Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived they're stuffed with a wealth of storage and smart tech like wine racks, four adjustable door shelves and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They may also be equipped with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to be able to fit into the kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They can be a great choice if you're looking for a sleek and modern appliance that will blend into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great option when you don't have space in your home for a separate freezer.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer, you should consider some things. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is the fact that they are built-in models. This is because of the additional expenses associated with buying and installing a refrigerator cabinet, 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 maintain. It is necessary to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and then rehang the kitchen cabinet doors. This could take weeks or months. It is therefore essential to find an experienced kitchen fitter who will take the time to do the job right.
When you're considering a new integrated fridge freezer it's important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Be sure to leave space on either side of the appliance for you to be able to open the doors. You should also check the door hinges on the refrigerator. Many cheap models come with hinges that aren't designed to support the weight of a refrigerator and can break after a couple of months.
Integrated fridge-freezers are available in various widths that can help to maximize the storage space. Also, you should consider the depth of the refrigerator, since it could affect the kitchen cabinets. For instance, if you're planning on adding tall cabinets over the refrigerator, you might need to have the appliance built in a custom length to ensure that it will fit. Be sure to make sure that the ventilation for the fridge is cut properly and if it's not done correctly then you may encounter issues later on.
Style
The decision to buy an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer will impact the design of your kitchen for some time to come and it's important that you consider a variety of considerations before making any final decisions. Freestanding fridge freezers are more popular because they're heavy and can dominate the space. Integrated models are more sleek and seamless, and blend seamlessly into your cabinets.
They are usually flush with the cabinetry and counters surrounding them. Their doors are inset and do not protrude. They can also be ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an edgier appearance. Many also come with stainless steel fronts to give an attractive and modern appearance.
The freezer section is still quite large, and it's usually at the bottom to give ample space for your frozen meals. You can also select from a variety of widths with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches of width, which is larger than the freezers that are freestanding.
Integrated fridges are more expensive because of their design, and also because they are built within your kitchen. This is mainly due to the cost of a fridge housing cabinet and kitchen cabinets to make the surround will push up the overall cost.
They can also be more difficult to move should you decide to move house which may be an issue for some people. It is necessary to remove the entire cabinet and unit. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and then removing it like with a freestanding one.
Refrigerators with integrated components are more difficult to fix because they are a part of your existing kitchen. If something goes wrong, you will need to get an engineer for your fridge to take the appliance apart and replace the damaged components. This is a costly procedure, and definitely more expensive than purchasing an entirely new fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated fridge freezer will cut down your household expenses. It will also save energy by decreasing the amount of time it needs to run, and it'll be more eco-friendly by making use of less energy. Choose models that have an Aor B-energy rating to make a difference.
Unlike freestanding fridge freezers, with a separate housing, integrated models have the doors built into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into your kitchen's design, and gives it a sleek, uniform look. Some models feature sliding doors, which allow you to open the refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Others are panel-ready, meaning that they can be placed with a cabinet door to essentially camouflage the refrigerator behind cabinets in your kitchen.
The drawback of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're generally more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the fact that they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a high-end product, but it's also down to the additional costs associated with installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a big factor here, as are the additional costs of the need to make your furniture work with the refrigerator.
Some fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators require more maintenance, and others need to be defrosted frequently to get rid of ice accumulation. Certain models have been designed to reduce the requirement for this, such as Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.
The capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated is another crucial aspect to consider. The more litres you get the more food you'll be able store. Look for models with at minimum 150 litres in the Fridge freezers Uk sale and up to 350 litres of freezer space. You'll find a variety of storage configurations, including drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of room for fresh produce, or bottle racks that can accommodate your larger milk bottles. There are fridges that have integrated freezers with 50/50 splits that can be used for both freezing and chilling food items.
Storage
The main benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they take up less space than freestanding models, allowing you make the most of your kitchen. They can also sit in a flush position with counters and cabinets, blending in to create an elegant design. This design does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding units.
In addition, they're typically more expensive to buy and run than freestanding fridge freezers with similar specifications. This is due to many factors that include their high cost of development and production, the fact they are considered a luxury item, and the extra installation and customization costs.
In addition to this, integrated fridge freezers are harder to access than their freestanding counterparts, which can create problems when you need to service them. This is especially the case when you select a low-end integrated fridge freezer that uses poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
Choosing the right integrated fridge freezer for your home will be contingent on the size of your family and the storage requirements you have. Think about how much you'd like to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll need to store any large frozen foods or platters. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres, that can accommodate up to 19 bags of shopping.
The best integrated fridge freezers will offer additional features to keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology, which circulates cool air evenly across the shelves, while other models will have antibacterial linings to lessen the odours. Some models have a quick-freeze feature that reduces the temperature in your freezer quickly, allowing you to store fresh food items without freezing solid.
If you want to keep your fish, meat and dairy products at a certain temperature then you should look for refrigerators with integrated freezers that feature a BioFresh section. These compartments are maintained at a lower level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat, and dairy fresher for longer than a normal fridge freezer. Fruit and vegetables will stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment which is kept at a high level of humidity.