Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who want a more cohesive design, an integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into cabinets in the kitchen. In contrast to freestanding appliances they can be hidden away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting and adding convenience features such as adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding ones. They do a fantastic job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, resulting in a sleek and uncluttered appearance which is 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 offer plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently within reach.
When you're selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated, there are some things you need to consider. First, you'll want to consider the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is usually measured in litres, so it's important to know how much you'll need prior to making a purchase. You should select a model with a high 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 consider the larger capacity of your appliance based on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that come with a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with more than one child.
The quality of the appliance is also important. Cheaper models may not be as durable as their higher-end counterparts. Hinges can be a problem, as they tend to be less durable. You'll want to choose one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you're replacing an old integrated fridge freezer, make sure you select an identical model in terms of size and split type. It is important to ensure that the cupboard doors on your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the freezer and fridge are the same height typically 178cm. If you're planning a new kitchen, be sure your plans align with these dimensions so you can locate a fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've worked so hard to achieve. They integrate a refrigerator and freezer into one unit. This is a great option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Depending on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated have a wide range of designs that can be adapted to different interior styles. There are numerous models available, from fully clad models that blend seamlessly with the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that let you express your personal style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come equipped with cabinet mounting brackets which place the appliance in the front of cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to perfectly match the kitchen you have installed while reducing noise and enhancing the temperature control.
Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers differ as well. You can find a "midi' model that is around 130cm in height, while tall models are typically around 170-180cm. You can select the 50:50 split which gives you the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30, which favours more space in the fridge.
As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they can be more expensive to repair or service. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should avoid buying an integrated fridge freezer if your budget is restricted as you will be able to locate a variety of top-quality models at reasonable prices.
The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than those that are freestanding. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. That said, if you choose a model that has the latest in food preservation technology It's possible that you can save money in the end by throwing away less food and lowering the energy use. This could result in huge savings over the life of your integrated fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are some of the most used appliances in your kitchen - so it's crucial to select one that has a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than a lower-rated one and, over time, this will lower the cost of energy. Look for the Energy Label', which is usually found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge-freezer. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency ratings, and click through to see full data on the website of the manufacturer.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be affected by the amount of food you keep in it. Larger models with greater capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller models, even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model that is older, consider how much space you require. Also, take a look at the internal configuration to determine whether there are any movable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like an frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This eliminates the hassle of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. Some models do not come with this feature. If you need to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in your mind.
It is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge's freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers have drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models come with LED lighting as well which is a nice feature.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the fact that you have to pay for refrigerator housing cabinets and doors for kitchen cabinets, and the installation cost. It's also important to know that integrated fridge freezers are more prone to problems than freestanding ones. This is because installers can leave out vital ventilation for the cabinets or fail to install them correctly and let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a fantastic option for those looking to create a sleek minimalist look for their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and hide from the view, making them a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an elegant look. The choice of an integrated model offers the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one unit, making it easier to store and organize your food items.
It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, as it is built into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers are unable to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This is something you should be aware of if you think you'll need repair or serviced in the near future or in the event that you plan to sell your home and move house.
It is crucial to buy an identical appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that your cabinet doors still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and can fit in 60cm wide by 60cm deep housing cabinet, therefore any doors are already in your cupboards are compatible with the appliances. Examine the hinge on your fridge freezer, whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine the ease to get access to the cupboard doors.
The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. under counter fridge silver are designed to make your life in the kitchen easier by reducing day-to-day chores. This includes minimising the process of defrosting - or like in the case of Blomberg, eliminating it completely - as well as keeping food fresher for longer with smart features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect versatile storage options complete with adjustable shelves as well as handy extras such as wine racks too.