13 Things You Should Know About Integrated Fridge Freezer That You Might Not Have Known
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind subdued fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. But don't let them fool you they're packed with ample storage space and sophisticated technology like wine racks, four adjustable door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges to ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to be able to fit into the kitchen cabinetry and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. They can be a great choice if you're looking for a sleek and modern appliance that will blend in with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great option when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
If you're considering an integrated refrigerator freezer you should consider a few things. One of the main reasons why they cost more is because they are built-in models. This is because of the extra costs associated with purchasing and installing a refrigerator cabinet, kitchen cabinet door, and a bridging cabinet to connect the refrigerator.
It is also important to keep in mind that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult to servicing. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its cabinet and the doors for kitchen cabinets must be re-hung, which can take months or even weeks. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to do the job correctly.
It is important to measure the area before purchasing a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure to leave some space on to either side of the appliance so that you can open the doors. Also, you should check the door hinges on the refrigerator. Many cheap models use hinges that aren't designed to hold the weight of a fridge and tend to fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in a variety of widths that will help you to maximize the storage space. The depth of the refrigerator can also affect your kitchen cabinets. For instance, if planning on adding tall cabinets over the refrigerator then you may need to order the appliance with a specific length to ensure it fits. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator is cut properly. If it's not, you could face issues later.
Style
The decision whether to buy an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer is one that will impact the design of your kitchen for some time to come and it's crucial to consider a variety of things into consideration before making any final decisions. Integrated fridge freezers are often preferred over freestanding models due to the fact that they offer a sleek and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend with cabinetry rather than standing out and dominating the room.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinetry surrounding them. The doors are set, so they do not protrude. They are also panel-ready to give your kitchen a more streamlined appearance. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts, giving them a modern and stylish appearance.
Despite their appearance, they don't compromise storage space since the freezer compartment can be quite large and is usually located in the lower part of the appliance, allowing ample space for your frozen goods. You can also pick from a variety of widths with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches of width, which is more than the freezers that are freestanding.
Because of their appearance and the fact that they are integrated into your kitchen you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets that surround it will add to the total cost.
They are also more difficult to move when you plan to move home which could be a problem for some. It is necessary to disassemble the entire unit from its cabinetry. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and taking it off like you would do with a freestanding model.
The integrated fridges are also more difficult to repair as they are installed inside your kitchen. If something goes wrong, you will need to get an engineer from your fridge to remove the appliance and replace any broken parts. This can be an expensive procedure, and definitely more expensive than buying a new freezer for your refrigerator.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer will lower your monthly household bills. It will also save energy by reducing the amount of time it takes to run, and will be more sustainable by making use of less energy. Look for models with an A- or B-energy rating to make a difference.
Contrary to freestanding models that come with their own housing integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This enables the fridge to blend in seamlessly with your kitchen's design, and gives it a clean, uniform look. Some models feature sliding doors, which allow you to open the fridge without opening your cupboard door. Some models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with cabinets to disguise your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
The drawbacks of integrated fridge freezers are that they are more expensive than other options. This is due to the fact that they are made in smaller quantities and are more of a luxury market however, it's also due to the extra costs involved when installing them. Additional hinges and panels, and the additional costs of fitting your furniture around the fridge are all factors.
What's more integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, with some needing to be defrosted frequently to remove the accumulation of ice. Some models are designed to minimise the need for this, with Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The larger the litres, the more food you'll be able store. Find models that have at least 150 litres of space for your fridge and up to 350 litres for the freezer. You'll find a range of storage configurations, including shelves that can be arranged in a variety of ways, including drawers that have plenty of room for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can be used to store your larger milk bottles. There are also fridge freezers that have 50/50 splits that can be used for both storage of frozen and chilled foods.
Storage
The main benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they require less space than freestanding models. black fridge freezer allows you to maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be placed in a flush position with counters and cabinets and blend into a seamless design. This design does mean that they have less storage space than their freestanding counterparts.
What's more, they're often more expensive to buy and operate than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is due to several factors that include their high cost of development and production and the fact that they're considered a luxury item as well as the additional cost of installation and customization.
It is also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is particularly true if you purchase a cheap integrated refrigerator freezer with poorly-made hinges that can break as time passes.
Choosing the right integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your family and your storage needs. It is also important to take into consideration how much food will be keeping in your fridge, and whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities of between 150 and 350 litres which can store up to 19 shopping bags.
The best integrated refrigerator freezers offer features that keep your food healthy and fresh. For example, some will have an airflow system that distributes cool air evenly across shelves, whilst others will include an antibacterial lining that will minimize odours as well as prevent mould. Certain models may even have the speed-freeze feature that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, ensuring that you can freeze fresh-bought items without them freezing solid.
If you prefer to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a specific temperature, consider integrating fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. They are kept at a low level of humidity and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresher for longer than normal fridge freezers. Fruits and vegetables stay crisper longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity level.