Fridge freezers are designed with a specific balance between the size of the fridge and freezer compartments to meet the average consumer's needs and optimize energy efficiency. The ratio of fridge to freezer space is often determined based on market research and consumer preferences.
Here are a few reasons why fridge freezers are designed this way:
Consumer demand: Research shows that the majority of consumers use the refrigerator section more frequently than the freezer. People tend to buy fresh food more often than frozen items, so manufacturers allocate more space to the fridge compartment to accommodate this demand.
Energy efficiency: Keeping a larger freezer at a lower temperature requires more energy. By providing a more balanced size ratio, fridge freezers can optimize energy consumption and reduce operating costs over time.
Design constraints: Fridge freezers need to fit within standard kitchen dimensions, and there are often space limitations to consider. Balancing the size of the compartments ensures the appliance can fit comfortably in most kitchens.
Storage organization: Designing the freezer compartment with more space allows users to better organize and access their frozen items. Smaller, packed freezer compartments might lead to items being buried and forgotten, leading to potential food waste.
Cost considerations: A larger freezer compartment would increase the overall cost of the fridge freezer. Manufacturers aim to strike a balance between consumer needs, affordability, and overall functionality.
While the standard design might not suit everyone's preferences, there are options available in the market with different size ratios or even separate full-size refrigerators and freezers for those who need more freezer space or want to customize their kitchen setup to better match their usage patterns.