Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Integrated Fridge Freezer
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly incorporated fascias, integrated fridge freezers serve as a subdued part of your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance, they are packed with modern technology and plenty of storage like wine racks and four door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges for long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to be able to fit into your kitchen cabinetry and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. They're an ideal choice if looking for a sleek and modern appliance that blends with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great choice if you don't have room in your home for a separate freezer.
But, there are things to consider when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is because they are built-in models. This is due to the extra expenses of purchasing and installing fridge cabinets as well as kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to remember that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult for service. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to be removed from its cabinet and the doors for kitchen cabinets must be re-hung, which could take months or even weeks. It is therefore essential to find a reputable trustworthy kitchen fitter who will spend the time and effort required to complete the job properly.
It is crucial to measure the area before buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure to leave a bit of space on to either side of the appliance, so that you can open the doors. Also, make sure to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have inferior hinges that aren't designed to handle the weight of a fridge and can break after a couple of months.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are available in a range of widths, which can aid in maximizing storage. The depth of your fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. If you're planning to put tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could need the appliance made to a specific length to ensure that it is a good fit. Check that the ventilation of the fridge has been cut correctly. If it's not, you could face problems later.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer will affect your kitchen design for some time to come and it's important that you take a lot of considerations before making any final decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they are bulky and can dominate the space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend into the cabinetry.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinetry surrounding them. Their doors are inset and do not protrude. They are also panel-ready to give your kitchen an elegant appearance. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts, giving them a stylish and modern look.
Despite their appearance they don't sacrifice storage space as the freezer section can still be quite large and is usually located at the bottom of the appliance to give ample space for frozen food items. There are a variety of widths available. The majority of brands offer between 20-24 inch widths which is more than freestanding freezers.
Integrated fridges are more expensive due to their design and also because they are built within your kitchen. This is mainly due to the cost of a fridge housing cabinet and kitchen cabinets to make the surround will increase the total cost.
Some people might be unable to move them if they decide to move. It is necessary to remove the entire cabinet and unit. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance, then getting it removed like a freestanding one.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to repair since they are a part of your existing kitchen. In the event of problems, you'll require a fridge technician to disassemble and replace any damaged parts. This is a costly process, and certainly more expensive than purchasing a new freezer for your refrigerator.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency will lower your monthly household bills. It also conserves energy by reducing the time it runs, and also be more sustainable as it uses less power. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a huge difference.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into your kitchen's design, and gives it an elegant, uniform appearance. Some models feature sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening your cupboard door. Others are panel-ready, meaning that they can be layered with a cabinet door to disguise the refrigerator behind cabinets in your kitchen.
The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers is that they're generally more expensive than other options. The reason for this is that they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium product. However, the installation costs are also a factor. The additional hinges and panels are a big factor here as are the additional expenses associated with having your furniture fit in the refrigerator.
What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and 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 featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and eases maintenance.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The larger the number of litres and the more food items you'll be able store. You should look for models with at minimum 150 litres in the fridge and up to 350 litres for freezer. You'll find a variety of storage configurations, including drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of space for fresh produce, or bottle racks that can be used to store your larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers that have 50/50 splits that can be used for both storage of frozen and chilled foods.
Stores
The primary benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they take up less space than freestanding models, helping you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with cabinets and counters giving a seamless appearance. This design does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding units.
Additionally, they're usually more expensive to buy and run than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have similar specifications. This is due to several factors that include their high cost of development and manufacturing as well as the fact that they are considered to be a luxury item and the additional installation and customization costs.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers are a lot harder to access than their freestanding counterparts, which could create problems when you need to service them. This is especially true if you purchase an inexpensive integrated refrigerator freezer with hinges that are poorly constructed and could break over time.
The size of your family and storage needs will determine the most efficient integrated fridge freezer. Consider how much you want to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll need to store any large frozen foods or platters. The majority of integrated fridge freezers will have a capacity between 150 and 350 litres, which can store up to 19 bags of shopping.
fridge freezer black integrated fridge freezers can include additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will feature airflow technology that distributes cool air throughout shelves, while some will have an antibacterial lining to reduce odours and prevent mould. Some models will even have a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, so you can store fresh food items without them freezing solid.
If you want to keep your fish, meat and dairy products at a specific temperature, then look for integrated refrigerator freezers with a BioFresh section. These are maintained at a lower humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresh for longer than conventional fridge freezers. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can stay more crisp for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher humidity.