Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind fascias that are integrated hidden behind subtly integrated fascias, the fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived, they are packed with modern technology and plenty of storage options, including wine racks and four door shelves. They also have twin fruit and vegetables bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges for a long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are designed to be installed directly into your cabinetry. They tend to be smaller than freestanding models. They're an excellent choice if you're looking for a sleek and modern appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great choice for those who don't have the space in your home for an additional freezer.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the extra expenses of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet in order to make the refrigerator integrated.
It is also important to keep in mind that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators aren't always easy to service. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its cabinet and the kitchen cabinet doors have to be rehung, which can take several weeks or even months. It is therefore essential to find an experienced kitchen fitter who will take the time to complete the task correctly.
If you are considering buying the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it's important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Make sure you leave space on either side of the appliance for you to to open the doors. You should also look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. Many cheap models have hinges that aren't made to handle the weight of a fridge and can break after a few months.
Integrated fridge freezers come in a variety of width sizes that can assist you in maximizing storage space. The depth of the refrigerator can also affect your kitchen cabinets. For example, if you're planning on installing tall cabinets above your refrigerator, then you may have to have the appliance built in a custom length to ensure that it will fit. Also, be careful to make sure that the venting for the refrigerator is cut correctly, as if it's not done correctly then you may encounter issues later on.
Style
It's important to consider several factors before making a decision. Refrigerators with integrated freezers are typically preferred over freestanding models due to the fact that they provide an elegant and seamless look to your kitchen. They are designed to blend into cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the room.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinetry around them. Their doors are inset and do not protrude. They are also panel-ready to give your kitchen a more streamlined appearance. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts to give them a sleek and contemporary look.
The freezer section is still quite large, and it's typically located in the lower part of the freezer to give you plenty of space to store your frozen food items. There are also a variety of widths available. Most brands offer between 20-24 inches of width, which is larger than freestanding freezers.
Because of their appearance and the fact that they are built into your kitchen you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. The cost of the fridge housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets which surround it will increase the total cost.
They can be more difficult to move when you decide to move house which may be an issue for some people. You'll need to take out the entire cabinet and unit. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance and removing it like with the freestanding model.
Refrigerators with integrated components are more difficult to fix because they are a part of your existing kitchen. If something goes wrong, you have to call an engineer for your fridge to take the appliance apart and replace any damaged parts. This is expensive and certainly more expensive than simply purchasing the fridge freezer an alternative.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated fridge freezer can cut down on the cost of your household. It will also save power by reducing how long it runs, and also be more sustainable as it uses less power. 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 integrated into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it a clean, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening your cupboard door. Others are panel-ready. This means that they can be placed with a cabinet door to essentially camouflage the fridge behind kitchen cabinets.
The disadvantage of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're typically more expensive than freestanding models. This is partly because they're made in smaller quantities and tend to be more of a high-end product, but it's also down to the additional costs associated when installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major reason and so are the extra costs associated with having your furniture fit around the fridge.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers typically require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, with a few needing to be defrosted frequently to remove the accumulation of ice. Some models are made to eliminate the need for this, with Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and reduces maintenance.
Another important consideration is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The more litres it holds, the more food that can be stored. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres in the fridge, and up to 350 for the freezer. There are a variety of storage configurations, with drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of space for fresh produce, as well as bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are
fridges for sale uk that have integrated freezers with 50/50 splits that can be used for both storage of frozen and chilled foods.
Storage
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is that they require less space than freestanding models. This lets you make the most out of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with counters and cabinets and create a seamless look. This design, however, implies that they have a smaller capacity of storage than freestanding models.
They are also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers with similar specifications. This is due to a variety of factors, including their high cost of development and manufacturing as well as the fact that they are considered a luxury item and the extra cost of installation and customization.
It is also more difficult to service integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is particularly the case if you choose a cheap integrated fridge freezer that uses hinges that are poorly constructed, and can break easily over the course of time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your family and the storage requirements you have. Think about how much you would like to keep in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen food items. The majority of integrated fridge freezers will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres, which can hold up to 19 shopping bags.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features to keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will feature airflow technology that circulates cool air across shelves, whilst others will have an antibacterial lining to minimize odours as well as prevent mould. Some models will even have an option for fast-freezing that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, so you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them freezing solid.
If you want to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a certain temperature then look for integrated refrigerator freezers with a BioFresh section. These are maintained at a low humidity level and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresh for longer than conventional fridge freezers. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetables can be kept fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher level of humidity.