Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you prefer a uniform design, a refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into your doors of your kitchen cabinets. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed from view when not in use.
These fridge freezers have been designed to make life easier. They cut down on the amount of work you have to do, for example, defrosting, and also add convenience features such as adjustable shelves as well as dual vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
When it comes to fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding models. These fridge freezers can blend in with the background behind cabinet doors. This gives them a sleek, uncluttered look that is appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent choice if you're planning to revamp your kitchen or are planning to design it from scratch. They're not just beautiful but also offer plenty of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food items and drinks within reach.
When you're selecting a fridge freezer that is integrated, there are a few things to take into consideration. It is important to first take into account the capacity of the appliance. It is important to think about the space you require to store your fridge or freezer before purchasing. You'll want to choose a model with a high enough capacity for your needs, but one that won't be too large, so you don't overuse your energy or end up bursting.
Depending on how large your family is, you may want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families, and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers offer fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with children who are larger.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. Cheaper models may not have the same durability as their higher-end counterparts. Hinges can be a problem, as they are often less durable. You'll need a product that is sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working select a new model that is similar in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the cupboard doors on your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer, and that the freezer and fridge are both the same height typically 178cm. If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions so that you can find a fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to seamlessly into your cabinets without ruining the aesthetic you've achieved so hard for. They incorporate fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Based on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated have a wide range of styles to match different styles of interior. There are numerous models to choose from, from fully clad models that blend in with your kitchen cabinets, to panels that allow you to express your individual style.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come with cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design allows you to customize your fridge freezer to match your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and improving the temperature control.
Door heights for integrated fridge freezers differ too. You can find a "midi model that's about 130cm in height, while tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can select a 50:50 split in which you get the identical amount of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30, which favours more fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which may mean it's more expensive to repair or maintained. This doesn't mean you should avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because you're on a tight budget. You can still find several high-quality models at reasonable prices.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the cost of creating the housing cabinet they are placed in. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which could result in higher energy bills. If you choose a model with advanced food preservation technology, it's possible to save money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing the energy use. This could result in substantial savings over the lifespan of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, so it is crucial to choose one with a high energy rating. A fridge freezer with an energy rating of high will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which will lower the cost of energy over time. Look for the Energy Label,' which is usually found on the back or the user guide of the fridge freezer. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating and click to see full data on the website of the manufacturer.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes will also be affected by how much you store inside it. The larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller models, even if they have an A+++ rating. So, if you're replacing an older model be sure to think about the amount of capacity you require and check the internal configuration to see if shelves are adjustable and door storage, and the capacity of these shelves to accommodate larger items, like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you want a frost-free model. Frost-free refrigerator freezers utilize heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This will save you the hassle of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not have this feature. If you're looking to defrost your fridge, keep this in your mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers, which are simple to wipe clean. Some models also have LED lighting that is a great benefit.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more costly than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you'll need to pay for the fridge's housing cabinet as well as doors for kitchen cabinets, and the installation cost. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to issues than those that are freestanding. This is mainly because installers might not allow enough ventilation for the cabinets or fail to install them correctly that means they let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer that is integrated offers the ideal solution for those looking to create a sleek look in their kitchen, blending seamlessly with their kitchen cabinetry. They are positioned behind the cupboard doors and hide from the view, making them popular with those who want to create an updated look. Choosing fridge under counter integrated model also means you'll have the convenience of a refrigerator and a freezer in one appliance making it easier to store and organize your food items.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one since it is integrated into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. It's important to keep in mind that you might need to have your refrigerator freezer repaired or serviced in the future or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
It is crucial to buy an identical appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer, so that your cabinet doors still fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and can be inserted into a 60cm x 60cm housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets must be compatible. You should also check what kind of hinge your current fridge freezer is using and if it is either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this will determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and design. The most effective models are designed to be easy of use in the kitchen, by simplifying daily chores. This includes minimising the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg, eliminating it completely - as well as keeping food fresher for longer by using smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect flexible storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as handy extras such as wine racks, too.