Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly incorporated fascias, integrated fridge freezers are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived they're packed with ample storage and smart tech like wine racks, four door shelves, and twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges to ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit directly into your kitchen cabinetry and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. They're an ideal choice if looking for a sleek, modern appliance that will blend with your cabinetry and counters. You can also use them if your home doesn't have enough space to accommodate a separate refrigerator.
However, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting an integrated fridge freezer. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional cost of purchasing and installing fridge cabinets as well as kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet that integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to note that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult to servicing. It is essential to take the refrigerator from its housing cabinet and rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This can take several weeks or months. Therefore, it is essential to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will be able to do the job right.
It is crucial to measure the space before purchasing a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure you leave a bit of space on to either side of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. It's also a good idea to take a look at the hinges of the refrigerator. Many cheap models come with hinges that aren't designed to support the weight of a refrigerator and may break after a few months.
Integrated fridge-freezers are available in various widths that can help maximize your storage. The depth of your fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you may require the appliance to be cut to a specific length to ensure it is a good fit. Check that the ventilation of the fridge has been cut correctly. If not, you may have problems in the future.
Style
It is essential to consider a number of factors before making a final decision. Refrigerators with integrated freezers are typically preferred over freestanding models as they offer an elegant and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend with cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the room.
They are typically in a flush position with the counters and cabinets, with doors that are inset so they don't protrude and are usually panel-ready for a more sleek look to your kitchen. Some also have stainless steel fronts that give them an elegant and contemporary appearance.
The freezer compartment is very large, and it's usually at the bottom, giving you plenty of space to store your frozen food items. There are a variety of widths available. Most brands offer between 20-24 inches of width that are larger than freestanding freezers.
Because of their appearance and the fact that they are built into your kitchen you will probably find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. This is due to the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets to make the surround will push up the total cost.
Some people may have difficulty moving them when they decide to relocate. You'll need to take out the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance and removing it like with the freestanding model.
Integrated refrigerators can be more difficult to repair because they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. In the event of problems, you'll require a fridge technician to take apart and replace any damaged parts. This can be an expensive process, and certainly more expensive than buying a new freezer for your refrigerator.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated fridge freezer can reduce your household bills. It will also save power by reducing how long it runs, and be more environmentally friendly because it consumes less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
Unlike freestanding fridge freezers, with a separate housing, integrated models have the doors in the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen and give it an elegant, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors, which allow you to open the fridge without opening the cupboard door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be layered with a cabinet door to disguise the refrigerator behind your cabinets in your kitchen.
The drawbacks of integrated fridge freezers is that they're generally more expensive than other options. The reason for this is that they're made in smaller quantities and are part expensive and are a part of the premium market. However the installation costs are also a factor. The hinges and panels that are added to the furniture are a big factor here and so are the extra expenses associated with having your furniture fit in the refrigerator.
What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, and some needing to be defrosted frequently to remove the build-up of ice. Beko's integrated fridge freezers have frost-free features that make maintenance easier and reduce defrosting.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another crucial aspect to consider. The more litres it holds, the more food you can store. Make sure you choose models with at least 150 litres of storage in the fridge and as much as 350 litres for freezer. There are a variety of storage configurations, with drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of room for fresh produce, or bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators that have 50/50 splits and can be used to store both chilled and frozen food.
Stores
The main advantage of integrated refrigerator freezers is they require less space than freestanding models. This lets you maximize the space in your kitchen. fridge freezer small can also be positioned flush with cabinets and counters giving a seamless appearance. However, this means that they have a lower capacity for storage than freestanding models.
What's more, they're often more expensive to buy and operate than freestanding fridge freezers with the same specifications. This is due to several factors, including their high cost of development and manufacturing and the fact that they're considered a luxury item, as well as the additional cost of installation and customization.
It's also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than their freestanding counterparts. This is especially true if you buy an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with hinges that are not well-made and can break over time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your household and your storage needs. Think about how much you would like to keep in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll need to store any large platters or frozen food items. Most integrated fridge freezers can store between 150 and 350 litres. This is enough to store up 19 shopping bags.
The most efficient fridge freezers can include additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology, which circulates cool air throughout the shelves, while others will have antibacterial linings to reduce odours. Some models even come with the speed-freeze feature that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, ensuring that you can store fresh food items without them forming a solid.
For those who like to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a particular temperature, you should look for integrated fridge freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are kept at a lower level of humidity, which will keep your fish, meat and dairy fresher longer than a normal fridge freezer. Additionally, fruits and vegetables can be kept crisper for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher humidity level.