Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer can be easily integrated into the cabinet doors of kitchens. They can be hidden when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
The fridge freezers are designed to simplify your life. They cut down on the amount of work you have to do, such as defrosting, as well as adding convenience features, like adjustable shelves, dual fruit and vegetable bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it is a fridge freezer, integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. They do a fantastic job of hiding behind cabinet doors, resulting in an elegant and minimalist look that is very appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great option if you want to remodel your kitchen or start from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they also provide plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and drinks easily within reach.
When you're selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated there are some things you need to consider. You'll first want to take into account the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is usually measured in litres, so it's crucial to know the amount you'll need prior to making a purchase. You'll need to select the model that has a large enough capacity for your needs but also one that doesn't be too big so you don't use up your energy or end up overflowing.
You might want to consider a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, and provides enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers also provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres which is ideal for families with larger numbers.
The quality of the appliance is crucial. The cheaper models might not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with the hinges, which are often less robust and easily break. You'll want to 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 choose the same model in terms of size and split type. It is essential to ensure that your kitchen cupboard doors are big enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that both the freezer and fridge are identical in height, usually 178cm. If you're designing your home from scratch, make sure that the dimensions are compatible with these measurements so you can locate a fridge freezer that can be integrated.
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 enhancing. Combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance is an ideal option for those who wish to make the most of their space.
Based on the brand, integrated fridge freezers can have a wide range of designs that can be adapted to different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that cover the doors in your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individual style, there's something to suit everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, concealing it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer that is integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your kitchen layout. It also reduces noise and enhances the temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers with integrated fridges vary - you can find a'midi' height model that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm tall. You can select a split of 50:50, in which you get the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30. This is a better option for more fridge space.
Because they are integrated into your kitchen, they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which can result in a higher cost to have them repaired or serviced. This doesn't mean you should stay away from the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. You can still find many high-quality models for affordable costs.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the expense of creating the housing cabinet they sit in. They also make use of larger motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you select one that is equipped with advanced food preservation technology you may be in a position to save money over time by wasting less food and reducing energy usage. This can result in significant savings over the lifetime of your refrigerator freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, therefore it is essential to select one that has a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer that has a high energy rating will use less than one with a lower rating, which will reduce the cost of energy over time. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, look for the label 'Energy' You can usually find this on the back of the appliance or in the user's guide. You can check the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Go to the site of the manufacturer to see the entire information.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by the amount of food you keep within it. Larger models with greater capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller ones, even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model that is older, think about how much space you need. Also, take a look at the internal configuration to determine whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like a frost-free model. cheap fridges 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 each and every now and then. However, there are some models out there which don't include this feature, so if you do have to defrost your fridge you should keep this in your mind.
In addition to the energy efficiency, it's worth checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting as well, which is a nice addition.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. It's because you have to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors for kitchen cabinets and installation. It's also worth knowing that integrated fridge freezers are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. This is due to the fact that installers can leave out vital ventilation for the cabinets or fail to set them up correctly and let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a great solution for those who want to create a sleek, streamlined look in their kitchen. The models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those who wish to create a modern design. Choosing an integrated model also offers the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one unit, making it easier to store and organise your food items.
The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it may be more difficult to service than a freestanding model because it's integrated into your furniture, and removing the cupboard door from the hinges to access the appliance could be a challenge for the majority of kitchen engineers. This is something you should keep in mind if you think you'll need repair or serviced in the near future or when you're planning to sell your house and move.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is vital to buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors to your cabinets will be able to fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and fit into 60cm wide by 60cm deep cabinet for housing, so any doors are already in your existing cupboards should be compatible with the appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer has, if it has a fixed or sliding hinge, as this will determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
The latest innovations in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The top models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen, by simplifying routine chores. This includes minimising the process of defrosting - or like the case with Blomberg, completely eliminating it - and making sure your food stays fresher for longer by using smart features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful extras like wine racks.