Integrated Fridge Frezer: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

If you want a consistent design, a refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into your doors of your kitchen cabinets. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.

These fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier by reducing chores like defrosting and adding convenience features such as adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.

Capacity

Integrated models are more sought-after than freestanding models. They do a fantastic job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, resulting in an uncluttered and sleek appearance that is very appealing in many kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who want to renovate your kitchen or start from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they provide plenty of storage space so that you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.

When it comes to choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things to consider. You'll first want to take into account the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is usually measured in litres, and it's important to know the amount you'll need prior to making a purchase. You should choose the model that has enough capacity to meet your needs but not too big, to ensure that you don't squander energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.

Depending on the size of your family is, you might want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is suitable for most families and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers offer integrated fridge freezers that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with children who are larger.

Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Cheaper models may not have the same longevity as their higher-end counterparts. They can also suffer from issues with the hinges, which are typically less durable and are prone to break. You'll want to choose a model with sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for many years.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to ensure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are large enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the freezer and the fridge are the same height, typically at 178cm. If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions, so you can locate a fridge freezer that fits.

Design

Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets without compromising the look you've worked so hard to achieve. They integrate the freezer and refrigerator into one unit. This is a great option for those looking to maximize their space.

Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers are available in various styles to match different interior designs. From fully clad models that hide the doors behind kitchen cabinetry to panels that allow you to show your individual style, there's something to suit all.

Fully integrated fridge freezers come with brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, concealing it completely. This design lets you customize the fridge freezer that is integrated to match your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.

The door openings of fridge freezers with integrated fridges differ - you can get models that are midi-height that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can also pick between 50:50 splits that gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of more fridge space.

Because they are built into the kitchen, they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which could mean it's more expensive to repair or Frydge serviced. However, this doesn't mean you should steer clear of purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated in case your budget isn't too limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models for a reasonable price.

The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than those that are freestanding. They also make use of larger motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you opt for a model that has advanced technology for food preservation, you might be saving money in the long run by wasting less food items and reducing your energy consumption. This could lead to significant savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer integrated.

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 a lower-rated one and, over time, this will reduce your energy costs. Look for the 'Energy Label', which is usually found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. Hover your smartphone over the label to see the energy consumption and efficiency rating and click to see full data on the website of the manufacturer.

The amount of food you store in your fridge-freezer will determine how much energy it uses. Even even if the A+++ rating is high bigger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while take a look at the amount of capacity you require and then check the interior configuration to see if shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door storage, and the capacity of these shelves to accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.

A frost-free fridge freezer is another option to consider. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use an element of heating to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This eliminates the trouble of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. However, there are some models out there that don't come with this feature, so if you do require defrosting you must keep this in mind.

It's also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting which is a nice touch.

Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding models. This is because you'll need to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet as well as kitchen cabinet doors, plus there's the cost of installation. It's also worth knowing that fridge freezers integrated into the fridge are more prone to problems than freestanding ones. This is 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 integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a fantastic option for those looking to create a sleek minimalist look for their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and appear hidden from the view, making them a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an updated look. A refrigerator Frydge and freezer are incorporated in an integrated model that makes it easier to store your food and organize it.

It can be more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, because it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you might need to have your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the future, or should you decide to sell your home and move.

It is important to buy an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer to ensure that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit in a 60cm wide x 60cm deep housing cabinet so any doors you already have on your cupboards are compatible with these appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer is fitted with, if it has either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this will impact the ease to open the cupboard doors.

The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The top models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen by simplifying routine chores. This includes reducing the time spent the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg, eliminating it completely - and making sure your food stays fresher for Frydge longer by using smart 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.