Refrigeration today unites sustainability with convenience and style. Consumers are seeking fridges that deliver energy efficiency while seamlessly blending into any style of kitchen. In addition, smart refrigerators are increasing in popularity. According to recent market research, the UK smart kitchen appliances market is expected to reach £1,746.05 million by 2030*, with smart refrigerators being the product that generated the largest revenue in 2022. 

Accompanying the growth in smart home technology, consumers are also preferencing sustainable advances such as innovations in air flow and freshness preservation. Many models feature automatically controlled temperature zones and advanced cooling technology to maximise and extend freshness.

Convenience is a key driver in the modern kitchen, and as a result we are seeing models that prioritise hygiene and accessibility features. Greater storage capacity also provides the option of a more sustainable lifestyle, with fewer trips to the supermarket and the ability to bulk buy and cook.

Freshen up

First and foremost, a fridge has to keep food cold and fresh. An appliance that increases shelf life, keeping food fresher for longer, not only offers peace of mind but also promises a more sustainable lifestyle. The tastiness and healthiness of fresh food combine with convenience.

Ashley Allen, product manager at Caple, agrees: “Good refrigerator features can help improve convenience, energy efficiency and food preservation.”

Caple puts freshness preservation at the forefront of their new fridges, introducing technology that slows down the ripening process, making food last longer. Their new In-Column Larder Fridge (RiL1800) and Frost Free Freezer (RiL1801) include Caple’s advanced cool air-flow system for even temperature distribution and a high-temperature warning to ensure peace of mind. The Frost Free Freezer also comes with a super freeze function to lock in freshness.

“Caple refrigeration offers advanced features such as Caple fresh preservation technology, to ensure fruit and vegetables stay fresher and tastier for longer. This innovative system helps to eliminate the natural gases that are produced during the ripening process.”

Below is pictured Caple’s matching 177cm In-Column Larder Fridge ( RiL1800 ) and Frost Free Freezer ( RiF1801 ).

Smarten up

Smart fridges are at the epicentre of both functionality and design. They offer a personalised experience to the customer depending on their needs and priorities. Thanks to the recent focus on smart homes, manufacturers are able to put convenience and accessibility at the forefront of their designs.

Tom Hopper, kitchen category manager at Miele GB agrees: “Smart connectivity is transforming kitchens, with features such as app integrations and voice activation offering genuine everyday convenience – whether that’s opening the door hands-free when carrying shopping or providing greater accessibility for multi-generational households.”

For consumers looking to upgrade to a smarter way of life, Miele’s ActiveDoor allows users to open and close the door of the fridge or freezer via voice command. Alternatively, consumers can programme the door so that it opens automatically by knocking twice. The ability to suit a range of needs is a cornerstone of smart fridge design. Miele K 7797 C Built-in Fridge comes with pressure sensors, opening angle and default door close that are all customisable. It also comes with an audible/optical door alarm to meet a range of accessibility needs.

Pictured is Miele K 7797 C Built-in Fridge – Upgraded with ActiveDoor

Cool capacity

Maximising the amount of food storage space is not just about convenience: more space means fewer shopping trips, more bulk buying and greater flexibility. This means it is both a more sustainable and more economical choice. Therefore, large-capacity fridges are increasingly popular, with consumers looking for space to streamline their lives.

Matthew Glynn, senior product manager at Hisense, says, “The UK refrigeration market is evolving rapidly, driven by growing consumer demand for energy efficiency, flexibility and long-term value. At the forefront is the rise of large-capacity fridge freezers, especially built-in and American-style models that blend expansive storage with sleek design.”

If maximising storage space is a primary focus for the consumer, the new 413L Combi Fridge Freezer from Hisense is the largest capacity combi model they offer in the UK. It offers unmatched storage without compromising on kitchen space or style. With 52 litres more storage than its predecessor and a smarter way for consumers to store groceries, ingredients, and meal prep essentials, it is an ideal choice for homeowners looking to enhance their kitchen with a model that boasts increased space while still integrating seamlessly into any kitchen design.

“In today’s cost-conscious, convenience-driven climate, large-capacity refrigeration is no longer a luxury, it’s a practical essential for the modern UK kitchen.” Says Matthew Glynn. “As energy prices climb and sustainability becomes a priority, consumers are turning to eco-friendly, premium appliances that deliver both performance and efficiency. These models maximise internal space while minimising their footprint, enabling bulk storage and fewer supermarket trips.”

Greater storage capacity goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. This concept is central to the Hisense philosophy. The 413L Combi Fridge Freezer is among the most energy-efficient models available on the UK market today. This efficiency, which does not detract from performance, presents the consumer with both environmental benefits and long-term cost savings.

Finishing touches

In addition to technological innovation and smart design, consumers are seeking a refined finish that complements both modern and traditional kitchens. A steel finish has long been a popular choice due to its timeless appeal. However, it also offers durable and hygienic properties that make it both an aesthetic and practical option.

Tim Hutchinson, divisional manager at Liebherr UK says, “At Liebherr, we see a growing demand for refrigeration that combines innovative freshness technology with refined material finishes. Steel has always been a cornerstone of kitchen design, valued for its hygienic properties, durability and timeless appeal”.

Liebherr offers three distinct finishes inspired by this material: Dark Grey, Black Steel, and Smart Steel. Its new Dark Grey finish (RAL 7024) offers a refined and modern colour that seamlessly complements natural surfaces. Both BlackSteel and SmartSteel prioritise everyday practicality and easy maintenance, while delivering a stylish, modern elegance. The wide variety of choices on offer plays a role in the evolution of refrigeration design, delivering on-trend options for kitchen designers and retailers alike.

Pictured below (and at the very top) are the popular Liebherr finishes.