Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
For homeowners who prefer a cohesive decor, an integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into kitchen cabinet doors. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed away from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers were designed to simplify your life. They reduce the amount of work you need to do, such as defrosting, and add convenience features such as adjustable shelves, dual fruit and vegetable bins, and door racks.
Capacity
When it is about fridge freezers, integrated models tend to be more popular than freestanding ones. They can blend into the background behind the cabinet doors. This provides them with a clean minimalist look that's appealing in many kitchen designs. They are a great option for those who want to renovate your kitchen or start from scratch. They're not just beautiful however, they also provide plenty of storage space. This lets you keep all your food items and drinks within reach.
When you're deciding to purchase an integrated fridge freezer, there are some things to consider. It is important to first consider the appliance's capacity. Storage in the fridge and freezer is typically measured in litres, therefore it's important to know how much you'll need before making a purchase. You will want to select a model with enough capacity for your needs but not too large, so you don't waste any energy or end with an overflow.
You might want to consider an appliance with a bigger capacity based on the size of your family. A capacity of 350 litres is ideal for most households, providing enough space to hold up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers offer fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres. This is ideal for families with children who are larger.
The quality of the appliance is important. Certain models that are less expensive may not be as durable as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are typically less robust and easily break. You'll want a model with sturdy Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional, choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that the doors to your cupboards in your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the freezer and fridge are the same height typically 178cm. If you're planning to build a new kitchen, make sure the plans match up with these dimensions so that you can find a fridge freezer that is suitable for.
Design
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your kitchen, without compromising the style that you've spent time and money to perfect. Combining a freezer and fridge in one appliance, they're an ideal choice for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated have a wide range of designs to suit different styles of interior. From fully clad models that conceal the doors in your kitchen cabinetry to panels that allow you to create your own unique style, there's something for all.
Fully integrated fridge freezers are equipped with brackets for cabinet mounting that secure the appliance on the front of kitchen cabinets, obscuring it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer integrated so that it perfectly matches your kitchen layout. It also reduces noise and enhances the temperature control.
The door heights of fridge freezers with integrated fridges differ - you can get models that are midi-height about 130cm tall, whereas taller models are typically about 170-180cm tall. You can also choose between 50:50 splits which gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of larger fridge space.
Since integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they could be more expensive to repair or service. But this doesn't mean you should avoid buying a fridge freezer [www.frydge.Uk] with integrated features when your budget isn't as limited as you can find plenty of high-quality models at reasonable prices.
The cost of the cabinet that houses the fridge freezers is higher than freestanding models. They also make use of larger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you opt for one with the latest technology for food preservation, you could be able to save money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing your energy consumption. This can result in significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Fridge freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - so it's important to choose one that has a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one that is less rated and over time, this will lower your energy bills. To determine the energy rating on a fridge-freezer, search for the label 'Energy' - you can usually find it on the back of the appliance or in the user's manual. You can find the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Go to the website of the manufacturer to view the entire information.
The amount of energy your fridge-freezer consumes 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 have an A++ rating. So, if you're replacing a model that's been in use for a while take a look at how much capacity you need and look at the internal configuration - whether shelves are adjustable and doors for storage, and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.
Another thing to think about is whether you'd like a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers use heating elements to stop the formation of ice in the freezer. This will save you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. However, there are still some models out there that don't have this feature and, therefore, if you have to defrost your fridge, it's worth bearing this in 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 clean. Some models also have LED lighting, which is an added benefit.
Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to purchase a fridge housing cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors, plus there's the cost of installation. 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 can leave out vital ventilation to the cabinets or fail to install them correctly and let in hot air and can 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. They are positioned behind the cabinet doors and hide from view, which is an ideal choice for those who want to create a modern aesthetic. A model that is integrated gives you the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one appliance making it easier to store and organize your food.
It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a stand-alone one because it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. This is something to keep in mind if believe you'll need repair or serviced in the future or when you're planning to sell your house and move.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is vital to buy a like-for-like appliance so your cupboard doors will still work. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard-sized 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 fridge freezer is fitted with, if it has a fixed or sliding hinge, as this can impact the ease to open the doors of your cupboard.
When it comes to integrated fridge freezers, the latest developments have elevated their performance and design higher than ever before. The most effective models are designed to be easy to use in the kitchen, by simplifying daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all clever features that reduce or eliminate defrosting. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful additions such as wine racks.