For those who prefer a unified decor, an integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for cabinets in the kitchen. In contrast to freestanding appliances they can be easily hidden away from view when not in use.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life simpler, reducing chores such as defrosting, and adding features such as adjustable shelves as well as twin vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more sought-after than freestanding models. They can blend in with the background behind cabinet doors. This creates a sleek minimalist look that's appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them a great option if you're looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are creating it from scratch. They are not only beautiful but also offer plenty of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and drinks within reach.
When you're deciding to purchase an integrated fridge freezer there are a few things to consider. First, you must consider the appliance's capacity. It's important to consider the amount of space you'll need to store your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You'll need to select the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too large so that you don't waste energy or end up overflowing.
You might want to consider a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A 350-litre capacity is perfect for most families and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres. This is perfect for families with larger children.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the appliance. The cheaper models might not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They may also experience problems with hinges, which are typically less durable and can easily break. You'll want to opt for one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to come.
If you're replacing an integrated fridge freezer, be sure to choose a similar model in terms of size and split style. You'll need to ensure that your kitchen cupboard doors are big enough to accommodate the new fridge-freezer and that the freezer and fridge are identical in height, usually around 178cm. If you're planning to build your new home, make sure that the dimensions match these measurements so you can locate a fridge freezer that can be integrated.
Design
The integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinets without compromising the look you've achieved so hard for. Combining a fridge and freezer in one appliance is an ideal option for those looking to maximize their space.
Based on the brand, integrated fridge freezers can have a wide range of styles to match different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your cabinets to panels that let you show your individual design, there's something for all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with cabinet mounting brackets which place the appliance in the front of the kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to customise your integrated fridge freezer to perfectly match the kitchen you have installed and reduce noise levels and enhancing the temperature control.
The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated vary - you can find models with a midi height of around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can select a 50:50 split in which you get the same amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30, which favours larger fridge space.
Since fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they may be more costly to repair or service. However, this doesn't mean you should steer clear of buying a fridge freezer with integrated features in case your budget isn't too limited as you can locate a variety of top-quality models at reasonable prices.
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the cost of making the cabinet they are placed in. They also use more powerful motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy costs. That said, if you choose a model equipped with the latest technology for food preservation, it's possible that you can save money over the long term by wasting less food and lowering your energy consumption. cheap fridge for sale could result in substantial savings over the lifespan of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the commonly used appliances in your home, so it is essential to select one with a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer that has an energy rating that is high will use less energy than one with a lower energy rating, which will lower your energy costs over time. Look for the Energy Label,' that is typically found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. You can check the energy rating and consumption by hovering your smartphone over the label. Go to the manufacturer's site to see the entire information.
The amount of food you store in your fridge-freezer will also determine how much energy it consumes. Even even if the A+++ rating is high the larger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model that's older, take note of the space you'll require. Also, take a look at 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 not frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent ice building up in the freezer, meaning you'll avoid the headache of defrosting every now and then. However, there are still certain models that don't have this feature in the event that you require defrosting, it's worth bearing this in your mind.
Aside from the energy efficiency, it's worth checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep clean and tidy. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers, which are simple to clean. Some models also feature LED lighting which is a nice bonus.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you must pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors to the kitchen cabinet and installation. It's important to know that integrated fridge-freezers are more likely to have problems than those that are freestanding. This is because installers might not allow enough ventilation for the cabinets or fail to install them correctly and let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers a solution to those who want to create a streamlined decor in their kitchens, blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinetry. These models are fitted behind the cupboard doors and hide from the view, making them popular with those who want to create a modern aesthetic. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined in an integrated model, which makes it easier to store food items and organise it.
The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it may be harder to service than a freestanding model because it is built into furniture, and removing the cupboard door from its hinges to access the appliance could be a bit difficult for most kitchen engineers. This is something to keep in mind if you think you'll require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or if you're planning to sell your house and move.
It is essential to purchase an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer so that your cabinet doors will still fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard size and can fit into the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore the doors you have installed on your existing cabinets should be compatible. Examine the hinge on the fridge freezer, whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The best models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen by simplifying daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that reduce or completely eliminate defrosting. You can expect a variety of storage options that include adjustable shelves as well as useful accessories like wine racks too.
