10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Integrated Fridge Freezer
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, integrated fridge freezers serve as a subdued part of your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance, they are packed with smart tech and ample storage, such as wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges for long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit directly into kitchen cabinets and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. They can be an ideal choice if looking for a sleek and modern appliance that can blend into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great option when you don't have space in your home for a separate freezer.
However, there are a few things to consider when selecting an integrated fridge freezer. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional expenses associated with buying and installing refrigerator cabinets, kitchen cabinet door, and a bridging cupboard that integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to remember that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult for service. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its cabinet and the doors for kitchen cabinets must be rehung, which can take weeks or even months. It's therefore important to hire an experienced kitchen fitter who will be able to do the job correctly.
When you're considering a new integrated fridge freezer it is important to take a careful measurement of the space before buying it. Be sure to leave some space on either side of the appliance so that you can open the doors. Also, make sure to check the door hinges on the refrigerator. Many cheap fridge freezer models come with hinges that are not designed to handle the weight of a fridge and can break after a few months.
Integrated fridge-freezers are available in a variety of widths that can help increase the storage capacity of your home. It is also important to consider the depth of the refrigerator, as it can impact your kitchen cabinetry. For instance, if you're planning on installing tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might need to get the appliance made in a custom length to ensure it is suitable. Also, be careful to make sure that the venting for the fridge is cut correctly in case it's not done properly, you may encounter issues later on.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer is one that will impact the design of your kitchen for some time to come and it's essential to take a lot of things into consideration before making any decisions. The integrated fridge freezer is often preferred over freestanding models because they offer a sleek and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend in with cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the space.
They are usually flush with the counters and cabinetry around them. The doors are set which means they don't protrude. They may also be ready to be panel-ready for your kitchen, giving it a an elegant look. Many come with stainless steel fronts that give them an elegant and contemporary appearance.
Despite their appearance they don't compromise storage space since the freezer section can still be very large and is typically located on the bottom of the appliance to provide plenty of room for your frozen items. You can also select from a variety of widths with most brands offering between 20-24 inches in width which is larger than you'll find on freestanding freezers.
Integrated refrigerators are more expensive because of their design, and due to the fact that they are constructed in your kitchen. The cost of the fridge housing cabinet and the cabinets in the kitchen that surround it will add to the overall price.
They can be more difficult to move when you decide to move house which could be a problem for some people. It is necessary to remove the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance, then getting it removed like the freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to repair as they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. If you encounter problems, you'll need a fridge engineer to disassemble and replace damaged components. This is expensive and certainly more expensive than simply buying a new fridge freezer as a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency can lower your household expenses. It will also help save energy by reducing the amount of time it runs, and also be more eco-friendly since it consumes less energy. Invest in a model with an A or B energy rating to make a huge difference.
In contrast to freestanding fridge freezers which have a separate housing integrated models come with doors built into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to 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 refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be placed with cabinet doors to essentially camouflage the fridge behind cabinets in your kitchen.
The downside of integrated fridge freezers is that they're usually more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the fact that they are made in smaller quantities and tend to be more of a luxury market however it's also due to the additional costs that come when installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major reason and so are the extra costs of having your furniture work with the refrigerator.
In addition integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some needing to be defrosted frequently to get rid of the build-up of ice. Some models have been designed to reduce the need for this, such as Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and helps reduce maintenance.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The more litres you get the more food you'll be able store. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres in the fridge and up to 350 litres in the freezer. You can pick from a variety of storage options, including shelves and drawers that offer plenty of space for fresh produce or bottle racks to hold larger milk bottles. There are integrated fridge freezers with 50/50 splits and can be used to store both chilled and frozen food items.
Stores
The main advantage of refrigerator freezers with integrated refrigeration is that they take up less space than freestanding models. This lets you make the most out of your kitchen. They can also be placed close to counters and cabinets, blending in to create a seamless design. 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 that meet the same specifications. This is due to several factors that include their high cost of development and production and the fact that they're considered a luxury item, and the extra installation and customizing costs.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers are more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which can create problems when you need to service them. 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.
Selecting the best integrated fridge freezer for your home will be contingent on the size of your family and your storage requirements. You should also take into consideration how much food will be keeping in your fridge, and whether you'll be stocking large platters or frozen foods. Most integrated fridge freezers have a storage capacity between 150 and 350 litres. This will allow you to store 19 bags of shopping.
The best integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology that circulates cool air throughout the shelves, and others will have antibacterial linings that lessen the odours. Some models even come with a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them forming a solid.
If you prefer to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a specific temperature, consider integrating fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are maintained at a lower level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat, and dairy fresher for longer than a typical fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity level.