It seems that the essential appliance in today’s kitchen is a large refrigerator. The Americans got there first, but the UK is catching up fast and the bigger the better. But it’s not just the size that counts, appearance matters too, and if you have a modern kitchen, one of LG’s new American-style fridge-freezers will beautifully complement your built-in units and other appliances.

LG might not be the first company you’d think of when choosing a new fridge-freezer, as the Korean manufacturer is perhaps best known in the UK for its mobile phones and flat-screen TVs, but LG’s latest range of fridge-freezers will look simply stunning in your kitchen. However, the range of products on offer can be quite confusing, so in this article we take a look at the latest batch of LG fridge freezers released just in time to store your Christmas 2010 leftovers.

Top of the range are the American style side-by-side fridges, which are the largest in the range and offer the convenience of having both the fridge and freezer sections at eye level. The three models of this type are the LG GS7161AELV, with a gross capacity of 613 liters and a Brushed Steel finish; the LG GWL227HHXV, with a gross capacity of 606 liters and a Shine-Steel finish; and the LG GWB207FVQA, finished in Gloss White and with a gross capacity of 591 liters.

The features common to the entire side-by-side range are:

– Total No Frost, which eliminates the inconvenience of defrosting, keeping the interior of the refrigerator defrosted, free of odors and easy to clean. And, because the refrigerator isn’t working extra hard to compensate, it saves you money on your energy bills.

– The Moist Balance Crisper uses a unique lattice-type blade that prevents moisture buildup in storage containers, keeping fruits and vegetables fresher longer.

– A Bioshield, which sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but simply means that the gasket is treated with an antimicrobial agent, preventing mold growth that could distort and stain the seal.

– LED display located on the outside of the door to allow easy adjustments to all settings.

– Digital Sensors: Monitor the temperature throughout the machine to keep the refrigerator and freezer compartments at desired temperatures.

– Open door alarm.

– A child lock, helping to keep your kids safe and your food safe too!

The GS7161AELV is the largest of the three, measuring 894 x 1753 x 790mm (W x H x D) with a 372-litre fridge capacity and 172-litre freezer. The GS7161AELV features a door mounted ice maker. The Vacuum Fresh option sucks the air out of the vegetable compartment to keep vegetables fresh for longer. Cooling is provided by a linear compressor, which is quieter and more energy efficient than conventional compressors. Energy efficiency is also enhanced by the use of long-life LED lighting instead of conventional light bulbs. You should be able to pick up the LG GS7161AELV for around £1,300.

The GWL227HHXV is the mid-size unit, measuring 894 x 1753 x 753mm (W x H x D) with a 365-litre fridge capacity and 172-litre freezer. Like its big brother, the GWL227HHXV uses a linear compressor, making it quieter and more energy efficient than a conventional fridge. It also has the Vacuum Fresh feature and a door mounted ice maker. The GWL227HHXV is a pipeless refrigerator, so there is no need to install pipes or change the water filter. Instead, you just need to fill an equipped container with fresh water to generate cold water and ice. You should be able to pick up the LG GWL227HHXV for around £1,000.

The GWB207FVQA is the smallest of the three, measuring 894 x 1753 x 725mm (W x H x D) with a 349-litre fridge capacity and 178-litre freezer. It is the least energy efficient of the three units, consuming approximately 20% more energy than the two largest machines as a result of using a conventional compressor to provide cooling. It also lacks an ice dispenser, although there is a normal ice tray in the freezer compartment. You should be able to pick up the LG GWB207FVQA for between £600 and £700.

We hope this article has helped explain the differences between these three fridges. Needless to say, all three are attractive products from a trusted manufacturer and any of these would be a welcome addition to anyone’s Christmas stocking!