Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for the cabinet doors of kitchens. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of blending behind cabinet doors, giving 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. They're not just attractive however, they also provide a lot of storage space. This lets you keep all your food items and drinks within reach.
However, when you're selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated, there are some things to take into consideration. First, you must take into account the capacity of the appliance. It is important to think about how much space you need to store your fridge or freezer before purchasing. You should select one with a large enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too large, so you don't use up your energy or end up overflowing.
You might want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. fridge sale provide integrated fridge freezers with a 420-litre capacity. This is perfect for families with larger children.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem as they tend to be less durable. You'll want to 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 select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that both the freezer and the fridge are the same height, usually 178cm. If you are designing a new home, ensure that the dimensions match these measurements to ensure that you find a fridge freezer that is integrated.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, without compromising the style that you've invested time and money perfecting. They combine a refrigerator and freezer into one unit. This is a great option for those who want to maximize their space.
Based on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated have a wide range of designs that can be adapted to different interior styles. From fully clad models that cover the doors in your cabinets to panels that let you create your own unique design, there's something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have brackets for cabinet mounting that attach the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design allows you customise the integrated fridge freezer to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise levels and helps with temperature control.
The door heights of integrated fridge freezers also differ - you can get models that are midi-height that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are usually about 170-180cm tall. You can choose between the 50:50 split which gives you the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30, which favours larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built into your kitchen they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which may result in a higher cost to repair or serviced. This doesn't mean you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because of your budget. You can still find several high-quality models at reasonable costs.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the fridge freezers is more expensive than the freestanding counterparts. They also have stronger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. However, if you select a fridge that has the latest in food preservation technology it's possible that you can save money in the end by throwing away less food and reducing the energy use. This could lead to significant savings over the lifetime of your refrigerator 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 good energy rating. A fridge freezer that is rated high will consume less energy than one with a lower rating and, over time, this will lower your energy bills. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer, look for the label 'Energy' - you can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. You can find the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Click through to the site of the manufacturer to see the complete information.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by the amount of food you keep within it. Larger models with more capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they're sporting an A++ rating. So, if you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while be sure to think about the amount of capacity you require and then check the interior configuration to see if shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door storage and if they can accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is frost-free is another option to consider. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This will save you the trouble of having to defrost your refrigerator every now and then. Some models do not come with this feature. If you need to defrost your fridge, bear this in your mind.
Apart from the energy efficiency, you should consider looking into how easy your fridge is to keep clean and tidy. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to wipe clean. Some models also have LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically, integrated fridge freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. 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 fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more likely to have issues than those that are freestanding. It's mainly because installers may not install the cabinets correctly or may leave out vital ventilation. This can lead to hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is an ideal solution for those who are looking to create a sleek minimalist look for their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cabinet doors and appear hidden from the view, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to achieve an updated look. The choice of an integrated model offers the convenience of both a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organise your food items.
It is 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 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 if you're planning to sell your house and move.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance to ensure that the doors to your cabinets will be able to fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and will fit in 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore the doors you have installed on your existing cabinets should be compatible. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer has, if it has either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this can impact the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the latest advancements have improved their performance and design higher than ever before. The most effective models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen, by simplifying daily chores. This includes reducing the process of defrosting - or like in the case of Blomberg, eliminating it completely - as well as making sure your food stays fresher for longer with smart features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful additions such as wine racks.