Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you want a consistent style, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into the doors of your kitchen cabinets. Unlike freestanding appliances, they can be hidden from view when not in use.
The fridge freezers are designed to make life easier. They can reduce the amount of work you need to complete, like defrosting, and also add convenience features, like adjustable shelves with dual vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than those that are freestanding. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind the cabinet doors. This creates a sleek minimalist look that’s pleasing in a variety of kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or begin from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they provide plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently in reach.
When you’re deciding to purchase an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things you need to take into consideration. You’ll first want to take into account the capacity of the appliance. It’s important to consider the amount of space you’ll need for your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You’ll need to select a model with a high enough capacity for your needs however, it should not be too large, so you don’t use up your energy or end up with a surplus of.
Depending on how big your family is, you might want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is perfect for families of all sizes, and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers even have integrated fridge freezers that come with a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Less expensive models may not be as durable as their higher-end counterparts. They may also experience issues with the hinges, which are often less durable and are prone to break. You’ll want to choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working, choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You’ll need to make sure 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 both the same height generally 178cm. If you’re planning to build a new kitchen, be sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions so that you can find a fridge freezer that is suitable for.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Combining a fridge and freezer in one appliance, they’re an ideal choice for those who wish to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in different designs to fit different interior designs. From fully clad models that hide the doors in your kitchen cabinetry to panels that let you show your individual design, there’s something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come with brackets for cabinet mounting that attach the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to perfectly match the kitchen you have installed, while reducing noise levels and enhancing the temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers with integrated fridges & freezers vary – you can find a’midi’ height model that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are usually about 170-180cm tall. You can also select 50:50 splits, where you get equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they may be more costly to repair or service. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated if your budget is restricted as you will be able to find plenty of high-quality models at affordable prices.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due the cost of creating the housing cabinet they sit in. They also make use of stronger motors to keep the fridge cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you opt for one with the latest food preservation technology you may be in a position to save money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing energy consumption. This could result in substantial savings over the lifetime of your refrigerator freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerator freezers are among the most used appliances in your kitchen, so it’s crucial to select one with a high energy rating. A fridge freezer with a high energy rating will use less than one with a lower energy rating, which can lower the cost of energy over time. Find the Energy Label,’ that is typically found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. You can find the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click on the manufacturer’s site to see the entire information.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be influenced by how much you store within it. Larger models with greater capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they’re sporting an A+++ rating. If you’re replacing an older model be sure to think about how much capacity you’ll need and look at the internal configuration to see if shelves are adjustable and door storage, and whether they can handle larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you would prefer a frost-free model. 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 every now and again. Some models do not come with this feature. If you’re looking to defrost your under counter fridge regularly, keep this in mind.
In addition to the energy efficiency, it’s worth looking into how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. Most integrated fridge-freezers have drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models also feature LED lighting, which is an added benefit.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the fact that you have to pay for the fridge’s housing cabinet as well as doors for kitchen cabinets, and there’s the expense of installing. 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 may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets, or fail to set them up correctly and let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers an option for those who wish 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 appear hidden from view, which is an ideal choice for those looking to achieve a modern aesthetic. The choice of an integrated model offers the convenience of both fridge and freezer in one appliance, making it easier to store and organise your food.
It can be more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one as it is built into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This is something to keep in mind if think you’ll require repairs or serviced in the near future, or if you’re planning to sell your house and move.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is vital to purchase a similar appliance so that the doors to your cabinets will work. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit into 60cm wide and 60cm deep housing cabinet, therefore any doors are already in your cabinets are compatible with these appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your current fridge freezer has and if it is either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this will impact the ease to open the cupboard doors.
When it comes to integrated fridge freezers, the newest advancements have improved their performance and design to a higher level than ever before. The top models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen by simplifying daily chores. Blomberg’s HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that reduce or eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful additions such as wine racks.