Abode Under Counter Fridge Freezer review

Have you been searching for a compact fridge freezer that actually gives you useful storage without taking over your kitchen floor space?

Why This Abode Under Counter Fridge Freezer Might Suit Your Home

You might not always need a huge American-style fridge freezer, especially if you live in a flat, student accommodation, or you just want an extra unit for a utility room. This Abode Under Counter Fridge Freezer gives you a neat, slimline option that still has a decent capacity. You get a combination of fridge and freezer in one compact appliance, which helps you keep essentials close at hand without feeling cramped.

You also get some genuinely practical features: an adjustable thermostat, LED lighting, removable shelves, and a 4-star freezer rating. All of these are designed to make your daily routine easier, not more complicated.

Key Features at a Glance

You might find it helpful to see the main details of the Abode Under Counter Fridge Freezer in one place. Below is a simple breakdown of what you get, so you can quickly decide if it matches your needs and your kitchen space.

You can use this table as a quick reference when you compare this model with other compact fridge freezers. It gives you a clear view of what you’re really getting for the space it occupies.

Design and Build Quality

You want an appliance that both looks good and feels sturdy enough to last. This Abode model has a modern black finish that works especially well if you have darker cabinets, black appliances, or a more contemporary style. It looks more premium than plain white models while still keeping a simple, clean design.

The two-door layout feels familiar and practical. You get a separate door for the fridge and freezer sections, which helps you keep the cold air where it belongs. The unit is freestanding, so you are not locked into one fixed spot forever. You can shift it or move it with you if you change homes.

Slimline Footprint for Tight Spaces

If your kitchen or utility room is short on space, width becomes crucial. At just 48 cm wide and 50 cm deep, this unit is noticeably slimmer than many other under counter fridge freezers. That means you can slide it into narrow gaps where a standard 55–60 cm wide model simply would not fit.

The 85 cm height makes it a typical under counter size, so you can tuck it neatly under most standard worktops. You can also use the surface above it as extra counter space, which helps keep your kitchen area more organized.

Black Finish and Style Considerations

Choosing a black appliance can transform the way your kitchen looks. This fridge freezer gives you a neat, unified look if you already have black or stainless steel items. It tends to show fingerprints less than glossy white surfaces, and it can make your kitchen feel a bit more modern without a big renovation.

You also gain a sense of visual calm with the clean lines and smooth doors. There are no fussy details or unnecessary trims, so it blends into your existing layout rather than shouting for attention.

Capacity and Internal Layout

For an 85-litre under counter unit, the split between fridge and freezer is quite balanced. You get 61 litres for fresh food and 24 litres for frozen items. This may sound small compared with a full-size fridge freezer, but in a compact appliance, it’s actually very usable.

The design of the inside matters just as much as the headline capacity number. You want to be able to organize your food in a way that suits your daily routine.

Fridge Section: 61 Litres of Fresh Storage

The fridge area is where you will probably store most of your day-to-day items. With 61 litres, you have enough space for milk, small juice cartons, leftovers, cheese, deli items, fruit and veg, and spreads. It is not meant to stock food for a large family for a full week, but as a main fridge for one or two people, or as a secondary fridge, it works very well.

You get 2 shelves plus 2 door racks. This gives you some flexibility in how you arrange your food. Bottles, jars, and condiments can sit in the door racks, freeing up the main shelves for larger items.

Freezer Section: 24 Litres with 4-Star Rating

The freezer capacity is 24 litres, which suits ice cream tubs, frozen vegetables, a few ready meals, or batches of home-cooked food. You will not be storing half a year’s supply of food in here, but you can definitely keep a decent selection of everyday frozen essentials.

The 4-star freezer rating is important. It means the freezer is designed to store frozen food over the long term, not just for a few days, and it can freeze fresh food from room temperature down to safe storage temperatures. For you, this means you can safely keep food for weeks or months (as recommended for each food type) without worrying that the freezer is just “chilling” it instead of properly freezing it.

Storage Features and Organization

How you can organize the space inside can make the difference between a fridge that feels cramped and one that feels just right. This Abode model gives you the basics you need to keep everything neat and accessible.

Removable Shelves for Flexible Layout

The two shelves in the fridge section are removable, which opens up a few options. If you have a tall item, like a large bottle or cake box, you can take out one shelf temporarily to fit it in. You can also change the height positions (depending on the shelf supports) to better match your shopping habits.

Removable shelves also make cleaning a lot less annoying. Instead of struggling to wipe around fixed shelves, you can simply pull them out, wash them at the sink, dry them, and slide them back in.

Door Racks for Everyday Essentials

The two door racks give you a handy place to keep milk, juice, sauces, yogurt pots, or condiments. This keeps them in easy reach and frees up more shelf space for larger food containers. The door racks are usually the first place you reach for your everyday items, so you will probably find that you use them a lot.

By placing heavier items toward the bottom rack and lighter items higher up, you can reduce the risk of anything slipping when the door is opened too quickly.

Temperature Control and Performance

You want your food stored at safe, reliable temperatures, and you do not want to fuss with complicated electronic menus every time you want to adjust the settings. This under counter fridge freezer uses a straightforward manual thermostat.

Manual Thermostat: Simple and Effective

In the fridge compartment, you can set the temperature anywhere between 0°C and 8°C. That lets you choose a cooler setting if you keep lots of fresh meat or dairy, or a slightly warmer setting if you store mostly fruit, vegetables, and drinks. You simply adjust the thermostat dial until you find the setting that suits your needs.

In the freezer, you have a range of -14°C to -22°C. For long-term storage and safe freezing of raw and cooked foods, you will generally want to stay closer to the colder end of that range. Since the freezer has a 4-star rating, it is designed to maintain these low temperatures effectively when set correctly.

Stable Cooling for Everyday Use

The fridge freezer is designed to offer consistent cooling so your food does not swing wildly between too warm and too cold. With a dedicated thermostat and a compact cavity, it reaches and holds its target temperatures efficiently.

You should still leave some space around the unit for ventilation and avoid overloading the interior so the cool air can circulate. With good placement and normal use, you can expect stable temperatures that keep your food fresh and safe for longer.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

This model has an Energy Class E rating. While that is not the top rating on today’s scale, it is still considered energy efficient for its size and design type. Newer labelling systems have made the top grades harder to reach, so an E rating is not as poor as it may seem at first glance.

You benefit from the relatively small internal volume. An 85-litre unit generally uses less total energy than a large fridge freezer, simply because it has less space to keep cold. If you do not actually need a big appliance, choosing this under counter option can be more efficient overall for your home.

What Energy Class E Means for You

In plain terms, Energy Class E means you get a reasonable balance between performance and power consumption. You are not paying premium prices for ultra-high-efficiency technology, but you are also not stuck with an older, wasteful model that drives up your bills.

For you, this comes down to a modest monthly running cost. If you are replacing an older under counter unit, you may even notice a small reduction in your electricity usage, depending on how old your current appliance is.

Lighting and Interior Visibility

Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to see what is at the back of your fridge. That usually leads to forgotten leftovers and expired food. This Abode model addresses that problem with an internal LED light.

LED Light for Clear Viewing

The LED light inside the fridge section turns on when you open the door, giving you a bright, even illumination. LED lighting is more energy-efficient than older bulb types, and it produces less heat, which helps keep the interior at the right temperature.

With a clear view inside, you can quickly check what you have before you go shopping. You are also less likely to forget items hidden at the back, which can help you cut down on food waste.

Installation and Placement

You might be wondering where you can put this fridge freezer and how complicated it is to set up. This model is designed to make installation straightforward, especially in smaller homes and kitchens.

Freestanding and Under Counter

This is a freestanding appliance, which means you do not need special built-in housing or custom cabinetry. You place it where you want it, ensure there is adequate ventilation around it, and plug it in. The under counter height of 85 cm lets you tuck it beneath most standard worktops.

Because it is freestanding, you can also move it later if you rearrange your kitchen or move to a new place. It is handy for renters who might not want to invest in an integrated system that is fixed in place.

Space and Clearance Requirements

Although it is slimline, you need to allow for the door swing and some airflow around the body. Leaving a small gap at the back and sides will help it operate efficiently and extend its lifespan. The 48 cm width and 50 cm depth mean you can fit it into narrower gaps than many standard fridges, but you still want enough space so that the doors can open freely without hitting walls or adjacent units.

You should also consider the direction the doors open and whether you have enough room to access the interior easily. If you place it near a corner or in a tight alcove, take a moment to check that the door clearance works for you.

Everyday Use and Convenience

An appliance can look good on paper but feel awkward in daily use. You want something that fits your habits rather than forcing you to change everything. This Abode under counter model is designed with simple, everyday convenience in mind.

Easy Controls and Intuitive Layout

The manual controls are easy to understand, even if you are not tech-savvy. You turn the thermostat knob to adjust the temperature, and that is it. There is no complicated menu system or digital interface to worry about.

Inside, the two shelves and two door racks give you a familiar layout. You can keep the items you use most often at eye level and door-height, while less frequently used items can sit further back or on the lower shelf.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning is much easier when your shelves are removable. You can quickly take them out, clean them in warm soapy water, and wipe down the interior walls. Because the unit is smaller, the overall cleaning job does not take long.

You will also need to keep an eye on the freezer section for ice buildup. If it is not a frost-free system, you will need to defrost it from time to time. Doing this periodically keeps the freezer working efficiently and preserves its storage capacity.

Who This Fridge Freezer Is Best For

Not every appliance fits every lifestyle, so it helps to picture how you would use this fridge freezer day to day. This model is particularly suited to specific living situations and household sizes.

Ideal Users and Scenarios

You are likely to find this model a strong fit if:

• You live alone or with one other person and do not need a full-size fridge freezer.
• You want a secondary unit for drinks, snacks, or overflow food in a utility room, garage (within recommended temperature limits), or office.
• You live in student accommodation or a studio flat where kitchen space is scarce.
• You want an under counter appliance that leaves room for more cabinets or a washing machine.

It is also a good match if you like to keep a modest supply of frozen food but do not rely heavily on long-term bulk freezing.

When It Might Not Be Enough

This appliance may not be ideal if:

• You have a large family and need to store a week’s worth of full grocery loads.
• You rely heavily on frozen food storage and like to buy in bulk.
• You want advanced features like a frost-free freezer, Wi-Fi connectivity, or holiday modes.

In those cases, you will probably want to look at larger fridge freezers or upright freezers that offer more capacity and extra features.

Pros and Cons Summary

To help you quickly weigh up the strengths and limitations, it can be helpful to see them side by side. Here is a straightforward summary of what you can expect from the Abode Under Counter Fridge Freezer.

Advantages You Will Appreciate

You gain several clear benefits if you choose this model:

• Compact and slimline: At 48 cm wide, it suits tight spaces and small kitchens.
• Decent capacity for size: 85 litres in total, with a 61L / 24L fridge-freezer split.
• 4-star freezer rating: Proper long-term frozen food storage and freezing performance.
• Simple manual controls: Easy to set fridge and freezer temperatures.
• Removable shelves: Flexible organization and easier cleaning.
• LED interior lighting: Better visibility and more efficient than old-style bulbs.
• Modern black finish: Stylish look that works with contemporary décor.
• 1-year manufacturer guarantee: Added reassurance if anything goes wrong early on.

These strengths make it especially useful if you value space-saving, straightforward operation, and a neat design.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

There are also some trade-offs you should consider:

• Limited freezer capacity: 24 litres may not suit you if you store a lot of frozen food.
• Energy Class E: Not the highest efficiency rating under the latest label system.
• Not a frost-free freezer: You will likely need to defrost the freezer section occasionally.
• Basic feature set: Lacks extras like digital displays, smart features, or dedicated chill drawers.

If you are comfortable with these limitations, the appliance should serve you well. If not, you may want to look at larger or feature-rich models.

Space Planning: How It Fits into Your Kitchen

Before bringing in a new appliance, it is helpful to picture exactly where it will go. With this under counter model, you have a few flexible placement options.

Using It as a Main Fridge Freezer

If you live in a smaller home or flat, you might use this as your primary fridge freezer. You can fit it under a counter near your main food preparation area or sink. With the black finish, it will pair well with dark countertops or cabinets and can become part of a compact but functional kitchen layout.

To make it work as a main unit, you will likely want to shop more frequently rather than doing very large weekly shops. Keeping a smaller fridge means you naturally keep a better rotation of fresh items.

Using It as a Secondary or Backup Unit

You may already have a main fridge freezer and just want a bit of extra space. In that case, you can place this unit in a utility room, home office, or annex as an additional storage option. It works well as:

• A drinks fridge for bottled water, soft drinks, and wine.
• A snack fridge for guests or children.
• Extra freezer space for treats, batch-cooked meals, or special items.

Because it is freestanding and relatively compact, you can shift it easily if your storage needs change over time.

Using the Adjustable Thermostat Effectively

Getting the best performance from your fridge freezer is not just about plugging it in; it also comes down to how you set and adjust the thermostat over time.

Suggested Settings for Everyday Use

As a general guide, you might aim for:

• Fridge: around 4°C as a middle ground for everyday use. This is cool enough for safe storage of dairy, meats, and leftovers.
• Freezer: closer to -18°C, which is the widely recommended temperature for long-term food storage.

You can start with these approximate settings and then adjust slightly if you find your milk is too cold or your fruit is a bit chilly. Every kitchen is different, and room temperature can influence how the appliance performs.

Adjusting for Seasonal Changes

In hotter weather, your kitchen may be warmer, which can make your fridge work harder. In those months, you may want to nudge the thermostat to a cooler setting to maintain the same internal temperature. In winter, if your kitchen tends to be cooler, you might not need to set it as cold.

You can check how your settings are working by monitoring how quickly ice cream softens when you take it out, how firm frozen food feels, and whether your chilled drinks are as cold as you prefer.

Durability and Guarantee

When you buy a new appliance, you naturally want peace of mind that it will not fail within a short time. This Abode under counter fridge freezer comes with a 1-year manufacturer guarantee.

What the 1-Year Guarantee Means for You

For the first year after purchase, you are covered against manufacturing defects under the terms of the guarantee. If something goes wrong that is not caused by misuse or accidental damage, you can contact the manufacturer for support, repair, or replacement as per their policy.

It is worth registering your appliance and keeping your proof of purchase somewhere safe. That way, if you need help within the guarantee period, you can get it quickly and easily.

Practical Tips for Getting the Most from This Fridge Freezer

A few simple habits can help you extend the life of this appliance and get the best performance out of it every day.

Organize Your Food Smartly

• Keep raw meat and fish on the lower shelf in containers to avoid drips onto other foods.
• Place ready-to-eat foods and leftovers on higher shelves where they are easy to see.
• Use the door racks for condiments, drinks, and items that tolerate slight temperature fluctuations.

By organizing your food in a consistent way, you reduce waste and make it quicker to cook or prepare meals.

Avoid Overloading and Blocked Airflow

Try not to pack the shelves too tightly. Your fridge and freezer need room for air to circulate. If you block vents or pile everything up against the back wall, cold air cannot flow properly, and the appliance must work harder.

Leaving small gaps between items allows for more even cooling and helps maintain a stable temperature, which keeps your food fresher.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Choice for You?

You are looking at a compact, under counter fridge freezer that gives you a practical blend of space, efficiency, and style. The Abode Under Counter Fridge Freezer Energy Efficient 85 Litre Capacity Black, Slimline 2 Door, Freestanding, LED Light, Adjustable Thermostat, 4 Star Freezer Rating, Removable Shelves A85UCFF482E1B [Energy Class E] is designed for homes where every centimetre of kitchen space counts.

If you want:

• A slimline appliance that fits under your counter,
• A useful mix of fridge and freezer space in a small footprint,
• Straightforward manual controls and a 4-star freezer rating,
• A smart-looking black finish that suits modern interiors,

then this model is a strong option.

On the other hand, if you need a large freezer, a lot of advanced features, or the very highest energy rating, you may be better off with a bigger, more feature-heavy fridge freezer.

Ultimately, this Abode unit is about giving you reliable, compact cold storage with minimal fuss. If that matches your lifestyle and your kitchen, it is likely to serve you well as either a main or secondary fridge freezer in your home.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.