Marc Valdes asked 3 months ago
Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you are looking for a uniform style, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into your cabinet doors in the kitchen. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier, minimising chores like defrosting and incorporating convenience features such as adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins and http://www.frydge.uk door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more sought-after than freestanding models. They do a fantastic job of blending behind cabinet doors, resulting in a sleek and uncluttered appearance which is appealing in many kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent option if you’re looking to give your kitchen a makeover or are creating it from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also offer plenty of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently in reach.
When you are choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design, there are a few aspects to take into consideration. First you should consider the capacity of the appliance. It is crucial to determine how much space you need to store your fridge or freezer prior to buying. You’ll want to choose the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs however, it should not be too large so that you don’t waste energy or end up bursting.
Depending on how large 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 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that have a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with larger children.
The quality of the appliance is also important. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are often less durable and can easily break. You’ll want to choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to come.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that’s no longer functional select a new 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 new fridge-freezer and that the freezer and fridge are the same height, usually at 178cm. If you’re planning to build a new kitchen, be sure that the plans are in line with these dimensions, so you can locate a fridge freezer that is suitable for.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your cabinetry without ruining the aesthetic you’ve been working so hard to achieve. They combine a refrigerator and freezer into one unit. This is an ideal option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers are available in different styles to match different interior designs. From fully clad models that conceal the doors with your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you show your individual style, there’s something for all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers have cabinet-mounting brackets that secure the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design lets you customize your fridge freezer to perfectly match your kitchen layout and reduce noise levels and enhancing the temperature control.
Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers differ too. You can find a “midi model that’s about 130cm high, while extra-tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can pick a 50:50 split which gives you the same amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30, which favours larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they are less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which could result in a higher cost to repair or maintained. This doesn’t mean you should avoid an integrated fridge freezer because you’re on a tight budget. There are numerous high-quality models at affordable costs.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the fridge freezers is more expensive than the freestanding counterparts. They also use more powerful motors to keep the fridge cool, which can result in higher energy bills. However, if you opt for a model with advanced food preservation technology it’s possible that you can save money over the long term by throwing away less food and lowering your energy consumption. This could translate into huge savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge-freezers are among the most commonly used appliances in your home, so it is essential to select one that has a high energy rating. A fridge-freezer with an energy rating that is high will use less energy than one with a lower rating, which can lower the cost of energy over time. To check the energy ratings on a fridge-freezer, search for the label ‘Energy’ – you can usually find this on the back of the appliance or in the user’s manual. Move your phone over the label to read the energy consumption and efficiency rating and click to view the full information on the manufacturer’s website.
How much your fridge-freezer uses will also be affected by the amount of food you keep within it. Larger models with more capacity will require more energy to cool than smaller ones even if they’re sporting an A++ rating. So, if you’re replacing an older model, think carefully about how much capacity you need and check the internal configuration to see if there are flexible shelves and door storage and whether they can handle larger items such as milk bottles.
A fridge freezer that is frost-free is a different option to think about. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This saves you the hassle of having to defrost your fridge every now and again. Some models do not have this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in your mind.
Apart from the energy efficiency, it’s worth looking into how easy your fridge is to keep tidy and clean. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with removable glass shelves and drawers, which are simple to wipe clean. Certain models feature LED lighting, which is a nice feature.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are typically more costly than their freestanding counterparts. It’s because you need to pay for the fridge housing cabinet, doors to the kitchen cabinet and installation. It’s also worth knowing that fridge freezers integrated into the fridge are more prone to issues than freestanding ones. This is mainly because installers can leave out vital 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 looking to create a minimalist look in their kitchen, while blending seamlessly with their kitchen cabinetry. These models are fitted behind the cupboard doors and are hidden from the view, making them a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an updated look. The choice of an integrated model offers the convenience of both a refrigerator and a freezer in one appliance, making it easier to store and organise your food.
It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding 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. This may be something to keep in mind if you think you’ll need your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the near future or in the event that you plan to sell your house and relocate.
If you’re replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is vital to purchase a similar appliance so that the doors to your cabinets will be able to fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized and will fit in the 60cm by 60cm size of the housing cabinet. Therefore, any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets must be compatible. You should also check what kind of hinge your fridge freezer has and if it is a fixed or sliding hinge, as this will affect how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The most effective models are designed to make your life in the kitchen easier by reducing daily chores. This includes reducing the time spent the need to defrost – or, like the case with Blomberg eliminating it completely – and keeping your food fresher for longer with smart features like HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. You can expect flexible storage options that include adjustable shelves and useful accessories like wine racks, too.