Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you prefer a uniform decor, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into the kitchen cabinet doors. In contrast to freestanding appliances they are able to be concealed from sight when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more sought-after than those that are freestanding. These fridge freezers can blend in with the background behind cabinet doors. This gives them a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is pleasing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them a great choice if you're planning to transform your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they provide plenty of storage space, so you can keep all your food and beverages easily within reach.
However, when you are choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design there are a few things you should consider. You'll first want to look at the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is usually measured in litres, therefore it is crucial to know how much you'll need before purchasing. You'll need to select one with a large enough capacity for your needs but also one that doesn't be too big so you don't overuse your energy or end up overflowing.
You might want to consider the larger capacity of your appliance based on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, and provides enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that have a 420-litre capacity. This is perfect for families with children who are larger.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Less expensive models may not have the same durability as their higher-end counterparts. They may also experience problems with hinges, which are often less durable and can easily break. You'll want to choose one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. It is important to ensure that the cupboard doors on your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new freezer in your fridge and that the fridge and freezer are both the same height generally 178cm. If you're planning your kitchen from scratch, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions so that you can find an integrated fridge freezer that fits.
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 perfecting. They incorporate fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those looking to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers are available in various styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that cover the doors behind kitchen cabinetry to panels that let you show your individual style, there's something for all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer that is integrated so that it perfectly matches your kitchen layout. fridges for sale uk reduces noise levels and improves temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated differ. You can find a'midi' height model that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm tall. You can also pick between 50:50 splits, which gives you equally sized freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of more fridge space.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they may be more costly to repair or service. This doesn't mean that you need to avoid an integrated fridge freezer because of your budget. You can still find numerous high-quality models at affordable costs.
The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the expense of making the cabinet they are placed in. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which can cause higher energy bills. If you select a model that has advanced food preservation technology you may be able to save money by wasting less food and reducing your energy usage. This could translate into significant savings over the lifespan of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators 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 that is less rated and over time, this will help reduce the cost of energy. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, search for the "Energy Label" - you can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. You can read the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Go to the manufacturer's site to see the entire information.
The quantity of food that you store in your fridge-freezer will influence the amount of energy it consumes. Even when the A+rating is high bigger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that is older, consider how much space you'll need. Also, take a look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage and if they can accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate a heating element to prevent the formation of ice within the freezer. This will save you the hassle of having to defrost your refrigerator every now and then. However, there are certain models which don't include this feature and, therefore, if you require defrosting you should keep 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 come with LED lighting which is a nice addition.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is due to the fact that you have to pay for refrigerator housing cabinets and doors for the kitchen cabinet, and there's the cost of installation. It's important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to problems than those that are freestanding. This is due to the fact that installers might not have the cabinets installed correctly or leave out crucial ventilation. This could result in hot air getting in and causing them overheat.
Convenience
An integrated fridge freezer offers an option for those who want to create a streamlined decor in their kitchen, while blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinets. These models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend seamlessly with the kitchen cabinetry. This is a popular option for those who wish to achieve a contemporary aesthetic. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined into a unit which makes it simpler to store your food and organize it.
It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, since it is integrated into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers have difficulty to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's important to keep in mind that you may require your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the near future, or if your plan is to sell your home and relocate.
It is crucial to buy the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that your cabinet doors will still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit inside 60cm wide and 60cm deep housing cabinet so any doors are already in your existing cupboards should be compatible with these appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer is using whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The best models are designed to be easy of use in the kitchen, by making it easier to do the everyday chores. This includes reducing the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg, completely eliminating it - and keeping food fresher for longer by using smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful accessories like wine racks.