The Best Fridge Freezer Under £250 UK (2025) – Quiet, Compact & Energy Efficient | Homiqo Review

Looking for a reliable and affordable fridge freezer under £250 in the UK? Whether you need a compact unit for a small kitchen, a quiet model for open-plan living, or a frost-free design for minimal maintenance, this guide compares the best options for 2025.

We review four popular models by Willow, Fridgemaster, CHiQ, and Cookology — highlighting capacity, energy efficiency, noise levels, colours, customer feedback, and more to help you choose the perfect fit.

We’ll cover:

• Specs & key features
• Customer review
• Available colours
• Pros & cons
• Best use cases
• Comparison

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1. Willow WFF157W – Compact Yet Practical 70/30 Fridge Freezer

Price: £219.99
Capacity: 157L (Fridge 109L / Freezer 48L)
Energy Rating: E
Noise Level: 39dB
Defrost System: Low Frost
Colours Available: White, Black
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 (322 reviews)

Key Features:

• Low Frost Technology – Reduces ice build-up for easier defrosting.
• Fingerprint-Resistant Finish – Minimal cleaning needed.
• Quiet Operation – Suitable for kitchens or open-plan spaces.
• Adjustable Thermostat & Shelves – Flexible storage options.
• Storage Layout: 3 glass shelves, crisper drawer, 3 freezer drawers.

Customer Reviews Say:

• 👍 Excellent cooling performance.
• 👍 Low frost feature makes defrosting much quicker.
• 👍 Stylish and blends with most kitchen styles.
• 👍 Very quiet operation.
• 👎 Some find it smaller than expected.

Pros:

✅ Low maintenance
✅ Sleek design with mark-proof finish
✅ Compact but well-organised storage

Cons:

❌ Smaller freezer than 60/40 split models
❌ May not suit larger families

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2. Fridgemaster MC50175A – Larger 60/40 Fridge Freezer with LED Lighting

Price: £199.00 (26% off)
Capacity: 175L (Approx. Fridge 105L / Freezer 70L)
Energy Rating: E
Noise Level: 39dB
Defrost System: Manual
Colours Available: White, Silver, Black
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 (838 reviews)

Key Features:

• LED Lighting – Bright and energy-efficient.
• Reversible Door – Fits any kitchen layout.
• Adjustable Shelves – Accommodates different food shapes and sizes.
• Larger Freezer Space – Ideal for frozen food lovers.

Customer Reviews Say:

• 👍 Keeps food fresh and consistent.
• 👍 Quiet running, compact fit.
• 👍 Great value for money.
• 👎 Freezer space still limited for big families.
• 👎 Manual defrost requires regular upkeep.

Pros:

✅ Bigger freezer than 70/30 models
✅ Affordable price for its size
✅ Quiet with bright LED lighting

Cons:

❌ Manual defrosting required
❌ Not the most spacious fridge interior for bulk storage

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3. CHiQ FBM157L4EU – Stylish Frost-Free 70/30 Fridge Freezer with Long Warranty

Price: £249.99
Capacity: 157L (Fridge ~110L / Freezer ~47L)
Energy Rating: E
Noise Level: 39dB
Defrost System: Frost Free
Colours Available: Black Stainless, Dark Inox, Tomato Red, Black
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.3/5 (598 reviews)

Key Features:

• True Frost-Free – No manual defrosting needed.
• Slimline Design – Perfect for small kitchens.
• Premium Finish Options – Stylish colour range.
• 12-Year Compressor Service – Peace of mind for long-term use.
• Reversible Door – Flexible placement.

Customer Reviews Say:

• 👍 Attractive satin black finish.
• 👍 Great for compact kitchens.
• 👍 Quiet and energy-efficient.
• 👎 Some reported dents upon delivery.
• 👎 Build quality feedback is mixed.

Pros:

✅ Frost-free convenience
✅ Stylish modern finishes
✅ Long compressor warranty

Cons:

❌ Higher price than similar-capacity models
❌ Risk of cosmetic delivery damage

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4. Cookology UCFF87BK – Under Counter Small Fridge Freezer

Price: £149.99
Capacity: 87L (Fridge 61L / Freezer 26L)
Energy Rating: F (old A+)
Noise Level: 42dB
Defrost System: Manual
Colours Available: Black, Silver, White
Customer Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 (2,422 reviews)

Key Features:

• Under Counter Design – Fits neatly below kitchen worktops.
• Separate Fridge & Freezer Doors – Improves cooling efficiency.
• Low Running Costs – Around £26/year to operate.
• Compact Yet Practical – Great for limited spaces.

Customer Reviews Say:

• 👍 Perfect for one-person use or as a second fridge.
• 👍 Fits milk cartons and everyday essentials well.
• 👍 Quiet for most, though some notice slight hum.
• 👎 Small freezer section.
• 👎 Some report durability issues after months.

Pros:

✅ Very affordable
✅ Ideal for small spaces or as a secondary unit
✅ Separate freezer door

Cons:

❌ Not suitable for large grocery storage
❌ Louder than other models here

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📊 Comparison Table

Brand	Capacity	Split	Defrost	Noise	Colours	Price	Rating
Willow Buy Now	157L	70/30	Low Frost	39dB	White, Black	£219.99	⭐ 4.2/5
Fridgemaster Buy Now	175L	60/40	Manual	39dB	White, Silver, Black	£199.00	⭐ 4.3/5
CHiQ Buy Now	157L	70/30	Frost Free	39dB	Black Stainless, Dark Inox, Tomato Red, Black	£249.99	⭐ 4.3/5
Cookology Buy Now	87L	Side-by-side	Manual	42dB	Black, Silver, White	£149.99	⭐ 4.4/5

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🏆 Final Verdict

• Best All-Rounder: Willow WFF157W – Compact, low frost, quiet, and easy to clean.
• Best for Freezer Lovers: Fridgemaster MC50175A – Cheapest per litre with more freezer space.
• Best Premium Compact: CHiQ FBM157L4EU – Stylish frost-free with strong warranty.
• Best Small Space Solution: Cookology UCFF87BK – Perfect under-counter fridge freezer.

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