Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you want a consistent style, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into the cabinet doors in the kitchen. Unlike freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers have been designed to make your life easier. They cut down on the amount of work that you have to do, such as defrosting, and add convenience features such as adjustable shelves with dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more sought-after than those that are freestanding. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind cabinet doors. This gives them a sleek, uncluttered look that is appealing in many kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice if you want to remodel your kitchen or begin from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they provide plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.
However, when you're choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design there are a few things you need to consider. In the first place you'll need to think about the capacity of the appliance. It is important to think about the space you require for your refrigerator or freezer prior to buying. You should choose one that has enough capacity to meet your requirements but not too big, so you don't waste any energy or end with an overflow.
You may want to consider a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, and provides enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with larger children.
The quality of the appliance is also crucial. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem, as they are often less durable. You'll want a model that is sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, be sure to choose the same model in terms of size and split style. It is essential to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are wide 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 home, ensure that the dimensions are compatible with the measurements in order to find a fridge freezer that is integrated.
Design
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without ruining the aesthetic that you've spent time and money perfecting. By combining a freezer and fridge in one unit is a great option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer integrated refrigerator freezers come in a variety of styles to match different interior designs. There are a variety of models available, ranging from fully clad ones that blend in with your kitchen cabinets, to panels that allow you to show your individuality.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that anchor the appliance to the front of the cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design lets you customize the integrated fridge freezer to match your kitchen layout. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.
Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers vary as well. There is a midi model that's about 130cm tall, while tall models typically range from 170-180cm. You can choose between the 50:50 split where you get the same amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30. This is a better option for larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they can be more expensive to repair or service. This doesn't mean that you should avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. You can still find several high-quality models at reasonable costs.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than the freestanding counterparts. They also have stronger motors to keep the fridge cool, which can result in higher energy costs. However, if you select a fridge with advanced food preservation technology It's possible to save money in the end by throwing away less food and lowering the energy use. This could result in substantial savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most commonly used appliances in your home, which is why it is important to select one that has a high energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than one with a lower rating and over time, this will help reduce your energy bills. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer look for the "Energy Label" It is usually found it on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to read the efficiency and energy consumption and then click to see full data on the manufacturer's site.
fridge deals uk of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be influenced by how much you store within it. Even when the A+++ rating is very high bigger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that's older, consider how much space you'll require. Also, check the internal configuration to see if there are any flexible shelves or door storage, and if it is able to accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you would prefer a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize a heating element to prevent the formation of ice inside the freezer. This eliminates the hassle of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. However, there are still some models available which don't include this feature and, therefore, if you require defrosting you should keep this in your mind.
It is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting too, which is a nice feature.
Typically, refrigerator freezers that are integrated are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. It's because you have to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's also important to know that integrated fridge freezers are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. This is due to the fact that installers might not allow enough 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 in the cabinetry of the kitchen is an ideal solution for those who are looking to create a contemporary and sleek look for their kitchen. These models are installed behind the cabinet doors and hide from the view, making them an ideal choice for those who want to create an elegant look. A refrigerator and freezer are incorporated in a single model which makes it simpler to store food items and organise it.
The disadvantage of an integrated fridge freezer is that it may be more difficult to service than a freestanding model because it is built into furniture, and removing the cupboard door from the hinges in order to access the appliance can be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. It's important to keep in mind that you may require your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the near future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance so that your cupboard doors will still work. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and will fit inside a 60cm wide x 60cm deep housing cabinet, so any doors are already in your cupboards are compatible with these appliances. You should also check what type of hinge your current fridge freezer is fitted with, if it has a fixed or sliding hinge, as this can impact the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The best models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen, by reducing everyday chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that help reduce or remove the need to defrost. You can expect versatile storage options that include adjustable shelves and useful extras like wine racks, too.