Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you are looking for a uniform style, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into your cabinet doors in the kitchen. Unlike freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed from view when not in use.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier by reducing chores like defrosting and incorporating convenience features such as adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. They can blend into the background behind cabinet doors. This provides them with a clean minimalist look that's attractive in a variety of kitchen designs. They are a great choice if you want to remodel your kitchen or start from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they also provide an abundance of storage space so you can keep all your food and drinks easily within reach.
However, when you are choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are a few aspects you should consider. You'll first want to consider the appliance's capacity. Storage in the fridge and freezer is usually measured in litres, so it is crucial to determine how much you need before making a purchase. You will want to select a model that has enough capacity to meet your needs but not too large, so that you don't waste energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on how big your family is, you may be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with larger children.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. Cheaper models may not have the same longevity as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from issues with the hinges, which are typically less robust and easily break. You'll want a model with sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They'll last for many years.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working Choose a model that is similar in size and split type. You'll need to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are big enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the fridge and the freezer are the same height, usually around 178cm. If you are designing your home from scratch, make sure that the dimensions match 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 kitchen, without compromising the style that you've spent time and money enhancing. best fridges uk incorporate the freezer and refrigerator into one unit. This is an ideal option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in a variety of styles to match different interior designs. There are a variety of models available, ranging from fully clad ones that blend seamlessly with your kitchen cabinets to panels that let you express your personal style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that secure the appliance on the front of the kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your kitchen layout. It also reduces noise levels and helps with temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated differ - you can get models that are midi-height about 130cm tall, whereas taller models are typically around 170-180cm tall. You can also choose between 50:50 splits where you get equal amounts of fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of more fridge space.
Since fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they could be more expensive to repair or service. But this doesn't mean you should avoid buying an integrated fridge freezer when your budget isn't as limited as you can locate a variety of top-quality models for a reasonable price.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due the cost of creating the housing cabinet they sit in. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which could cause higher energy bills. If you choose one that is equipped with advanced technology for food preservation, you could be able to save money over time by throwing away less food and reducing your energy consumption. This can add up to big savings over the lifetime of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are among the most used appliances in your kitchen - so it's important to choose one that has a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one with a lower rating and, over time, this will help reduce your energy costs. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer, look for the 'Energy Label' - you can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the efficiency and energy consumption, and click through to see full data on the manufacturer's website.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be influenced by how much you store inside it. Even if the A+++ rating is very high bigger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while, think carefully about the amount of capacity you require and then check the interior configuration - whether shelves are adjustable and door storage and the capacity of these shelves to accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you would prefer an frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate an element of heating to stop the formation of ice inside the freezer. This saves you the hassle of having to defrost the fridge every now and again. However, there are some models available which don't include this feature, so if you do need to defrost you must keep this in your mind.
Apart from the energy efficiency, it's worth checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting, which is an added benefit.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to purchase a fridge housing cabinet and doors for the kitchen cabinet, and the installation cost. It's important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than those that are freestanding. This is mainly because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets, or fail to set them up correctly and let in hot air and can overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers a solution to those looking to create a sleek look in their kitchens, blending it seamlessly with their kitchen cabinetry. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and appear hidden from the view, making them popular with those seeking to achieve a modern aesthetic. A model that is integrated offers the convenience of both fridge and freezer in one appliance making it easier to store and organise your food.
It is more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, since it is integrated into the furniture. The majority of kitchen engineers are unable to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. It's important to remember that you may require having your refrigerator freezer repaired or serviced in the near future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
If you're replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is crucial to purchase a similar appliance to ensure that your cupboard doors will still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and can fit inside 60cm wide and 60cm deep housing cabinet so any doors that you already have on your cabinets are compatible with the appliances. You should also determine the kind of hinge your current fridge freezer is using whether it's an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this can impact the ease to open the cupboard doors.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The best models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen, by making it easier to do the routine chores. This includes reducing the time spent the process of defrosting - or like the case with Blomberg completely eliminating it - and keeping your food fresher longer with clever features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful accessories like wine racks.