Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who want a more cohesive design An integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for cabinets in the kitchen. Unlike freestanding appliances, they can be easily hidden from view when not in use.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting and incorporating convenience features such as adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than those that are freestanding. These fridge freezers can blend in with the background behind the cabinet doors. freestanding fridge provides them with a clean, uncluttered look that is appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great option for those looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are planning to design it from scratch. They are not only gorgeous, but they also offer a lot of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and beverages in a convenient location.
When you are deciding on an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things you need to take into consideration. It is important to first take into account the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is usually measured in litres, therefore it's crucial to determine how much you need before buying. You should choose one with enough capacity for your needs but not too big, so you don't waste any energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on how large your family is, you might want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is perfect for most families and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres. This is perfect for families with larger children.
The quality of the appliance is also important. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with the hinges, which are usually less durable and can easily break. You'll want to choose a model that is sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for many years.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working, choose a model that is similar in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are large enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that both the freezer and fridge are identical in height, usually around 178cm. If you are designing a new home, ensure that the dimensions are in line with these measurements to ensure that you locate a fridge freezer that can be integrated.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've been working so hard to achieve. They incorporate a refrigerator and freezer into one unit. This is an ideal option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Based on the brand The integrated fridge freezers offer a wide variety of designs to suit different styles of interior. There are many different models to choose from, from fully clad models that blend in with your kitchen cabinets to panels that allow you to express your individual style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that secure the appliance on the front of the cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design lets you customise your integrated fridge freezer to perfectly match your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and enhancing temperature control.
The door openings of integrated fridge freezers also vary - you can find models that are midi-height about 130cm tall, whereas taller models are typically about 170-180cm tall. You can also select 50:50 splits which gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of more fridge space.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they could be more expensive to repair or service. This doesn't mean you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because your budget is tight. You can still find many high-quality models for affordable costs.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due the cost of building the cabinet they are placed in. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which could result in higher energy costs. If you select a fridge with advanced food preservation technology, it's possible to save money in the long run by wasting less food and lowering your energy consumption. This can add up to significant savings over the lifespan of your fridge freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are some of the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - so it's important to choose one that has a high energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than one that is less rated, and over time this will lower the cost of energy. Look for the Energy Label', that is typically found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge-freezer. You can check the energy rating and consumption by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click on the website of the manufacturer to view the entire information.
The quantity of food that you store in your fridge-freezer will determine how much energy it uses. The larger models with more capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're equipped with an A+++ rating. If you're replacing an older model, think carefully about the amount of capacity you require and look at the internal configuration - whether shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door storage, and if they can accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you want a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use a heating element to prevent the formation of ice within the freezer. This eliminates the trouble of having to defrost your fridge each and every now and then. However, there are still some models available which don't include this feature and, therefore, if you need to defrost you should keep this in your mind.
In addition to the energy efficiency, you should consider checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Some models also feature LED lighting, which is an added benefit.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. This is because you need to purchase the fridge's housing cabinet as well as doors for the kitchen cabinet, and the installation cost. It is important to be aware that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than those that are freestanding. This is due to the fact that installers might not properly install the cabinets or may leave out vital ventilation. This can result in hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a fantastic option for those who want to create a modern minimalist look for their kitchen. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and hide from the view, making them an ideal choice for those who want to create an elegant look. The choice of an integrated model gives you the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organise your food items.
The drawback of having an integrated fridge freezer is that it may be more difficult to service than a standalone model since it is built into furniture, and removing the door from the hinges to access the appliance can be a bit difficult for most kitchen engineers. This is something you should keep in mind if think you'll need repairs or serviced in the future or in the event that you plan to sell your house and move house.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is vital to buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors on your cabinet will fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and can fit inside 60cm wide by 60cm deep cabinet for housing, so any doors are already in your cabinets are compatible with the appliances. You should also determine the kind of hinge your fridge freezer is fitted with and if it is either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this will affect how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the most recent advancements have improved their performance and design higher than ever before. The best models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen by simplifying everyday chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that reduce or completely eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful extras like wine racks.