Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you want a consistent design, a refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into the kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting, and adding features like adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. They do a fantastic job of hiding behind cabinet doors, giving an uncluttered and sleek appearance which is appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great option when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or begin from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they provide an abundance of storage space so you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently within reach.
When it comes to selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated, there are a few aspects you need to consider. It is important to first look at the capacity of the appliance. It's important to consider how much space you need for your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You should choose a model with enough capacity to meet your requirements but not overly large so that you don't waste energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on the size of your family is, you might want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, and provides enough space to hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that have a 420-litre capacity. This is perfect for families with more children.
The quality of the appliance is crucial. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem, since they tend to be less durable. You'll want to opt for one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to be.
If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, make sure to choose a similar model in terms of size and split type. You'll need to make sure 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 the same height - usually 178cm. If you're designing your home from scratch, make sure that the dimensions are compatible with these measurements so you can find a fridge freezer integrated.
Design
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without compromising the design that you've spent time and money to perfect. Combining a freezer and fridge together is a great option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers come in various designs to fit different interior designs. There are numerous models available, ranging from fully clad models that blend into your kitchen cabinets, to panels that let you express your individual style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to modify the integrated fridge freezer to fit perfectly with your fitted kitchen and reduce noise levels and enhancing temperature control.
Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers differ too. You can find a "midi model that's about 130cm high, while extra-tall models typically range from 170-180cm. You can also pick between 50:50 splits, that gives you equally sized freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of more fridge space.
Since fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they can be more expensive to repair or service. However, this doesn't mean you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. There are numerous high-quality models at affordable costs.
The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the cost of making the cabinet that they are in. They also use larger motors to keep the fridge cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. If you choose one that is equipped with advanced food preservation technology you may be able to save money in the long run by throwing away less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in huge savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, therefore it is important 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 energy rating, which will lower the cost of energy over time. Look for the Energy Label', that is typically found on the back or the user guide of the fridge-freezer. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to view all the information on the manufacturer's site.
The quantity of food that you store in your fridge freezer will also determine how much energy it uses. The larger models with more capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're equipped with an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the space you require. Also, check the internal configuration to determine if there are any flexible shelves or door storage, and if it is able to accommodate larger items, such as milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is another option to consider. Frost-free refrigerator freezers employ an element of heating to stop ice from building up in the freezer, meaning you'll be able to avoid the hassle of defrosting every now and then. However, there are still certain models that don't have this feature and, therefore, if you require defrosting you should keep this in mind.
buy fridge uk is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Some models also have LED lighting which is a nice benefit.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding equivalents. It's because you have to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's also worth knowing that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. It's mainly because installers may not properly install the cabinets or leave out crucial ventilation. This can result in hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a great solution for those who are looking to create a contemporary, streamlined look in their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and are hidden from view, which is popular with those seeking to achieve an updated look. A refrigerator and freezer are incorporated in an integrated model that makes it easier to store food items and organise it.
It is more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one because it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers are unable to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This may be something to keep in mind if you think you'll need repairs or serviced in the future, or if you're planning to sell your home and move house.
It is essential to purchase the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer to ensure that the doors of your cabinet still fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and can be inserted into the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore any doors you have on your existing cabinets must be compatible. You should also determine the kind of hinge your fridge freezer is fitted with and if it is an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this will determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it comes to integrated fridge freezers, the most recent innovations have pushed their performance and design higher than ever before. The best models are designed to make cooking easier by reducing daily chores. This includes reducing the time spent defrosting - or, as in the case of Blomberg eliminating it completely - as well as keeping food fresher for longer by using smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect a variety of storage options complete with adjustable shelves, as well as useful accessories like wine racks too.