Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly integrated fascias concealed behind subtly integrated fascias, fridge freezers are an integral part of your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance, they are packed with modern technology and plenty of storage, such as wine racks and four door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges for a long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit directly into your cabinetry. They are usually shorter than freestanding models. If you're looking for an elegant appliance that blends seamlessly with your cabinets and counters They can be a great choice. They're also a great option when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
However, there are a few things to be aware of when choosing an integrated fridge freezer. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the extra expenses of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that make the refrigerator integrated.
Another thing to keep in mind is that integrated fridge freezers can be difficult to service. This is because the refrigerator has to be removed from its housing cabinet and kitchen cabinet doors have to be re-hung, which could take weeks or even months. It is therefore essential to find a reliable kitchen fitting service that will be able to do the job right.
If you are considering buying a new integrated fridge freezer it is important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Be sure to leave some space on either side of the appliance for you to be able to open the doors. It's also a good idea to look at the door hinges of the refrigerator. Many cheap models use hinges that aren't designed to hold the weight of a refrigerator, and often fail after a couple of years.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in various widths that can help increase the storage capacity of your home. The depth of the fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. For instance, if planning to install tall cabinets above the refrigerator then you may need to have the appliance built in a custom-length to ensure it is suitable. Make sure that the ventilation of the fridge has been cut correctly. If not, you could have problems later.
Style
It's important to consider several factors before making a decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they're bulky and can take up a lot of space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend into the cabinets.
They are typically close to the cabinetry and counters with their doors set so they don't protrude. They are often panel-ready to give a more sleek look to your kitchen. Many have stainless-steel fronts to give them a sleek and contemporary appearance.
Despite their appearance, they do not reduce storage space, as the freezer compartment can be quite large and is typically located at the bottom of the appliance to give ample space for your frozen items. You can also pick from a variety of width sizes with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches of width, which is more than the freezers that are freestanding.
Integrated fridges are more expensive due to their design and due to the fact that they are constructed within your kitchen. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet as well as the cabinets for kitchens which surround it will increase the overall price.
They are also more difficult to move when you plan to move home which may be an issue for some. It is necessary to remove the entire cabinet and unit. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance and getting it removed like the freestanding model.
Refrigerators with integrated components are more difficult to repair because they are installed in your kitchen. If something goes wrong you will need to get an engineer for your fridge to remove the appliance and replace any broken parts. This is expensive and certainly more expensive than simply buying a new fridge freezer as replacement.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency can lower your household expenses. It will also save power by reducing how long it runs and will be more sustainable as it consumes less power. Choose models that have an Aor B energy rating to make an impact.
Contrary to freestanding fridge freezers that have separate housings, integrated models have the doors in the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen design and give it a sleek, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening the cupboard door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinet to hide the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The drawbacks of integrated fridge freezers are that they are more expensive than other alternatives. The reason is because they are made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium market. However, the installation costs are also a factor. Additional hinges and panels, along with the additional costs of making your furniture fit around refrigerators are all elements.
In addition integrated fridge freezers typically require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, with some require regular defrosting to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Certain models have been designed to minimise the need for this, such as Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and reduces maintenance.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The more litres you get the more food you'll be able to keep. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres in the fridge and as much as 350 for the freezer. There are a variety of storage configurations, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce, as well as bottle racks that can be used to store your larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers with a 50/50 split that can be used for both freezing and chilling food items.
Stores
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 be positioned flush with cabinets and counters and create a seamless look. However, this means that they have a lower storage capacity than their freestanding counterparts.
They also cost more to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that meet the same specifications. This is due to many factors that include their high cost of development and manufacturing and the fact that they're considered to be a luxury item and the extra installation and customizing costs.
It is also more difficult to service integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially true if you buy an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with poorly-made hinges that can break in time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your household and your storage needs. It is also important to consider how much food you will be storing in your fridge, and whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen food items. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have a capacity between 150 and 350 litres which can hold up to 19 bags of shopping.
The most efficient fridge freezers will offer additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. Certain models will have airflow technology, which distributes cool air evenly over the shelves, while other models will have antibacterial linings that lessen the smell. Some models even come with an option for fast-freezing that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them forming a solid.
If you want to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a certain temperature, then you should look for refrigerators with integrated freezers that have a BioFresh section. These compartments are kept at a low humidity and will keep your fish, meat and dairy fresher longer than a standard fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables will stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high level of humidity.