Integrated Fridge Frezer: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For those who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into kitchen cabinet doors. They can be hidden when not in use unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting, and adding features like adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These fridge freezers can blend in with the background behind the cabinet doors. This creates a sleek minimalist look that's attractive in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them a great option for those looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are designing it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also provide an abundance of storage space, so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently within reach.
When you are deciding on an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, you must take into account the capacity of the appliance. It's important to consider the space you require for your refrigerator or freezer prior to buying. You should choose one that has a large enough capacity to meet your requirements but not overly large so that you don't waste energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on how big your family is, you might be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families, and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers also have integrated fridge freezers that come with a 420 litre capacity that are ideal for families with larger numbers.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Cheaper models may not have the same longevity as their higher-end counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem, as they tend to be less durable. You should choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that has stopped working, choose a model that is similar in size and split type. It is important to ensure that the doors of your cabinets in your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the fridge and freezer are both the same height typically 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
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen without ruining the aesthetic that you've invested time and money enhancing. They combine a refrigerator and freezer into one appliance. This is an ideal option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Depending on best fridges uk integrated fridge freezers offer a wide variety of styles to match different interior styles. There are many different models available, ranging from fully clad ones that blend into the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that let you show your individuality.
Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you to customize the fridge freezer integrated to match your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.
The door heights of integrated fridge freezers also differ - you can get a'midi' height model around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm tall. You can also select a 50:50 split which gives you equally sized freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of larger fridge space.
Since fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they could be more expensive to repair or service. This doesn't mean that you need to avoid an integrated fridge freezer because your budget is tight. You can still find numerous high-quality models at affordable prices.
The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due the cost of creating the housing cabinet they are placed in. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you opt for one that is equipped with advanced food preservation technology you may be able to save money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing energy usage. This can add up to huge savings over the life of your integrated fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most commonly used appliances in your home, so it is crucial to choose one with a high energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than one with a lower rating and over time, this will lower your energy costs. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, search for the "Energy Label" - you can usually find this on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. Place your smartphone in the vicinity of the label to view the efficiency and energy consumption, and click through to view the full information on the website of the manufacturer.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be affected by how much you store inside it. Even when the A+rating is high, larger models will require more energy to cool. So, if you're replacing an older model, think carefully about the amount of capacity you require and look at the internal configuration - whether shelves can be rearranged and whether there is door storage, and the capacity of these shelves to accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is a different option to think about. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate heating elements to stop the formation of ice within the freezer. This saves you the trouble of having to defrost your refrigerator every now and then. However, there are still certain models that don't have this feature in the event that you need to defrost you should keep this in mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge's freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers, which are simple to clean. Some models also have LED lighting which is a nice benefit.
Typically refrigerator freezers that are integrated are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to purchase a fridge housing cabinet and doors for kitchen cabinets, and there's the expense of installing. It's also important to note that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. This is due to the fact that installers might not have the cabinets installed correctly or may leave out vital ventilation. This could result in hot air getting in and causing them to overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the kitchen cabinetry is a fantastic option for those looking to create a modern minimalist look for their kitchen. These models are fitted behind the cabinet doors and hide from view, which is a popular choice for those looking to achieve a modern aesthetic. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined in a single model which makes it simpler to store your food and organize it.
The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it could be more difficult to maintain than a freestanding model because it is built into furniture, and removing the cupboard door from the hinges to get access to the appliance could be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. It's important to remember that you might require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the near future, or if your plan is to sell your house and move.
If you're replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is vital to buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors to your cabinets will work. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and fit in 60cm wide by 60cm deep cabinet for housing, so any doors are already in your existing cupboards should be compatible with the appliances. Find out the kind of hinge that is on the fridge freezer, whether it's a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
The most recent innovations in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The top models are designed to make life in the kitchen easier by reducing day-to-day chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that reduce or completely eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful additions such as wine racks.