Cookology CFF174BK Freestanding Fridge Freezer review

Have we been searching for a fridge freezer that actually fits our life, our kitchen, and our budget without feeling like a compromise?

Why We Were Drawn to the Cookology CFF174BK

When we look for a new fridge freezer, we usually want three things: practicality, efficiency, and a design that won’t ruin the look of our kitchen. The Cookology CFF174BK Freestanding Fridge Freezer in Black caught our attention because it promises all three at a very accessible price.

We are dealing with a compact-but-roomy 174-litre unit, with a sleek black finish that makes it feel more premium than its cost suggests. In this review, we share how it actually performs in everyday use and who it suits best.

Key Features at a Glance

To get a clear idea of what we are working with, it helps to see the main specs and features side by side. This fridge freezer aims to combine stylish looks with quiet operation and solid freezing performance.

We find this layout makes it easier for us to decide if the size, features, and performance level match our home, especially when we have limited kitchen space or specific layout constraints.

Design and Build Quality

Black Finish and Overall Look

The design of the Cookology CFF174BK is one of the first things that makes us take it seriously. The black exterior gives it a more contemporary feel than standard white appliances, and it blends well with darker cabinets, modern kitchens, and even studio apartments.

We appreciate that although it is a budget-friendly appliance, it does not look cheap. The sleek doors and minimalistic lines mean it can sit in an open-plan living area without drawing unwanted attention or clashing with our décor.

Size, Dimensions, and Footprint

With dimensions of 150 cm in height, 47 cm in width, and 51.1 cm in depth, this fridge freezer is fairly slim and tall. That footprint makes it ideal for narrow kitchens, compact apartments, studios, student halls, or holiday rentals where floor space is tight.

We like that the height offers useful vertical storage without demanding a wide gap in our cabinets. We do, however, want to measure our space carefully in advance to ensure proper ventilation around the sides and back, especially since it uses static cooling.

Build and Materials

Given the price bracket, we do not expect luxury-grade materials, but we want sturdy and reliable components. The Cookology CFF174BK feels solid enough for daily family use: the doors feel relatively secure, the shelves are stable, and the handles are integrated rather than separate fittings that can break off.

We view this as a practical, functional build rather than a high-end designer piece. It does what we need it to do, and that is often what matters most in a busy kitchen.

Capacity and Internal Layout

Total 174-Litre Capacity

The combined capacity of 174 litres suits small households particularly well. For a couple, a single person who cooks a lot, or even a small family that shops often, this capacity tends to be enough for weekly groceries and frozen essentials.

We would say this is not meant for large families doing massive weekly shops, but it offers more than a mini fridge and less than a full-sized American-style fridge freezer. It aims for that sweet spot where space, efficiency, and compactness intersect.

Fridge Compartment Layout

Inside the fridge, we have adjustable shelves and a removable fruit and vegetable box. The adjustable shelves let us configure the interior to fit taller items like milk bottles, juice cartons, or leftover containers.

We appreciate being able to adapt the space rather than having fixed shelves that force us into awkward stacking or cramming. The crisper box helps keep produce like lettuce, peppers, and fruit separate and easier to access, which encourages us to actually use what we buy.

Freezer Compartment Layout

The top or bottom configuration can vary depending on the design, but the key detail here is the 4-star freezer rating and the ability to maintain -18°C. This means we can keep frozen vegetables, meat, fish, bread, and prepared meals safely for long periods without worrying about quality loss due to insufficient freezing temperature.

We do not expect cavernous freezer storage, but for day-to-day use—frozen pizza, chips, veg, leftovers—it meets our needs without swallowing half the kitchen.

Static Cooling System

What Static Cooling Means for Us

The Cookology CFF174BK uses static cooling, which is common in affordable fridge freezers. Static cooling relies on cold air naturally settling in the compartment rather than being forced around with a fan.

We typically see slightly cooler areas towards the back and lower sections, and slightly warmer spots near the front or door. This means we need to be a bit more mindful about how we arrange our food to maintain even freshness.

Practical Implications of Static Cooling

With static cooling, we may occasionally see some light condensation or frost build-up, particularly in the freezer or near the back of the fridge. This is normal for this type of system, and it simply means we will want to defrost from time to time.

We can use the cooler areas for raw meat or fish (well sealed, of course) and the slightly warmer spots for cooked foods, dairy, and condiments. Once we understand where those zones are, it becomes easier to store things efficiently and safely.

Temperature Control and Performance

Adjustable Temperature Control

The built-in adjustable thermostat lets us set the cooling level to our preference. We can turn it slightly colder during hot summer months or reduce it if the fridge is not packed and we want to save a little energy.

We like having this level of control, especially if we store lots of fresh ingredients that benefit from particular temperature ranges, such as dairy, leafy greens, or delicate fruits.

Maintaining Safe Fridge and Freezer Temperatures

The standout feature is the freezer’s 4-star rating, meaning it can reach and maintain -18°C. That is the industry standard for long-term frozen storage, so we can comfortably keep items like meat and fish without worrying about them warming to unsafe temperatures.

For the fridge compartment, keeping it in the recommended range (usually around 3–5°C) helps preserve freshness, texture, and taste. Once we set the temperature correctly and avoid overpacking, we get a stable and reliable environment for our food.

Noise Level and Everyday Use

Whisper-Quiet 39 dB Operation

At just 39 dB, the Cookology CFF174BK is impressively quiet. To put that into perspective, typical conversation is around 60 dB, and a very quiet room is around 30 dB. We are dealing with a gentle hum here, not a constant buzz.

We find this particularly important for studio apartments, open-plan living rooms, or kitchens that share space with home offices. We can sit nearby, watch TV, work, or sleep without the fridge being a noticeable source of noise.

Ideal for Flats and Holiday Homes

Because it is so quiet and compact, this unit is a nice fit for flats, student accommodation, and holiday lets. Guests are unlikely to complain about noise at night, and the modest size suits temporary stays.

We can also see this working in a garden office or annex where we want proper refrigeration without the appliance dominating the space.

Energy Efficiency and Running Costs

Energy Class E Considerations

The Cookology CFF174BK is rated Energy Class E under the newer, stricter EU/UK rating system. While that sounds mid-range, we need to remember that the scale has been tightened in recent years, and many appliances that used to be rated A+ now fall into C, D, or E.

We are not getting cutting-edge efficiency here, but we are also not facing extreme running costs. For a fridge freezer of this capacity, the day-to-day electrical consumption is usually reasonable, especially if we set a sensible temperature and keep the door closed as much as possible.

Balancing Budget and Efficiency

We always weigh the purchase price against running costs. In this case, the lower upfront cost may offset the slightly higher energy class compared with premium models. For a rental property, student home, or occasional-use holiday let, that balance often makes sense.

We can squeeze extra efficiency by avoiding overloading, allowing enough ventilation around the unit, and not setting the temperature colder than necessary.

Shelves, Drawers, and Accessibility

Adjustable Shelves for Flexible Storage

The adjustable shelves are a big plus. Being able to move shelves up or down helps us store items of different heights without wasted space. Tall bottles, large pots, or stacked meal-prep containers become easier to accommodate.

We can reconfigure the fridge depending on our lifestyle. For example, we might need more height for drinks in summer and more flat shelf space for prepped meals during busy work weeks.

Removable Fruit and Vegetable Box

The fruit and vegetable drawer (crisper) keeps produce neatly contained and easier to organise. We like to use this drawer for anything we want to keep from drying out or being squashed by heavier items.

Being removable, the drawer also makes cleaning simpler and allows us to temporarily create more open space if we need to store something unusually large for a short time.

Reversible Doors and Installation Flexibility

Reversible Doors for Any Kitchen Layout

The reversible doors allow us to choose whether the fridge opens from the left or right. This feature becomes crucial when our kitchen layout is fixed and we need the door to open away from walls, cabinets, or counters.

We appreciate that this flexibility means we can move the unit to a new home or rearrange our kitchen later without the appliance becoming unusable in the new layout.

Adjustable Legs for Stability

Height-adjustable legs help us level the fridge on slightly uneven floors. A well-levelled fridge freezer works more efficiently, makes less noise, and ensures doors close properly.

We also like that adjusting the height gives us a bit of control over how the unit lines up visually with adjacent counters or cabinets, helping it blend into our space.

Internal Lighting and Visibility

LED Light Benefits

The internal LED light is a small detail that we quickly appreciate. LED lighting is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and bright without generating much heat.

We can see what is on each shelf clearly, which helps us avoid forgotten food in the back. Good lighting also makes it easier to clean, organise, and check expiry dates without pulling everything out.

Everyday Convenience

The light turns on as soon as we open the door, which is especially useful in dim kitchens or for late-night snack raids. We are not left fumbling around trying to feel our way to the milk or leftovers.

We tend to underestimate lighting until we have a poorly lit fridge; this model avoids that frustration.

Freezer Performance and 4-Star Rating

What a 4-Star Freezer Means

The 4-star freezer rating assures us that the compartment can consistently hit and maintain -18°C. That is the temperature we need for safe long-term storage of frozen food such as meat, fish, ready meals, and ice cream.

We also benefit from being able to freeze fresh items, not just keep already-frozen food cold. This matters if we like batch-cooking, freezing leftovers, or buying meat in bulk.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

In daily life, this level of performance means we can plan ahead. We might cook a big pot of soup or stew, portion it, and freeze it for busy evenings. Or we can always keep a backup of frozen vegetables and bread without worrying that they will suffer from partial thawing.

We do need to keep an eye on organisation so we do not lose small items under larger ones, but that is true of almost any freezer.

Who This Fridge Freezer Suits Best

Ideal Users and Households

From our perspective, the Cookology CFF174BK is best suited for:

• Single occupants or couples in flats or studios
• Small families with modest grocery quantities
• Students in shared houses (especially where each room might have a personal fridge)
• Landlords equipping rental properties or holiday lets
• Anyone needing a secondary fridge freezer, such as for a utility room, garage (if temperature conditions are suitable), or annex

We find that it offers enough storage for day-to-day living without being overkill in compact spaces.

When It Might Not Be Enough

If we have a large family that buys bulk quantities every week, or if we regularly store large frozen joints and multiple big items at once, this 174-litre capacity could feel restrictive.

We would also look at alternative higher energy-rated models if our top priority is the absolute lowest running cost over many years, especially in a high-usage household.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

What We Like

We find it helpful to summarise the positive points clearly. For us, the main advantages of the Cookology CFF174BK are:

• Stylish black design that looks more premium than its price suggests
• Compact, slim footprint ideal for narrow spaces or smaller kitchens
• 174-litre capacity that balances practicality with compactness
• 4-star freezer rating (-18°C) for safe long-term frozen food storage
• Quiet operation at 39 dB, suitable for open-plan and small spaces
• Adjustable shelves and legs for flexible storage and stable installation
• Reversible doors, allowing left or right opening depending on our layout
• LED internal lighting for clear visibility of contents
• Budget-friendly pricing, offering strong value for money

These features make it an appealing choice for many everyday households.

Where It Falls Short

No appliance is perfect. Some limitations we should be aware of include:

• Energy Class E, which is not the most efficient available (though acceptable for the price)
• Static cooling, meaning we might see some minor frost or temperature variation within the fridge
• Limited capacity for large families, particularly if we store plenty of bulky frozen items
• Build quality aimed at practicality, not luxury, so we should not expect premium materials or advanced smart features

We weigh these downsides against the low cost and overall utility when deciding if it meets our specific needs.

Installation, Setup, and First Use

Delivery and Positioning

At around 36 kg, the unit is manageable for two adults to move carefully, especially using proper lifting technique. Once in place, we position it away from direct heat sources (like radiators or ovens) and allow some space behind and around the sides for ventilation.

We then use the adjustable legs to level the fridge, ensuring it does not rock and that the doors close fully without needing to be pushed.

Letting the Appliance Settle

After positioning, we generally want to let the fridge stand upright for a few hours (often recommended after transport), especially if it has been laid on its side at any point. This allows the refrigerant fluids to settle properly.

Then we plug it in, set the temperature to a middle setting, and let it run empty for several hours before loading it with food. This gives the internal temperature time to stabilise and ensures our groceries go into a chilled environment.

Day-to-Day Living with the Cookology CFF174BK

Organisation and Storage Habits

We find that this fridge works best when we stay reasonably organised. Using the adjustable shelves thoughtfully, we can dedicate zones to specific categories: dairy, leftovers, condiments, fresh produce, and drinks.

We also recommend keeping the freezer arranged so we know what is at the back. Labelling containers and grouping similar items together helps us avoid waste and over-buying.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning is straightforward. The smooth interior walls, removable shelves, and crisper drawer make it easy to wipe everything down with mild detergent.

Because of the static cooling system, we may need to defrost the freezer occasionally, especially if frost build-up becomes noticeable. We can unplug the unit, remove contents, and let the ice melt naturally, then dry thoroughly before restarting.

Using It in Rentals and Holiday Lets

Advantages for Landlords and Hosts

For landlords and hosts, the Cookology CFF174BK nails many requirements: it is affordable, presentable, compact, and quiet. Guests and tenants are unlikely to complain about noise or space, and the black finish resists visible scuffs and marks better than bright white surfaces.

We also find the simple controls and layout intuitive, meaning we do not need to provide complicated manuals or instructions beyond basic use.

Durability and Expectations

As with any mid-range appliance, we should set realistic expectations. It is designed to be practical and reliable, but not indestructible. Encouraging sensible use and periodic cleaning can help prolong its life in a rental environment.

We would also factor in that if it does eventually need replacing, the initial low price cushions that cost compared with high-end models.

How It Compares in Its Category

Position in the Market

Within the category of slim, freestanding fridge freezers with around 170–180 litres of capacity, the Cookology CFF174BK sits in the budget to mid-range space. It competes primarily on price, appearance, and quiet operation.

We are not getting smart connectivity, frost-free technology, or A-rated energy performance. Instead, we get core features, a modern aesthetic, and respectable freezing performance at a very friendly price.

Balancing Features and Cost

When we compare, we often see that stepping up to better energy efficiency or frost-free systems usually means a larger footprint and a higher purchase cost. For many of us, especially in smaller homes or rentals, the Cookology’s balance of features is more than sufficient.

We decide based on how heavily we use our freezer, how often we shop, and how long we intend to keep the appliance in the same property.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best from This Fridge Freezer

Maximising Freshness

To keep our fresh food in top condition, we can:

• Avoid overfilling the fridge so air can circulate
• Store raw meat in sealed containers on lower shelves
• Use the crisper drawer for fruit and vegetables to reduce moisture loss
• Keep often-used items near the front to reduce door-open time

We find that small habits like these can noticeably extend the life of our groceries.

Managing the Freezer

For the freezer section, we can:

• Label and date frozen items to avoid “mystery containers”
• Keep similar items together (vegetables, meats, leftovers, bread)
• Avoid leaving the door open for long periods while we decide what to cook
• Try to keep it reasonably full, as a well-stocked freezer can hold temperature better

These simple steps help our 4-star freezer function at its best and reduce food waste.

Our Overall Verdict on the Cookology CFF174BK

We see the Cookology CFF174BK Freestanding Fridge Freezer in Black as a strong, budget-conscious option for those of us who value practicality, a modern look, and quiet performance. It is not aiming to be a premium, feature-loaded appliance, but rather a reliable daily workhorse.

We appreciate the 174-litre capacity, the slim dimensions, and the reversible doors that make it easy to fit into awkward or compact spaces. The 4-star freezer rating and whisper-quiet 39 dB noise level make it suitable for apartments, studios, and open-plan homes.

We also recognise its compromises: Energy Class E instead of higher efficiency, static cooling that may require occasional defrosting, and a capacity that might not satisfy very large households. For many of us, though, these trade-offs are acceptable, especially given the accessible price and stylish black finish.

If we are equipping a smaller home, a rental, a student property, or we simply want a compact, good-looking fridge freezer without overspending, the Cookology CFF174BK offers a well-balanced package. It does exactly what we need it to do—keep food fresh, frozen goods safe, and our kitchen looking neat—without demanding constant attention or a huge chunk of our budget.

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