Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a cohesive decor An integrated fridge freezer can be easily integrated into the cabinet doors of kitchens. In contrast to freestanding appliances they can be easily hidden from view when not in use.
These fridge freezers were designed to make your life easier. They can reduce the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, as well as adding convenience features such as adjustable shelves as well as dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it is about fridge freezers integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind the doors of cabinets. This creates a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is pleasing in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who want to renovate your kitchen or begin from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently within reach.
When you're deciding to purchase a fridge freezer integrated there are some aspects you should take into consideration. First you should consider the capacity of the appliance. It's important to consider the amount of space you'll need to store your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You will want to select a model with enough capacity to meet your requirements but not too large, so you don't waste any energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
You might 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 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with more children.
The quality of the appliance is crucial. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are typically less durable and can easily break. You should choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to come.
If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, be sure you select the same model in terms of size and split style. You'll need to ensure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge-freezer and that both the freezer and the fridge are the same height, typically 178cm. If you're 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 seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without compromising the style you've achieved so hard for. They integrate fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated have a wide range of styles to match different styles of interior. From fully clad models that hide the doors in your kitchen cabinetry to panels that let you create your own unique design, there's something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, concealing it completely. This design allows you customise the integrated fridge freezer to match the kitchen you have installed. It also reduces noise levels and improves temperature control.
The door openings of integrated fridge freezers also differ - you can get models with a midi height of around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm tall. You can also choose between 50:50 splits, where you get equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of more fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they are less accessible than freestanding https://www.frydge.uk/ s, which could result in a higher cost to repair or serviced. This doesn't mean you should stay away from the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. You can still find many high-quality models for affordable costs.
The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than freestanding models. They also use more powerful motors to keep cool, which can cause higher energy bills. That said, if you choose a model equipped with the latest technology for food preservation, it's possible to save money in the long run by wasting less food and lowering the energy use. This can result in significant savings over the lifetime of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the commonly used appliances in your home, which is why it is crucial to choose one that has a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than a lower-rated one, and over time this will lower the cost of energy. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer look for the label 'Energy' It is usually found this on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. Move your phone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating and then click to see full data on the manufacturer's site.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by the amount of food you keep within it. Larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller models, even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the 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 such as milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is frost-free is another option to consider. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize a heating element to prevent the formation of ice inside the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. However, there are still some models out there that don't have this feature in the event that you need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in your mind.
It's also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting, which is an added benefit.
Typically, refrigerator freezers that are integrated are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. This is because you need to pay for a fridge housing cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors, plus there's the expense of installing. It's also important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. It's mainly because installers may not have the cabinets installed correctly or leave vital ventilation out. This can result in hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a great solution for those who are looking to create a sleek minimalist look for their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cabinet doors and hide from the view, making them popular with those seeking to achieve an updated look. A refrigerator and freezer are combined in a single model which makes it simpler to store food items and organise it.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, because it is built into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers are unable to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you may require having your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the near future, or if your plan is to sell your home and relocate.
If you are replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is essential that you buy a like-for-like appliance so your cupboard doors will still be able to fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and fit inside a 60cm wide x 60cm deep housing cabinet, so any doors you already have on your cupboards are compatible with the appliances. You should also check what type of hinge your current fridge freezer has, if it has an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the latest developments have elevated their performance and design higher than ever before. The top models are designed to be easy of use in the kitchen, by simplifying everyday chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that reduce or remove the need to defrost. You can expect versatile storage options, including adjustable shelves, as well as useful extras like wine racks, too.