Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you are looking for a uniform design, a refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into the cabinet doors in the kitchen. They can be concealed when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting, and adding 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. They do a fantastic job of hiding behind cabinet doors, giving an elegant and minimalist look that is a great fit in a variety of kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice for those who want to renovate your kitchen or begin from scratch. They are not only gorgeous however, they also provide plenty of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and beverages within easy reach.
When you are deciding on an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things you should take into consideration. First and foremost you'll need to think about the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, and it's important to know the amount you'll need prior to buying. You should choose a model that has enough capacity to meet your requirements but not too large, so you don't waste any energy or end with an overflow.
You might want to consider the larger capacity of your appliance based on the size of your family. A 350-litre capacity is suitable for families of all sizes, and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers with a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with children who are larger.
The quality of the appliance is also important. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with the hinges, which are typically less durable and are prone to break. You'll want to opt for a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional select a new model that is similar in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that both the fridge and the freezer are the same height, typically 178cm. If you're designing a new home, ensure that the dimensions match the measurements in order to locate a fridge freezer that can be integrated.
Design
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've worked so hard to achieve. By combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance, they're an ideal choice for those looking to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in different styles to suit different interior designs. There are numerous models available, from fully clad ones that blend seamlessly with the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individuality.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have brackets for cabinet mounting that attach the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design lets you customise your integrated fridge freezer to match your fitted kitchen while reducing noise and improving temperature control.
Door heights for integrated fridge freezers differ too. There is a midi' model that is around 130cm high, while extra-tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can also choose between a 50:50 split which gives you equally sized freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built into the kitchen, they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which could mean it's more expensive to repair or maintained. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you should steer clear of buying a fridge freezer with integrated features if your budget is limited as you can find plenty of high-quality models at reasonable prices.
The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the expense of building the cabinet they are placed in. fridge deals uk make use of more powerful motors to keep the fridge cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. However, if you select a fridge with advanced food preservation technology It's possible that you can save money in the long run by throwing away less food and reducing the energy use. This could result in significant savings over the lifespan of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, so it is important to select one with a high energy rating. A fridge freezer with a high energy rating will use less than one with a lower rating, which will reduce your energy bills over time. Look for the Energy Label', which is usually found on the back or the user guide of the fridge-freezer. You can read the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Click through to the website of the manufacturer to view the complete information.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be influenced by the amount you store 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's older, take note of the space you'll need. Also, take a look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any movable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like a frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This eliminates the trouble of having to defrost the fridge every now and again. Some models do not come with this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge, bear this in mind.
In addition to the energy efficiency, you should consider taking a look at how easy your fridge 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 also come with LED lighting that is a great benefit.
Typically, integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. This is because you need to purchase the fridge's housing cabinet as well as doors for kitchen cabinets, and there's the expense of installing. It's important to understand that integrated fridge-freezers are more prone to problems than those that are freestanding. This is mainly because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets, or fail to set them up correctly, which means they let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
An integrated fridge freezer offers the ideal solution for those who want to create a minimalist look in their kitchen, blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinets. They are positioned behind the cabinet doors and are hidden from the view, making them a popular choice for those who want to create an elegant look. Choosing an integrated model also means you'll have the convenience of a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organize your food.
It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one because it is built into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers find it difficult to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This is something to keep in mind if you think you'll need repair or serviced in the near future, or if you're planning to sell your home and move.
It is crucial to buy the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit into a 60cm wide x 60cm deep cabinet for housing, therefore any doors are already in your existing cupboards should be compatible with the appliances. Check the type of hinge that is on your fridge freezer, if it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine the ease to get access to the cupboard doors.
When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the newest developments have elevated their performance and design further than ever before. The best models are designed to make life in the kitchen easier by reducing daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that can reduce or even eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful additions such as wine racks.