Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

For homeowners who prefer a unified decor A fridge freezer that is integrated fits seamlessly into the cabinet doors of kitchens. Unlike freestanding appliances, they can be hidden from sight when not in use.

These fridge freezers have been designed to make life easier. They can reduce the amount of work you have to do, for example, defrosting, as well as adding convenience features like adjustable shelves with dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.

Capacity

When it is a fridge freezer, integrated models are more popular than freestanding ones. These appliances do an excellent job of blending behind cabinet doors, resulting in a sleek and uncluttered appearance which is appealing in a variety of 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 drinks conveniently in reach.

When you are selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated, there are a few aspects you should consider. In the first place you should consider the capacity of the appliance. Storage in the fridge and freezer is usually measured in litres, so it's crucial to know how much you'll need before buying. You'll need to select a model with a high enough capacity to meet your requirements but also one that doesn't be too big so you don't overuse your energy or end up overflowing.

Depending on how big your family is, you might think about a larger capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres that are ideal for families with more than one child.

The quality of the appliance is important. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem, as they are often less durable. You'll want a model that is sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They'll last for many years.

If you're replacing an old integrated fridge freezer, make sure to select an identical model in terms of size and split style. You'll need to make sure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are big enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that the freezer and the fridge are the same height, usually around 178cm. If you're planning a new kitchen, make sure your plans align with these dimensions, so you can locate a fridge freezer that will fit.

Design

Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry without compromising the style you've worked so hard to achieve. They incorporate a refrigerator and freezer into one appliance. This is a great choice for those looking to maximize their space.

Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in a variety of styles to suit different interior designs. There are numerous models to choose from, from fully clad ones that blend into the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individuality.

Fully integrated fridge freezers come equipped with brackets for cabinet mounting that anchor the appliance to the front of the kitchen cabinets, fridge freezer obscuring it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to perfectly match your fitted kitchen and reduce noise levels and improving temperature control.

Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers differ as well. There is a midi model that's about 130cm in height, while tall models are typically around 170-180cm. You can also choose between a 50:50 split where you get equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of larger fridge space.

Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they may be more expensive to repair or service. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you should steer clear of purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated when your budget isn't as limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models at affordable prices.

The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than the freestanding counterparts. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you opt for a model with advanced food preservation technology it's possible to save money over the long term by throwing away less food and lowering your energy consumption. This could translate into significant savings over the lifespan of your fridge freezer integrated.

Energy efficiency

Refrigerators are among the commonly used appliances in your home, so it is important to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge-freezer with a high energy rating will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which will reduce the cost of energy over time. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer look for the label 'Energy' It is usually found this on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. Move your phone over the label to see the energy consumption and efficiency rating and fridge Freezer then click to view all the information on the manufacturer's site.

How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be influenced by how much you store within it. Even even if the A+++ rating is very high, larger models will require more energy to cool. So, if you're replacing an older model be sure to think about the amount of capacity you require and then check the interior configuration - whether there are flexible shelves and doors for storage, and whether they can handle larger items such as milk bottles.

Another thing to consider is whether you would prefer a frost-free option. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent ice building up in the freezer, which means you'll avoid the inconvenience of defrosting each and then. However, there are still some models out there that don't have this feature in the event that you need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in your mind.

In addition to the energy efficiency, it's worth looking into how easy your fridge is to keep clean and tidy. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers, which are simple to wipe clean. Certain models feature LED lighting which is a nice touch.

Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding models. It's because you have to pay for the fridge freezer on sale housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more prone to problems than freestanding. It's mainly because installers may not properly install the cabinets or leave vital ventilation out. This could result in hot air getting in and causing them to overheat.

Convenience

An integrated fridge freezer offers the ideal solution for those looking to create a minimalist look in their kitchen, while blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinets. They are positioned behind the cabinet doors and are hidden from view, which is a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an elegant look. A refrigerator and freezer are combined into a unit which makes it simpler to store your food and organize it.

The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it can be more difficult to service than a freestanding model because it's integrated into your furniture, and taking the cupboard door from its hinges to access the appliance could be a challenge for the majority of kitchen engineers. It's important to remember that you might require having your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the near future, or should you decide to sell your home and relocate.

It is important to buy an identical appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer so that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and will fit inside 60cm wide by 60cm deep housing cabinet, therefore any doors are already in your cabinets are compatible with the appliances. You should also determine the kind of hinge your current fridge freezer is using, if it has an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can impact the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.

When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the latest advancements have improved their performance and design further than ever before. The most effective models are designed to make your life in the kitchen easier by reducing daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that help reduce or completely eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful extras like wine racks.