Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a unified decor An integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into cabinets in the kitchen. They can be concealed when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier, minimising chores like defrosting, and adding features like adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it is about fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding models. They can blend into the background behind the doors of cabinets. This creates a sleek minimalist look that's attractive in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great option when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or start from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently in reach.
When you're deciding to purchase an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things to consider. First, you must look at the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is typically measured in litres, therefore it's crucial to know the amount you need before buying. You should select the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too big so you don't use up your energy or end up overflowing.
Depending on how large your family is, you might be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is suitable for most families, and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers offer integrated fridge freezers with capacities of 420 litres that are ideal for larger families.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. The cheaper models might not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with hinges, which are often less robust and easily break. You should choose one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, be sure you select a similar model in terms of size and split style. You'll want to ensure that the doors to your cupboards in your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new fridge freezer, and that the freezer and fridge are the same size typically 178cm. If you're designing your home from scratch, make sure that the dimensions are in line with the measurements in order to find a fridge freezer that is integrated.
Design
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your kitchen, without compromising the style that you've spent time and money perfecting. Combining a fridge and freezer in one appliance is an ideal option for those who wish to make the most of their space.
Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers are available in a variety of styles to suit different interior designs. There are fridge deals uk , from fully clad models that blend seamlessly with the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that let you express your personal style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come with brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, concealing it completely. This design lets you customize the fridge freezer that is integrated so that it perfectly matches your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.
The door heights of integrated fridge freezers also differ. You can find models that are midi-height about 130cm tall, whereas extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm high. You can also select 50:50 splits, which gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of more fridge space.
Because integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which could result in a higher cost to repair or serviced. This doesn't mean that you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. There are many high-quality models for affordable prices.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their 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 one with the latest technology for food preservation, you could be in a position to save money in the long run by throwing out less food and reducing energy consumption. This could result in substantial savings over the life of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, so it is essential to select 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 rating, which will lower the cost of energy over time. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, search for the 'Energy Label' You can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. Move your phone over the label to read the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to view the full information on the manufacturer's site.
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're equipped with an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model that is older, think about how much space you need. Also, check the internal configuration to determine whether there are any movable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you want a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This will save you the hassle of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. However, there are some models available that don't come with this feature, so if you do have to defrost your fridge you must keep this in mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting too which is a nice addition.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. It's because you have to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors for kitchen cabinets and installation. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more likely to experience issues than those that are freestanding. This is due to the fact that installers might not have the cabinets installed correctly or leave vital ventilation out. This can result in hot air getting in and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers a solution to those who wish to create a streamlined decor in their kitchen, while blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinetry. These models are installed behind the cabinet doors and are hidden from the view, making them an ideal choice for those who want to create an elegant look. The choice of an integrated model gives you the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one unit, making it easier to store and organise your food items.
It can be more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, as it is built into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers are unable to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you might need to have your refrigerator freezer repaired or serviced in the future, or if your plan is to sell your house and relocate.
If you're replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is crucial to buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors on your cabinet will fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and can fit inside a 60cm wide x 60cm deep cabinet for housing, therefore any doors you already have on your cupboards are compatible with the appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer is fitted with and if it is either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this will affect how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the most recent advancements have improved their performance and design further than ever before. The best models are designed to make cooking simpler by reducing the chores of daily life. 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 versatile storage options that include adjustable shelves as well as useful accessories like wine racks, too.