Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a unified decor, an integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into cabinets in the kitchen. Unlike freestanding appliances, they can be hidden away from view when not in use.
The fridge freezers are designed to make life easier. They cut down on the amount of work that you have to do, for example, defrosting, as well as adding convenience features such as adjustable shelves with dual vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it is a fridge freezer, integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind the cabinet doors. This provides them with a clean and uncluttered appearance that is appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great choice if you're planning to revamp your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they offer plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently within reach.
However, when you're selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated there are some things you need to consider. First and foremost you should consider the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is typically measured in litres, so it's crucial to know how much you'll need before buying. You should choose a model that has a large enough capacity for your needs but not too large, so that you don't waste energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on the size of your family is, you may be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is suitable for families of all sizes, and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers also provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420 litre capacity which is ideal for families with more than one child.
The quality of the appliance is crucial. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with the hinges, which are typically less robust and easily break. You'll want to opt for one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to come.
If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, make sure to select an identical model in terms of size and split style. It is essential to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are wide enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that both the fridge and the freezer are the same height, usually 178cm. If you're designing your new home, make sure that the dimensions are compatible with the measurements in order to find a fridge freezer that is integrated.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to seamlessly into your cabinets without compromising the look you've been working so hard to achieve. They incorporate fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Depending on the brand The integrated fridge freezers have a wide range of styles to match different styles of interior. From fully clad models that hide the doors with your kitchen cabinetry to panels that allow you to show your individual style, there's something to suit everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer that is integrated to match your kitchen layout. It also reduces noise levels and helps with the temperature control.
cheap fridges for sale of integrated fridge freezers also vary - you can find models with a midi height of around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm high. You can also select 50:50 splits, where you get equal amounts of fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of larger fridge space.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they could be more costly to repair or service. However, this doesn't mean you should steer clear of buying an integrated fridge freezer if your budget is limited as you can find plenty of high-quality models at affordable prices.
The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the cost of creating the housing cabinet they sit in. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you choose one that is equipped with advanced technology for food preservation, you could be able to save money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing energy consumption. This can result in significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - therefore it is important to select 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 your energy bills. 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. You can read the energy consumption and rating by hovering your phone over the label. Click through to the site of the manufacturer to see the complete information.
The quantity of food that you store in your fridge-freezer will also influence the amount of energy it consumes. Larger models with greater capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller ones, even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the space you require. Also, look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any movable shelves or door storage and if it is able to accommodate larger items, such as milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like a frost-free model. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent ice building up in the freezer, meaning you can save yourself the headache of defrosting every now and every now and. However, there are some models available which don't include this feature in the event that you need to defrost you should keep this in mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to wipe clean. Some models have LED lighting too which is a nice feature.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to pay for refrigerator housing cabinets and kitchen cabinet doors, plus there's the expense of installing. It's also important to note that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. This is mainly because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets, or fail to set them up correctly and let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a fantastic option for those who want to create a modern, streamlined look in their kitchen. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and appear hidden from view, which is popular with those who want to create an updated look. The choice of an integrated model means you'll have the convenience of both fridge and 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 harder to service than a freestanding model as it's integrated into your furniture, and removing the door of the cabinet from its hinges to access the appliance could be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. It's important to remember that you may need to have your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the near future, or if your plan is to sell your home and move.
It is essential to purchase the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer to ensure that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and will fit in the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets should be compatible. It is also important to determine what kind of hinge your current fridge freezer is using and if it is an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the latest innovations have pushed their performance and design to a higher level than ever before. The top models are designed to make cooking easier by reducing day-to-day chores. This includes reducing the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg eliminating it completely - and keeping food fresher longer with clever features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful extras like wine racks.