Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a unified decor, an integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into cabinets in the kitchen. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers were designed to make life easier. They can reduce the amount of work that you have to do, such as defrosting, and also add convenience features like adjustable shelves with dual vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers integrated models are more popular than freestanding ones. These appliances do a great job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, giving a sleek and uncluttered appearance which is appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great choice if you're planning to transform your kitchen or are designing it from scratch. They're not just attractive but also offer plenty of storage space. cheap fridges lets you keep all your food items and beverages within easy reach.
When you're choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design, there are a few aspects you need to consider. You'll first want to look at the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, so it is crucial to know how much you'll need before purchasing. You will want to select one that has enough capacity to meet your needs but not overly large to ensure that you don't squander energy or end up with an overflow.
You might want to think about a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers even provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They also have issues with the hinges, which are often less robust and easily break. You'll want to choose an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working Choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are wide enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that both the freezer and the fridge are identical in height, usually at 178cm. If you're planning to build a new home, ensure that the dimensions are in line with these measurements to ensure that you locate a fridge freezer that can be integrated.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without compromising the design that you've spent time and money perfecting. Combining a freezer and fridge in one unit, they're an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers are available in different styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that cover the doors with your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individual design, there's something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come with brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to perfectly match the kitchen you have installed, while reducing noise levels and improving temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated vary - you can find a'midi' height model that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm high. You can choose between a split of 50:50, which gives you the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30. This is a better option for more space in the fridge.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they may be more costly to repair or service. This doesn't mean you should stay away from the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. You can still find many high-quality models for affordable prices.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the cost of making the cabinet that they are in. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which can cause higher energy bills. If you choose one with the latest technology for food preservation, you could be in a position to save money by throwing away less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could translate into big savings over the lifetime of your fridge freezer integrated.
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 a high energy rating will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which will lower the cost of energy over time. Find the Energy Label', which is usually found on the back or the user guide of the fridge-freezer. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the efficiency and energy consumption and click to view the full information on the manufacturer's site.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be affected by the amount of food you keep inside it. The larger models with more capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're sporting an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while, think carefully about how much capacity you'll need and then check the interior configuration to see if shelves are adjustable and doors for storage, and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you want a frost-free option. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent the formation of ice in the freezer, which means you'll avoid the headache of defrosting every now and then. Some models do not come with this feature. If you need to defrost your fridge, bear this in your mind.
Aside from energy efficiency, it's worth checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep clean and tidy. Most integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Some models have LED lighting as well, which is a nice touch.
Typically, integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. This is because you must pay for the fridge's housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It's important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more likely to have issues than those that are freestanding. This is because installers can leave out vital ventilation for the cabinets or fail to install them correctly and let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers an option for those looking to create a streamlined decor in their kitchens, blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinetry. These models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those who want to achieve a contemporary aesthetic. A refrigerator and freezer are incorporated into a unit which makes it simpler to store food items and organise it.
It is more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, as it is built into the furniture. The majority of kitchen engineers have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's important to remember that you may require your refrigerator freezer repaired or serviced in the future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and move.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is vital to buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors to your cabinets will fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and fit in 60cm wide by 60cm deep cabinet for housing, therefore any doors are already in your cabinets are compatible with the appliances. You should also check what type of hinge your current fridge freezer is using whether it's an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The best models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen by simplifying daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that reduce or completely eliminate defrosting. You can expect flexible storage options, including adjustable shelves as well as handy extras such as wine racks too.