Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a unified decor An integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into the cabinet doors of kitchens. They can be concealed when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier by reducing chores like defrosting and adding convenience features like adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it is a fridge freezer, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding ones. These appliances do a great job of blending behind cabinet doors, creating an uncluttered and sleek appearance which is appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who want to renovate your kitchen or start from scratch. They're not just gorgeous however, they also provide plenty of storage space. This lets you keep all your food and beverages in a convenient location.
When you're choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are a few aspects you need to consider. You'll first want to look at the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is usually measured in litres, and it's important to know the amount you need before making a purchase. You'll need to select one with a large enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too large so that you don't waste energy or end up overflowing.
You might want to think about a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, and provides enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers offer fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres. This is ideal for families with children who are larger.
The quality of the appliance is also crucial. Less expensive models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem as they are often less durable. You'll want to choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are large enough to accommodate the new fridge-freezer and that the freezer and the fridge are the same height, usually 178cm. If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions so that you can find a fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry without compromising the look you've achieved so hard for. Combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance is an ideal option for those who wish to maximize their space.
Depending on the brand, integrated fridge freezers can offer a wide variety of designs to suit different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that conceal the doors behind cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you express your own individual design, there's something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come with cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you to customize the fridge freezer integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your kitchen layout. 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 is around 130cm in height, while tall models typically range from 170-180cm. You can also select 50:50 splits that gives you equally sized fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of more fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which can make it more costly to have them repaired or serviced. This doesn't mean you should avoid an integrated fridge freezer because your budget is tight. There are several high-quality models at reasonable prices.
The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than those that are freestanding. buy fridge uk use more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. That said, if you select a fridge that has the latest in food preservation technology it's possible to save money over the long term by throwing away less food and lowering the energy use. This could translate into huge savings over the life of your fridge freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are some of the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen, so it's crucial to select one with a high energy rating. A fridge freezer that is rated high will consume less energy than one that is less rated and over time, this will reduce your energy bills. To check 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 guide. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating and then click to see full data on the manufacturer's website.
The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be influenced by the amount you store within it. 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. So, if you're replacing an older model take a look at how much capacity you'll need and then check the interior configuration - whether shelves are adjustable and door storage, and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
A frost-free fridge freezer is another option worth considering. Frost-free fridge freezers use a small heating element to prevent ice building up in the freezer, which means you can save yourself the headache of defrosting every now and every now and. Some models do not come with this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in mind.
It is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting as well, which is a nice touch.
Typically, integrated fridge freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding equivalents. It's because you have to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet, doors for kitchen cabinets and installation. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more prone to problems than freestanding. The reason is that 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 an ideal solution for those who are looking to create a modern, streamlined look in their kitchen. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and hide from the view, making them an ideal choice for those looking to achieve 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 organize your food.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one because it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers find it difficult to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This is something to keep in mind if you think you'll need repair or serviced in the near future, or when you're planning to sell your home and move house.
It is essential to purchase an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that your cabinet doors still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and fit into 60cm wide by 60cm deep housing cabinet therefore any doors you already have on your cupboards are compatible with these appliances. Check the type of hinge that is on the fridge freezer, whether 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 make your life in the kitchen easier by reducing daily chores. This includes reducing the need to defrost - or, like in the case of Blomberg completely eliminating it - and making sure your food stays fresher for longer with smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful extras like wine racks.