Am I the only one here who hates side by side refrigerators? My new apartment has one, and I find the narrow compartments to be very inconvenient. Having to dig through the bin at the bottom of the freezer is a nightmare.
How Much REFRIGERATOR Does a Home Need
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Just the opposite, I HATE french door units, find them hard to keep organized and hate the bottom freezer that just gets food dumped into a bin, just as bad as a chest freezer. With my SxSs it's easy to organize the freezer, easy to find food in the freezer and I can easily get a massive Thanksgiving dinner in the fridge easily even with a large roaster. But, my SxSs are full size 36" wide units, I'd never get a SxS narrower than that.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
My parents have a top freezer fridge in the kitchen and an upright freezer in the pantry, that replaced a smaller chest freezer. More frequently used items go in the top freezer, stuff used infrequently or kept long term go in the upright one.
French door
I don't care for them either, and for the exact reasons MattL mentioned.
I don't care for them either, and for the exact reasons MattL mentioned.
No doubt from tv shows and magazine ads there seems to be a misperception out in the world that all american homes are gigantic and have massive kitchens which is far from reality.Not so for the typical average earner. Newer houses built in the past 20 years are probably bigger but millions of houses built before that, your average persons 3 bedroom ranch or split weren't specifically designed for them either, well some depending on the layout could accommodate one but many if not most required new cabinetry to fit one, which could also lead to losing some cupboards etc.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
Yeah as a kid I looked at remodeling magazines back in the 90s and they sure made it looked like every kitchen had a Subzero fridge and a Viking or Five Star gas range with double ovens, 6 burners and a griddle. Lol
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
#16
It's weird and kind of scary to see how "Europeans" and/or "Brits" take influences from us Americans. In the 80s and 90s I watched numerous Brit shows and the type refrigerators shown were often realistic 5 c.f. under counter frigs.
Now days, if they aren't showing a blatant U.S. made SxS frig, at least it is a full height frig of some European made brand which is typically counter depth and about 24" wide. Still much bigger than it had been yet the household occupants have continued to shrink just as it has in the U.S. and other countries.
Interesting post from the past.
www.automaticwasher.org
It's weird and kind of scary to see how "Europeans" and/or "Brits" take influences from us Americans. In the 80s and 90s I watched numerous Brit shows and the type refrigerators shown were often realistic 5 c.f. under counter frigs.
Now days, if they aren't showing a blatant U.S. made SxS frig, at least it is a full height frig of some European made brand which is typically counter depth and about 24" wide. Still much bigger than it had been yet the household occupants have continued to shrink just as it has in the U.S. and other countries.
Interesting post from the past.
Keeping Up Appearances appliances
I was wondering does anyone know what appliances Hyacinth had on Keeping Up Appearances? I know the coffee maker was a Braun Aromaster, which she often used when she invited Elizabeth over for coffee. She had a few electric kettles... I recall a food processor and a long narrow toaster with...
www.automaticwasher.org
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
#24
In the 70s the stove to get was a Jennaire which frankly has a lot more to offer than an over built commercial range of today.
Add in the quintessential Kitchen Aid dishwasher, quality wood cabinets, one piece laminate countertops, a serviceable 14 to 18 c.ft refrigerator possibly with an ice maker and you had a dream kitchen.
In the 70s the stove to get was a Jennaire which frankly has a lot more to offer than an over built commercial range of today.
Add in the quintessential Kitchen Aid dishwasher, quality wood cabinets, one piece laminate countertops, a serviceable 14 to 18 c.ft refrigerator possibly with an ice maker and you had a dream kitchen.
Built under
Built under fridges and freezers are actually quite a UK thing.
Our biggest market for that product category is the UK AFAIK.
We'll actually be replacing that entire lineup in a few months.
Those aren't the biggest sales, but shockingly stable in terms of sales numbers.
Built under fridges and freezers are actually quite a UK thing.
Our biggest market for that product category is the UK AFAIK.
We'll actually be replacing that entire lineup in a few months.
Those aren't the biggest sales, but shockingly stable in terms of sales numbers.
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
Episode of "As Time Goes By" with Dame Judy Dench circa 1992ish.
Her under counter frig in the background.
It's basically the same type frig I have but it needs to be on TOP of the counter for me so it's easy to access.
The first time I saw an American style SxS frig in a Brit broadcast was around 2002 in an episode of "Cash In the Attic" with Alister Appleton. It was the episode with a trust fund baby named Barbie who was putting in an inground pool and wanted a pavilion for the yard. She had a GE SxS freestanding in her kitchen, no cabinets around it it. It was like the producers went out of their way to get a picture of the frig. The same techniques that were used in the U.S. in the 90s.
This isn't the episode but Alister is so cute.
Her under counter frig in the background.
It's basically the same type frig I have but it needs to be on TOP of the counter for me so it's easy to access.
The first time I saw an American style SxS frig in a Brit broadcast was around 2002 in an episode of "Cash In the Attic" with Alister Appleton. It was the episode with a trust fund baby named Barbie who was putting in an inground pool and wanted a pavilion for the yard. She had a GE SxS freestanding in her kitchen, no cabinets around it it. It was like the producers went out of their way to get a picture of the frig. The same techniques that were used in the U.S. in the 90s.
This isn't the episode but Alister is so cute.
If you have a decent sized refrigerator, and that means that you're not driving to the grocery store every day, you're more than likely to be saving energy.
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
Hyacinth- had one as well. Maybe Violet could have a side by side.
There is another white appliance under the counter, at the end of the part between the kitchen and the breakfast table. Can’t identify it but it might be a freezer or a dishwasher.
"The first time I saw an American style SxS frig in a Brit broadcast was around 2002 in an episode of "Cash In the Attic" with Alister Appleton. "
Fitted kitchens in UK and Europe are just that, as such many for a variety of reasons chose small under counter fridges that fitted into cabinetry under counter.
Kitchens across the pond tend to be smaller, more compact and lacking light and counter space compared to what is found in USA. As such something would have to give if either say Hyacinth Bucket or Jean Mary Pargetter wanted even the (now more common) tall but narrow fridge/freezer.
As for rest of it in UK and across Europe for that matter kitchens tend to be far smaller than found in American homes. Not just flats but private homes as well. Latter is changing slowly over past few decades as new build private homes are growing larger, but still.
Other bits come down to cultural differences and household economy.
Energy costs in UK and Europe on balance are far more dear than most or all areas of USA. Fridges/freezers are some of the largest consumers of electricity in all households. As such it's not just price of fridge that comes into play but annual cost to run the thing.
Keep also in mind while gradually changing for UK and much of Europe when one leased a flat or bought a home often you had to fit out kitchen yourself; cabinets, appliances, the lot. Where money is no bother suppose buying huge fridge isn't an issue, but for others that may not be true.
Other cultural differences are fact many in UK and Europe still tend to cling to old ways. They purchase enough food for say a few days or week (including frozen) and thus don't see need for huge fridges or freezers. Americans are fond for some reason of laying in enough food to seemingly last duration, as if they'd just heard Hitler has invaded Poland or something.
Americans on average waste unconscionable amounts of food. They fill those large fridges or freezers with stuff that often sits and spoils or becomes damaged (freezer burn) thus must be thrown away. European way is far better, buy what you can consume readily and enjoy good fresh food.
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/co...=The key reason for this,more energy to do so.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/interiors/home/best-fridge-freezers/
www.independent.co.uk
Fitted kitchens in UK and Europe are just that, as such many for a variety of reasons chose small under counter fridges that fitted into cabinetry under counter.
Kitchens across the pond tend to be smaller, more compact and lacking light and counter space compared to what is found in USA. As such something would have to give if either say Hyacinth Bucket or Jean Mary Pargetter wanted even the (now more common) tall but narrow fridge/freezer.
As for rest of it in UK and across Europe for that matter kitchens tend to be far smaller than found in American homes. Not just flats but private homes as well. Latter is changing slowly over past few decades as new build private homes are growing larger, but still.
Other bits come down to cultural differences and household economy.
Energy costs in UK and Europe on balance are far more dear than most or all areas of USA. Fridges/freezers are some of the largest consumers of electricity in all households. As such it's not just price of fridge that comes into play but annual cost to run the thing.
Keep also in mind while gradually changing for UK and much of Europe when one leased a flat or bought a home often you had to fit out kitchen yourself; cabinets, appliances, the lot. Where money is no bother suppose buying huge fridge isn't an issue, but for others that may not be true.
Other cultural differences are fact many in UK and Europe still tend to cling to old ways. They purchase enough food for say a few days or week (including frozen) and thus don't see need for huge fridges or freezers. Americans are fond for some reason of laying in enough food to seemingly last duration, as if they'd just heard Hitler has invaded Poland or something.
Americans on average waste unconscionable amounts of food. They fill those large fridges or freezers with stuff that often sits and spoils or becomes damaged (freezer burn) thus must be thrown away. European way is far better, buy what you can consume readily and enjoy good fresh food.
https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/co...=The key reason for this,more energy to do so.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/interiors/home/best-fridge-freezers/
Best fridge-freezers for 2025, tried and tested
Whether it’s a freestanding or integrated model, we’ll help you find the best fit for your kitchen
www.independent.co.uk
Both Jean Pargetter Hardcastle and Edina Monsoon lived in townhouses in Holland Park/Shepard's Bush.
Those homes were largely built during Victorian or Edwardian age (if not earlier and assuming weren't bombed out during WWII), thus were designed originally for age of servants. As such kitchens were located below stairs in basements which would have given more room.
It's never explained but at some point Jean Pargetter's kitchen was moved to first floor back room on other side of sitting room. This was and is common enough arrangement for older row homes both in UK and in USA. Rise of the "servant problem" post WWI and certainly after WWII meant middle class housewives had to deal with their own housework including cooking. Trudging up and down flights of stairs to prepare and get hot meals up to dining area on first floor is exhausting. So bring kitchen "upstairs" and problem is solved.
There isn't room in Jean Pargetter's comparatively small kitchen for really anything larger than under counter fridge. She could have had something a bit taller but that would have meant sacrificing already limited counter space.
Edina Monsoon (AbFab) OTOH left kitchen where it was (in basement) just fitted it out with latest mod cons including a large fridge.
Ed's kitchen is fitted out with not just an island with surface cook-top but also has a range, tons of cabinet and other storage space, dishwasher, etc...
Those homes were largely built during Victorian or Edwardian age (if not earlier and assuming weren't bombed out during WWII), thus were designed originally for age of servants. As such kitchens were located below stairs in basements which would have given more room.
It's never explained but at some point Jean Pargetter's kitchen was moved to first floor back room on other side of sitting room. This was and is common enough arrangement for older row homes both in UK and in USA. Rise of the "servant problem" post WWI and certainly after WWII meant middle class housewives had to deal with their own housework including cooking. Trudging up and down flights of stairs to prepare and get hot meals up to dining area on first floor is exhausting. So bring kitchen "upstairs" and problem is solved.
There isn't room in Jean Pargetter's comparatively small kitchen for really anything larger than under counter fridge. She could have had something a bit taller but that would have meant sacrificing already limited counter space.
Edina Monsoon (AbFab) OTOH left kitchen where it was (in basement) just fitted it out with latest mod cons including a large fridge.
Ed's kitchen is fitted out with not just an island with surface cook-top but also has a range, tons of cabinet and other storage space, dishwasher, etc...
Previous lively discussion from archives that touched on differences between fridges in USA versus elsewhere.
www.automaticwasher.org
What Exactly Is "Moist Cool" Anyway?
Have seen in various adverts vintage and not so much makers of refrigerators touting "moist cool". Supposedly this kept foods fresher longer all without need for crisper drawers and or other closed off areas. Only time see any sort of condensation in my GE fridge is during humid weather when...
www.automaticwasher.org
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
" They purchase enough food for say a few days or week (including frozen) and thus don't see need for huge fridges or freezers. Americans are fond for some reason of laying in enough food to seemingly last duration, as if they'd just heard Hitler has invaded Poland or something.
Americans on average waste unconscionable amounts of food. They fill those large fridges or freezers with stuff that often sits and spoils or becomes damaged (freezer burn) thus must be thrown away. European way is far better, buy what you can consume readily and enjoy good fresh food."
Yes, exactly. And eating highly processed foods equates to a bad diet. One is eating old food that has diminished vitamins and nutrients. And they are eating too much. So food has become, for those hoarders, a burdon, a liability, a financial drain, and an energy drain.
They spend $$ for membership clubs to buy the unnecessary amounts of food, they spend $$ on kitchens that are over sized and over priced, the spend $$ on energy costs to keep all that stuff afloat, they also spend their youth and health juggling all this while their health declines due to the likes of diabetes. It's sad and pathetic. There is no food insecurity. People need to accept that.
I stopped at a rest stop along the highway two days ago to make a phone call. Most of the people parked.... it was like looking at a scene from night of the living dead. It was mostly 60+ y.o. people vastly over weight, hobbling about slowly in their plus plus plus sized clothing. Most with terrible posture.
I stand by my assertion that if one wants to get in shape and stay healthy= get a small refrigerator and if you can eliminate your freezer. Primarily eat fresh. That is class A food.
Just like with an all electric house, it is the best. Top of the line. I expect the best. No poor mans fuel of coal or gas for me and very limited processed foods.
Americans on average waste unconscionable amounts of food. They fill those large fridges or freezers with stuff that often sits and spoils or becomes damaged (freezer burn) thus must be thrown away. European way is far better, buy what you can consume readily and enjoy good fresh food."
Yes, exactly. And eating highly processed foods equates to a bad diet. One is eating old food that has diminished vitamins and nutrients. And they are eating too much. So food has become, for those hoarders, a burdon, a liability, a financial drain, and an energy drain.
They spend $$ for membership clubs to buy the unnecessary amounts of food, they spend $$ on kitchens that are over sized and over priced, the spend $$ on energy costs to keep all that stuff afloat, they also spend their youth and health juggling all this while their health declines due to the likes of diabetes. It's sad and pathetic. There is no food insecurity. People need to accept that.
I stopped at a rest stop along the highway two days ago to make a phone call. Most of the people parked.... it was like looking at a scene from night of the living dead. It was mostly 60+ y.o. people vastly over weight, hobbling about slowly in their plus plus plus sized clothing. Most with terrible posture.
I stand by my assertion that if one wants to get in shape and stay healthy= get a small refrigerator and if you can eliminate your freezer. Primarily eat fresh. That is class A food.
Just like with an all electric house, it is the best. Top of the line. I expect the best. No poor mans fuel of coal or gas for me and very limited processed foods.
You also have to take into account Americans on average for host of reasons refrigerate things many in Europe do not.
In USA milk is almost universally refrigerated. Not always in Europe.
https://www.rd.com/article/why-americans-refrigerate-milk-but-europeans-dont/
Eggs:
https://www.latimes.com/food/dailyd...-need-to-refrigerate-eggs-20140714-story.html
https://www.thehealthy.com/food/why-europeans-dont-refrigerate-eggs/
It is interesting to see what households around world keep in their fridges. Americans due to often large size of theirs tend to put things in that really could be left out, especially if consumed quickly.
www.insider.com
In USA milk is almost universally refrigerated. Not always in Europe.
https://www.rd.com/article/why-americans-refrigerate-milk-but-europeans-dont/
Eggs:
https://www.latimes.com/food/dailyd...-need-to-refrigerate-eggs-20140714-story.html
https://www.thehealthy.com/food/why-europeans-dont-refrigerate-eggs/
It is interesting to see what households around world keep in their fridges. Americans due to often large size of theirs tend to put things in that really could be left out, especially if consumed quickly.
What people keep in their refrigerators in 20 countries around the world
People from countries including Finland, Russia, and Argentina photographed their fridges and revealed what they keep inside.
www.insider.com
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
#33
Yes, Edina (Ed-dweena) Monsoon is another great example.
When the show started in the early 90s the frig shown in your picture was her frig. and a generous frig/freezer at the time for that matter.
By the end of the run she had this very un-British commercial frig and an unpainted SxS.
such a turn off.
----
As an avid connoisseur of house plans and going to Open House tours since I was say ten years old, I was very surprised the first time I saw a new build house in the UK and the kitchen had no cabinets. I get it though. Cabinets are after all just furniture and the trend of including kitchen cabinets in the U.S. is about 80 years old. Don't know where it came from but, it's rather biased and assuming of each occupant. It's a lot of waste when people move in and have to rip out the old kitchen. We see it all the time.
Yes, Edina (Ed-dweena) Monsoon is another great example.
When the show started in the early 90s the frig shown in your picture was her frig. and a generous frig/freezer at the time for that matter.
By the end of the run she had this very un-British commercial frig and an unpainted SxS.
such a turn off.
----
As an avid connoisseur of house plans and going to Open House tours since I was say ten years old, I was very surprised the first time I saw a new build house in the UK and the kitchen had no cabinets. I get it though. Cabinets are after all just furniture and the trend of including kitchen cabinets in the U.S. is about 80 years old. Don't know where it came from but, it's rather biased and assuming of each occupant. It's a lot of waste when people move in and have to rip out the old kitchen. We see it all the time.
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
#36
LOL. I'm "guilty" of that and no I won't change. Under the rare circumstance I would buy eggs or milk or cheese they would have to be refrigerated.
I was watching a Brit Youtuber that I've been sub'd to for several years now and he was filming his shopping at a Aldi's or Sainsburys somewhere in north London and the eggs were just sitting out on the shelf. I cringed so bad. lol. "Charlie, don't buy those eggs! They've been sitting out. Probably contaminated with salmonella now." LOL
But yeah, if they're consumed within a reasonable amount of time.... it obviously works to not have to refrig them.
Of course, even in the frig.... I've had eggs go bad. They had only been in there for a couple of months. I cracked it open and it was all black inside. But unless I have a recipe calling for eggs I don't eat them. Too much cholesterol.
LOL. I'm "guilty" of that and no I won't change. Under the rare circumstance I would buy eggs or milk or cheese they would have to be refrigerated.
I was watching a Brit Youtuber that I've been sub'd to for several years now and he was filming his shopping at a Aldi's or Sainsburys somewhere in north London and the eggs were just sitting out on the shelf. I cringed so bad. lol. "Charlie, don't buy those eggs! They've been sitting out. Probably contaminated with salmonella now." LOL
But yeah, if they're consumed within a reasonable amount of time.... it obviously works to not have to refrig them.
Of course, even in the frig.... I've had eggs go bad. They had only been in there for a couple of months. I cracked it open and it was all black inside. But unless I have a recipe calling for eggs I don't eat them. Too much cholesterol.
