Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a cohesive decor A fridge freezer that is integrated fits seamlessly into kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers were designed to make your life easier. They can reduce the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, as well as adding convenience features such as adjustable shelves, dual fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more sought-after than those that are freestanding. These fridge freezers can blend into the background behind cabinet doors. This creates a sleek minimalist look that's pleasing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them a great choice if you're planning to transform your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also provide plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently within reach.
However, when it comes to choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design there are a few aspects you need to consider. In the first place you'll need to think about the capacity of the appliance. It is crucial to determine the space you require for your refrigerator or freezer before purchasing. You'll want to choose a model with a high enough capacity to meet your requirements however, it should not be too large so that you don't use up your energy or end up bursting.
You might want to consider the larger capacity of your appliance based on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough space to hold up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers offer integrated fridge freezers with a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with more children.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem as they are typically less durable. You'll want to opt for one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to be.
If you're replacing an old integrated fridge freezer, be sure to choose a similar model in terms of size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are big enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that the fridge and the freezer are the same height, typically around 178cm. If you're planning your kitchen from scratch, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so that you can find an integrated fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your kitchen without ruining the aesthetic that you've invested time and money perfecting. Combining a fridge and freezer together is a great option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers come in different styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you express your own individual style, there's something for everyone.
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 allows you to customise your integrated fridge freezer to match your fitted kitchen while reducing noise and improving the temperature control.
The door openings of integrated fridge freezers also differ. You can find models with a midi height of that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can also choose between a 50:50 split that gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of larger fridge space.
Because they are built into the kitchen, they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which can mean it's more expensive to repair or serviced. This doesn't mean you should stay away from the fridge freezer that is integrated because your budget is tight. There are many high-quality models for affordable costs.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than the freestanding counterparts. They also have larger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you choose a model that has the latest in food preservation technology it's possible to save money in the end by wasting less food and lowering your energy consumption. This can add up to significant savings over the lifespan of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the frequently used appliances in your home, which is why it is essential to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge-freezer that has an energy rating that is high will use less energy than one with a lower energy rating, which will lower your energy bills over time. Look for the 'Energy Label', which is usually located on the back or user guide of the fridge-freezer. You can read the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click on the manufacturer's site to see the entire information.
The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be affected by how much you store in it. Larger models with more capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they're sporting an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model that is older, consider how much space you require. Also, check the internal configuration to determine whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage, and if it is able to accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a frost-free model. cheap fridge for sale -free refrigerator freezers utilize heating elements to stop the formation of ice within the freezer. This saves you the hassle of having to defrost the fridge every now and again. However, there are some models out there which don't include this feature, so if you do require defrosting, it's worth bearing this in your mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers have shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models also have LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you'll need to purchase a fridge housing cabinet and doors for the kitchen cabinet, and there's the expense of installing. It's also worth knowing that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. This is mainly because installers can leave out vital ventilation to the cabinets or fail to install them correctly and let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
An integrated fridge freezer offers a solution to those who want to create a sleek look in their kitchens, blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinets. These models are installed behind the cupboard doors and hide from view, which is an ideal choice for those looking to achieve an updated 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 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 have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. This is something to keep in mind if you think you'll need repair or serviced in the future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
It is essential to purchase the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer to ensure that your cabinet doors will still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and can fit into a 60cm wide x 60cm deep cabinet for housing, so any doors that you have on your cupboards are compatible with the appliances. Find out the kind of hinge on the fridge freezer, whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The most effective 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 smart features that reduce or eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful additions such as wine racks.