Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you prefer a uniform design, a refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into your cabinet doors in the kitchen. They can be concealed when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and adding convenience features like adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do an excellent job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, giving an elegant and minimalist look that is very appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great option if you're looking to revamp your kitchen or are designing it from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they offer plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.
When it comes to choosing an integrated fridge freezer there are some aspects you need to take into consideration. You'll first want to look at the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, and it is crucial to know how much you'll need before making a purchase. You will want to select one that has a large enough capacity to meet your requirements but not overly large so that you don't waste energy or end with an overflow.
You may want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers also have integrated fridge freezers that come with a 420 litre capacity which is ideal for families with larger numbers.
The quality of the appliance is also important. The cheaper models might not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem as they are often less durable. You'll want to choose a model that has reliable Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for many years.
If you're replacing an old integrated fridge freezer, make sure to select an identical model in terms of size and split style. You'll need to ensure that your kitchen cupboard doors are large enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that both the fridge and the freezer are the same height, usually at 178cm. If you're planning to build a new kitchen, be sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions, so you can locate a fridge freezer that will fit.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen without compromising the design that you've put in time and money to perfect. They combine a refrigerator and freezer into one appliance. This is a great choice for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in various designs to fit different interior designs. From fully clad models that cover the doors with your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you show your individual style, there's something to suit all.
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 lets you customize the integrated fridge freezer so that it perfectly matches your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances the temperature control.
Door heights for fridge freezers with integrated doors differ too. You can find a'midi model that's around 130cm high, while extra-tall models typically range from 170-180cm. You can choose between a 50:50 split which gives you the same amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30, which favours larger fridge space.
Because integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which could make it more costly to have them repaired or maintained. This doesn't mean you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because your budget is tight. There are several high-quality models at reasonable prices.
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the expense of making the cabinet they are placed in. They also make use of larger motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy costs. However, if you opt for a model equipped with the latest technology for food preservation it's possible to save money over the long term by wasting less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in substantial savings over the lifetime of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerator freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen, so it's important to choose one that has a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer with a high energy rating will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which can lower your energy bills over time. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer look for the "Energy Label" It is usually found this on the back of the appliance or in the user's guide. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to read the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to view the full information on the website of the manufacturer.
The amount of food you store in your fridge freezer will also determine how much energy it uses. Even if the A+++ rating is very high the larger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that's older, take note of the space you need. Also, check 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.
A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate an element of heating to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. However, there are certain models which don't include this feature in the event that you require defrosting you must keep this in your mind.
It's also worth checking 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. Some models have LED lighting as well which is a nice touch.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more costly than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you must pay for the fridge's 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. This is mainly because installers can leave out vital ventilation to the cabinets or fail to set them up correctly and let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers an option for those who wish to create a streamlined decor in their kitchen, while blending it seamlessly with their kitchen cabinets. These models are hidden behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinets. This is a popular choice for those who want to create a modern design. A model that is integrated offers the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organize your food items.
The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it could be more difficult to service than a freestanding model as it is built into furniture, and removing the cupboard door from its hinges to get access to the appliance could be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. This may be something to keep in mind if believe you'll need repairs or serviced in the near future, or in the event that you plan to sell your property and move.
It is crucial to buy the same appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that your cabinet doors will still fit. fridge uk is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard size and can fit into 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore the doors that you have on your current cabinets should be compatible. Find out the kind of hinge that is on your fridge freezer, if it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the newest innovations have pushed their performance and design further than ever before. The top models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen by simplifying routine chores. This includes reducing the time spent defrosting - or, like in the case of Blomberg completely eliminating it - and making sure your food stays fresher for longer with smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect a variety of storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as useful accessories like wine racks too.