Hidden behind subtle fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance they're packed with smart tech and ample storage, such as wine racks and four door shelves. They also have two vegetable and fruit bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring years of performance.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit directly into your cabinetry. They tend to be smaller than freestanding models. They're an excellent choice if you're seeking a sleek, modern appliance that will blend with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great option when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you must take into consideration some things. One of the main reasons they are more expensive is because they are built-in models. This is because of the extra costs associated with buying and installing refrigerator cabinets and kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard that connect the refrigerator.
Another important thing to remember is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult to maintain. It is necessary to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and rehang the kitchen cabinet doors. This could take weeks or months. It is therefore essential to find a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to complete the task correctly.
It is important to measure the area before purchasing a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Be sure to leave some space on either side of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. It's also an excellent idea to look at the door hinges of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have inferior hinges, which aren't designed to hold the weight of a refrigerator, and tend to break after a few years.
The integrated fridge freezers are available in a range of widths that will assist you in maximizing storage. The depth of the fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might need the appliance to be cut according to a specified length to ensure that it fits. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator has been cut in the correct way. If it's not, you could face issues later.
Style
The decision whether to buy an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer is one that will impact the design of your kitchen for a long time and it's important that you consider a variety of factors into account before making any decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are more popular because they're heavy and can take up a lot of space. Integrated models are sleek and seamless and blend into the cabinetry.
They typically sit in a flush position with the cabinetry and counters with their doors being inset so they don't protrude and are often panel-ready to give a more sleek look to your kitchen. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts that give them a modern and stylish look.
The freezer section is still quite large, and it's usually located in the lower part of the freezer to give you plenty of space for your frozen meals. There are a variety of width sizes available. Most brands have between 20-24 inches of width, which is larger than freestanding freezers.
Because of their design and the fact that they are integrated into your kitchen you will probably find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freestanding fridge freezers. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets that surround it will add to the overall price.
Some people might have difficulty moving them if they decide to move home. You'll need to remove the entire appliance from its cabinetry. It's not as simple as disconnecting and removing the appliance like you would do with a freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated are more difficult to repair because they are a part of the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong you have to call an engineer for your fridge to remove the appliance and replace the damaged components. This is a costly process, and certainly more costly than buying a new freezer for your refrigerator.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency will lower your monthly household bills. It will also save power by reducing how long it runs and will be more eco-friendly since it uses less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
Unlike freestanding models, which have their own housing integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend in seamlessly with the kitchen's design and gives it a clean, uniform look. Some models feature sliding doors, which allow you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinet to disguise your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers are that they are more expensive than other alternatives. The reason for this is because they are made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium market. However the installation costs also play a part. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major factor and so are the extra costs associated with having your furniture work with the fridge.
Some integrated fridge freezers require more maintenance, and others need to be defrosted frequently to get rid of ice accumulation. Certain models have been made to eliminate the requirement for this, such as Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and reduces maintenance.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another important consideration. The larger the litres the more food you'll be able to keep. Look for models with at minimum 150 litres for the fridge and up to 350 litres of freezer space. There are a variety of storage options, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are integrated fridge freezers with a 50/50 split and can be used to store both chilled and frozen food items.
Stores
The primary benefit of refrigerator freezers with integrated refrigeration is that they take up less room than freestanding models. This lets you maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with cabinets and counters and create a seamless look. This style does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding units.
They are also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers with the same specifications. built in fridge freezer is due to a variety of reasons like the cost of development and manufacturing, the fact that they're considered a luxury product and the extra cost of installation and customization that come with them.
In addition to this integrated fridge freezers are a lot more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which could cause problems when you need to service them. This is especially true if you purchase an inexpensive integrated refrigerator freezer with hinges that are poorly constructed and could break in time.
The size of your family as well as your storage requirements will determine the best integrated refrigerator freezer. Think about how much you would like to keep in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll need to store any large frozen foods or platters. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres, that can accommodate up to 19 shopping bags.
The best integrated refrigerator freezers offer features that help keep your food healthy and fresh. For instance, some models have an airflow system which circulates cool air throughout shelves, while others include an antibacterial lining that will reduce odours and prevent mould. Certain models come with a quick-freeze feature that reduces the temperature of your freezer quickly which allows you to freeze fresh-bought products without them forming solid.
For those who like to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a certain temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. They are kept at a low humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresh for longer than conventional fridge freezers. Fruits and vegetables stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment that is kept at a high humidity level.
