Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled, they are packed with smart tech and ample storage, such as wine racks and four door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges for a long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to be able to fit into the kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They're an ideal choice if looking for a sleek, modern appliance that blends in with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great choice if you don't have room in your home for a separate freezer.
But, there are things to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is because of the additional expenses associated with purchasing and installing a refrigerator cabinet as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard that integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to remember that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult to servicing. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its cabinet and the kitchen cabinet doors have to be re-hung, which can take months or even weeks. It's therefore important to hire an experienced kitchen fitter who will be able to do the job right.
If you are considering buying a new integrated fridge freezer it is essential to carefully measure the space before purchasing it. Be sure to leave a little space to either side of the appliance so that you can open the doors. Also, make sure to look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have hinges that aren't made to withstand the weight of a refrigerator and tend to fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in various widths that will help you to maximize the storage space. It is also important to take into consideration the depth of the refrigerator, as it can impact your kitchen cabinetry. If you're planning to put tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might require the appliance to be made according to a specified length to ensure that it fits. Verify that the ventilation in the fridge has been cut in the correct way. If not, you could have problems later.
Style
The decision to buy an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer will affect your kitchen design for some time to come and it's crucial to take a lot of factors into account before making any decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they're heavy and can dominate the space. Integrated models are sleek and seamless, and blend seamlessly into the cabinets.
They are typically close to the counters and cabinets with their doors set so that they don't stand out. They are usually panel-ready for a more streamlined finish to your kitchen. Many also come with stainless steel fronts that give them a more stylish and modern appearance.
The freezer section is still quite large, and it's usually in the lower part of the freezer to give ample space for your frozen foods. There are also a variety of width sizes available. Most brands offer between 20-24 inches of width which is more than freestanding freezers.
The cost of integrated fridges is higher due to their design and also because they are built in the kitchen. This is mainly due to the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets that make the surround will push up the overall price.
They can also be more difficult to move should you decide to move house which may be an issue for some people. You will need to disassemble the whole appliance from its cabinetry, and it's not a case of simply unplugging and removing the appliance as you would with a freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated are more difficult to fix because they are a part of your existing kitchen. If there is problems, you'll require a fridge technician to disassemble and replace damaged components. This is expensive and certainly more expensive than simply buying a new fridge freezer as replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer will reduce your household bills. It will also save power by reducing how long it runs, and also be more eco-friendly since it uses less energy. Look for models with an Aor B-energy rating to make a difference.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that permit you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Others are panel-ready. This means that they can be placed with cabinet doors to essentially camouflage the fridge behind cabinets in your kitchen.
The drawback of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're typically more expensive than freestanding models. The reason is that they are produced in smaller quantities and are more of a premium product. However, the installation costs also play a part. Additional hinges and panels and the additional cost of fitting your furniture around a fridge are all aspects.
What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, with some require regular defrosting to get rid of the build-up of ice. Certain models have been made to eliminate the requirement for this, including Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and reduces maintenance.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The larger the litres, the more food that can be stored. Look for models that have at least 150 litres of storage in the fridge and up to 350 litres for freezer. You'll find a range of storage configurations, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of room for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are also fridge freezers with 50/50 splits that can be used for both storing chilled and frozen foods.
Stores
The main benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they take up less room than freestanding models. This allows you to make the most out of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with counters and cabinets giving a seamless appearance. This design does mean that they have less storage space than freestanding units.
They also cost more to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers with the same specifications. This is due to a variety of factors, such as their cost of development and manufacturing as well as the fact that they're regarded as a luxury product, and the additional cost of installation and customization that come with them.
It's also more difficult to service integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially true if you choose a cheap integrated fridge freezer with hinges that are not well-made, and could break easily over time.
The size of your family and your storage requirements will determine the most efficient integrated refrigerator freezer. Consider how much you want to keep in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll be storing large frozen foods or platters. The majority of integrated fridge freezers will have capacities of between 150 and 350 litres, that can accommodate up to 19 bags of shopping.
smallest fridge with freezer come with features that keep your food healthy and fresh. For instance, some have airflow technology that distributes cool air across shelves, while some will include an antibacterial lining that will minimize odours as well as prevent mould. Some models have a quick-freeze feature that reduces the temperature of your freezer quickly which allows you to freeze fresh-bought items without them freezing solid.
For those who prefer to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a specific temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are maintained at a low humidity, which will keep your fish, meat and dairy fresher for longer than a standard fridge freezer. Additionally, fruits and vegetables are kept more crisp for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher level of humidity.