Choosing an Integrated Fridge Freezer

For those who prefer a unified decor, an integrated fridge freezer fits seamlessly into kitchen cabinet doors. Unlike freestanding appliances, they are able to be concealed from sight when not being used.

These fridge freezers are designed to make life easier by reducing chores like defrosting and incorporating convenience features like adjustable shelves, twin fruit and vegetable bins and door racks.

Capacity

Integrated models are more sought-after than freestanding models. These appliances do an excellent job of disappearing from sight behind cabinet doors, creating a sleek and uncluttered appearance that is a great fit in a variety of kitchen designs. They are an excellent choice when you are looking to revamp your kitchen or begin from scratch. They're not just attractive, but they also offer a lot of storage space. This allows you to keep all your food items and drinks fridge undercounter within reach.

When you're choosing a fridge freezer with an integrated design, there are a few things to take into consideration. It is important to first take into account the capacity of the appliance. Fridge and freezer storage is usually measured in litres, therefore it is crucial to know how much you need before purchasing. You should select one with a large enough capacity to meet your requirements, but one that won't be too large, so you don't waste energy or end up with a surplus of.

You might want to think about the larger capacity of your appliance based on the size of your family. A 350 litre capacity is ideal for most households, providing enough room for up to 19 shopping bags of groceries. Some manufacturers have integrated fridge freezers with a 420-litre capacity. This is ideal for families with more children.

Another factor to consider is the quality of the appliance. Some cheaper models may not be as durable as more expensive counterparts. Hinges can be a problem, since they are typically less durable. You'll want to choose an item with sturdy Hettich or Ingol hinges that last for years to come.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer that's no longer functional select a new model that is comparable in size and split type. It is important to ensure that the doors to your cupboards in your kitchen are wide enough to accommodate the new freezer in your fridge and that the freezer and fridge are both the same height typically 178cm. If you're planning to build your new home, make sure that the dimensions are in line with the measurements in order to find a fridge freezer that is integrated.

Design

Integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into your kitchen without compromising the design that you've spent time and money enhancing. They integrate fridge and freezer into one appliance. This is a great choice for those who want to make the most of their space.

Based on the manufacturer, integrated refrigerator freezers can be found in various styles to suit different interior designs. From fully clad models that cover the doors behind kitchen cabinetry to panels that allow you to create your own unique style, there's something to suit everyone.

Fully integrated fridge freezers feature brackets for mounting the cabinet that secure the appliance to the front of the cabinets in your kitchen, obscuring it completely. This design lets you customise your integrated fridge freezer to fit perfectly with the kitchen you have installed, while reducing noise levels and enhancing the temperature control.

Door sizes for integrated fridge freezers differ too. You can find a'midi model that's around 130cm in height, while tall models tend to be around 170-180cm. You can also pick between 50:50 splits where you get equally sized freezer and fridge storage or 60/40 or 70/30 splits in favor of larger fridge space.

Since integrated fridge freezers are built into your kitchen they're less accessible than freestanding refrigerators, which may result in a higher cost to repair or serviced. However, this doesn't mean you should avoid buying an integrated fridge freezer if your budget is limited as you can find plenty of high-quality models at affordable prices.

Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding counterparts due to the cost of making the cabinet they sit in. They also use stronger motors to keep the refrigerator cool, which can lead to higher energy bills. If you select a model that has advanced technology for food preservation, you could be saving money in the long run by wasting less food and reducing energy usage. This could result in substantial savings over the lifetime of your integrated refrigerator freezer.

Energy efficiency

Fridge freezers are some of the most used appliances in your kitchen, so it's important to choose one that has a high energy rating. A refrigerator that is highly rated will use less energy than one that is less rated and over time, this will lower your energy costs. Find the Energy Label,' which is usually found on the back or the user guide of the fridge-freezer. You can find the energy rating and consumption by hovering your phone over the label. Go to the manufacturer's site to see the full data.

The amount your fridge-freezer will use will also be influenced by the amount you store inside it. Larger models with greater capacity will naturally require more energy to cool than smaller models even if they're equipped with an A++ rating. If you're replacing a model which is older, take note of the space you'll need. Also, check the internal configuration to determine whether there are any adjustable shelves or door storage and if it is able to accommodate larger items like milk bottles.

Another thing to consider is whether you would prefer a frost-free option. Frost-free refrigerator freezers incorporate a heating element to prevent the formation of ice inside the freezer. This will save you the trouble of having to defrost the fridge each and every now and then. Some models do not come with this feature. If you're looking to defrost your fridge regularly, keep this in your mind.

In addition to the energy efficiency, you should consider checking how easy your fridge-freezer is to keep tidy and clean. The majority of integrated fridge freezers have drawers and shelves made of glass that are easy to clean. Some models also have LED lighting that is a great bonus.

Typically, refrigerator freezers that are integrated are more expensive than freestanding equivalents. This is because you need to pay for refrigerator housing cabinets and doors for kitchen cabinets, and there's the cost of installation. It's important to know that integrated fridge-freezers are more likely to experience problems than freestanding. This is mainly because installers may not provide enough ventilation to the cabinets or fail to install them correctly, which means they let in hot air and overheat.

Convenience

A fridge freezer that is integrated offers the ideal solution for those looking to create a sleek look in their kitchen, while blending it seamlessly with their kitchen cabinets. These models are installed behind the cupboard doors and hide from the view, Fridge Containers making them popular with those who want to create an elegant look. The choice of an integrated model means you'll have the convenience of having fridge and freezer in one appliance which makes it easier to store and organize your food.

It can be more difficult to maintain an integrated fridge freezer than a freestanding freezer, since it is integrated into the furniture. Most kitchen engineers are unable to remove the cabinet door from its hinges to gain access to the appliance. This may be something to keep in mind if you believe you'll need repairs or serviced in the near future, or if you're planning to sell your house and relocate.

If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer, it is essential that you buy a like-for-like appliance so the doors on your cabinet will be able to fit. This is because integrated refrigerator freezers are of standard size and can fit into a 60cm x 60cm housing cabinet. Therefore any doors you have installed on your existing cabinets must be compatible. Check the type of hinge on your fridge freezer, if it's a fixed or sliding hinge. This will determine the ease to get access to the cupboard doors.