Why No One Cares About Integrated Fridge Frezer
Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a unified decor A fridge freezer that is integrated can be easily integrated into the cabinet doors of kitchens. Unlike freestanding appliances, they can be hidden away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it is about fridge freezers integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do a great job of hiding behind cabinet doors, giving an elegant and minimalist look that is very appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent option if you're looking to revamp your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.
However, when it comes to selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated, there are a few things you should consider. You'll first want to consider the appliance's capacity. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, and it's crucial to determine how much you need before making a purchase. You'll need to select the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your requirements, freestanding freezer but one that won't be too large, so you don't use up your energy or end up with a surplus of.
You might want to consider a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, providing enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that come with a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. The cheaper models might not have the same longevity as their higher-end counterparts. They also have issues with the hinges, which are usually less robust and easily break. You'll want to opt for an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. It is essential to ensure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are large enough to accommodate the new fridge-freezer and that both the fridge and the freezer are the same height, usually at 178cm. If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions so that you can locate a fridge freezer that will fit.
Design
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've achieved so hard for. By combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance is an ideal option for those who wish to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in different styles to match different interior designs. There are a variety of models available, from fully clad ones that blend into your kitchen cabinets to panels that let you show your individuality.
Fully integrated fridge freezer for sale freezers have brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer that is integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your kitchen layout. It also reduces noise levels and helps with temperature control.
Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers vary as well. You can find a'midi' model that is around 130cm tall, while tall models typically range from 170-180cm. You can also choose between 50:50 splits, where you get equally sized fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of more fridge space.
Because integrated fridge freezers are built into the kitchen, they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which may mean it's more expensive to repair or maintained. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you should avoid purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated if your budget is limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models for a reasonable price.
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the cost of building the cabinet they sit in. They also have larger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. However, if you opt for a model that has the latest in food preservation technology It's possible to save money over the long term by throwing away less food and lowering the energy use. This could result in huge savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are some of the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - therefore it is important to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge freezer with a high energy rating will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which will reduce the cost of energy over time. Look for the Energy Label', that is typically found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. Move your phone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to see full data on the manufacturer's site.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be influenced by the amount of food you keep inside it. The larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller ones, even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while be sure to think about the amount of capacity you require and look at the internal configuration to see if there are flexible shelves and doors for storage, and whether they can handle larger items such as milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use heating elements to stop the formation of ice inside the freezer. This eliminates the hassle of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. However, there are some models out there that don't have this feature, so if you do need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in your mind.
Aside from the energy efficiency, you should consider checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep tidy and clean. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to wipe clean. Certain models also come with LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you'll need to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet as well as kitchen cabinet doors, plus the installation cost. It's also worth knowing that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. The reason is that installers may not properly install the cabinets or leave out crucial ventilation. This can lead to hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the refrigerator is an option for those looking to create a sleek look in their kitchen, while blending seamlessly with their kitchen cabinetry. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and hide from view, which is an ideal choice for those looking to achieve an elegant look. A refrigerator and freezer are incorporated in a single model, which makes it easier to store your food and organise it.
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 have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. This is something to keep in mind if you believe you'll need your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or if you're planning to sell your home and move house.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is crucial to buy a like-for-like appliance so your cupboard doors will still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit into a 60cm wide x 60cm deep housing cabinet, therefore any doors are already in your cupboards are compatible with the appliances. Check the type of hinge that is on the fridge freezer, whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The top models are designed to be easy to use in the kitchen, by simplifying everyday chores. This includes reducing the time spent the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg, completely eliminating it - and keeping food fresher longer with clever features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful additions such as wine racks.