Integrated Fridge Frezer: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you want a consistent decor, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers have been designed to make life easier. They reduce the amount of work you have to do, such as defrosting, as well as adding convenience features like adjustable shelves, dual fruit and vegetable bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. They can blend in with the background behind the doors of cabinets. This gives them a sleek, uncluttered look that is attractive in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them a great choice if you're planning to give your kitchen a makeover or are designing it from scratch. They're not just gorgeous, but they also offer a lot of storage space. This lets you keep all your food items and beverages in a convenient location.
When you're choosing an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things to take into consideration. It is important to first look at the capacity of the appliance. It is crucial to determine the amount of space you'll need for your refrigerator or freezer prior to buying. You will want to select the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs but not too large, to ensure that you don't squander energy or end with an overflow.
Depending on how large your family is, you may be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers also offer integrated fridge freezers with capacities of 420 litres, which is perfect for families with larger numbers.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the appliance. The cheaper models might not have the same durability as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem, as they are often less durable. You'll want to choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for 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 to your kitchen cabinets are big enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the fridge and the freezer are the same height, typically 178cm. If you're planning your kitchen from scratch, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions, so you can find an integrated fridge freezer that fits.
Design
The integrated fridge-freezers are designed to seamlessly into your cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've achieved so hard for. They combine the freezer and refrigerator into one appliance. This is a great option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer the fridge freezers that are integrated have a wide range of styles to match different interior styles. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your cabinets to panels that allow you to create your own unique style, there's something to suit everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that secure the appliance on the front of the kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design lets you customize the integrated fridge freezer so that it perfectly matches the kitchen you have installed. It also reduces noise levels and helps with temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers with integrated fridges for sale differ - you can get a'midi' height model that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are usually 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 in favour of larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, freestanding freezer they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which can mean it's more expensive to have them repaired or maintained. This doesn't mean that you need to avoid an integrated fridge freezer because your budget is tight. There are several high-quality models at reasonable prices.
The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the cost of making the cabinet they are placed in. They also use more powerful motors to keep cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you choose one with the latest technology for food preservation, you might be in a position to save money over time by throwing out less food items and reducing your energy usage. This could result in huge savings over the life of your integrated fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the frequently used appliances in your home, so it is essential to select one that has a high energy rating. A fridge freezer with an energy rating that is high will use less than one with a lower energy rating, which can lower your energy costs over time. To find out the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, look for the "Energy Label" - you can usually find this on the back of the appliance or in the user's guide. You can read the energy consumption and rating by hovering your phone over the label. Click through to the manufacturer's site to see the full data.
The amount of food you keep in your fridge-freezer will also influence the amount of energy it uses. Even if the A+rating is high the larger models will need more energy to cool. So, if you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while be sure to think about how much capacity you'll need and then check the interior configuration - whether shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door storage, and whether they can handle larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like a frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers employ an element of heating to stop ice from building up in the freezer, so you'll be able to avoid the hassle of defrosting every now and every now and. However, there are still certain models that don't come with this feature, so if you do require defrosting, it's worth bearing this in your mind.
Aside from energy efficiency, it's worth taking a look at how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to wipe clean. Some models also have LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than freestanding models. This is because you'll need to pay for a fridge housing cabinet and doors for kitchen cabinets, and there's the expense of installing. It's also important to know that integrated fridge freezers are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. The reason is that installers may not properly install the cabinets or leave out crucial ventilation. This can result in hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers the ideal solution for those who want to create a minimalist look in their kitchens, blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinets. These models are concealed behind the cabinet doors and blend seamlessly with the kitchen cabinets. This is a popular choice for those looking to create a modern look. Choosing an integrated model also offers the convenience of fridge and freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organize your food.
It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, because it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers are unable to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you may require your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the future or should you decide to sell your house and move.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance so that your cupboard doors will still be able to fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and will fit in 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets should be compatible. You should also determine the kind of hinge your current fridge freezer has and if it is either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this can affect how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.
The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The top models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen by making it easier to do the everyday chores. This includes minimising the process of defrosting - or like the case with Blomberg eliminating it completely - and keeping your food fresher for longer with smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect a variety of storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as useful accessories like wine racks, too.
