Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a unified decor A fridge freezer that is integrated can be easily integrated into the cabinet doors of kitchens. They can be concealed when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers have been designed to make life easier. They can reduce the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, as well as adding convenience features like adjustable shelves, dual fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do an excellent job of blending behind cabinet doors, resulting in an uncluttered and sleek appearance that is very appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them a great option if you're looking to revamp your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. They are not only attractive but also offer plenty of storage space. This lets you keep all your food and beverages in a convenient location.
However, when it comes to choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design, there are some things to take into consideration. You'll first want to consider the appliance's capacity. It is crucial to determine the space you require to store your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You will want to select one with enough capacity to meet your needs but not too large, to ensure that you don't squander energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on how large your family is, you might think about a larger capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers provide integrated fridge freezers with a 420-litre capacity. This is perfect for families with more children.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the appliance. Less expensive models may not be as durable as their higher-end counterparts. Hinges can be a problem as they tend to be less durable. You should choose an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional, choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the cupboard doors on your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new freezer in your fridge and that the freezer and fridge are the same height generally 178cm. If you're designing a new kitchen, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so you can find a fridge freezer that fits.
Design
The integrated fridge-freezers are designed to seamlessly into your cabinetry without compromising the look you've worked so hard to achieve. By combining a freezer and fridge together is an ideal option for those looking to maximize their space.
Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers come in different designs to fit different interior designs. From fully clad models that cover the doors with your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individual style, there's something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, concealing it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer that is integrated so that it perfectly matches your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated differ - you can get models that are midi-height around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can also select 50:50 splits, where you get equally sized freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of more fridge space.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they can be more costly to repair or service. This doesn't mean you should avoid an integrated fridge freezer because you're on a tight budget. You can still find several high-quality models at reasonable prices.
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due the cost of building the cabinet that they are in. They also use more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you select a fridge with advanced food preservation technology It's possible to save money over the long term by wasting less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in big savings over the lifetime of your fridge freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the commonly used appliances in your home, which is why it is essential to select one with a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer with an energy rating of high will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which will reduce your energy costs over time. Find fridges for sale ,' which is usually located on the back or user guide of the fridge-freezer. Move your phone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating and then click to view the full information on the website of the manufacturer.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be influenced by how much you store within it. Larger models with greater capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're sporting an A+++ rating. So, if you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while, think carefully about the amount of capacity you require and then check the interior configuration - whether there are flexible shelves and door storage and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize a small heating element to prevent ice building up in the freezer, meaning you'll be able to avoid the headache of defrosting every now and then. However, there are some models available that don't come with this feature and, therefore, if you need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in mind.
It's also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge's freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers have drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models also feature LED lighting that is a great bonus.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more costly than their freestanding counterparts. It's because you have to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors for kitchen cabinets and installation. It's also important to note that integrated fridge freezers are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. It's mainly because installers may not have the cabinets installed correctly or may leave out vital ventilation. This can result in hot air entering and causing them overheat.
Convenience
An integrated fridge freezer offers a solution to those who wish to create a minimalist look in their kitchen, blending it seamlessly with their kitchen cabinets. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and are hidden from the view, making them an ideal choice for those who want to create an elegant look. A refrigerator and freezer are combined into a unit, which makes it easier to store food and organize it.
The drawback of having an integrated fridge freezer is that it can be more difficult to service than a standalone model since it's built into your furniture, and removing the door of the cabinet from its hinges to access the appliance can be a challenge for the majority of kitchen engineers. This is something to be aware of if you think you'll require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or in the event that you plan to sell your property and move.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is vital to buy a like-for-like appliance so your cupboard doors will still be able to fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and can be inserted into 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore any doors that you have on your current cabinets should be compatible. Check the type of hinge that is on the fridge freezer, whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine how easy it is to get access to the cupboard doors.
The latest innovations in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The most effective models are designed to be easy of use in the kitchen by simplifying daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that reduce or remove the need to defrost. You can expect a variety of storage options that include adjustable shelves as well as useful accessories like wine racks, too.