Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, integrated fridge freezers play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. But don't let them fool you - they're packed with cavernous storage and advanced technology such as wine racks, four adjustable door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges to ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into your kitchen cabinetry and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. They're a great choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that blends in with your cabinetry and counters. They're also a great option if you don't have room in your home for an additional freezer.
If you're considering an integrated refrigerator freezer you must take into consideration certain aspects. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is because they are built-in models. This is due to the additional expenses of purchasing and installing fridge cabinets as well as kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that make the refrigerator integrated.
Another important thing to remember is that fridge freezers integrated can be difficult to service. It is essential to take the refrigerator from its housing cabinet and rehang kitchen cabinet doors. This can take several weeks or months. Therefore, it's important to find a reputable, reliable kitchen fitter who can invest the time and attention required to complete the job properly.
It is important to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Be sure to leave space on either side of the appliance to allow you to be able to open the doors. It's also a good idea to look at the door hinges of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have hinges that are not designed to handle the weight of a fridge and may break after a few months.
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are available in various widths which can to maximize the storage space. The depth of the fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. For example, if you're planning on adding tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might need to have the appliance built in a custom length to ensure that it will fit. Verify that fridge freezer small in the refrigerator is cut properly. If not, you may have issues in the future.
Style
It is important to take into consideration a number of factors before making a decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are the best choice because they are bulky and can take up too much space. The integrated models are more sleek and seamless, and blend seamlessly into your cabinets.
They are typically flush with the counters and cabinets surrounding them. The doors are set, so they do not protrude. They can also be ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an elegant appearance. Many come with stainless steel fronts that give them a more stylish and modern appearance.
The freezer section is very large, and it's usually located at the bottom to give ample space for your frozen foods. You can also select from a variety of widths, with the majority of brands offering between 20 and 24 inches of width, which is more than you'll find on freestanding freezers.
Integrated refrigerators are more expensive because of their design, and also because they are built in your kitchen. This is due to the cost of a fridge housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets to create the surround for it will push up the overall price.
They can also be more difficult to move should you decide to move house which may be an issue for some. You'll need to take out the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and then removing it like with an independent one.
Refrigerators with integrated components are more difficult to repair since they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong you have to call a fridge engineer in to disassemble the appliance and replace any broken parts. This can be a costly process and is definitely more expensive than buying a new fridge freezer as a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency fridge freezer will cut down your household bills. It also conserves energy by reducing how long it runs and will be more eco-friendly since it uses less energy. Invest in models with an Aor B-energy rating to make a difference.
In contrast to freestanding fridge freezers which have a separate housing integrated models have doors in the cabinetry. This enables the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it a clean, uniform look. Some models have sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening the cabinet door. Certain models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with cabinet to disguise the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The downside to integrated fridge freezers is that they are more expensive than other alternatives. This is partly because they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium market, but it's also down to the extra costs involved when installing them. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a major factor as are the additional costs of having to make your furniture fit in the fridge.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, with some needing to be defrosted frequently to remove ice build-up. Beko's integrated fridge freezers have frost-free features that make maintenance easier and minimize defrosting.
The capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated is another crucial aspect to consider. The larger the litres the more food you'll be able to keep. Look for models with at 150 litres or more for your fridge and up to 350 litres for the freezer. You can choose from a range of storage options, such as drawers and flexible shelving which provide ample space for fresh produce, or bottle racks to store larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers that have 50/50 splits that can be used for both freezing and chilling food items.
Stores
The primary benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they consume less space than freestanding models, helping you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be placed in a flush position with counters and cabinets, blending in to create an elegant design. However, this design implies they have a lower capacity of storage than their freestanding counterparts.
They also cost more to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that have similar specifications. This is due to a variety of 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 customization costs.
In addition to this integrated fridge freezers are a lot more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which could cause problems when you need to service them. This is particularly the case when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer that has hinges that are not well-made, and could break easily over the course of time.
The size of your family and your storage needs will determine the best integrated fridge freezer. Think about how much you would like to store in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll need to store any large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers that are integrated will have a capacity between 150 and 350 litres, which can hold up to 19 shopping bags.
The top integrated fridge freezers will offer additional features to keep your food fresh and healthy. For example, some will have airflow technology which circulates cool air evenly across shelves, whilst others will feature an antibacterial lining to minimize odours as well as prevent mould. Certain models have a quick freeze feature that lowers the temperature inside your freezer quickly and allows you to freeze fresh-bought products without them forming solid.
If you prefer to keep your fish, meat, and dairy products at a certain temperature then you should look for refrigerators with integrated freezers with a BioFresh section. They're maintained at a lower humidity level and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresher for longer than normal fridge freezers. Fruits and vegetables stay crisper longer in the HydroSafe compartment that is kept at a high humidity level.