Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a unified decor An integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, creating an elegant and minimalist look that is a great fit in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who want to renovate your kitchen or start from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently in reach.
When you're deciding to purchase a fridge freezer integrated there are some aspects you need to take into consideration. First and foremost, you'll want to consider the capacity of the appliance. Storage in the fridge and freezer is typically measured in litres, so it's crucial to know the amount you'll need before purchasing. You'll want to choose the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your requirements, but one that won't be too large so that you don't use up your energy or end up with a surplus of.
You may want to consider a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers also provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are typically less durable and can easily break. You'll want to opt for a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working, choose a model that is similar in size and split type. You'll want to ensure that the doors to your cupboards in your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new freezer in your fridge and that the fridge and freezer are the same height - usually 178cm. If you are designing a new home, ensure that the dimensions are compatible with the measurements in order to locate a fridge freezer that can be integrated.
Design
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without compromising the design that you've put in time and money to perfect. They combine a refrigerator and freezer into one unit. This is a great option for those looking to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated fridge freezers can offer a wide variety of styles to match different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that cover the doors behind kitchen cabinetry to panels that allow you to express your own individual style, there's something for all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets which secure the appliance on the front of the kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to fit perfectly with your fitted kitchen, while reducing noise levels and improving temperature control.
The door heights of integrated fridge freezers also differ. You can find models with a midi height of that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can also pick between 50:50 splits, where you get equal amounts of fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of larger fridge space.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they could be more expensive to repair or service. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you should avoid buying a fridge freezer with integrated features when your budget isn't as limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models at affordable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than those that are freestanding. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you choose one with the latest food preservation technology you may be saving money in the long run by throwing away less food and reducing your energy usage. This can result in significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
fridges for sale are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, so it is essential to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge freezer that is rated high will consume less energy than a lower-rated one and, over time, this will reduce the cost of energy. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer look for the "Energy Label" You can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating and click to view all the information on the manufacturer's website.
The amount of food you keep in your fridge-freezer will also influence the amount of energy it consumes. Even if the A+rating is high, larger models will require more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while take a look at how much capacity you'll need and check the internal configuration to see if shelves are adjustable and doors for storage, and whether they can handle larger items, like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize heating elements to stop the formation of ice within the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. However, there are some models out there that don't have this feature in the event that you need to defrost you should keep this in mind.
Apart from the energy efficiency, you should consider looking into how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models also have LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. It's because you have to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more likely to experience issues than those that are freestanding. The reason is that 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 are looking to create a contemporary, streamlined look in their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and hide from view, which is a popular choice for those looking to achieve an updated look. Choosing an integrated model also offers the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organise your food.
The drawback of having an integrated fridge freezer is that it may be more difficult to maintain than a freestanding model because it's built into your furniture, and taking the door of the cabinet from the hinges to access the appliance can be a bit difficult for most kitchen engineers. It's important to remember that you may require your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the future or should you decide to sell your home and relocate.
It is important to buy an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that your cabinet doors will still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and can fit inside a 60cm wide x 60cm deep housing cabinet so any doors you already have on your existing cupboards should be compatible with the appliances. Examine the hinge that is on your fridge freezer, if it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine how easy it is to get access to the cupboard doors.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The most effective models are designed to be easy of use in the kitchen, by simplifying routine chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that can reduce or even remove the need to defrost. You can expect flexible storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as handy extras such as wine racks, too.