Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind subdued fascias, integrated fridge freezers are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled they're packed with modern technology and plenty of storage, such as wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also have two vegetable and fruit bins.
They may also be equipped with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit directly into kitchen cabinets and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. If you're looking for an elegant appliance that blends into countertops and cabinets, they can be an excellent choice. They're also a great choice when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you need to consider some things. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is that they are built-in models. This is due to the extra costs of buying and installing fridge cabinets, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet in order to make the refrigerator integrated.
It is also important to keep in mind that refrigerators with integrated freezers can be difficult for servicing. It is essential to take the refrigerator from its housing cabinet and rehang the kitchen cabinet doors. This could take months or even weeks. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to do the job correctly.
If you are considering buying the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it is important to carefully measure the space prior to purchasing it. Be sure to leave a little space either side of the appliance so that you can open the doors. It's also a good idea to take a look at the hinges of the refrigerator. Many models that are cheap have inferior hinges that are not designed to handle the weight of a refrigerator and could break after a few months.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in various widths which can to maximize the storage space. You should also be aware of the depth of your refrigerator, since it could impact your kitchen cabinetry. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could require the appliance made to a specific length to ensure it is a good fit. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator is cut properly. If it's not, you could face problems later.
Style
The decision to buy an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer is one that will affect the style of your kitchen for quite a while to come and it's essential to take a lot of factors into account before making any final decision. Refrigerators with integrated freezers are typically preferred over freestanding models as they offer an elegant and seamless appearance to your kitchen and are designed to blend with cabinets rather than stand out and dominating the room.
They are usually flush with the counters and cabinetry around them. Their doors are inset, so they do not protrude. They can also be panel-ready to give your kitchen an elegant appearance. Many come with stainless-steel fronts to give them a sleek and contemporary look.
The freezer section is quite large, and it's usually located in the lower part of the freezer to give ample space to store your frozen food items. You can also pick from a wide range of width sizes with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than the freezers that are freestanding.
Due to their design and the fact that they are built into your kitchen you are likely to find integrated refrigerators to be more expensive than fridge freezers that are freestanding. This is due to the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets that make the surround will increase the overall cost.
Some people might find it difficult to move them if they decide to move. You'll need to take out the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as easy as disconnecting the appliance and then taking it out like an independent one.
The integrated fridges are also more difficult to repair as they are fitted inside of the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong you will need to get an engineer from your fridge to disassemble the appliance and replace any broken parts. This could be a costly process, and certainly more expensive than purchasing a new freezer for your refrigerator.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency fridge freezer can cut down on the cost of your household. It will also save power by reducing the amount of time it runs, and be more eco-friendly since it consumes less power. Invest in a model with an A or B energy rating to make a huge difference.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into your kitchen design and give it an elegant, uniform appearance. Some models feature sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening your 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 disadvantage of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're generally more expensive than freestanding alternatives. The reason is that they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium product. However, the installation costs also play a part. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major reason, as are the additional expenses associated with having your furniture fit around the fridge.
Certain fridge freezers that are integrated require more maintenance, and some need to be defrosted frequently to remove ice accumulation. Some models have been designed to reduce the requirement for this, with Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and helps reduce maintenance.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another important consideration. The more litres you get the more food you'll be able store. Make sure you choose models with at least 150 litres of space in the fridge and up to 350 for the freezer. You'll find a range of storage configurations, including shelves that can be arranged in a variety of ways, including drawers that have plenty of space for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can be used to store your larger milk bottles. There are also fridge freezers that have a 50/50 split that can be used for both storage of frozen and chilled foods.
Storage
The main benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they take up less space than freestanding models. This lets you maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be positioned close to counters and cabinets, blending in to create an elegant look. This means that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding units.
Additionally, they're usually more expensive to buy and operate than freestanding fridge freezers with the same specifications. This is due to a variety of factors that include their high cost of development and manufacturing and the fact that they're considered a luxury item, and the additional installation and customization costs.
It's also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is particularly the case if you choose a cheap integrated fridge freezer with poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of 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 would like to store in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll need to store any large platters or frozen foods. Most integrated fridge freezers have a storage capacity between 150-350 litres. This can accommodate up to 19 shopping bags.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features to keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology, which circulates cool air evenly over the shelves, while other models will have antibacterial linings to reduce the smell. Certain models may even have a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, so you can store fresh food items without them freezing solid.
For those who like to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a specific temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are maintained at a lower level of humidity and will keep your meat, fish and dairy fresher for longer than a typical fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity level.