Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind fascias that are integrated hidden behind subtly integrated fascias, the fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived, they are packed with the latest technology and plenty of 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 to ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into the kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. If you want an elegant appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters, they can be an excellent choice. They can also be used if your home doesn't have enough space for a separate refrigerator.
When you are choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer, you need to consider some things. One of the main reasons for their higher cost is that 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 to integrate the refrigerator.
Another important thing to remember is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult to maintain. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to be removed from its cabinet and doors for kitchen cabinets must be rehung, which can take months or even weeks. It is therefore essential to find a reliable kitchen fitting service that will be able to do the job right.
When you're considering the purchase of a new fridge freezer with integrated features, it is essential to carefully measure the space before buying it. Make sure you leave space on either side of the appliance for you to be able to open the doors. It's also an excellent idea to look at the door hinges of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models come with hinges that are not designed to support the weight of a refrigerator and could break after a couple of months.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in a variety of widths that can help to maximize the storage space. The depth of the refrigerator can also affect the kitchen cabinets. For instance, if planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator then you may need to get the appliance made in a custom-length to ensure it is suitable. Check that the ventilation of the fridge is cut properly. If it's not, you could face problems later.
Style
It's important to consider a number of factors before making a final decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they are bulky and can dominate the space. Integrated models are sleek and seamless and blend into your cabinetry.
They are usually flush with the cabinetry and counters around them. Their doors are inset which means they don't protrude. They can also be ready to be panel-ready for your kitchen, giving it a a more streamlined look. A lot of them have stainless steel fronts, giving them a modern and stylish design.
Despite their appearance, they do not reduce storage space, as the freezer section can still be very large and is typically located on the bottom of the appliance, allowing ample space for your frozen items. There are a variety of width sizes available. The majority of brands offer between 20-24 inches of width which is more than freestanding freezers.
Due to their design 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 mainly due to the cost of a fridge housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets to make the surround will push up the total cost.
american style fridge freezers might be unable to move their appliances if they decide to move. You'll need to remove the whole appliance from its cabinetry, and it's not a case of simply disconnecting and removing the appliance as you would with a freestanding model.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to repair since they are installed in your kitchen. If something goes wrong, you must call a fridge engineer in to disassemble the appliance and replace any broken parts. This could be a costly process, and certainly more expensive than purchasing a new freezer for your refrigerator.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency can lower your household expenses. It will also save energy by cutting down on the time it requires to run, and will be more eco-friendly by using less power. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a real difference.
Unlike freestanding fridge freezers, with a separate housing integrated models come with doors integrated into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen and give it an elegant, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors that permit you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be layered with cabinet doors to disguise the fridge behind cabinets in the kitchen.
The downside to integrated fridge freezers are that they are more expensive than other options. The reason for this is that they are produced in smaller quantities and are more expensive and are a part of the premium market. However, the installation costs also play a part. Additional hinges and panels and the additional expenses of making your furniture fit around a fridge are all factors.
What's more integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, with a few having to be defrosted regularly to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Some models are designed to reduce the requirement for this, with Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another crucial aspect to consider. The more litres, the more food can be stored. Look for models with at minimum 150 litres for your fridge, and up to 350 litres for freezer. You can choose from a range 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 fridges that have integrated freezers with a 50/50 split that can be used for both freezing and chilling food items.
Storage
The primary benefit of integrated fridge freezers is that they consume less space than freestanding models, helping you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be flush with cabinets and counters, creating a seamless look. This design does mean that they have less storage space than freestanding models.
In addition, they're typically more expensive to purchase and run than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is due to many factors such as their high price of development and manufacturing and the fact that they're considered to be a luxury item and the additional installation and customization costs.
It is also more difficult to maintain integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially true when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer with poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
Choosing the right integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your family and your storage requirements. Think about how much you would like to keep in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing any large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers that are integrated will have capacities of between 150 and 350 litres, which can hold up to 19 bags of shopping.
The most efficient refrigerator freezers will have additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For instance, some have airflow technology which circulates cool air across shelves, whilst others will include an antibacterial lining that will eliminate odours and stop mould. Certain models may even have a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze fresh-bought items without them forming a solid.
For those who like to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a specific temperature, consider integrating fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat, and dairy fresher for longer than a standard fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables will stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment which is kept at a high humidity.