Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind subdued fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived they're stuffed with a wealth of storage space and sophisticated technology like wine racks, four door shelves and twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges for long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into the kitchen cabinetry and are typically shorter in height than freestanding models. They're an excellent choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that blends in with your cabinetry and counters. They are also a good option if your home doesn't have enough space for an additional refrigerator.
If you're considering an integrated refrigerator freezer you need to consider certain aspects. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is because of the extra costs associated with purchasing and installing refrigerator cabinets as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard that connect the refrigerator.
It is also important to remember that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators aren't always easy to service. It is essential to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This can take several months or even weeks. It is therefore essential to find an experienced kitchen fitter who will be able to complete the task correctly.
When you're considering the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it is important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Be sure to leave a bit of space on between the two sides of the appliance so that you can open the doors. It's also a good idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. Many cheap models use inferior hinges, which aren't built to support the weight of a refrigerator and frequently fail after a couple of years.
The integrated fridge freezers are available in a range of width sizes, which can aid in maximizing storage. You should also take into consideration the depth of the refrigerator, as it could impact your kitchen cabinetry. For instance, if you're planning on installing tall cabinets above your refrigerator, then you may have to get the appliance made in a custom-length to ensure that it will fit. Be sure to check that the ventilation for the refrigerator is cut correctly, as if it's not cut correctly, you may face problems later on.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer will affect the style of your kitchen for some time to come and it's crucial to take a number of considerations before making any final decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they're bulky and can dominate the space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless, and blend seamlessly into your cabinets.
They typically sit flush with the surrounding counters and cabinets with doors that are inset so they don't protrude. They are often panel-ready for a more sleek look to your kitchen. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts, giving them a sleek and contemporary appearance.
The freezer section is still quite large, and it's usually at the bottom, giving you plenty of space for your frozen meals. You can also select from a wide range of width sizes with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches in width which is larger than the freezers that are freestanding.
Integrated refrigerators are more expensive because of their design, and they are also built in your kitchen. The cost of the fridge housing cabinet and the cabinets for kitchens that surround it will add to the total cost.
Some people may find it difficult to move them when they decide to move home. It is necessary to disassemble the whole appliance from its cabinetry, and it's not as simple as unplugging and removing the appliance like you would with a stand-alone model.
Integrated fridges can also be more difficult to repair since they are a part of the kitchen you already have. In the event of problems, you'll need a fridge engineer to disassemble and replace damaged components. This is a costly process and is definitely more expensive than buying the fridge freezer replacement.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency will lower your monthly household bills. It will also save energy by reducing the amount of time it needs to run, and also be more sustainable by making use of less power. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a huge difference.
Unlike freestanding fridge freezers, which have a separate housing integrated models have doors in the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into your kitchen's design, and gives it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models have sliding doors, which allow you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Certain models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with cabinet to disguise your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
The drawbacks of integrated fridge freezers are that they're generally more expensive than other options. The reason for this is because they are made in smaller quantities and are part of a premium market. However, the installation costs are also a factor. The additional hinges and panels are a big factor here, as are the additional expenses associated with the need to make your furniture fit in the fridge.
Certain fridge freezers that are integrated require more maintenance, and others require frequent defrosting to eliminate the accumulation of ice. Beko's integrated fridge freezers come with frost-free features that make maintenance easier and minimise defrosting.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The larger the number of litres the more food you'll be able to keep. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres of space in the fridge, and up to 350 litres for freezer. There are a variety of storage configurations, with shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of room for fresh produce, and bottle racks that can be used to store your larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators with 50/50 splits and can be used to store frozen and chilled food.
Stores
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they require less space than freestanding models. This allows you to make the most out of your kitchen. They can also sit flush with cabinets and counters which creates a seamless design. This design, however, means that they have a lower capacity of storage than freestanding models.
What's more, they're often more expensive to purchase and operate than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is due to many factors, including their high cost of development and production and the fact that they're considered to be a luxury item and the extra installation and customization costs.
It is also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially true when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer that uses hinges that are not well-made, and could break easily over time.
The size of your family and storage requirements will determine the best integrated refrigerator freezer. It is also important to consider how much food you will be keeping in your fridge, and if you'll be storing large platters or frozen food items. The majority of integrated fridge freezers can store between 150-350 litres. This is enough to store up 19 bags of shopping.
The most efficient refrigerator freezers come with features that keep your food healthy and fresh. Some models will feature airflow technology, which distributes cool air evenly across the shelves, and others will have antibacterial linings to lessen the smell. Certain models come with a quick-freeze feature that reduces the temperature inside your freezer quickly and allows you to freeze fresh products without them forming solid.
If you want to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a specific temperature, then look for refrigerators that have integrated freezers that feature a BioFresh section. These compartments are maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat, and dairy fresher for longer than a typical fridge freezer. Meanwhile, fruit and vegetables can be kept more crisp for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher level of humidity.