The 10 Worst Integrated Fridge Freezer Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind subdued fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. But don't let them fool you - they're packed with cavernous storage and smart tech like wine racks, four door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They may also be equipped with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring years of performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit directly into the kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. If you want a sleek appliance that blends seamlessly with counters and cabinets they could be a great option. They're also a great choice if you don't have room in your home for an additional freezer.
If you're considering an integrated refrigerator freezer, you should consider certain aspects. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the extra cost of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that make the refrigerator integrated.
It is also important to remember that integrated fridge-freezers aren't always easy to service. This is because the refrigerator has to be removed from its cabinet, and doors to the kitchen cabinet have to be re-hung, which can take months or even weeks. Therefore, it's important to find a good trustworthy kitchen installer who will take the time and care required to complete the job correctly.
It is crucial to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new refrigerator with integrated freezer. Make sure to leave a little space either side of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. Also, make sure to look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have hinges that aren't made to handle the weight of a fridge and could break after a couple of months.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in different width sizes that can help to maximize the storage space. Also, you should be aware of the depth of your refrigerator, as it could impact your kitchen cabinetry. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might require the appliance to be made according to a specified length to ensure that it will fit. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator has been cut in the correct way. If it's not, you could face issues later.
Style
It's important to consider various factors prior to making a final decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are more popular because they're heavy and can take up too much space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless, and blend seamlessly into your cabinets.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinetry around them. Their doors are inset, so they do not protrude. They are also ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an elegant appearance. Some also have stainless steel fronts for a more stylish and modern appearance.
The freezer section is still very large, and it's usually located at the bottom to give you plenty of space for your frozen meals. You can also pick from a wide range of width sizes with most brands offering between 20-24 inches of width, which is more than what the freezers that are freestanding.
Due to their design and the fact that they are integrated in your kitchen, you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. The cost of the fridge housing cabinet and the cabinets for kitchens which surround it will increase the total cost.
They are also more difficult to move should you are planning to move which can be a challenge for some. You'll need to remove the whole appliance from its cabinetry and it's not a case of simply disconnecting the appliance and taking it off as you would with a freestanding model.
Integrated refrigerators are more difficult to fix because they are installed in your kitchen. If something goes wrong you will need to get an engineer for your fridge to remove the appliance and replace the damaged components. This is a costly procedure, and definitely more expensive than purchasing a new refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency can lower your household expenses. It will also help save energy by reducing the time it runs and will be more sustainable as it uses less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen and give it a sleek, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that let you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be layered with cabinet doors to disguise the fridge behind kitchen cabinets.
The downside of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're typically more expensive than freestanding options. The reason is that they're made in smaller quantities and are more expensive and are a part of the premium market. However, the installation costs are also a factor. Additional hinges and panels and the additional costs of making your furniture fit around the fridge are all aspects.
What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some having to be defrosted regularly to get rid of ice build-up. Beko's integrated fridge freezers come with frost-free features that make maintenance easier and reduce defrosting.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another crucial aspect to consider. The larger the litres, the more food can be stored. Look for models that have at least 150 litres of storage in the fridge and up to 350 litres in the freezer. You'll find a range of storage options, including shelves that can be arranged in a variety of ways, including drawers that have plenty of space for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can accommodate your larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers with a 50/50 split that can be used for both freezing and chilling food items.
Storage
The main benefit of integrated fridge freezers is that they consume less space than freestanding models, allowing you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be flush with cabinets and counters giving a seamless appearance. However, this implies that they have a lower capacity for storage than freestanding models.
In addition, they're typically more expensive to purchase and run than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. fridge freezer for sale is due to a variety of factors that include their high cost of development and manufacturing, the fact they are considered to be a luxury item and the additional cost of installation and customization.
In addition to this, integrated fridge freezers are a lot more difficult to access than freestanding counterparts, which can create problems when you need to service them. This is especially true when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer that uses poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
The size of your family as well as your storage needs will determine the most efficient integrated fridge freezer. Think about how much you would like to keep in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing any large frozen foods or platters. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres that can accommodate up to 19 bags of shopping.
The best integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For instance, some models have airflow technology that distributes cool air throughout shelves, while some will have an antibacterial lining to eliminate odours and stop mould. Some models even come with an option for fast-freezing that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them forming a solid.
If you prefer to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a particular temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are kept at a low level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat, and dairy fresher for longer than a standard fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables will stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment which is kept at a high humidity.