen food as you have to yank the door open, then slide out the drawer you want. Its water dispenser is just about 2cm deep, which made us think this would make filling a glass a hit-or-miss affair. But the jet is cleverly angled so that water shoots outwards. We like how the glass shelves are more solid than the plastic ones in the other makes and that the shelves and door pockets can be placed at various heights. An adjustable bottle rack makes use of the space just below the shelves for wine or bottle storage. Fruits and greens are kept fresh as the drawer has a lid that locks in humidity.
FEATURES
Need to chill a bottle of bubbly quickly? Hit the Quick Chill function and it’s ready to drink in about 30 minutes. Its Active Smart feature monitors usage and temperature to adjust the defrosting.
SPECS*
79cm x 170cm x 69.6cm
NEA SCORECARD
463 litres. Annual power consumption: 745kwh.
VERDICT
Efficient, simple layout and easy to use.
PHOTOGRAPHY JUSTIN LOH ART DIRECTION & STYLING NIKKI HO
