Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind fascias that are integrated, the integrated fridge freezers are an integral part of your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived they're stuffed with a wealth of storage and smart tech like wine racks, four door shelves and twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges to 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. They're an ideal choice if looking for a sleek, modern appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great choice when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
If you're considering an integrated refrigerator freezer, you need to consider a few things. One of the primary reasons they are more expensive is that they are built-in models. This is due to the extra costs associated with purchasing and installing a refrigerator cabinet as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard to integrate the refrigerator.
Another important thing to remember is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult to service. It is necessary to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This could take months or even weeks. Therefore, it is essential to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to do the job correctly.
When considering an integrated fridge freezer that you can buy, it is essential to measure the space carefully before purchasing it. Be sure to leave a bit of space on between the two sides of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. It's also an excellent idea to look at the door hinges of the refrigerator. Many cheap models use inferior hinges, which aren't built to support the weight of a refrigerator and tend to fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in different width sizes which can increase the storage capacity of your home. The depth of the fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. If you're planning to put tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could require the appliance to be cut according to a specified length to ensure it fits. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator has been cut in the correct way. If not, you may have issues in the future.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer is one that will affect your kitchen design for some time to come and it's crucial to take a number of factors into account before making any decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they are bulky and can take up a lot of space. Integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend into your cabinets.
They are typically flush with the cabinetry and counters around them. Their doors are inset which means they don't protrude. They may also be ready to be panel-ready for your kitchen, giving it a a more streamlined appearance. Many have stainless-steel fronts that give them a stylish and modern appearance.
Despite their appearance, they don't compromise storage space since the freezer compartment can be quite large and is usually located on the bottom of the appliance, allowing ample space for your frozen items. There is also a range of width sizes available. Most brands have between 20-24 inch widths, which is larger than freestanding freezers.
Integrated fridges are more expensive because of their design, and due to the fact that they are constructed in the 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 may be unable to move them when they decide to move home. You will have to remove the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and then taking it out like the freestanding model.
Integrated fridges can also be more difficult to repair as they are installed inside your kitchen. If something goes wrong you will need to get an engineer from your fridge to take the appliance apart and replace the damaged components. This can be expensive and definitely more expensive than purchasing an entirely new fridge freezer as a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency will reduce your household bills. It also conserves energy by reducing the time it runs, and also be more eco-friendly since it uses less power. fridges & freezers in models with an A- or B-energy rating to make an impact.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housing integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This enables the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it a sleek, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow 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 refrigerator behind your cabinets in your kitchen.
The downside of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're typically more expensive than freestanding options. This is due to the fact that they are made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium market, but it's also down to the additional costs that come with installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a big factor here and so are the extra expenses associated with having your furniture work with the refrigerator.
What's more integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, with a few require regular defrosting to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Certain models have been designed to minimise the need for this, including Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and reduces maintenance.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another important consideration. The larger the number of litres 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 litres for freezer. You'll find a variety of storage configurations, with drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of room for fresh produce, or bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are integrated fridge freezers with 50/50 splits that can be used to store both frozen and chilled food.
Storage
The main benefit of refrigerator freezers with integrated refrigeration is that they take up less space than freestanding models. This lets you maximize the space in 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 that meet the same specifications. This is due to several factors that include their high cost of development and manufacturing as well as the fact that they are considered to be a luxury item as well as the additional installation and customizing costs.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers are harder to access than their freestanding counterparts, which can cause issues when you need to service them. This is especially the case when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer with poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over time.
The size of your family as well as your storage needs will determine the best integrated refrigerator freezer. Consider how much you want to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing any large frozen foods or platters. Most fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators have storage capacities of between 150 and 350 litres. This will allow you to store 19 bags of groceries.
The best integrated refrigerator freezers offer features that help keep your food healthy and fresh. Certain models will have airflow technology that circulates cool air throughout the shelves, while others will have antibacterial linings that eliminate odours. Certain models may 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 like to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a certain temperature, then look for refrigerators that have integrated freezers that have a BioFresh section. These compartments are maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat and dairy fresher for longer than a typical fridge freezer. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetables are kept fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that's maintained at a higher humidity.