Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly integrated fascias concealed behind subtly integrated fascias, fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. But don't be fooled - they're packed with cavernous 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 for a long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit directly into kitchen cabinets and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They're a great choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that will blend into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great option if you don't have room in your home for an additional freezer.
When you are choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you need to consider certain aspects. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional expenses of purchasing and installing fridge cabinets, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet that make the refrigerator integrated.
Another important thing to remember is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult to maintain. It is essential to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and rehang doors to the kitchen cabinet. This can take several weeks or months. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to do the job right.
It is crucial to measure the area before 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 an excellent 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 fridge and often break after a few years.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are available in a range of widths that can help you maximize storage space. The depth of your fridge can also affect the kitchen cabinets. If you're planning to put tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you could require the appliance to be cut according to a specified length to ensure it will fit. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator is cut properly. If not, you may have issues later.
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 provide an elegant and seamless appearance to your kitchen and are designed to blend into cabinets rather than stand out and dominating the space.
They are typically close to the counters and cabinets, with their doors set so they don't protrude and are often panel-ready to give a more sleek look to your kitchen. Many have stainless-steel fronts to give them a modern and stylish design.
The freezer section is still quite big, and is typically located in the lower part of the freezer to give ample space for your frozen meals. You can also choose from a variety of width sizes with most brands offering between 20 and 24 inches of width, which is larger than you'll find on freestanding freezers.
The cost of integrated fridges is higher due to their design and they are also built in the kitchen. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet and the cabinets in the kitchen that surround it will increase the overall price.
Some people might have difficulty moving them if they decide to move home. built in fridge freezer is necessary to remove the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance, then taking it out like the freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to repair since they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong you will need to get an engineer from your fridge to take the appliance apart and replace any damaged parts. This can be expensive and certainly more expensive than simply buying the fridge freezer replacement.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency will reduce your household bills. It will also help save energy by cutting down on the time it needs to run, and will be more eco-friendly by using less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a real difference.
In contrast to freestanding fridge freezers which have a separate housing integrated models have doors in the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen and create a sleek, uniform appearance. Some models feature sliding doors that let you to open the refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Certain models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinets to camouflage your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
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 of a premium market. However installation costs also play a part. The additional hinges and panels are a major reason as are the additional costs associated with having to make your furniture fit in the fridge.
What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, with a few having to be defrosted regularly to remove the build-up of ice. Beko's integrated fridge freezers feature frost-free technology that makes it easier to maintain and minimize defrosting.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The more litres it holds, the more food that can be stored. Find models that have at minimum 150 litres for your fridge, and up to 350 litres of freezer space. You can choose from a variety of storage options, such as shelves that are flexible and drawers which provide ample space for fresh produce as well as 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.
Stores
The main benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they take up less space than freestanding models, allowing you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with cabinets and counters and create a seamless look. This style does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding models.
Additionally, they're usually more expensive to purchase and operate than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is due to a number of reasons including the cost to develop and manufacture and the fact that they're regarded as to be a luxury item, and the additional cost of installation and customization that are associated with them.
In addition to this integrated fridge freezers can be more difficult to access than freestanding counterparts. This can create problems when you need them serviced. This is especially true if you buy an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with hinges that are poorly constructed and could break over time.
Choosing the right 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, and whether you'll be storing any large frozen foods or platters. Most integrated fridge freezers have a storage capacity between 150-350 litres. This will allow you to store 19 bags of shopping.
The best integrated refrigerator freezers offer features that keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will feature airflow technology that circulates cool air evenly over the shelves, while other models will come with antibacterial linings to lessen the odours. Some models even come with an option for fast-freezing that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, so you can freeze freshly-bought goods without them forming a solid.
For those who like to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a specific temperature, look for integrated fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. They are kept at a low humidity level and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresher for a longer period than standard fridge freezers. In addition, vegetables and fruits are kept crisper for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher level of humidity.