Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer can be easily integrated into cabinets in the kitchen. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they can be hidden away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your 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 is about fridge freezers integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, creating an elegant and minimalist look that is very appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great option for those looking to transform your kitchen or are creating it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and drinks easily within reach.
However, when you are choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things you should consider. First and foremost you should consider the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is usually measured in litres, and it's important to determine how much you'll need before purchasing. You'll want to choose the model that has a large enough capacity for your needs but not too large, so that you don't waste energy or end up with an overflow.
Depending on how big your family is, you might be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420 litre capacity which is ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. The cheaper models might not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with hinges, which are typically less robust and easily break. You'll want to choose a model that has reliable Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. It is important to ensure that the doors of your cabinets in your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new freezer in your fridge and that the freezer and fridge are the same height generally 178cm. If you're designing a new home, ensure that the dimensions are in line with the measurements in order to find a fridge freezer that is integrated.
Design
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without ruining the aesthetic that you've put in time and money to perfect. Combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance, they're an ideal choice for those who wish to maximize their space.
Depending on fridge for sale near me integrated refrigerator freezers are available in different styles to match different interior designs. There are a variety of models to choose from, from fully clad models that blend into your kitchen cabinets to panels that allow you to express your personal style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come equipped with cabinet mounting brackets which anchor the appliance to the front of cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design lets you customize the integrated fridge freezer to match the kitchen you have installed. It also reduces noise levels and improves temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers that are integrated vary - you can find models that are midi-height around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are usually about 170-180cm tall. You can also select 50:50 splits which gives you equally sized fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built into your kitchen they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which could make it more costly to repair or maintained. This doesn't mean that you should stay away from an integrated fridge freezer because of your budget. There are numerous high-quality models at affordable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than freestanding models. They also make use of more powerful motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you opt for one that is equipped with advanced food preservation technology you may be in a position to save money by throwing out less food and reducing your energy usage. This could result in huge savings over the life of your fridge freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerator freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - therefore it is important to select one with a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one with a lower rating, and over time this will help reduce the cost of energy. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, search for the label 'Energy' You can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user's guide. You can check the energy consumption and rating by hovering your phone over the label. Go to the manufacturer's site to see the entire information.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by the amount you store in it. Larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're sporting an A++ rating. So, if you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while take a look at the amount of capacity you require and then check the interior configuration - whether shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door storage and whether they can handle larger items such as milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you want an frost-free model. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent the formation of ice in the freezer, so you can save yourself the headache of defrosting every now and every now and. Some models do not have this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge, bear this in your mind.
It's also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge's freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models have LED lighting too which is a nice feature.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you must pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors for kitchen cabinets and installation. It's also important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. This is 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
A fridge freezer integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a fantastic option for those looking to create a modern and sleek look for their kitchen. These models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those looking to create a modern design. A model that is integrated offers the convenience of both a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organise your food.
The drawback of having an integrated fridge freezer is that it could be more difficult to service than a freestanding model because it's built into your furniture, and taking the door from the hinges in order to access the appliance can be a challenge for the majority of kitchen engineers. It's worth keeping in mind that you may require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or should you decide to sell your home and move.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is vital to purchase a similar appliance to ensure that the doors on your cabinet will be able to fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit in 60cm wide and 60cm deep cabinet for housing, therefore any doors you already have on your cabinets are compatible with these appliances. You should also check what type of hinge your current fridge freezer has and if it is a fixed or sliding hinge, as this can affect how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The best models are designed to make life in the kitchen easier by reducing day-to-day chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that help reduce or eliminate defrosting. You can expect flexible storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as useful accessories like wine racks, too.