Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

For those who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer is a perfect fit for the cabinet doors of kitchens. They can be concealed when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.

These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier by reducing chores like defrosting, and adding features such as adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.

Capacity

Integrated models are more sought-after than those that are freestanding. These appliances do an excellent job of hiding behind cabinet doors, giving an uncluttered and sleek appearance that is a great fit in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent option for those looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are planning to design it from scratch. They are not only attractive however, they also provide lots of storage space. This lets you keep all your food items and beverages within easy reach.

When it comes to choosing an integrated fridge freezer there are some aspects to consider. First, you must look at the capacity of the appliance. It is important to think about how much space you need to store your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You'll want to choose a model that has enough capacity to meet your needs but not too large, so that you don't waste energy or end with an overflow.

Depending on the size of your family is, you may be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough space for 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers even have integrated fridge freezers that come with capacities of 420 litres, which is perfect for families with more than one child.

The quality of the appliance is also important. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem, as they are often less durable. You should choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to come.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working Choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are large enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that the fridge and the freezer are the same height, usually 178cm. If you're planning to build your kitchen from scratch, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions so you can locate a fridge freezer that will fit.

Design

Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without compromising the style you've been working so hard to achieve. Combining a freezer and fridge together is a great option for those who want to make the most of their space.

Depending on the manufacturer integrated refrigerator freezers come in different styles to suit different interior designs. There are a variety of models available, from fully clad ones that blend in with your kitchen cabinets to panels that allow you to express your personal style.

Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for cabinet mounting that attach the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you to modify the integrated fridge freezer to fit perfectly with your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and enhancing temperature control.

The door openings of fridge freezers that are integrated differ. You can find models that are midi-height about 130cm tall, whereas extra-tall models are generally about 170-180cm tall. You can also pick between 50:50 splits which gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of more fridge space.

Because integrated fridge freezers are built into the kitchen, they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which may make it more costly to have them repaired or maintained. However, this doesn't mean you should steer clear of buying an integrated fridge freezer when your budget isn't as restricted as you will be able to find a wide selection of top-quality models at reasonable prices.

The cost of the cabinet that houses the integrated fridge freezers is more expensive than the freestanding counterparts. They also have more powerful motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can result in higher energy costs. However, if you select a fridge with advanced food preservation technology It's possible that you can save money in the long run by wasting less food and lowering the energy use. This could translate into big savings over the lifetime of your integrated fridge freezer.

Energy efficiency

Fridge freezers are some of the most used appliances in your kitchen, therefore it is important to select one with a high energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than a lower-rated one and over time, this will reduce your energy costs. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, search for the 'Energy Label' - you can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user's guide. You can find the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Go to the website of the manufacturer to view the full data.

How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be influenced by how much you store within it. Even even if the A+++ rating is high, larger models will require more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the space you'll require. Also, check the internal configuration to determine whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage, and if it is able to accommodate larger items, such as milk bottles.

A fridge freezer that is frost-free is another option worth considering. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate an element of heating to stop the formation of ice inside the freezer. This eliminates the hassle of having to defrost the fridge raiders each and every now and then. However, there are certain models that don't come with this feature, so if you do have to defrost your fridge you should keep this in your mind.

It's also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with drawers and shelves made of glass, which are simple to wipe clean. Some models have LED lighting as well which is a nice touch.

Typically, integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the fact that you have to pay for a fridge housing cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors, plus the installation cost. It's also important to note that integrated fridge freezers are more prone to problems than freestanding ones. This is due to the fact that installers might not install the cabinets correctly or leave vital ventilation out. This can result in hot air entering and causing them to overheat.

Convenience

A fridge freezer that is integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a great solution for those looking to create a contemporary and sleek look for their kitchen. These models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend in seamlessly with the kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those who want to create a modern look. A refrigerator and freezer can be combined into a unit which makes it simpler to store food and organize it.

The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it could be harder to service than a freestanding model as it is built into furniture, and removing the door of the cabinet from its hinges to access the appliance can be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. It's worth keeping in mind that you might require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future or should you decide to sell your home and move.

If you are replacing an integrated bosch under counter fridge freezer, it is crucial to purchase a similar appliance so that the doors to your cabinets will work. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and will fit in a 60cm x 60cm housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors that you have on your current cabinets must be compatible. Examine the hinge that is on your fridge freezer, whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine how easy it is to access the cupboard doors.

When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the most recent developments have elevated their performance and design further than ever before. The top models are designed to be easy to use in the kitchen, by reducing daily chores. This includes reducing defrosting - or, like the case with Blomberg, eliminating it completely - as well as keeping your food fresher longer with clever features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect flexible storage options that include adjustable shelves, as well as useful extras like wine racks, Integrated Fridge too.