Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly incorporated fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated serve as a subdued part of your dream kitchen. But don't let them fool you they're stuffed with a wealth of storage and smart tech like wine racks, four door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are designed to be inserted directly into your cabinetry. They are usually shorter than freestanding models. If you're looking for an elegant appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters They can be a great option. They're also a great option for those who don't have the space in your home for an additional freezer.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an integrated fridge freezer. One of the primary reasons they are more expensive is that they are built-in models. This is due to the additional costs of buying and installing fridge cabinets and kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet in order to integrate the refrigerator.
Another aspect to be aware of is that integrated fridge freezers aren't easy to service. fridge-freezer is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to be removed from its cabinet and doors for kitchen cabinets must be re-hung, which can take weeks or even months. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitting service that will take the time to complete the task correctly.
When you're considering the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it is important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Be sure to leave some space on either side of the appliance for you to to open the doors. It's also a good idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have inferior hinges, which aren't made to withstand the weight of a refrigerator and tend to break after a few years.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are available in a variety of width sizes, which can help you maximize storage space. It is also important to consider the depth of the refrigerator, as it can impact on your kitchen cabinetry. For instance, if you're planning on installing tall cabinets above the refrigerator, then you may have to order the appliance in a custom-length to ensure that it will fit. Make sure that the ventilation of the fridge is cut properly. If not, you could have problems later.
Style
It is important to take into consideration several factors before making a final decision. The integrated fridge freezer is often preferred over freestanding models as they offer an elegant and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend into cabinetry rather than standing out and dominating the room.
They are typically flush with the surrounding cabinetry and counters with their doors being inset so they don't protrude and are often panel-ready to give an elegant look to your kitchen. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts, giving them a sleek and contemporary design.
The freezer compartment is quite large, and it's usually located at the bottom, giving you plenty of space to store your frozen food items. There are a variety of widths available. Most brands have between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than freestanding freezers.
Integrated fridges are more expensive because of their design, and due to the fact that they are constructed in your kitchen. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet and the cabinets in the kitchen which surround it will increase the total cost.
Some people might be unable to move their appliances if they decide to move home. You'll need to remove the entire appliance from its cabinetry. It's not a case of simply disconnecting the appliance and taking it off as you would do with a freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated are more difficult to repair because they are a part of your existing kitchen. If something goes wrong you have to call a fridge engineer in to disassemble the appliance and replace any broken parts. This is expensive and certainly more expensive than simply purchasing the fridge freezer replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency fridge freezer can reduce the cost of your household. It also conserves energy by reducing the time it runs, and also be more sustainable as it consumes less energy. Look for models with an Aor B-energy rating to make an impact.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This enables the fridge to blend seamlessly into your kitchen's design, and gives it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Others are panel-ready, meaning that they can be layered with a cabinet door to essentially camouflage the refrigerator behind kitchen cabinets.
The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers are that they're generally more expensive than other alternatives. This is due to the fact that they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a high-end product however it's also due to the additional costs that come in the installation process. Additional hinges and panels along with the additional expenses of making your furniture fit around the fridge are all aspects.
What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, with some having to be defrosted regularly to get rid of ice build-up. Some models have been designed to reduce the requirement for this, including Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The larger the litres, the more food you can store. Look for models with at minimum 150 litres for the fridge, and up to 350 litres for freezer. You can pick from a range of storage options, such as shelves and drawers that offer plenty of space for fresh produce or bottle racks that can hold larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers that have 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 placed close to counters and cabinets which creates an elegant look. This design, however, implies that they have a lower capacity for storage than their freestanding counterparts.
They're also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers with similar specifications. This is due to a variety of factors that include their high cost of development and manufacturing as well as the fact that they are considered a luxury item as well as the additional installation and customization costs.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers are a lot harder to access than their freestanding counterparts. This can cause issues when you need to service them. This is particularly true if you purchase an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with hinges that are not well-made and can break in time.
The size of your family as well as your storage needs will determine the most efficient integrated refrigerator freezer. Consider how much you want to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll need to store any large frozen foods or platters. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have storage capacities of between 150 and 350 litres. This will allow you to store 19 bags of groceries.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers come with features that keep your food healthy and fresh. For example, some will have an airflow system that distributes cool air across shelves, while others include an antibacterial lining that will eliminate odours and stop mould. Some models will even have a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them forming a solid.
If you want to keep your fish, meat and dairy products at a specific temperature, then look for integrated refrigerator freezers with a BioFresh section. They're maintained at a low humidity level and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresher for longer than conventional fridge freezers. In addition, vegetables and fruits are kept fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher humidity level.