Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

For homeowners who prefer a unified decor, an integrated fridge freezer can be easily integrated into kitchen cabinet doors. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they can be hidden from sight when not in use.

The fridge freezers are designed to make life easier. They can reduce the amount of work that you have to complete, like defrosting, and also add convenience features like adjustable shelves as well as dual vegetable and fruit bins, and door racks.

Capacity

Integrated models are more popular than those that are freestanding. These appliances do an excellent job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, resulting in a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is very appealing in a variety of kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice for those who want to renovate your kitchen or begin from scratch. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, they also provide an abundance of storage space so you can keep all your food and beverages conveniently within reach.

When you are deciding on a fridge freezer integrated, there are some things you should take into consideration. First, you must look at the capacity of the appliance. The storage capacity of freezers and refrigerators is usually measured in litres, so it is crucial to know how much you need before making a purchase. You'll need to select the model that has a large enough capacity to meet your needs but also one that doesn't be too big so you don't waste energy or end up bursting.

Depending on how large your family is, you might be considering a bigger capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is perfect for families of all sizes, and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres. This is ideal for families with children who are larger.

Another consideration is the quality of the appliance. Less expensive models may not have the same longevity as their more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem as they are typically less durable. You'll want to opt for one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that will last for years to come.

If you're replacing an existing integrated fridge freezer, be sure to choose an identical model in terms of size and split type. You'll want to ensure that the cupboard doors on your kitchen are wide enough to fit the new fridge freezer, and that the fridge and freezer are the same size typically 178cm. If you're planning a new kitchen, be sure the plans match up with these dimensions so you can find an integrated fridge freezer that will fit.

Design

Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without compromising the style you've been working so hard to achieve. They integrate the freezer and refrigerator into one unit. This is a great option for those who want to maximize their space.

Depending on the brand, integrated fridge freezers can come in a variety of designs that can be adapted to different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that hide the doors with your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you show your individual style, there's something to suit all.

Fully integrated fridge freezers have brackets for cabinet mounting that attach the appliance to the front of your kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you to customize the fridge freezer integrated to match your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise levels and improves temperature control.

The door heights of fridge freezers with integrated fridges differ - you can get a'midi' height model that is around 130cm high, whereas extra-tall models are generally around 170-180cm tall. You can also select 50:50 splits that gives you equally sized freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of larger fridge space.

As integrated fridge freezers are built-in, they may be more costly to repair or service. This doesn't mean that you need to avoid the fridge freezer that is integrated because your budget is tight. There are numerous high-quality models at affordable prices.

The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the cost of creating the housing cabinet they are placed in. They also employ more powerful motors to keep cool, which could cause higher energy bills. That said, if you choose a model with advanced food preservation technology, it's possible that you could save money in the end by wasting less food and lowering the energy use. This can add up to huge savings over the life of your integrated fridge freezer.

Energy efficiency

Refrigerator freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your kitchen - therefore it is important to select one with a good energy rating. A fridge freezer with a high energy rating will use less than one with a lower rating, which can lower your energy bills over time. Look for the 'Energy Label', which is usually found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge freezer. You can find the energy consumption and rating by hovering your smartphone over the label. Click on the website of the manufacturer to view the entire information.

The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be influenced by the amount of food you keep within it. Even when the A+++ rating is very high bigger models will need more energy to cool. If you're replacing a model which is older, consider how much space you'll need. Also, take a look at the internal configuration to determine if there are any flexible shelves or door storage and if they can accommodate larger items like milk bottles.

A fridge freezer that is not frost-free is another option to consider. Frost-free fridge freezers use a small heating element to stop ice from building up in the freezer, which means you'll be able to avoid the hassle of defrosting every now and then. However, there are some models out there that don't come with this feature, so if you do require defrosting, it's worth bearing this in mind.

It's also worth assessing the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge freezer. The majority of integrated fridge-freezers come with shelves and drawers made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models come with LED lighting as well which is a nice touch.

Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more costly than their freestanding counterparts. This is because you need to pay for a fridge housing cabinet and doors for the kitchen cabinet, and there's the expense of installing. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more likely to have problems than those that are freestanding. The reason is that installers may not have the cabinets installed correctly or may leave out vital ventilation. This can lead to hot air leaking into the freezers and causing them to overheat.

Convenience

An integrated fridge freezer offers the ideal solution for those looking to create a streamlined decor in their kitchen, blending it 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 who want to create an elegant look. The choice of an integrated model offers the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one appliance making it easier to store and organise your food items.

It is more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, since it is integrated into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers have difficulty to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. This is something you should keep in mind if think you'll require your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the future, or when you're planning to sell your property and relocate.

If you are replacing a fridge freezer that is integrated, it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance so that the doors on your cabinet will be able to fit. It is because integrated refrigerator freezers are standard size and can be inserted into 60cm x 60cm of housing cabinet. Therefore any doors that you have on your current cabinets should be compatible. You should also check what type of hinge your current fridge freezer has whether it's a fixed or sliding hinge, as this can determine how easy it is to open the doors of your cupboard.

When it comes to integrated Fridge frezer fridge freezers, the latest advancements have improved their performance and design to a higher level than ever before. The most effective models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen by making it easier to do the everyday chores. This includes reducing the time spent the need to defrost - or, like the case with Blomberg completely eliminating it - and making sure your food stays fresher for longer by using smart features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves as well as other useful extras like wine racks.