Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

If you want a consistent design, a refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into your cabinet doors in the kitchen. They can be hidden when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.

These fridge freezers have been designed to make life easier. They reduce the amount of work you need to complete, like defrosting, as well as adding convenience features like adjustable shelves, dual fruit and vegetable bins, and door racks.

Capacity

Integrated models are more sought-after than those that are freestanding. These appliances do a great job of blending behind cabinet doors, giving a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is a great fit in many kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or begin from scratch. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, they provide an abundance of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently within reach.

When it comes to choosing a fridge freezer integrated there are some aspects to consider. You'll first want to consider the appliance's capacity. Fridge and freezer storage is typically measured in litres, so it is crucial to determine how much you'll need before making a purchase. You'll want to choose a model with a high enough capacity for your needs, but one that won't be too large so that you don't use up your energy or end up bursting.

You might want to consider the larger capacity of your appliance based on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, offering enough space for 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers also have integrated fridge freezers that come with a 420 litre capacity, which is perfect for larger families.

Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. The cheaper models might not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are typically less durable and are prone to break. You'll want a model that is sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They'll last for many years.

If you're replacing an old integrated fridge freezer, be sure to choose the same model in terms of size and split style. You'll need to ensure that the doors to your kitchen cabinets are large enough to accommodate the new fridge-freezer and that the freezer and the fridge are the same height, typically at 178cm. If you're planning a new kitchen, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so that you can find an integrated fridge freezer that fits.

Design

Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without ruining the aesthetic that you've invested time and money to perfect. By combining a freezer and fridge together, they're an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their space.

Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers come in a variety of styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that allow you to show your individual style, there's something for everyone.

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

Door heights for fridge freezers with integrated doors vary as well. There is a midi model that's around 130cm tall, while tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can also choose between 50:50 splits that gives you equally sized fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits to take advantage of more fridge space.

Because integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which could make it more costly to have them repaired or serviced. But this doesn't mean you should avoid purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated in case your budget isn't too restricted as you will be able to locate a variety of top-quality models at reasonable prices.

The cost of the cabinet that houses the fridge freezers is higher than the freestanding counterparts. They also use more powerful motors to keep the fridge cool, which could result in higher energy bills. That said, if you choose a model that has the latest in food preservation technology it's possible that you can save money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing the energy use. This could result in substantial savings over the lifetime of your integrated refrigerator freezer.

Energy efficiency

Refrigerators are among the frequently used appliances in your home, which is why it is essential to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge-freezer that has an energy rating that is high will use less than one with a lower energy rating, which can lower the cost of energy over time. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer look for the 'Energy Label' You can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user guide. You can check the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Click on the website of the manufacturer to view the complete information.

The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be influenced by how much you store within it. The larger models with more capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they're sporting an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the space you need. Also, take a look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage and if it can accommodate larger items, such as milk bottles.

Another thing to consider is whether you'd like an frost-free model. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize a small heating element to prevent the formation of ice in the freezer, meaning you'll avoid the inconvenience of defrosting each and then. However, there are still some models out there that don't come with this feature and, therefore, if you need to defrost, it's worth bearing this in mind.

In addition to the energy efficiency, you should consider looking into how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Certain models feature LED lighting as well which is a nice touch.

Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you'll need to purchase refrigerator housing cabinets and doors for kitchen cabinets, and the installation cost. It's also important to know that fridge freezers integrated Fridge frezer into the fridge are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. This is because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets or fail to install them correctly, which means they let in hot air and can overheat.

Convenience

A fridge freezer integrated into the refrigerator is a solution to those who want to create a sleek look in their kitchens, blending seamlessly with their kitchen cabinets. These models are installed behind the cupboard doors and hide from the view, making them a popular choice for those who want to create an elegant look. Choosing an integrated model also gives you the convenience of both a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit, making it easier to store and organize your food.

It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, because it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. This is something you should keep in mind if think you'll require repairs or serviced in the near future, or when you're planning to sell your property and move house.

It is essential to purchase the same appliance when replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer so that your cabinet doors will still fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and can fit into the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore any doors you have on your existing cabinets should be compatible. It is also important to determine what kind of hinge your current fridge freezer has whether it's either a sliding or fixed hinge, as this can affect how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.

When it is about integrated fridge freezers, the most recent advancements have improved their performance and design to a higher level than ever before. The top models are designed to make your life in the kitchen easier by reducing daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that can reduce or even remove the need to defrost. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful extras like wine racks.