Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

For homeowners who want a more cohesive design A fridge freezer that is integrated 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 have been designed to make life easier. They cut down on the amount of work you have to do, such as defrosting, and add convenience features such as adjustable shelves as well as dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.

Capacity

When it comes to fridge freezers integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. They can blend in with the background behind the doors of cabinets. This provides them with a clean minimalist look that's appealing in many kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or start from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space, so you can keep all your food and beverages easily within reach.

When you're choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things you need to consider. You'll first want to take into account the capacity of the appliance. It is important to think about how much space you need for your refrigerator or freezer prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose the model that has a large enough capacity for your needs but also one that doesn't be too large so that you don't use up your energy or end up overflowing.

You may want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for families of all sizes, and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that come with capacities of 420 litres, which is perfect for larger families.

The quality of the appliance is also important. The cheaper models might not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They may also experience issues with the hinges, which are often less durable and can easily break. You'll want to choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to be.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional Choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to ensure that your kitchen cupboard doors are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer collection-freezer and that the freezer and fridge are identical in height, usually around 178cm. If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so that you can locate a fridge freezer that fits.

Design

Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry without compromising the look you've worked so hard to achieve. They integrate a refrigerator and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those who want to make the most of their space.

Depending on the manufacturer, integrated fridge freezers can offer a wide variety of styles to match different styles of interior. From fully clad models that cover the doors in your cabinets to panels that allow you to create your own unique style, there's something to suit everyone.

Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that secure the appliance on the front of kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to customise your integrated fridge freezer to perfectly match your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and improving the temperature control.

The door heights of fridge freezers that are integrated differ. You can find a'midi' height model around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are generally about 170-180cm tall. You can choose between a split of 50:50, which gives you the same amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30. This is a better option for more fridge space.

Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which may result in a higher cost to repair or serviced. This doesn't mean that you should stay away from the fridge freezer that is integrated because your budget is tight. There are many high-quality models for affordable prices.

The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than freestanding models. They also have stronger motors to keep the fridge cool, which could lead to higher energy bills. However, if you choose a model that has the latest in food preservation technology it's possible to save money in the long run by throwing away less food and lowering your energy consumption. This could translate into big savings over the lifetime of your fridge freezer integrated.

Energy efficiency

Fridge freezers are some of the most used appliances in your kitchen, so it's important to choose one that has a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one with a lower rating, and over time this will lower your energy bills. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, look for the "Energy Label" - you can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. You can find the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click through to the manufacturer's site to see the complete information.

The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by the amount of food you keep within it. Even if the A+++ rating is high the larger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the space you'll require. Also, check 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.

Another thing to consider is whether you want a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate an element of heating to stop the formation of ice inside the freezer. This eliminates the trouble of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. However, there are some models available which don't include this feature, so if you do have to defrost your fridge 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 wipe clean. Some models come with LED lighting which is a nice addition.

Typically refrigerator fridges & Freezers that are integrated are more expensive than freestanding models. It's because you have to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors to the kitchen cabinet and installation. It's important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more likely to have problems than those that are freestanding. The reason is that installers may not install the cabinets correctly or leave out crucial ventilation. This could result in hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.

Convenience

A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is an ideal solution for those who want to create a contemporary and sleek look for their kitchen. These models are concealed behind the cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinets. This is a popular choice for those looking to achieve a contemporary aesthetic. A refrigerator and freezer are incorporated in a single model that makes it easier to store your food and organise it.

The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it could be harder to service than a freestanding model as it's integrated into your furniture, and removing the door of the cabinet from its hinges to access the appliance could be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. This may be something to keep in mind if you believe you'll need repair or serviced in the near future or in the event that you plan to sell your property and move.

It is crucial to buy an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer to ensure that your cabinet doors will still fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and can fit into a 60cm x 60cm housing cabinet. Therefore the doors that you have on your current cabinets must be compatible. It is also important to determine what type of hinge your current fridge freezer is using, if it has a fixed or sliding hinge, as this will determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.

The latest innovations in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The top models are designed to make your life in the kitchen simpler by reducing the chores of daily life. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that reduce or eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful additions such as wine racks.