Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

If you are looking for a uniform decor, an integrated refrigerator freezer can be seamlessly integrated into the doors of your kitchen cabinets. As opposed to freestanding appliances, they can be easily hidden from sight when not in use.

These fridge freezer deals freezers are designed to make life easier, minimising chores like defrosting, and adding features such as adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.

Capacity

Integrated models are more sought-after than freestanding models. These appliances do an excellent job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, creating an uncluttered and sleek appearance which is appealing in many kitchen designs. They are a great option if you want to remodel your kitchen or start from scratch. They're not just attractive however, they also provide lots of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food and beverages in a convenient location.

When you are deciding on a fridge freezer integrated there are a few things you should take into consideration. First, you must consider the appliance's capacity. It is crucial to determine the space you require for your refrigerator or freezer before purchasing. You'll want to choose the model that has enough capacity to meet your needs but not too big, so that you don't waste energy or end in a situation where you have an excess.

Depending on the size of your family is, you might think about a larger capacity appliance. A 350-litre capacity is ideal for most families and can accommodate up to 19 grocery bags. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers that have capacities of 420 litres. This is perfect for families with children who are larger.

Another factor to consider is the quality of the appliance. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem as they tend to be less durable. You'll want a model that has reliable Hettich and Ingol hinges. They will last you for a long time.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that is no longer working, choose a model that is comparable in size and split type. It is essential to ensure that the doors of your kitchen cabinet are wide enough to accommodate the fridge freezer and that the freezer and fridge are the same height, usually 178cm. If you're planning a new kitchen, be sure the plans match up with these dimensions so that you can find an integrated fridge freezer that fits.

Design

Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit seamlessly into your kitchen, without compromising the style that you've spent time and money to perfect. Combining a fridge and freezer together, they're an ideal choice for those looking to make the most of their space.

Depending on the manufacturer integrated refrigerator freezers come in different styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that conceal the doors with your cabinets to panels that allow you to express your own individual design, there's something for all.

Fully integrated fridge freezers come equipped with cabinet mounting brackets that anchor the appliance to the front of the kitchen cabinets, hiding it completely. This design allows you customise the fridge freezer integrated to ensure it is in perfect harmony with your fitted kitchen. It also reduces noise levels and improves temperature control.

The door heights of fridge freezers with integrated fridges vary - you can find a'midi' height model around 130cm tall, while extra-tall models are usually around 170-180cm tall. You can also choose between a 50:50 split where you get equally sized fridge and freezer storage, or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favour of larger fridge space.

Since integrated fridge freezers are integrated into your kitchen, they're more difficult to access than freestanding refrigerators, which may make it more costly to have them repaired or maintained. However, this doesn't mean you should steer clear of buying an integrated fridge freezer when your budget isn't as limited as you can find a wide selection of top-quality models at affordable prices.

The integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts due the cost of making the cabinet they are placed in. They also make use of larger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. If you opt for one with the latest technology for food preservation, you might be able to save money by throwing away less food and reducing energy consumption. This could result in substantial savings over the life of your refrigerator freezer.

Energy efficiency

Fridge-freezers are among the most frequently used appliances in your home, so it is essential to select one that has a high energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than a lower-rated one and, over time, this will help reduce your energy costs. Look for the 'Energy Label', which is usually located 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. Go to the website of the manufacturer to view the entire information.

The quantity of food that you store in your fridge freezer will also affect how much energy it uses. The larger models with more capacity will need more energy to cool than smaller ones, fridge freezer even if they have an A+++ rating. If you're replacing a model that is older, think about how much space you need. Also, look at the internal configuration to see whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage and if it is able to accommodate larger items, such as milk bottles.

A fridge freezer that is 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, so you'll be able to avoid the inconvenience of defrosting each and then. Some models do not have this feature. If you need to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in mind.

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

Typically integrated refrigerator freezers are more expensive than their freestanding counterparts. This is due to the fact that you have to purchase a fridge housing cabinet and doors for kitchen cabinets, and there's the expense of installing. It's important to understand that fridge freezers with integrated refrigeration are more prone to issues than those that are freestanding. The reason is that installers may not properly install the cabinets or may leave out vital ventilation. This could result in hot air entering and causing them to overheat.

Convenience

A fridge freezer that is integrated offers the ideal solution for those who want to create a minimalist look in their kitchen, blending it seamlessly with their fitted kitchen cabinets. These models are installed behind the cabinet doors and hide from view, which is a popular choice for those seeking to achieve an updated look. Choosing an integrated model also means you'll have the convenience of having a refrigerator and a freezer in one unit making it easier to store and organize your food.

It is more difficult to service an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding one, as it is built into the furniture. Many kitchen engineers find it difficult to remove the cabinet door from its hinges in order to gain access to the appliance. It's important to remember that you might require your fridge freezer serviced or repaired in the future, or in the event that you plan to sell your home and relocate.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer it is essential that you purchase a similar appliance so that the doors to your cabinets will be able to fit. This is because integrated fridge freezers are standard size and can fit into a 60cm wide x 60cm deep cabinet for housing, so any doors that you have on your cupboards are compatible with the appliances. You should also check what kind of hinge your current fridge freezer is using, if it has an adjustable or sliding hinge, as this will determine how easy it is to open the cupboard doors.

The latest advancements in integrated fridge freezers have improved their performance and appearance. The most effective models are designed for ease of use in the kitchen by making it easier to do the daily chores. Blomberg's HyperFresh Plus, HarvestFresh Salad Drawers and Holiday Mode are all smart features that reduce or remove the need to defrost. Storage options include adjustable shelves and other useful additions such as wine racks.