Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you are looking for a uniform design, a refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into the doors of your kitchen cabinets. In contrast to freestanding appliances they are able to be concealed away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting, and adding features like adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These fridge freezers can blend in with the background behind cabinet doors. This creates a sleek, uncluttered look that is attractive in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who want to renovate your kitchen or begin from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they provide an abundance of storage space so that you can keep all your food and drinks easily within reach.
When you're choosing an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things to take into consideration. First, you'll want to consider the capacity of the appliance. It is important to think about how much space you need for your refrigerator or freezer before purchasing. You'll want to choose a model with a high enough capacity to meet your needs, but one that won't be too big so you don't overuse your energy or end up bursting.
Depending on how large your family is, you may think about a larger capacity appliance. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers even provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420 litre capacity which is ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are typically less robust and easily break. You'll want a model with sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, be sure you select an identical model in terms of size and split style. It is important to ensure that the doors of your cabinets in your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new freezer in your fridge and that the fridge and freezer are both the same height generally 178cm. If you are designing a new home, ensure that the dimensions are in line with these measurements to ensure that you find a fridge freezer integrated.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets without compromising the look you've worked so hard to achieve. By combining a freezer and fridge together, they're an ideal choice for those who wish to maximize their space.
Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers are available in various styles to suit different interior designs. There are a variety of models available, from fully clad models that blend into your kitchen cabinets to panels that allow you to express your individual style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for cabinet mounting that attach the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, concealing it completely. This design allows you to customise your integrated fridge freezer to fit perfectly with your fitted kitchen and reduce noise levels and improving the temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers that are integrated differ - you can get a'midi' height model about 130cm tall, whereas extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm high. You can pick a 50:50 split in which you get the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30, which favours larger fridge space.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they can be more expensive to repair or service. However, this doesn't mean you should avoid purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated in case your budget isn't too tight as you can still find plenty of high-quality models at reasonable prices.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the cost of building the cabinet they are placed in. They also use more powerful motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy costs. If you opt for a model that has advanced technology for food preservation, you might be in a position to save money over time by wasting less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are some of the most 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 a lower-rated one, and over time this will lower the cost of energy. 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 guide. You can check the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click on the site of the manufacturer to see the complete information.
The amount of food you keep in your fridge-freezer will also affect how much energy it uses. Larger models with more capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they're equipped with an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model which is older, consider how much space you'll need. Also, look at the internal configuration to determine if there are any flexible shelves or 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 refrigerator freezers use an element of heating to stop the formation of ice within the freezer. This eliminates the hassle of having to defrost your fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not have this feature. If you're looking to defrost your fridge, bear this in your mind.
It is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting which is a nice feature.
Typically, integrated fridge freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding models. This is because you must pay for the fridge housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's important to know that integrated fridge-freezers are more likely to experience problems than those that are freestanding. This is mainly because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets, or fail to set them up correctly, which means they let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is an ideal solution for those looking to create a modern minimalist look for their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and appear hidden from view, which is a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an elegant look. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined into a unit which makes it simpler to store your food and organise it.
It can be more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one since it is integrated into the furniture. The majority of kitchen engineers have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This is something you should be aware of if you think you'll require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or if you're planning to sell your house and move.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is crucial to buy a like-for-like appliance so your cupboard doors will still be able to fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and can fit into 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets must be compatible. fridge for sale should also check what type of hinge your current fridge freezer is using, if it has an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can affect how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
When it comes to integrated fridge freezers, the latest innovations have pushed their performance and design higher than ever before. The most effective models are designed to make cooking easier by reducing daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that help reduce or remove the need to defrost. You can expect flexible storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as useful extras like wine racks too.