Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you are looking for a uniform decor, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into the doors of your kitchen cabinets. They can be concealed when not in use, unlike freestanding appliances.
These fridge freezers have been designed to make life easier. buy fridge uk cut down on the amount of work you need to do, for example, defrosting, as well as adding convenience features like 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. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind the cabinet doors. This creates a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is pleasing in a variety of kitchen designs. This makes them an excellent choice if you're planning to give your kitchen a makeover or are planning to design it from scratch. They're not just gorgeous however, they also provide lots of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and beverages within easy reach.
When you are choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design, there are some things you should consider. First, you must consider the appliance's capacity. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is usually measured in litres, and it is crucial to know how much you'll need before buying. You will want to select a model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs but not too big, to ensure that you don't squander energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.
Depending on the size of your family is, you may want to consider a higher capacity appliance. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, and provides enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers 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 crucial. Cheaper models may not have the same durability as their more expensive counterparts. They can also suffer from issues with the hinges, which are typically less durable and are prone to break. You'll want to choose a model with reliable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for many years to be.
If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional select a new model that is similar in size and split type. You'll need to make sure that your kitchen cupboard doors are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that both the freezer and fridge are the same height, usually at 178cm. If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure your plans align with these dimensions so that you can locate a fridge freezer that fits.
Design
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted kitchen without compromising the design that you've invested time and money to perfect. They integrate the freezer and refrigerator into one appliance. This is an ideal option for those looking to make the most of their space.
Depending on the manufacturer, integrated fridge freezers can come in a variety of styles to match different styles of interiors. There are many different models to choose from, from fully clad models that blend into the cabinets in your kitchen to panels that let you express your personal style.
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 modify the integrated fridge freezer to perfectly match your kitchen layout, while reducing noise levels and improving temperature control.
Door heights for fridge freezers with integrated doors vary as well. You can find a "midi model that's around 130cm in height, while tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can also pick between 50:50 splits, that gives you equal amounts of freezer and fridge storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of more fridge space.
Since fridge freezers that are integrated are built-in, they may be more expensive to repair or service. But this doesn't mean that you should avoid buying an integrated fridge freezer if your budget is limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models for a reasonable price.
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the cost of building the cabinet they are placed in. They also use stronger motors to keep the fridge cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. That said, if you select a fridge 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 your energy consumption. This can result in significant savings over the lifespan of your integrated refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, which is why it is crucial to choose one with a high energy rating. A high-rated fridge-freezer will use less energy than one that is less rated, and over time this will help reduce the cost of energy. To find out 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 guide. You can find the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Click through to the site of the manufacturer to see the complete information.
The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be influenced by the amount you store inside it. Even when the A+++ rating is high the larger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model which is older, consider how much space you'll need. Also, look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage and if they can accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
Another thing to consider is whether you want an frost-free model. Frost-free fridge freezers utilize an element of heating to prevent ice building up in the freezer, which means you can save yourself the inconvenience of defrosting each and every now and. Certain models don't have this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in mind.
It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to clean. Some models come with LED lighting which is a nice feature.
Typically integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. This is because you need to pay for refrigerator housing cabinets and doors for kitchen cabinets, and the installation cost. It's also important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more susceptible to problems than freestanding ones. It's mainly because installers may not have the cabinets installed correctly or may leave out vital ventilation. This can lead to hot air entering and causing them overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated in the cabinetry of the kitchen is a fantastic option for those who are looking to create a sleek and sleek look for their kitchen. The models are concealed behind cabinet doors and blend seamlessly with the fitted kitchen cabinets. This is a popular option for those who wish to create a modern look. The choice of an integrated model means you'll have the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit which makes it easier to store and organise your food.
The downside of an integrated fridge freezer is that it could be more difficult to maintain than a freestanding model as it's built into your furniture, and taking the cupboard door from the hinges to access the appliance can be quite difficult for most kitchen engineers. This is something to keep in mind if think you'll require repairs or serviced in the near future, or in the event that you plan to sell your home and move house.
If you're replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance to ensure that your cupboard doors will still work. This is because integrated fridge freezers are a standard size and can fit into 60cm wide and 60cm deep cabinet for housing, therefore any doors are already in your cupboards are compatible with these appliances. You should also determine the kind of hinge your current fridge freezer has, if it has a fixed or sliding hinge, as this will determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.
The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have enhanced their performance and style. The top models are designed to make life in the kitchen simpler by reducing the chores of daily life. This includes minimising the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg eliminating it completely - and keeping your food fresher for longer by using smart features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful accessories like wine racks.