Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you want a consistent style, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into your cabinet doors in the kitchen. They can be concealed when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
The fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier. They can reduce the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, and also add convenience features, like adjustable shelves as well as dual vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it is about fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding ones. These fridge freezers can blend into the background behind the cabinet doors. This creates a sleek minimalist look that's appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great choice if you're planning to revamp your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. They are not only beautiful however, they also provide a lot of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and beverages in a convenient location.
When you are choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design there are some things you need to consider. First you'll need to think about the capacity of the appliance. Storage in the fridge and freezer is typically measured in litres, therefore it's important to determine how much you'll need prior to purchasing. You will want to select a model that has a large enough capacity for your needs but not overly large so that you don't waste energy or end up with an overflow.
You might 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 even provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem, since they tend to be less durable. You'll want to opt for an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional Choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll want to ensure that the doors to your cupboards in your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new freezer in your fridge and that the fridge and freezer are the same height typically 178cm. If you're planning a new kitchen, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so that you can find a fridge freezer that will fit.
Design
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without ruining the aesthetic that you've put in time and money to perfect. By combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance is a great option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers come in various styles to match different interior designs. From fully clad models that hide the doors in your cabinets to panels that let you create your own unique style, there's something to suit all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature cabinet-mounting brackets 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 perfectly match your kitchen layout, while reducing noise levels and improving the temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers that are integrated vary - you can find a'midi' height model about 130cm tall, whereas extra-tall models are usually about 170-180cm tall. You can pick a 50:50 split which gives you the same amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30, which favours more space in the fridge.
Because integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which can mean it's more expensive to repair or serviced. But this doesn't mean you should avoid buying a fridge freezer with integrated features in case your budget isn't too restricted as you will be able to find plenty of high-quality models for a reasonable price.
The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than freestanding models. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which could result in higher energy costs. If you select a fridge equipped with the latest technology for food preservation it's possible that you can save money over the long term by wasting less food and lowering the energy use. This could translate into big savings over the lifetime of your fridge freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most commonly used appliances in your home, which is why it is crucial to choose one that has a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer that has an energy rating of high will use less than one with a lower rating, which will reduce your energy costs over time. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer, search for the label 'Energy' It is usually found this on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. You can check the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Click on the site of the manufacturer to see the complete information.
The amount of food you store in your fridge-freezer will also influence the amount of energy it uses. Larger models with greater capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they're equipped with an A+++ rating. So, if you're replacing an older model, think carefully about how much capacity you'll need and then check the interior configuration - whether there are flexible shelves and door storage and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you would prefer a frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate an element of heating to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This saves you the hassle of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not have this feature. If larder fridge need to defrost your fridge, keep this in your mind.
Apart from energy efficiency, it's worth checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep clean and tidy. Most integrated fridge-freezers have shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting that is a great bonus.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to pay for refrigerator housing cabinets and kitchen cabinet doors, plus the installation cost. It's important to know that integrated fridge-freezers are more likely to have issues than those that are freestanding. This is mainly because installers can leave out vital ventilation to the cabinets or fail to set them up correctly that means they let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a great solution for those who want to create a contemporary, streamlined look in their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and are hidden from view, which is a popular choice for those who want to create an elegant look. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined in a single model which makes it simpler to store your food and organise it.
It is more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, as it is built into the furniture. Many 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 may require having your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is essential that you buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors to your cabinets will fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and fit in 60cm wide and 60cm deep cabinet for housing, so any doors that you already have on your cabinets are compatible with the appliances. It is also important to determine what type of hinge your current fridge freezer is fitted with, if it has either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
The latest innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The most effective models are designed to make cooking easier by reducing day-to-day chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that can reduce or even remove the need to defrost. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful additions such as wine racks.