Integrated Fridge Frezer: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who want a more cohesive design, an integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for kitchen cabinet doors. Unlike freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed from sight when not being used.
These fridge freezers were designed to make your life easier. They cut down on the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, and add convenience features such as adjustable shelves as well as dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding models. These appliances do an excellent job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, giving an uncluttered and sleek appearance that is very appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent option if you're looking to transform your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. They're not just attractive but also offer plenty of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and drinks within reach.
When you are deciding on a fridge freezer integrated there are a few things you should take into consideration. First, you must consider the appliance's capacity. best fridge uk and freezer storage is usually measured in litres, therefore it is crucial to determine how much you'll need before making a purchase. You should select one with a large enough capacity to meet your needs, but one that won't be too large, so you don't overuse your energy or end up overflowing.
Depending on how big your family is, you might want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers also have integrated fridge freezers that come with capacities of 420 litres that are ideal for families with more than one child.
Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. The cheaper models might not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They also have problems with hinges, which are usually less durable and are prone to break. You'll want to opt for a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working Choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. It is important to ensure that the doors to your cupboards in your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new fridge freezer, and that the freezer and fridge are both the same height generally 178cm. If you're planning to build a new kitchen, make sure your plans align with these dimensions, so you can find a fridge freezer that will fit.
Design
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without compromising the design that you've put in time and money perfecting. By combining a freezer and fridge in one unit is an ideal option for those who wish to maximize their space.
Depending on the manufacturer integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in different styles to match different interior designs. From fully clad models that hide the doors in your kitchen cabinetry to panels that allow you to express your own individual 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 cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design allows you to customize the fridge freezer that is integrated to match the kitchen you have installed. It also reduces noise and enhances the temperature control.
Door heights for fridge freezers with integrated doors differ as well. There is a midi model that's around 130cm high, while extra-tall models typically range from 170-180cm. You can also choose between 50:50 splits, where you get equally sized freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of more fridge space.
Since fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they could be more expensive to repair or service. But this doesn't mean you should avoid buying an integrated fridge freezer if your budget is limited as you can find plenty of high-quality models for a reasonable price.
The cost of the cabinet which houses the integrated fridge freezers is higher than freestanding models. They also have more powerful motors to keep cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you select one with the latest food preservation technology you may be in a position to save money over time by throwing out less food and reducing your energy usage. This could translate into significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, therefore it is crucial to choose one with a good energy rating. A fridge freezer with an energy rating of high will use less than one with a lower energy rating, which will reduce your energy costs over time. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer, search for the "Energy Label" You can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. You can check the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click through to the manufacturer's site to see the entire information.
The amount of food you store in your fridge-freezer will also influence the amount of energy it consumes. Larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller models, even if they have an A++ rating. 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 check the internal configuration - whether shelves are adjustable and door storage, and whether they can handle larger items, like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like an frost-free model. Frost-free fridge freezers use an element of heating to prevent the formation of ice in the freezer, which means you can save yourself the hassle of defrosting every now and then. However, there are some models out there which don't include this feature, so if you do require defrosting you should keep this in mind.
It is also worth looking into the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to wipe clean. Some models also feature LED lighting that is a great benefit.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more costly than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you'll need to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet as well as doors for the kitchen cabinet, and there's the expense of installing. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to problems than freestanding. This is because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets or fail to install them correctly that means they let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a fantastic option for those looking to create a sleek and sleek look for their kitchen. They are positioned behind the cabinet doors and hide from view, which is an ideal choice for those seeking to achieve a modern aesthetic. A model that is integrated means you'll have the convenience of a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organise your food items.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, because it is built into the furniture. The majority of kitchen engineers have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. It's important to remember that you might need to have your refrigerator freezer repaired or serviced in the future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
It is essential to purchase an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are of standard size and will fit in 60cm wide by 60cm deep housing cabinet, so any doors you already have on your existing cupboards should be compatible with the appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer is fitted with whether it's 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 most effective models are designed to make cooking easier by reducing daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that reduce or completely eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful accessories like wine racks.