Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer can be easily integrated into kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and adding convenience features such as adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of hiding behind cabinet doors, giving a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is a great fit in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who want to renovate your kitchen or begin from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they offer plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently in reach.
When you're selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated there are a few aspects to take into consideration. It is important to first consider the appliance's capacity. It is crucial to determine how much space you need for your refrigerator or freezer before purchasing. You'll want to choose a model that has enough capacity to meet your requirements but not too large, so that you don't waste energy or end up with an overflow.
Depending on the size of your family is, you might want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres. cheap fridges for sale is ideal for families with larger children.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the appliance. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem as they are typically less durable. You should choose one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to be.
If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, be sure to select a similar model in terms of size and split style. It is essential to ensure that your kitchen cupboard doors are wide enough to accommodate the new 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 the plans match up with these dimensions so you can locate a fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen, without compromising the style that you've spent time and money perfecting. Combining a fridge and freezer in one appliance, they're an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their space.
Based on the brand The integrated fridge freezers come in a variety of designs to suit different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you show your individual style, there's something to suit everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to perfectly match your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and enhancing the temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers with integrated fridges differ - you can get models that are midi-height around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm tall. You can pick a 50:50 split which gives you the same amount of freezer space and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30, which favours more fridge space.
Because integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which can make it more costly to have them repaired or maintained. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you should steer clear of buying a fridge freezer with integrated features if your budget is tight as you can still find plenty of high-quality models at affordable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than those that are freestanding. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which can cause higher energy bills. If you choose a model that has the latest in food preservation technology It's possible that you can save money over the long term by throwing away less food and reducing the energy use. This can result in significant savings over the lifetime of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, which is why it is essential to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge freezer that is rated high will consume less energy than one that is less rated, and over time this will reduce your energy bills. Look for the Energy Label', that is typically found 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. Go to the site of the manufacturer to see the full data.
The amount of food you store in your fridge-freezer will also affect how much energy it consumes. Larger models with greater capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they're equipped with an A+++ rating. So, if you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while take a look at how much capacity you'll need and then check the interior configuration to see if shelves are adjustable and door storage and the capacity of these shelves to accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use a heating element to prevent the formation of ice inside the freezer. This will save you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge every now and again. However, there are still some models out there that don't come with this feature and, therefore, if you require defrosting you must keep this in your mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you must pay for the fridge housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's also important to know that fridge freezers integrated into the fridge are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. This is mainly because installers might not allow enough ventilation for the cabinets or fail to set them up correctly, which means they let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is an ideal solution for those who want to create a modern, streamlined look in their kitchen. These models are concealed behind the cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those looking to achieve a contemporary aesthetic. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined into a unit that makes it easier to store food and organise it.
The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it can be more difficult to maintain than a freestanding model because it is built into furniture, and removing the cupboard door from its hinges to get access to the appliance could be a bit difficult for most kitchen engineers. This may be something to keep in mind if you think you'll require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the near future or in the event that you plan to sell your property and move house.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is vital to purchase a similar appliance to ensure that your cupboard doors will still be able to fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and will fit in the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets should be compatible. Examine the hinge that is on the fridge freezer, whether it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the most recent developments have elevated their performance and design further than ever before. The best models are designed to be easy to use in the kitchen by making it easier to do the everyday chores. 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.