Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly incorporated fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance, they are packed with modern technology and plenty of storage, such as wine racks and four door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring years of performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to be able to fit into kitchen cabinets and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They're an excellent choice if you're seeking a sleek, modern appliance that will blend in with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great option when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional expenses of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet in order to integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to note that refrigerators with integrated freezers aren't always easy to service. It is essential to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This could take weeks or months. Therefore, it's important to find a reliable trustworthy kitchen fitter who can take the time and care required to complete the task correctly.
It is essential to measure the area before buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure to leave a little space between the two sides of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. You should also examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. Many cheap models use hinges that aren't designed to hold the weight of a refrigerator and tend to fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are available in a range of widths that can aid in maximizing storage space. The depth of the fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. If you're planning to put tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you may require the appliance made to a specific length to ensure that it fits. Make sure that the ventilation of the fridge is cut properly. If it's not, you could face issues later.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer will impact the design of your kitchen for a long time and it's important that you consider a variety of things into consideration before making any decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are the best choice because they're bulky and can take up too much space. Integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend in with your cabinets.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinetry surrounding them. Their doors are inset which means they don't protrude. They are also ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an edgier appearance. Some also have stainless steel fronts that give them an attractive and Frydge modern appearance.
The freezer compartment is quite big, and is usually at the bottom to give ample space for your frozen meals. You can also pick from a variety of widths with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than what you'll find on 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 fridge freezers that are freestanding. The cost of the fridge housing cabinet and the cabinets for kitchens that surround it will increase the overall price.
They can be more difficult to move should you decide to move house which may be an issue for some people. You will have to remove the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance, then removing it like with the freestanding model.
The integrated fridges are also more difficult to repair because they are a part of your existing kitchen. If you encounter an issue, you'll require a fridge technician to take apart and replace any damaged components. This can be expensive and definitely more expensive than buying the fridge freezer a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency fridge freezer can reduce your household bills. It will also help save energy by reducing the amount of time it runs and will be more eco-friendly since it uses less power. Invest in models with an A- or B-energy rating to make an impact.
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 design and give it an elegant, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with a cabinet to hide the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The downside of integrated fridge freezers is that they're typically more expensive than freestanding alternatives. This is partly because they're made in smaller quantities and tend to be more of a high-end product however it's also due to the additional costs that come with installing them. The additional hinges and panels are a major factor and so are the extra costs associated with having your furniture fit in the fridge.
Some fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators require more maintenance, while others need to be defrosted frequently to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Some models have been designed to reduce the requirement for this, such as Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and reduces maintenance.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The more litres it holds, the more food that can be stored. Look for models that have at least 150 litres in the fridge, and up to 350 for the freezer. You'll find a variety of storage configurations, including drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of room for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators with 50/50 splits and can be used to store chilled and frozen food items.
Storage
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is that they take up less space than freestanding models. This allows you to maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be flush with counters and cabinets, creating a seamless look. However, this implies they have a lower capacity of storage than freestanding models.
What's more, they're often more expensive to purchase and operate than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is due to many factors, including their high cost of development and production, the fact they are considered a luxury item, as well as the additional installation and customizing costs.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers are a lot more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts. This can cause problems when you require them to be serviced. This is especially true if you purchase an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with hinges that are poorly constructed and could break in time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your family and your storage needs. It is also important to consider how much food you will be keeping in your fridge, and if you'll be stocking large platters or frozen foods. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have a storage capacity between 150-350 litres. This will allow you to store 19 shopping bags.
The most efficient fridge freezers can include additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will have airflow technology that circulates cool air throughout shelves, whilst others will include an antibacterial lining that will reduce odours and prevent mould. Some models will even have the speed-freeze feature that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, ensuring that you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them forming a solid.
If you want to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a specific temperature, then you should look for refrigerators with integrated freezers that have a BioFresh section. These are maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresher for longer than conventional fridge freezers. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetables can stay more crisp for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher level of humidity.