Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Integrated Fridge Freezer
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, integrated fridge freezers play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance, they are packed with the latest technology and plenty of storage, such as wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also have two vegetable and fruit bins.
They may also be equipped with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to be able to fit into kitchen cabinets and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They're an excellent choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that can blend in with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great choice if you don't have room in your home for a separate freezer.
When you are choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you need to consider some things. One of the main reasons for their higher cost is that they are built-in models. This is due to the additional costs of buying and installing a fridge cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that make the refrigerator integrated.
Another aspect to be aware of is that fridge freezers integrated can be difficult to maintain. It is necessary to remove the refrigerator from its housing cabinet and rehang kitchen cabinet doors. This could take weeks or months. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to complete the task correctly.
If you are considering buying a new integrated fridge freezer it's important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Be sure to leave some space on either side of the appliance to allow you to be able to open the doors. It's also a good idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. Many cheap models use inferior hinges, which aren't made to withstand the weight of a fridge and frequently fail after a couple of years.
The integrated fridge freezers are available in a variety of widths, which can aid in maximizing storage space. The depth of your fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. If you're planning to put tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might need the appliance to be cut to a custom length to ensure that it is a good fit. Also, be careful to check that the venting for the refrigerator is cut correctly in case it's not done correctly then you could face issues later on.
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 crucial to consider a variety of considerations before making any final decisions. Freestanding fridge freezers are more popular because they're bulky and can take up a lot of space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend in with your cabinetry.
They are typically flush with the cabinetry and counters around them. Their doors are inset, so they do not protrude. They may also be ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an elegant appearance. Many come with stainless-steel fronts, giving them a modern and stylish design.
fridge freezer bosch is very large, and it's typically located in the lower part of the freezer to give ample space for your frozen meals. You can also select from a variety of widths, with the majority of brands offering between 20-24 inches of width, which is larger than you'll find on freestanding freezers.
The cost of integrated fridges is higher because of their design, and due to the fact that they are constructed in your kitchen. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet and the cabinets in the kitchen that surround it will add to the total cost.
Some people might be unable to move them if they decide to relocate. You will need to disassemble the entire appliance from its cabinetry. It's not a case of simply disconnecting and removing the appliance like you would with a freestanding model.
Refrigerators with integrated components are more difficult to repair because they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong, you will need to get an engineer for your fridge to remove the appliance and replace the damaged components. This could be a costly process, and certainly more costly than buying an entirely new fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency will lower your monthly household bills. It also conserves energy by reducing the time it runs and will be more eco-friendly since it consumes less power. Invest in a model with an A or B energy rating to make a huge difference.
Contrary to freestanding models that come with their own housing integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that permit you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Certain models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinet to disguise the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The disadvantage of integrated fridge freezers is that they're generally more expensive than freestanding alternatives. This is due to the fact that they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a luxury market, but it's also down to the additional costs that come with installing them. The additional hinges and panels are a big factor here, as are the additional costs associated with having to make your furniture work with the refrigerator.
Some fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators require more maintenance, and others need to be defrosted frequently to eliminate the accumulation of ice. Some models are made to eliminate the need for this, with Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and eases maintenance.
Another important consideration is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The more litres you get and the more food items you'll be able to 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 options, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can accommodate your larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers that are integrated with 50/50 splits that can be used to store chilled and frozen food items.
Storage
The main advantage of integrated refrigerator freezers is they require less space than freestanding models. This lets you maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be flush with counters and cabinets and create a seamless look. This means that they have less storage space than their freestanding counterparts.
They're also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that meet similar specifications. This is due to a variety of reasons like the cost to develop and manufacture and the fact that they're regarded an expensive product and the extra costs for installation and customization that they incur.
In addition to this, integrated fridge freezers can be harder to access than their freestanding counterparts. This can create problems when you need to service them. This is particularly true if you purchase a cheap integrated refrigerator freezer with hinges that are not well-made and can break over time.
The size of your family and storage requirements will determine the best integrated fridge freezer. You must also think about how much food you will be keeping in your fridge, and whether you'll be keeping large platters or frozen food items. Most integrated fridge freezers have a storage capacity between 150-350 litres. This can accommodate up to 19 bags of groceries.
The most efficient fridge freezers will offer additional features to keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will feature airflow technology, which distributes cool air throughout the shelves, while other models will come with antibacterial linings to eliminate odours. Some models have a quick-freeze feature that decreases the temperature in your freezer quickly, allowing you to freeze fresh-bought products without them forming solid.
If you prefer to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a specific temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. They're maintained at a low humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresh for longer than normal fridge freezers. In addition, vegetables and fruits can stay fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that's maintained at a higher level of humidity.