The Hotpoint SH8 A2Q WRD UK is a white freestanding larder fridge, 1875 mm tall, with 366 litres of fridge space and no freezer. It suits a household that keeps its frozen food elsewhere and wants a tall, straightforward fridge that doesn't need regular defrosting.

Cooling and storage

Hotpoint calls the cooling system Low Frost: two evaporators are wrapped around the inside of the cabinet, which Hotpoint says leaves more room for food than an entry-level model and means the fridge doesn't need regular defrosting. Defrosting in the fridge is automatic. There are 6 shelves, 4 of them adjustable, and Hotpoint lists Fresh Zone among the fridge's features. The interior is lit by LEDs, which come on when you open the door.

Controls and everyday use

Electronic controls keep a constant watch on the temperature inside and bring it back quickly if it rises, for example after the door has been left open. A temperature button steps through five settings from warm to cold, and holding it for 3 seconds starts Fast Cooling, which speeds up cooling after you load a lot of food and switches itself off after 6 hours. If the door stays open for more than 5 minutes the light blinks as a warning, and a malfunction is signalled both visually and with a sound. The fridge uses 118 kWh a year and runs at 37 dB, noise class C.

Size and installation

The fridge is 1875 mm high, 595 mm wide and 630 mm deep. It is freestanding, with adjustable feet at the front for levelling, and the door can be reversed to open from the other side; Hotpoint recommends two people for the job. Once it's plugged in, it starts on its own, and Hotpoint advises waiting 4 to 6 hours before putting food inside. It is rated climate class SN-T.