Hidden behind subtly incorporated fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated serve as a subdued part of your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived they're packed with the latest technology and plenty of storage, such as wine racks and four door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges to ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are designed to be inserted directly into your cabinetry. They are usually shorter than freestanding models. They're an ideal choice if seeking a sleek, modern appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great choice when you don't have space in your home for a separate freezer.
When you are choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you must take into consideration some things. One of the primary reasons why they cost more is that they are built-in models. This is due to the additional expenses associated with buying and installing refrigerator cabinets as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard that connect the refrigerator.
Another thing to keep in mind is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators aren't easy to maintain. It is essential to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and then rehang the kitchen cabinet doors. This can take several weeks or months. Therefore, it is essential to find a good, reliable kitchen fitter who will spend the time and effort required to complete the task right.
When you're considering the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it's important to take a careful measurement of the space prior to purchasing it. Make sure you leave a little space between the two sides of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. It's also a good 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 fridge and tend to break after a few years.
Integrated fridge freezers come in a range of width sizes that can help you maximize storage space. It is also important to be aware of the depth of your refrigerator, since it could impact your kitchen cabinetry. If you plan to add tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could require the appliance to be made to a specific length to ensure that it fits. Also, be careful to make sure that the venting for the fridge is cut properly, as if it's not done correctly then 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 take a lot of factors into account before making any final decision. The integrated fridge freezer is often preferred over freestanding models because they offer a sleek and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend in with cabinets rather than stand out and dominating the space.
They usually sit flush with the surrounding counters and cabinets with doors that are inset so they don't protrude and are often panel-ready to give an elegant look to your kitchen. Many also come with stainless steel fronts that give them an attractive and modern appearance.
The freezer compartment is very large, and it's usually at the bottom, giving you plenty of space to store your frozen food items. You can also choose from a variety of widths with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than what the freezers that are freestanding.
Integrated fridges are more expensive because of their design, and also because they are built in your kitchen. This is mainly because the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets used to make the surround will increase the total cost.
Some people might have difficulty moving them when they decide to move home. It is necessary to remove the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance, then removing it like with a freestanding one.
Integrated refrigerators can be more difficult to fix because they are installed inside your existing kitchen. If something goes wrong you must call an engineer from your fridge to disassemble the appliance and replace any damaged parts. This can be expensive and certainly more expensive than simply purchasing the fridge freezer a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated fridge freezer can cut down on the cost of your household. buy fridge freezer will also help save energy by reducing the time it runs, and be more eco-friendly since it uses less power. Choose models that have an Aor B energy rating to make an impact.
Contrary to freestanding fridge freezers that have separate housings integrated models have doors built into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen and create an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models have sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening the cupboard door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be overlaid with a cabinet door to essentially camouflage the refrigerator behind kitchen cabinets.
The drawback of integrated fridge freezers is that they're generally more expensive than freestanding models. This is partly because they are made in smaller quantities and tend to be more of a high-end product, but it's also down to the additional costs that come with installing them. The additional hinges and panels are a major factor, as are the additional costs associated with having to make your furniture work with the refrigerator.
What's more integrated fridge freezers typically require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, and some having to be defrosted regularly to remove the accumulation of ice. Some models have been designed to reduce the need for this, with Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and reduces maintenance.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another crucial aspect to consider. The larger the litres, the more food you can store. Find models that have at 150 litres or more for the fridge, and up to 350 litres for the freezer. You can choose from a range of storage options, such as drawers and flexible shelving that provide plenty of space for fresh produce or bottle racks that can hold larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers that are integrated that have a 50/50 split and can be used to store chilled and frozen food.
Stores
The main benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they take up less space than freestanding models, helping you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned in a flush position with counters and cabinets, blending in to create a seamless design. However, this means that they have a lower capacity of storage than freestanding models.
They are also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that have similar specifications. This is due to a number of reasons including the cost of development and manufacturing, 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 service integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially true if you purchase a cheap integrated refrigerator freezer with poorly-made hinges that can break over time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your household and the storage requirements you have. Think about how much you'd like to keep in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres which can store up to 19 bags of shopping.
The best integrated fridge freezers can include additional features to keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will feature airflow technology which circulates cool air throughout shelves, while others have an antibacterial lining to eliminate odours and stop mould. Some models have a quick-freeze feature that lowers the temperature inside your freezer quickly which allows you to freeze fresh items without freezing solid.
If you want to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a certain temperature then look for integrated refrigerator freezers that feature a BioFresh section. They're maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresh for longer than standard fridge freezers. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can be kept fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher level of humidity.
