Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you prefer a uniform design, a refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into the doors of your kitchen cabinets. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and adding convenience features like adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do an excellent job of hiding behind cabinet doors, resulting in a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is very appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent choice if you're planning to transform your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they also provide an abundance of storage space so that you can keep all your food and beverages easily within reach.
When it comes to choosing an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things you should take into consideration. First you'll need to think about the capacity of the appliance. It's important to consider the space you require for your refrigerator or freezer prior to purchasing. You'll want to choose one with a large enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too large, so you don't use up your energy or end up bursting.
You might want to think about a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, providing enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers offer integrated fridge freezers that have capacities of 420 litres. This is perfect for families with more children.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Less expensive models may not have the same durability as their higher-end counterparts. They also have problems with the hinges, which are usually less robust and easily break. You'll want a model that is sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional select a new model that is similar in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that your kitchen cupboard doors are big enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that both the fridge and the freezer are identical in height, usually 178cm. If you're designing a new kitchen, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions so that you can locate a fridge freezer that will fit.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen, without compromising the style that you've invested time and money enhancing. They combine fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the brand The integrated fridge freezers have a wide range of designs to suit different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you create your own unique design, there's something for all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that anchor the appliance to the front of kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer that is integrated so that it perfectly matches your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise levels and improves temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers that are integrated differ - you can get a'midi' height model that is around 130cm high, whereas taller models are typically around 170-180cm tall. You can select a split of 50:50, where you get the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30, which favours more space in the fridge.
Because integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which could mean it's more expensive to have them repaired or maintained. But this doesn't mean that you should avoid buying an integrated fridge freezer if your budget is tight as you can still find plenty of high-quality models at affordable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the fridge freezers is higher than those that are freestanding. They also have stronger motors to keep the fridge cool, which can result in higher energy costs. However, if you opt for a model equipped with the latest technology for food preservation it's possible that you can save money in the end by throwing away less food and reducing your energy consumption. This could result in substantial savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer integrated.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most commonly used appliances in your home, so it is crucial to choose one with a good energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one with a lower rating and, over time, this will reduce the cost of energy. Look for the 'Energy Label', that is typically found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to read the energy consumption and efficiency rating and click to view all the information on the manufacturer's website.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by the amount of food you keep in it. Even if the A+++ rating is very high the larger models will need more energy to cool. So, if you're replacing an older model, think carefully about the amount of capacity you require and look at the internal configuration - whether shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door frydge.Uk storage and whether they can handle larger items such as milk bottles.
A frost-free fridge freezer is another option worth considering. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize a heating element to prevent the formation of ice inside the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. However, there are certain models that don't come with this feature and, therefore, if you need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in mind.
It's also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models come with LED lighting as well, which is a nice touch.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more costly than their freestanding counterparts. It's because you have to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors to the kitchen cabinet and installation. It's important to understand that integrated fridge-freezers are more likely to experience issues than those that are freestanding. 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 can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is an ideal solution for those who want to create a contemporary and sleek look for their kitchen. The models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the kitchen cabinetry. This is a popular option for those who want to create a modern design. Choosing an integrated model also offers the convenience of both fridge and freezer in one unit, making it easier to store and organise your food.
It can be more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, since it is integrated into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you may need to have your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the near future, or should you decide to sell your home and move.
If you're replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is crucial to purchase a similar appliance so that the doors to your cabinets will fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and will fit in a 60cm x 60cm housing cabinet. Therefore the doors you have on your existing cabinets must be compatible. It is also important to determine what type of hinge your current fridge freezer is using, if it has an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
When it comes to integrated fridge freezers, the most recent advancements have improved their performance and design further than ever before. The top models are designed to be easy to use in the kitchen, by making it easier to do the routine chores. This includes minimising the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg, eliminating it completely - and making sure your food stays fresher longer with clever features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect flexible storage options, including adjustable shelves as well as handy extras such as wine racks, too.