Sage Advice About Integrated Fridge Freezer From An Older Five-Year-Old
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly integrated fascias hidden behind subtly integrated fascias, the fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. But don't be fooled - they're packed with cavernous storage and smart tech like wine racks, four adjustable door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit directly into the kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They're a great choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that can blend in with your cabinetry and counters. They can also be used when your home isn't big enough for an additional refrigerator.
However, there are some things to be aware of when selecting an integrated fridge freezer. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional expenses of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet in order to integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to remember 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 to the kitchen cabinet have to be re-hung, which can take weeks or even months. Therefore, it's important to find a good trustworthy kitchen fitter who will take the time and care required to complete the task right.
It is crucial to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Be sure to leave some space on either side of the appliance to allow you to to open the doors. It's also an excellent idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. Many models that are cheap have inferior hinges that aren't designed to handle the weight of a refrigerator and can break after a couple of months.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in different width sizes that will help you increase the storage capacity of your home. The depth of your fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. If you plan to add tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you may require the appliance to be made to a specific length to ensure it is a good fit. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator has been cut correctly. If it's not, you could face issues later.
Style
It is essential to consider a number of factors before making a decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are more popular because they're heavy and can take up a lot of space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend into your cabinets.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinetry surrounding them. Their doors are inset which means they don't protrude. They may also be ready to be panel-ready for your kitchen, giving it a an elegant look. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts that give them a stylish and modern design.
Despite their appearance, they don't compromise storage space since the freezer section can still be quite large and is usually located in the lower part of the appliance, allowing plenty of room for your frozen goods. You can also pick from a wide range of widths, with the majority of brands offering between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than what the freezers that are freestanding.
Integrated fridges are more expensive due to their design and also because they are built in your kitchen. The cost of the fridge housing cabinet as well as the cabinets for kitchens that surround it will increase the overall price.
They are also more difficult to move if you decide to move house which may be an issue for some people. It is necessary to remove the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance and removing it like with the freestanding model.
Integrated fridges can also be more difficult to repair because they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. In the event of a problem, you will need a fridge engineer to disassemble and replace damaged components. This can be expensive and definitely more expensive than buying an entirely new fridge freezer as replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer can lower your household expenses. It also conserves energy by decreasing the amount of time it takes to run, and it'll be more environmentally friendly by using less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
Contrary to freestanding models that come with their own housing, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen design and create an elegant, uniform appearance. Some models have sliding doors that permit you to open the fridge without opening the cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinet to hide the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The downside of integrated fridge freezers is that they're usually more expensive than freestanding options. This is due to the fact that they're produced in smaller volumes and tend to be more of a premium market however, it's also due to the additional costs that come with installing them. The additional hinges and panels are a major factor and so are the extra costs associated with having to make your furniture fit in the refrigerator.
Certain fridge freezers that are integrated require more maintenance, and some require frequent defrosting to eliminate the accumulation of ice. Some models are designed to minimise the need for this, such as Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and eases maintenance.
The capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated is a different aspect to consider. under counter fridge freezer , the more food that can be stored. Make sure you choose models with at least 150 litres of space in the fridge and as much as 350 for the freezer. You can pick from a range of storage options, including drawers and flexible shelving that offer plenty of space for fresh produce, or bottle racks to store larger milk bottles. There are integrated fridge freezers with 50/50 splits and can be used to store both chilled and frozen food items.
Stores
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they take up less space than freestanding models. This lets you make the most out of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with cabinets and counters and blend into an elegant look. This design does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding models.
What's more, they're often more expensive to buy and run than freestanding fridge freezers with similar specifications. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as their cost to develop and manufacture, the fact that they're considered to be a luxury item and the extra costs for installation and customization that come with them.
It's also more difficult to service integrated fridge freezers than their freestanding counterparts. This is especially the case if you choose a cheap integrated fridge freezer with hinges that are not well-made, and could break easily over time.
Selecting the best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your household and the storage requirements you have. You must also think about how much food you will be storing in your fridge and if you'll be stocking large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers that are integrated will have a capacity between 150 and 350 litres, that can accommodate up to 19 shopping bags.
The best integrated fridge freezers can include additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will have airflow technology which circulates cool air evenly across shelves, while others include an antibacterial lining that will reduce odours and prevent mould. Certain models may even have a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze fresh-bought items without them freezing solid.
If you like to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a certain temperature then look for integrated refrigerator freezers that feature a BioFresh section. These compartments are maintained at a lower level of humidity, and will keep your meat, fish, and dairy fresher for longer than a standard fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables remain crisper for longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity.
