Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled they're packed with modern technology and plenty of storage like wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also have twin fruit and vegetables bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to be installed directly into your cabinetry. They tend to be smaller than freestanding models. If you're looking for an elegant appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters They can be a great option. They're also a great choice for those who don't have the space in your home for a separate freezer.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you should consider certain aspects. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is the fact that they are built-in models. This is due to the additional costs involved in buying and installing a refrigerator cabinet, kitchen cabinet door, and a bridging cabinet to connect the refrigerator.
It is also important to note that refrigerators with integrated freezers aren't always easy to service. This is because the refrigerator has to be removed from its cabinet, and doors for kitchen cabinets must be re-hung, which can take months or even weeks. Therefore, it's important to find a reputable and reliable kitchen fitter who can spend the time and effort required to complete the task properly.
If you are considering buying the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it is essential to carefully measure the space prior to purchasing it. Be sure to leave 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. A lot of cheap models have inferior hinges, which aren't designed to hold the weight of a refrigerator and often fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in different width sizes that can help increase the storage capacity of your home. The depth of your fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could need the appliance to be made to a specific length to ensure that it will fit. Also, make sure to make sure that the ventilation for the fridge is cut properly in case it's not done correctly then you could face issues later on.
Style
The decision to buy an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer will affect your kitchen design for quite a while to come and it's important that you take a lot of things into consideration before making any decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they're bulky and can take up a lot of space. Integrated models are sleek and seamless, and blend seamlessly into the cabinetry.
They usually sit flush with the surrounding counters and cabinets, with doors that are inset so they don't protrude. They are usually panel-ready for a more sleek look to your kitchen. Many come with stainless steel fronts to give an attractive and modern appearance.
Despite their appearance, they do not reduce storage space, as the freezer compartment can be very large and is typically located at the bottom of the appliance to give plenty of room for your frozen items. There are a variety of width sizes available. The majority of brands offer between 20 and 24 inches in width that are larger than freestanding freezers.
Due to their design and the fact that they are built into your kitchen, you are likely to find integrated refrigerators to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet as well as the cabinets in the kitchen that surround it will increase the overall price.
Some people may have difficulty moving their appliances if they decide to move home. It is necessary to remove the entire cabinet and unit. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance, then taking it out like an independent one.
The integrated fridges are also more difficult to repair as they are fitted inside of your kitchen. If there is a problem, you will require a refrigerator engineer to take apart and replace any damaged parts. This can be expensive and definitely more expensive than purchasing a new fridge freezer as replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer will cut down the cost of your household. It also conserves energy by cutting down on the time it takes to run, and also be more eco-friendly by using less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a real difference.
Contrary to freestanding fridge freezers with a separate housing integrated models come with doors in the cabinetry. This enables the fridge to blend seamlessly into your kitchen's design and creates a sleek, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors, which allow you to open your fridge without opening your cupboard door. Certain models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with cabinets to hide the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The downside to integrated fridge freezers are that they're generally more expensive than other options. This is partly because they're produced in smaller volumes and tend to be more of a premium market however, it's also due to the extra costs involved with installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major factor and so are the extra expenses associated with having your furniture work with the refrigerator.
What's more integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some having to be defrosted regularly to get rid of ice build-up. Certain models have been designed to minimise the need for this, with Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and reduces maintenance.
Another important consideration is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The more litres, the more food that can be stored. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres of storage in the fridge and as much as 350 litres for freezer. You'll find a variety of storage configurations, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of room for fresh produce, as well as bottle racks that can be used to store your larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers that are integrated with 50/50 splits that can be used to store frozen and chilled food items.
Stores
The primary benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they take up less space than freestanding models, which helps you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be flush with cabinets and counters and create a seamless look. This style does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding units.
What's more, they're often more expensive to buy and run than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is due to several factors such as their high price of development and production as well as the fact that they are considered a luxury item, and the extra installation and customization costs.
It is also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially true if you buy an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with poorly-made hinges that can break as time passes.
The size of your family and your storage requirements will determine the most efficient integrated refrigerator freezer. Consider how much you want to keep in your refrigerator, and whether you'll need to store any large platters or frozen foods. Most fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators have storage capacities of between 150 and 350 litres. This is enough to store up 19 shopping bags.
The best integrated fridge freezers can include additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will have an airflow system that circulates cool air evenly across shelves, whilst others will include an antibacterial lining that will eliminate odours and stop mould. Some models even come with the speed-freeze feature that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, so you can freeze fresh-bought items without them forming a solid.
If you prefer to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a certain temperature then look for refrigerators that have integrated freezers with a BioFresh section. These compartments are kept at a low humidity and will keep your meat, fish and dairy fresher for longer than a typical fridge freezer. In addition, vegetables and fruits can be kept fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that's maintained at a higher humidity.