Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly incorporated fascias, integrated fridge freezers play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. But don't be fooled they're packed with ample storage and advanced technology such as wine racks, four door shelves and twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They may also be equipped with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to be able to fit into kitchen cabinets and are typically shorter in height than freestanding models. If you want an elegant appliance that blends seamlessly with your cabinets and counters they could be an excellent choice. They're also a great choice when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
When you are choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you must take into consideration some things. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is because they are built-in models. This is due to the extra expenses of purchasing and installing a fridge cabinet as well as kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet in order to make the refrigerator integrated.
Another aspect to be aware of is that integrated fridge freezers can be difficult to maintain. It is necessary to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and then rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This could take months or weeks. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will be able to do the job correctly.
It is crucial to measure the space before purchasing a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure you 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 take a look at the hinges of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap fridge freezer models have hinges that aren't built to support the weight of a refrigerator, and frequently break after a few years.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in different width sizes that can help maximize your storage. You should also take into consideration the depth of the refrigerator, since it could affect the kitchen cabinets. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you may require the appliance made to a specific length to ensure it fits. Verify that the ventilation in the fridge has been cut in the correct way. If not, you may have problems in the future.
Style
It is essential to consider various factors prior to making a decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they're bulky and can take up a lot of space. Integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend into the cabinetry.
They are typically flush with the surrounding cabinetry and counters with their doors being inset so they don't protrude and are usually panel-ready for an elegant look to your kitchen. Many have stainless-steel fronts that give them a modern and stylish design.
The freezer section is quite big, and is usually located in the lower part of the freezer to give you plenty of space for your frozen meals. There are also a variety of width sizes available. The majority of brands offer between 20-24 inch widths that are larger than freestanding freezers fridge freezers.
Because of their design and the fact that they are integrated into your kitchen you will probably find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freestanding fridge freezers. This is due to the cost of a fridge freezers freezers housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets used to create the surround for it will push up the total cost.
They can be more difficult to move should you decide to move house which may be an issue for some. It is necessary to remove the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance and removing it like with the freestanding model.
Integrated refrigerators can be more difficult to fix because they are installed inside your kitchen. If something goes wrong you must call a small fridge freezer engineer in to remove the appliance and replace any broken parts. This is a costly process and is definitely more expensive than purchasing an entirely new fridge freezer as replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer can lower your household expenses. It also conserves energy by reducing how long it runs and will be more sustainable as it uses less power. Invest in models with an Aor B energy rating to make a difference.
Unlike freestanding models, which come with their own housing, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it a clean, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors, which allow you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinets to camouflage the refrigerator behind cabinets.
The downside of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're generally more expensive than freestanding alternatives. The reason is that they're made in smaller quantities and are part of a premium market. However installation costs also play a part. Additional hinges and panels, as well as the extra costs of making your furniture fit around a fridge are all aspects.
In addition, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some having to be defrosted regularly to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Beko's integrated fridge freezers have frost-free technologies that reduce maintenance and reduce defrosting.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The more litres you get and the more food items you'll be able to keep. Find models that have at minimum 150 litres for the fridge, and up to 350 litres for the freezer. You can choose from a variety of storage options, such as drawers and flexible shelving that provide plenty of space for fresh produce as well as bottle racks to hold larger milk bottles. There are integrated fridge freezers that have a 50/50 split and can be used to store chilled and frozen food.
Stores
The main benefit of integrated fridge freezers is that they require less space than freestanding models, which helps you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with cabinets and counters giving a seamless appearance. This design does mean that they have less storage space than freestanding models.
They are also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that meet the same specifications. This is down to a variety of factors like the costs to design and manufacture, the fact that they're considered to be a luxury item and the extra cost of installation and customization that they incur.
It's also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is particularly true if you purchase an inexpensive integrated refrigerator freezer with poorly-made hinges that can break over time.
The best integrated fridge freezer uk freezer for your home will be contingent on the size of your household and your storage requirements. Consider how much you want to store in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll be storing any large frozen foods or platters. Most integrated fridge freezers can store between 150-350 litres. This can accommodate up to 19 shopping bags.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers offer features that keep your food healthy and fresh. For example, some will have airflow technology which circulates cool air throughout shelves, while others include an antibacterial lining that will minimize odours as well as prevent mould. Certain models have a quick freeze feature that reduces the temperature in your freezer quickly which allows you to freeze fresh-bought items without freezing solid.
If you want to keep your fish, meat, and dairy products at a specific temperature, then look for refrigerators that have integrated freezers that have a BioFresh section. These compartments are kept at a lower level of humidity, which will keep your meat, fish and dairy fresher 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 humidity.