Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who want a more cohesive design A fridge freezer that is integrated is a perfect fit for kitchen cabinet doors. They can be concealed when not in use,
refrigerator unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than those that are freestanding. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind the cabinet doors. This provides them with a clean, uncluttered look that is pleasing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them a great option if you're looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are designing it from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they provide an abundance of storage space so you can keep all your food and drinks conveniently within reach.
When you are choosing an integrated fridge freezer there are some things to take into consideration. You'll first want to look at the capacity of the appliance. It is crucial to determine the space you require for your fridge or freezer prior to purchasing. You'll need to select a model with a high enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too large, so you don't waste energy or end up overflowing.
You may want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, and provides enough space to hold up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers also have integrated fridge freezers that come with capacities of 420 litres, which is perfect for larger families.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. Hinges can also be a problem, since they are typically less durable. You'll want to choose an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, be sure you select a similar model in terms of size and split style. You'll want to ensure that the doors of your cabinets in your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new fridge freezer, and that the freezer and fridge are the same size generally 178cm. If you're planning to build your kitchen from scratch, make sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions so you can locate a fridge freezer that is suitable for.
Design
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen, without compromising the style that you've invested time and money perfecting. They incorporate a refrigerator and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those who want to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer the fridge freezers that are integrated offer a wide variety of styles to match different styles of interiors. There are a variety of models available, ranging from fully clad models that blend in with the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that let you express your personal style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to customize the fridge freezer integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise and enhances temperature control.
The door heights of integrated fridge freezers also vary - you can find models that are midi-height that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm high. You can pick the 50:50 split where you get the same amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30, which favours more space in the fridge.
Since
stainless steel fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they may be more expensive to repair or service. This doesn't mean you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because of your budget. There are many high-quality models for affordable costs.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the expense of making the cabinet they sit in. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which could cause higher energy bills. If you choose a model that has advanced technology for food preservation, you could be able to save money by throwing out less food and reducing energy consumption. This can result in significant savings over the lifespan of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are among the most used appliances in your kitchen, so it's crucial to select one that has 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 the cost of energy. Look for the 'Energy Label,' which is usually found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. You can check the energy consumption and rating by hovering your phone over the label. Click through to the website of the manufacturer to view the entire information.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be affected by the amount you store within it. Even even if the A+++ rating is high, larger models will require more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model which is older, consider how much space you'll require. Also, check the internal configuration to determine whether there are any movable shelves or door storage, and if it is able to accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate a heating element to prevent the formation of ice inside the freezer. This will save you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not have this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge, bear 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 drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models also have LED lighting that is a great bonus.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you must pay for the fridge's housing cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors and installation. It is important to be aware that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more likely to experience issues than those that are freestanding. This is due to the fact that installers might not allow enough ventilation for the cabinets or fail to set them up correctly, which means they let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the refrigerator is an option for those who wish to create a minimalist look in their kitchen, blending it seamlessly with their kitchen cabinetry. The models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinets. This is a popular choice for those who want to create a modern look. Choosing an integrated model also means you'll have the convenience of both fridge and freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organise your food.
It is more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, as it is built into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers have difficulty to take the door of the cabinet from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's worth keeping in mind that you may require your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the future, or in the event that you plan to sell your house and move.
It is important to buy the same appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator (
atlas.Dustforce.com) freezer to ensure that your cabinet doors still fit.
