Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer
If you are looking for a uniform decor, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be easily integrated into the cabinet doors in the kitchen. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they can be easily hidden from view when not being used.
These fridge freezers are designed to make your life easier, minimising chores like defrosting, and adding features such as adjustable shelves with twin vegetable and fruit bins and door racks.
Capacity
Integrated models are more popular than freestanding models. These appliances are able to blend in with the background behind the doors of cabinets. This provides them with a clean and uncluttered appearance that is appealing in many kitchen designs. They are a great choice if you want to remodel your kitchen or start from scratch. They are not only beautiful however, they also provide plenty of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food items and drinks within reach.
However, when you’re choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design there are a few aspects you need to consider. First, you’ll want to consider the capacity of the appliance. Storage in the fridge and freezer is typically measured in litres, therefore it’s important to determine how much you’ll need before buying. You’ll want to choose one that has a large enough capacity to meet your requirements but not overly large so that you don’t waste energy or end up with an overflow.
You might want to consider a larger capacity appliance depending on the size of your family. A 350-litre capacity is suitable for most families and can hold up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers also provide fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have capacities of 420 litres, which is perfect for larger families.
Another thing to consider is the durability of the appliance. The cheaper models might not have the same durability as their higher-end counterparts. They can also suffer from problems with hinges, which are usually less durable and can easily break. You’ll want to choose one with durable Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to be.
If you’re replacing an old integrated fridge freezer, make sure to choose the same model in terms of size and split style. You’ll need to ensure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are wide enough to accommodate the new fridge freezer and that the fridge and the freezer are identical in height, usually around 178cm. If you are designing your new home, make sure that the dimensions are in line with the measurements in order to find a fridge freezer that is integrated.
Design
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your fitted cabinets without compromising the look you’ve achieved so hard for. They combine fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great choice for those who want to maximize their space.
Depending on the brand the fridge freezers that are integrated offer a wide variety of styles to match different styles of interiors. From fully clad models that hide the doors in your cabinets in the kitchen to panels that let you create your own unique style, there’s something for everyone.
Fully integrated fridge freezers come equipped with brackets for cabinet mounting that secure the appliance on the front of the cabinets in the kitchen, concealing it completely. This design allows you to modify the integrated fridge freezer to match your fitted kitchen and reduce noise levels and improving the temperature control.
Door heights for integrated fridge freezers differ as well. There is a midi model that’s around 130cm tall, while tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can choose between a 50:50 split where you get the same amount of freezer and fridge storage or 60/40, or 70/30. This is a better option for larger fridge space.
Because they are built into your kitchen they’re more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which can make it more costly to repair or serviced. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid purchasing a fridge freezer that is integrated in case your budget isn’t too limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models for a reasonable price.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due to the expense of making the cabinet they are placed in. They also have larger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can result in higher energy costs. If you select one that is equipped with advanced technology for food preservation, you could be saving money in the long run by throwing away less food and reducing your energy consumption. This can result in significant savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators are among the most commonly used appliances in your home, therefore it is essential to select one with a good energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than one that is less rated and, over time, this will reduce your energy bills. Find the Energy Label,’ that is typically found on the back or in the user guide of the fridge-freezer. Hover your smartphone over the label to view the energy consumption and efficiency rating, and click through to see full data on the manufacturer’s site.
The quantity of food that you store in your small fridge freezer will also affect how much energy it uses. Even when the A+++ rating is very high, larger models will require more energy to cool. If you’re replacing a model which is older, think about how much space you’ll require. Also, look at the internal configuration to determine if there are any flexible shelves or door Single Door Fridge storage, and if it is able to accommodate larger items such as milk bottles.
A frost-free fridge freezer is another option to consider. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate heating elements to stop the formation of ice within the freezer. This will save you the hassle of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not have this feature. If you have to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in mind.
It’s also worth checking the ease of cleaning and maintaining your fridge-freezer. Most integrated fridge-freezers come with removable glass shelves and drawers that are easy to wipe clean. Some models also feature LED lighting, which is an added bonus.
Typically, integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than freestanding models. This is because you’ll need to purchase refrigerator housing cabinets and doors for the kitchen cabinet, and there’s the expense of installing. It’s important to know that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators are more prone to problems than freestanding. This is due to the fact that installers may not provide enough ventilation for the cabinets or fail to set them up correctly and let in hot air and overheat.
Convenience
A fridge freezer integrated into the refrigerator is a solution to those who want to create a minimalist look in their kitchens, blending it seamlessly with their kitchen cabinets. These models are fitted behind the cupboard doors and hide from the view, making them a popular choice for those who want to create an updated look. A refrigerator and freezer are combined in an integrated model, which makes it easier to store your food and organize it.
The drawback of having an integrated fridge freezer is that it may be harder to service than a freestanding model because it’s integrated into your furniture, and removing the single door fridge from the hinges in order to access the appliance could be quite difficult for Single door fridge most kitchen engineers. It’s important to remember that you might need to have your fridge freezer repaired or serviced in the near future, or should you decide to sell your home and relocate.
It is important to buy the same appliance in the event of replacing an integrated refrigerator freezer so that the doors of your cabinet still fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and fit into 60cm wide by 60cm deep housing cabinet so any doors you have on your cabinets are compatible with these appliances. Check the type of hinge on your fridge freezer, if it’s a sliding or fixed hinge. This will determine the ease to get access to the cupboard doors.
When it comes to integrated fridge freezers, the most recent innovations have pushed their performance and design further than ever before. The best models are designed for ease to use in the kitchen, by reducing daily chores. This includes reducing the need to defrost — or, as in the case of Blomberg, completely eliminating it — and keeping your food fresher for longer with smart features such as HyperFresh plus, HarvestFresh salad drawers and Holiday Mode. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful additions such as wine racks.