Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a unified decor An integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of blending behind cabinet doors, giving an elegant and minimalist look that is very appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent option if you're looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are designing it from scratch. They are not only attractive, but they also offer lots of storage space. This lets you keep all your food items and beverages in a convenient location.
When it comes to choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things to consider. In the first place, you'll want to consider the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, and it's crucial to know the amount you need before buying. You'll want to choose one with enough capacity to meet your requirements but not too big, so you don't waste any energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
You may want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with larger children.
The quality of the appliance is also crucial. The cheaper models might not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They also have issues with the hinges, which are often less durable and can easily break. You'll want to choose a model with sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They'll last for many years.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, be sure to select an identical model in terms of size and split style. It is essential to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are big enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that both the freezer and fridge are the same height, typically 178cm. If you're planning to build your kitchen from scratch, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so you can locate a fridge freezer that is suitable for.
Design
The integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've worked so hard to achieve. By combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance is a great option for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in a variety of styles to match different interior designs. From fully clad models that conceal the doors with your cabinets to panels that let you express your own individual design, there's something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to customize the fridge freezer integrated so that it perfectly matches your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise levels and improves the temperature control.
Door heights for integrated fridge freezers differ as well. You can find a'midi model that's around 130cm tall, while tall models are typically around 170-180cm. You can select a split of 50:50, where you get the same amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30. This is a better option for more space in the fridge.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they may be more expensive to repair or service. However, this doesn't mean you should avoid buying a fridge freezer with integrated features if your budget is limited as you can find plenty of high-quality models at reasonable prices.
The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than freestanding models. They also use more powerful motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. If you select a fridge with advanced food preservation technology it's possible that you can save money over the long term by throwing away less food and lowering the energy use. This can result in significant savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - so it's crucial to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge freezer with an energy rating of high will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which will reduce the cost of energy over time. Look for the 'Energy Label', which is usually found on the back or user guide of the fridge-freezer. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the efficiency and energy consumption and click to view all the information on the manufacturer's site.
The amount of food you store in your fridge-freezer will also affect how much energy it uses. Even if the A+rating is high the larger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model which is older, think about how much space you need. Also, look at the internal configuration to determine whether there are any movable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent ice building up in the freezer, so you can save yourself the headache of defrosting every now and every now and. Some models do not have this feature. If you're looking to defrost your fridge, bear this in your mind.
Apart from energy efficiency, it's worth checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep clean and tidy. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting which is a nice benefit.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. It's because you have to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's also worth knowing that integrated fridge freezers are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. It's mainly because installers may not have the cabinets installed correctly or leave vital ventilation out. This can lead to hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is an ideal solution for those who want to create a contemporary, streamlined look in their kitchen. These models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinetry. This is a popular choice for those looking to create a modern design. A model that is integrated means you'll have the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organize your food items.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, as it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you may need to have your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
If fridges uk replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance to ensure that the doors to your cabinets will be able to fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and can be inserted into the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore the doors you have installed on your existing cabinets should be compatible. You should also determine the type of hinge your current fridge freezer is fitted with, if it has either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this will impact the ease to open the cupboard doors.
The latest innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The top models are designed to be easy of use in the kitchen, by reducing routine chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that help reduce or remove the need to defrost. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful additions such as wine racks.