Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who want a more cohesive design, 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 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
Integrated models are more sought-after than those that are freestanding. They do a fantastic job of hiding behind cabinet doors, creating a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is a great fit in many kitchen designs. They are a great option when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or begin from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they provide plenty of storage space, so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.
When you're deciding to purchase an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things you need to take into consideration. It is important to first take into account the capacity of the appliance. It's important to consider the amount of space you'll need for your refrigerator or freezer before purchasing. You'll want to choose a model with a high enough capacity to meet your needs however, it should not be too large, so you don't waste energy or end up bursting.
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 households, providing enough space for 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. The cheaper models might not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem as they are typically less durable. You'll want to opt for an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, be sure to select an identical model in terms of size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the cupboard doors on your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new fridge freezer, and that the fridge and freezer are the same size generally 178cm. If you're planning to build a new kitchen, be sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions so you can find an integrated fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without compromising the look you've achieved so hard for. They incorporate the freezer and refrigerator into one unit. This is a great choice for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated come in a variety of designs to suit different styles of interior. There are many different models available, 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 are equipped with brackets for cabinet mounting that secure the appliance on the front of kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to customise your integrated fridge freezer to match your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and enhancing the temperature control.
Door heights for fridge freezers with integrated doors differ too. You can find a "midi model that's around 130cm tall, while tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can choose between a split of 50:50, where you get the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30. This is a better option for larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they can be more costly to repair or service. But this doesn't mean that you should avoid purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated when your budget isn't as restricted as you will be able to locate a variety of top-quality models at affordable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than those that are freestanding. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you opt for one with the latest food preservation technology you may be able to save money by throwing out less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in big savings over the lifetime 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 fridge-freezer that has a high energy rating will use less energy than one with a lower energy rating, which will lower the cost of energy over time. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer, look for the 'Energy Label' You can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to see the energy consumption and efficiency rating and click to view the full information on the website of the manufacturer.
fridge deals uk of food you keep in your fridge-freezer will also determine how much energy it uses. Larger models with greater capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller models, even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model that is older, consider how much space you'll need. Also, check the internal configuration to determine whether there are any movable shelves or door storage, and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. However, there are still certain models that don't come with this feature, so if you do need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in mind.
It is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge's freezer. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models come with LED lighting as well, which is a nice feature.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are 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 know that integrated fridge-freezers are more likely to have problems than those that are freestanding. The reason is that installers may not properly install the cabinets or leave vital ventilation out. This could result in hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is an ideal solution for those who are looking to create a contemporary and sleek look for their kitchen. These models are fitted behind the cupboard doors and are hidden from view, which is a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an updated look. The choice of an integrated model gives you the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organise your food items.
The disadvantage of an integrated fridge freezer is that it can be more difficult to maintain than a freestanding model as it's integrated into your furniture, and removing the door from the hinges in order to access the appliance can be a bit difficult for most kitchen engineers. It's important to remember 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 move.
It is important to buy the same appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and can fit into 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have on your existing cabinets should be compatible. It is also important to determine what kind of hinge your fridge freezer has and if it is a fixed or sliding hinge, as this can impact the ease to open the cupboard doors.
The latest innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The top models are designed to make life in the kitchen easier by reducing daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that help reduce or eliminate defrosting. You can expect flexible storage options complete with adjustable shelves as well as useful extras like wine racks, too.