Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly integrated fascias hidden behind subtly integrated fascias, the fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance, they are packed with the latest technology and plenty of storage options, including wine racks and four door shelves. They also have twin fruit and vegetables bins.
fridge-freezer may also be equipped with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into your kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They're an ideal choice if seeking a sleek, modern appliance that will blend with your cabinetry and counters. They are also a good option when your home doesn't have enough room for an additional refrigerator.
However, there are some things to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is that they are built-in models. This is due to the extra costs associated with buying and installing a refrigerator cabinet as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard to integrate the refrigerator.
Another thing to keep in mind is that integrated fridge freezers can be difficult to maintain. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinet doors have to be rehung, which can take months or even weeks. It is therefore essential to find an experienced kitchen fitter who will take the time to do the job right.
It is essential to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure you leave a little space to either side of the appliance so that you can open the doors. Also, you should look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. Many cheap models have hinges that aren't designed to support the weight of a refrigerator and may break after a couple of months.
Integrated fridge freezers come in a range of width sizes, which can help you maximize storage. It is also important to consider the depth of the refrigerator, as it could impact on your kitchen cabinetry. If you plan to add tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could require the appliance to be cut according to a specified length to ensure that it fits. Check that the ventilation of the refrigerator is cut properly. If it's not, you could face issues in the future.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer will affect the style of your kitchen for some time to come and it's essential to consider a variety of factors into account before making any decisions. The integrated fridge freezer is often preferred over freestanding models as they provide an elegant and seamless appearance to your kitchen. They're designed to blend in with cabinets rather than stand out and dominating the room.
They usually sit close to the counters and cabinets, with doors that are inset so that they don't stand out. They are often panel-ready for a more sleek look to your kitchen. Many also come with stainless steel fronts for an elegant and contemporary appearance.
The freezer section is still very large, and it's usually located in the lower part of the freezer to give ample space for your frozen meals. There are also a variety of widths available. Most brands offer between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than freestanding freezers.
Because of their design and the fact that they are built in your kitchen, you are likely to find integrated refrigerators to be more expensive than fridge freezers that are freestanding. This is mainly due to the cost of a fridge housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets used to make the surround will push up the overall cost.
Some people might have difficulty moving their appliances if they decide to relocate. It is necessary to remove the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance, then getting it removed like a freestanding one.
Integrated refrigerators are more difficult to repair since they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong you must call an engineer from your fridge to take the appliance apart and replace any broken parts. This can be an expensive procedure, and definitely more costly than buying a new refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency fridge freezer will cut down your household expenses. It will also help save energy by reducing the amount of time it runs and will be more eco-friendly since it uses less power. Choose a model that has an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
Contrary to freestanding models that have their own housings, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend in seamlessly with your kitchen's design and creates a clean, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinets to camouflage your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
The disadvantage of integrated fridge freezers is that they're typically more expensive than freestanding options. This is partly because they are made in smaller quantities and tend to be more of a premium market however, it's also due to the extra costs involved when installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a big factor here as are the additional expenses associated with having your furniture fit around the refrigerator.
Some fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators require more maintenance, and some need to be defrosted frequently to remove the accumulation of ice. Some models are designed to minimise the requirement for this, such as Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The larger the litres, the more food you'll be able store. You should look for models with at 150 litres or more in the fridge, and up to 350 litres of freezer space. You can choose from a variety of storage options, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce, or bottle racks to store larger milk bottles. There are integrated fridge freezers with a 50/50 split and can be used to store frozen and chilled food.
Stores
The main benefit of integrated fridge freezers is that they take up less space than freestanding models, which helps you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with counters and cabinets and create a seamless look. This means that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding units.
They're also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that have the same specifications. This is down to a variety of reasons, such as their cost to develop and manufacture as well as the fact that they're regarded to be a luxury item, and the additional cost of installation and customization that are associated with them.
It is also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than their freestanding counterparts. This is especially the case when you select a low-end integrated fridge freezer that uses poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
The size of your family and your storage needs will determine the best integrated fridge freezer. Consider how much you want to keep in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen food items. Most fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators have a storage capacity between 150-350 litres. This is enough to store up 19 bags of shopping.
The most efficient refrigerator freezers will have additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. For instance, some have an airflow system that distributes cool air evenly across shelves, while others feature an antibacterial lining to reduce odours and prevent mould. Some models will even have the speed-freeze feature that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, ensuring that you can freeze fresh-bought items without them freezing solid.
For those who like to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a particular temperature, you should look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. They're maintained at a lower humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresher for longer than conventional fridge freezers. Fruits and vegetables stay crisper longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity level.