Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you want a consistent design, a refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into your kitchen cabinet doors. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed from sight when not being used.
The fridge freezers are designed to simplify your life. They reduce the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, and also add convenience features like adjustable shelves with dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of hiding behind cabinet doors, giving a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is very appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent option for those looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are creating it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also provide an abundance of storage space, so you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently in reach.
When it comes to choosing an integrated fridge freezer there are some aspects you need to take into consideration. First and foremost, fridges for sale 'll want to consider the capacity of the appliance. Storage in the fridge and freezer is typically measured in litres, therefore it's important to know how much you'll need prior to making a purchase. You'll want to choose one with a large enough capacity to meet your requirements however, it should not be too large, so you don't waste energy or end up with a surplus of.
Depending on how large your family is, you may think about a larger capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is suitable for families of all sizes, and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres that are ideal for larger families.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. Cheaper models may not have the same durability as their more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with the hinges, which are usually less durable and are prone to break. You'll want to choose a model that has reliable Hettich and Ingol hinges. They'll last for many years.
If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, be sure to choose an identical model in terms of size and split style. It is essential to ensure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are big enough to accommodate the new fridge-freezer and that both the fridge and the freezer are the same height, usually around 178cm. If you're designing a new kitchen, be sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions so you can find an integrated fridge freezer that will fit.
Design
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets without compromising the look you've been working so hard to achieve. They integrate the freezer and refrigerator 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 a variety of styles to match different interior designs. There are a variety of models available, ranging from fully clad ones that blend into your kitchen cabinets, to panels that allow you to show your individuality.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated vary - you can find models that are midi-height that is around 130cm high, whereas taller models are typically around 170-180cm high. You can also choose between 50:50 splits that gives you equally sized freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of more fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they could be more costly to repair or service. But this doesn't mean you should avoid buying a fridge freezer with integrated features if your budget is limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models at reasonable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than those that are freestanding. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which can cause higher energy bills. If you select one with the latest technology for food preservation, you might be saving money by throwing out less food items and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in huge savings over the life of your integrated fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the frequently used appliances in your home, therefore it is essential to select one that has a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer that has an energy rating that is high will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which can lower your energy costs over time. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, look for the "Energy Label" You can usually find this on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to see full data on the website of the manufacturer.
The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be affected by how much you store within it. The larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller models, even if they have an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model that's older, think about how much space you'll need. Also, look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any movable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items, such as milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is frost-free is another option to consider. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate an element of heating to stop the formation of ice inside the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge every now and again. However, there are certain models that don't have this feature, so if you do need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in mind.
Aside from the energy efficiency, you should consider looking into how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting as well, which is a nice addition.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. It's because you need to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors to the kitchen cabinet and installation. It's also worth knowing that integrated fridge freezers are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. This is because installers might not allow enough ventilation to the cabinets, or fail to install them correctly that means they let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a great solution for those who want to create a modern, streamlined look in their kitchen. The models are concealed behind the cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those looking to create a modern design. A model that is integrated offers the convenience of a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organise your food.
The disadvantage of an integrated fridge freezer is that it can be harder to service than a freestanding model because it's built into your furniture, and removing the door from the hinges to access the appliance could be a challenge for the majority of kitchen engineers. It's important to remember that you might need to have your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future, or should you decide to sell your house and relocate.
It is essential to purchase the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer to ensure that your cabinet doors still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and fit inside a 60cm wide x 60cm deep housing cabinet so any doors are already in your existing cupboards should be compatible with the appliances. Examine the hinge on the fridge freezer, whether it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine how easy it is to get access to the cupboard doors.
The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The top models are designed for ease 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 your food fresher for longer by using smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful accessories like wine racks.