Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind fascias that are integrated hidden behind subtly integrated fascias, the fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived they're packed with ample storage and smart tech like wine racks, four adjustable door shelves and twin 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 are usually shorter than freestanding models. If you want a sleek appliance that blends in with counters and cabinets they could be a great choice. They are also a good option if your home doesn't have enough room for a separate refrigerator.
But, there are things to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional costs of buying and installing a fridge cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet that integrate the refrigerator.
Another thing to keep in mind is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult 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. It is therefore essential to find a reputable and reliable kitchen fitter who will take the time and care needed to do the job properly.
It is important to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new refrigerator with integrated freezer. Make sure you leave space on either side of the appliance to allow you to be able to open the doors. You should also examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have hinges that aren't built to support the weight of a fridge and tend to fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in various widths that can help to maximize the storage space. The depth of your fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. For example, if you're planning on adding tall cabinets above the refrigerator then you may need to get the appliance made in a custom-length to ensure it is suitable. Also, make sure to check that the venting for the refrigerator is cut correctly, as if it's not cut correctly, you may encounter issues later on.
Style
The decision whether to buy an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer is one that will impact the design of your kitchen for quite a while to come and it's important that you take a lot of considerations before making any final decision. Integrated fridge freezers are often preferred over freestanding models as they provide an elegant and seamless appearance to your kitchen. They're designed to blend into cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the room.
They typically sit flush with the surrounding cabinetry and counters with their doors set so they don't protrude. They are often panel-ready to give a more sleek look to your kitchen. Many come with stainless-steel fronts to give them a sleek and contemporary appearance.
The freezer section is quite large, and it's usually in the lower part of the freezer to give ample space for your frozen meals. There are a variety of widths available. Most brands have between 20 and 24 inches in width that are larger than freestanding freezers.
Because of their design and the fact that they are built in your kitchen, you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. This is mainly because the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet and kitchen cabinets used to create the surround for it will increase the overall cost.
Some people may have difficulty moving them when they decide to move. It is necessary to remove the entire cabinet and unit. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and then taking it out like the freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to repair because they are installed in your existing kitchen. If something goes wrong, you have to call a fridge engineer in to remove the appliance and replace any damaged parts. This is expensive and definitely more expensive than purchasing a new fridge freezer as an alternative.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency will lower your monthly household bills. It also conserves energy by reducing how long it runs, and 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.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housing, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen and create a sleek, uniform appearance. fridge freezer integrated have sliding doors that permit you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with cabinets to camouflage the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The drawbacks of integrated fridge freezers are that they are more expensive than other alternatives. This is due to the fact that they are made in smaller quantities and are more of a high-end product, but it's also down to the additional costs associated with installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major reason and so are the extra costs associated with having to make your furniture fit around the refrigerator.
What's more integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some having to be defrosted regularly to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Some models have been made to eliminate the requirement for this, with Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and eases maintenance.
Another important consideration is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The larger the litres, the more food can be stored. Look for models that have at least 150 litres in the fridge, and up to 350 litres for freezer. You can pick from a range of storage options, such as shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce or bottle racks to hold larger milk bottles. There are fridges that have integrated freezers that have 50/50 splits that can be used for freezing and chilling food items.
Stores
The main advantage 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 flush with counters and cabinets giving a seamless appearance. This means that they are smaller in storage space than their freestanding counterparts.
They're also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers with the same specifications. This is due to a number of reasons like the costs to design and manufacture, the fact that they're regarded to be a luxury item, and the additional installation and customization costs that they incur.
In addition to this integrated fridge freezers are a lot more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which could cause issues when you require them to be serviced. This is especially the case when you select a low-end integrated fridge freezer that uses hinges that are poorly constructed, and can break easily over time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your family and the storage requirements you have. You should also take into consideration how much food will be storing in your fridge, and whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen food items. Most integrated fridge freezers have a storage capacity between 150-350 litres. This can accommodate up to 19 bags of groceries.
The top integrated fridge freezers will offer additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will feature airflow technology that distributes cool air evenly across shelves, while some will have an antibacterial lining to reduce odours and prevent mould. Certain models have a quick freeze feature that decreases the temperature of your freezer quickly, allowing you to store fresh food items without them freezing solid.
If you prefer to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a certain temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. They're maintained at a low humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresher for a longer period than normal fridge freezers. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetables can stay fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher humidity level.