Hidden behind subtle fascias, integrated fridge freezers serve as a subdued part of your dream kitchen. But don't be fooled - they're packed with cavernous storage and smart tech like wine racks, four door shelves and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges for long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into the kitchen cabinetry and are typically shorter in height than freestanding models. They're an ideal choice if looking for a sleek, modern appliance that will blend in with your cabinetry and counters. They can also be used when your home doesn't have enough space for a separate refrigerator.
When you are choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer, you must take into consideration some things. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the extra expenses of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet as well as kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to remember that integrated fridge-freezers aren't always easy to servicing. This is because the refrigerator has to be removed from its cabinet and doors to the kitchen cabinet have to be rehung, which can take weeks or even months. It is therefore essential to find an experienced kitchen fitter who will take the time to complete the task correctly.
It is essential to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new refrigerator with integrated freezer. Make sure you leave space on either side of the appliance to allow you to be able to open the doors. It's also a good idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. buy fridge freezer that are cheap have hinges that are not designed to support the weight of a refrigerator and may break after a couple of months.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in a variety of widths which can maximize your storage. You should also take into consideration the depth of the refrigerator, as it could impact your kitchen cabinetry. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might require the appliance to be cut according to a specified length to ensure it will fit. Be sure to make sure that the venting for the fridge is cut properly in case it's not cut correctly, you may encounter issues in the future.
Style
It is important to take into consideration several factors before making a final decision. Refrigerators with integrated freezers are typically preferred over freestanding models due to the fact that they offer an elegant and seamless appearance to your kitchen. They are designed to blend in with cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the space.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinets surrounding them. The doors are set, so they do not protrude. They are also ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an edgier appearance. Many come with stainless steel fronts to give an attractive and modern appearance.
The freezer section is quite large, and it's typically located at the bottom, giving ample space for your frozen foods. There is also a range of width sizes available. Most brands have between 20-24 inches of width that are larger than freestanding freezers.
Because of their design and the fact that they are integrated into your kitchen you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. This is mainly because the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets used to make the surround will push up the overall price.
Some people may have difficulty moving them if they decide to move home. You'll need to remove the whole appliance from its cabinetry. It's not a case of simply disconnecting and removing the appliance as you would with a freestanding model.
The integrated fridges are also more difficult to repair since they are a part of your existing kitchen. If something goes wrong, you have to call a fridge engineer in to take the appliance apart and replace any broken parts. This is a costly process and is definitely more expensive than buying the fridge freezer a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer can cut down on your household expenses. It will also save energy by decreasing the amount of time it requires to run, and also be more eco-friendly by making use of less energy. Invest in a model with an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
Unlike freestanding models, which come with their own housing integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it a sleek, uniform look. Some models have sliding doors that permit you to open the fridge without opening the cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with a cabinet to disguise the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers is that they tend to be more expensive than other alternatives. This is due to the fact that they're produced in smaller volumes and are more of a high-end product however it's also due to the additional costs that come when installing them. Additional hinges and panels, along with the additional costs of fitting your furniture around refrigerators are all aspects.
In addition integrated fridge freezers typically require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, with a few require regular defrosting to remove ice build-up. Beko's integrated fridge freezers feature frost-free technology that makes it easier to maintain and minimise defrosting.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is a different aspect to consider. The larger the number of litres and the more food items you'll be able store. Look for models with at least 150 litres of space in the fridge, and up to 350 litres of freezer space. 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 hold your larger milk bottles. There are also fridge freezers that have a 50/50 split that can be used for storing chilled and frozen foods.
Stores
The main benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they require less space than freestanding models. This allows you to maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be flush with cabinets and counters giving a seamless appearance. This design does mean that they are smaller in storage space than their freestanding counterparts.
They're also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that have the same specifications. This is due to a variety of reasons including the costs to design and manufacture, the fact that they're regarded a luxury product and the extra costs for installation and customization that are associated with them.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers can be more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which can create problems when you require them to be serviced. This is particularly the case when you select a low-end integrated fridge freezer that has poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
The size of your family and your storage requirements will determine the best integrated refrigerator freezer. Think about how much you'd like to keep in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing large frozen foods or platters. Most fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators have storage capacities of between 150-350 litres. This is enough to store up 19 shopping bags.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers come with features that keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will feature airflow technology that circulates cool air evenly over the shelves, while other models will have antibacterial linings that lessen the smell. Certain models have a quick freeze feature that reduces the temperature inside your freezer quickly, allowing you to store fresh food items without them freezing solid.
For those who like to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a particular temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. These are maintained at a low humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresher for longer than standard fridge freezers. Fruit and vegetables will stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment which is kept at a high humidity.
