Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are built into kitchen cabinets and look like part of them. This is a popular choice for those wanting modern, sleek design.
Make sure you have enough space to move the fridge-freezer. It is also important to leave gaps of air for ventilation.
Aesthetics
Integrated fridge freezers sit in a flush position with the kitchen cabinets and come with doors that are in line with the kitchen's overall design giving a clean and sleek look. These models are a popular choice for homeowners who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. These models are perfect for those who have small kitchens and open-plan living areas, because they can save valuable floor space.
The first thing to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer is the size of your kitchen. You must ensure that the appliance can fit in your kitchen, along with any other appliances. The next important factor is capacity, which is the amount of litres that the refrigerator can store. There are models that can hold as little as 18-litres (the equivalent of a bag of groceries) and as large as 350-litres for large households.
After determining the size and type of fridge freezer you require, you can begin to look at the features. For instance some models have humidity-controlled crispers that keep fresh produce crisp and flavourful and some come with adjustable glass shelves that allow for maximum flexibility. Some models also feature advanced technology, such as no-frost options and super freeze technology that reduces the amount of ice that builds up.
Another consideration when choosing an integrated fridge freezer is its energy efficiency. Choose a model with an A or A+ energy rating to lower your energy costs and minimize the environmental impact. GHI experts test refrigerator freezers to determine the best-performing ones, monitoring their temperature regulation over 24 hours, and examining the areas that stay the coolest and warmest. They also check how quickly the appliance reaches and maintains its temperature set and how quickly it can recover when the door is left open and if it is large enough to meet your storage needs.
Energy efficiency
In recent years, the makers of fridge-freezers have made major efforts to increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs. They've raised insulation standards, introduced high-efficiency compressors and enhanced features like defrosting and temperature control. However, these days most integrated fridge freezers are still classified as C or D for energy efficiency. The rating system is complex and considers not only the power consumption but also the size of the appliance and how much space it can fit inside.
If you're looking for a model that is more energy efficient, you should choose one with a smaller size. But, it's important to remember that smaller models aren't always the most energy-efficient.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator-freezer that is energy efficient, you should examine the internal configuration. This is the space available in each compartment and whether the split is flexible. For instance, some manufacturers provide a 50/50 refrigerator and freezer divide in standard configuration, while others offer a 60/40 or 70/30 split.
It is also important to look over the energy labelling. This will help you evaluate different appliances and will reveal how much the freezer and fridge use during the year. It will also display the energy rating that can range from A to G. the more green the appliance, the higher its efficiency.
When you are choosing a new integrated fridge-freezer, remember that eco-friendly appliances aren't just more efficient but also better for our environment. A well-designed fridge and freezer will help reduce your household's energy usage which will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide generated by your appliances.
So, while it might cost you a bit more to purchase a fridge freezer that is integrated with a high energy rating and a lower energy consumption, you'll save money in the end because of lower electricity bills. This is especially important if you have an old fridge freezer that's not energy efficient. If it's more than 10 years old, it might be time to think about replacing it with a model that is more eco green.
Flexibility
Behind subtly incorporated facades, fridge freezers that are integrated are packed with clever technology. These appliances are designed to make your life easier by cutting down on the time needed to defrost and storing food for longer.
Many of the latest models also come with compartments that are convenient and offer the most flexibility. Samsung's FlexZone is one example. It has four temperature settings that allow you to keep different types of food. This is great to chill wine bottles or storing all your vegetables in one spot when you're hosting guests. Meanwhile, Hisense's My Fresh Choice has a separate zone that is able to switch between four freezer and refrigerator temperatures - ideal for storing frozen pizzas and other ready-to-eat meals.
A lot of the refrigerator freezers with integrated refrigerators in our selection have adjustable drawers and glass shelves that are perfect to organize everything from food items to. Large door shelves let you store large containers of fruit juice, milk and other things. Crispers controlled by humidity will keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Hisense's BigBox freezer comes with a variety of compartments and drawers to store and organizing your frozen food items.
A dispenser for water and ice is another thing to look for in a fridge with an integrated freezer. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to make their kitchen more convenient and user-friendly, especially families with children who may require an ice-cold drink or snack at any time.
When you choose an integrated refrigerator freezer, make certain to match your existing appliance's split type (70/30 or 50/50) and also verify the dimensions of the cabinet doors. This will ensure that your new fridge freezer is perfectly sized and does not require costly installation.
Are you interested in an integrated fridge freezer for your dream kitchen? Explore our selection here or book an appointment to visit your home for free with our team of experts? We can even disconnect, remove and recycle your old appliance, if required.
Maintenance
The integrated fridge freezers are becoming more popular since they offer a stylish and modern look to your kitchen. If they fail it could be more difficult to fix them than a stand-alone appliance and you might have to wait a bit longer before having an engineer arrive at your house. There are a lot of things you can do prior to making a call to a repairman or woman.
Many fridge freezer problems are easily fixed with simple tests and repairs instead of calling an engineer. For instance, if your freezer isn't cooling, it could be because there is an accumulation of ice on the evaporator fan. This is a crucial part of the refrigerator that has to be regularly cleaned. This could be due to dirty condenser coils, which could affect a refrigerator's cooling capacity. Follow our helpful guide to inspect and clean them regularly.
A malfunctioning thermostat could be the reason behind your freezer not functioning. An engineer will have to fix this. Unplug your freezer and remove the fan. This can be unscrewed and shaken, and if it shakes, then the thermostat might be defective and you'll have to replace it.
If you discover that your freezer door isn't sealing properly It is possible to fix the issue by removing the fridge and loosening the screws on the top and a little bit across the sides of the door, and then peeling back the rubber gasket and replacing it with a new one. Be sure to purchase the correct gasket replacement for the model you have and that it's securely screwed into the correct position. Explore a range of spare parts for fridge freezers online, such as heaters for defrosting. Before you make a purchase make sure that the manufacturer has a spares website. You can also compare prices on other websites like Amazon. These websites usually provide detailed instructions on how to replace and install the item. If you plan to do the work yourself, it's important to follow these guidelines.
