Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind subdued fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. But don't let them fool you they're stuffed with a wealth of storage and smart tech like wine racks, four adjustable door shelves and twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges for a long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into your kitchen cabinetry and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They can be a great choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that can blend into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great choice if you don't have room in your home for a separate freezer.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. One of the main reasons why they cost more is because they are built-in models. This is because of the additional expenses associated with buying and installing refrigerator cabinets and kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard that connect the refrigerator.
It is also important to keep in mind that refrigerators with integrated freezers can be difficult for servicing. It is essential to take the refrigerator from its housing cabinet and then rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This could take months or even weeks. Therefore, it is essential to find a reliable trustworthy kitchen installer who will take the time and care needed to do the job right.
It is important to measure the space before purchasing a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Be sure to leave some space on to either side of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. It's also recommended to take a take a look at the hinges of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models come with hinges that aren't made to withstand the weight of a refrigerator and can break after a few months.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in a variety of widths which can to maximize the storage space. The depth of the fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. For instance, if planning on adding tall cabinets above your refrigerator then you may need to order the appliance with a specific length to ensure it fits. Verify that the ventilation in the refrigerator has been cut correctly. If not, you may have issues later.
Style
The decision whether to buy an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer is one that will impact the design of your kitchen for some time to come and it's crucial to take a number of considerations before making any decision. Refrigerators with integrated freezers are typically preferred over freestanding models as they provide a sleek and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend with cabinets, rather than standing out and occupying the space.
They are typically flush with the cabinetry and counters around them. Their doors are inset, so they do not protrude. They may also be ready to be panel-ready for your kitchen, giving it a an elegant appearance. Many have stainless-steel fronts, giving them a stylish and modern design.
Despite their appearance they don't compromise storage space since the freezer compartment can be quite large and is typically located in the lower part of the appliance to give ample space for your frozen items. You can also choose from a wide range of widths, with the majority of brands offering between 20-24 inches in width which is more than the freezers that are freestanding.
The cost of integrated fridges is higher because of 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 total cost.
Some people might find it difficult to move them if they decide to move home. It is necessary to disassemble the entire unit from its cabinetry. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and taking it off as you would do with a freestanding model.
Integrated refrigerators can be more difficult to repair because they are installed in your kitchen. In the event of problems, you'll require a refrigerator engineer to disassemble and replace damaged parts. This can be an expensive process, and certainly more expensive than purchasing an entirely new fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer will lower your monthly household bills. It will also save power by reducing how long it runs, and be more environmentally friendly because it consumes less power. Invest in a model with an A or B energy rating to make a real difference.
In contrast to freestanding models, which come with their own housing, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This enables the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen's design and gives it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that permit you to open the refrigerator without opening the cabinet door. Others are panel-ready, meaning that they can be placed with cabinet doors to disguise the refrigerator behind cabinets in the kitchen.
fridge-freezer to integrated fridge freezers is that they tend to be more expensive than other alternatives. This is due to the fact that they are made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium market however, it's also due to the extra costs involved with installing them. The additional hinges and panels are a major reason as are the additional expenses associated with having to make your furniture work with the refrigerator.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers typically require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, and some require regular defrosting to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Beko's integrated fridge freezers come with frost-free technology that makes it easier to maintain and minimize defrosting.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The larger the number of litres the more food you'll be able store. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres in the fridge and as much as 350 litres for freezer. You can pick from a variety of storage options, including shelves and drawers which provide ample space for fresh produce or bottle racks to hold larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators with 50/50 splits that can be used to store both frozen and chilled food.
Storage
The primary benefit of integrated fridge freezers is that they require less space than freestanding models, allowing you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned flush with counters and cabinets, creating a seamless look. This design does mean that they are smaller in storage space than their freestanding counterparts.
What's more, they're often more expensive to buy and run than freestanding fridge freezers with the same specifications. This is due to a variety of factors including the costs to design and manufacture as well as the fact that they're regarded an expensive product, and the additional costs for installation and customization that are associated with them.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers can be more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which could cause problems when you need to service them. This is especially true when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer that uses poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
Choosing the right integrated fridge freezer for your home will be contingent on the size of your household and your storage requirements. Think about how much you'd like to store in your refrigerator, as well as whether you'll need to store any large platters or frozen food items. Most integrated fridge freezers have storage capacities of between 150 and 350 litres. This is enough to store up 19 bags of shopping.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology, which circulates cool air evenly across the shelves, while others will have antibacterial linings that eliminate the odours. Some models have a quick-freeze feature that reduces the temperature inside your freezer quickly and allows you to freeze fresh products without them forming solid.
For those who prefer to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a specific temperature, consider integrating fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. They're maintained at a lower humidity level and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresher for a longer period than normal fridge freezers. Fruit and vegetables will remain crisper for longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity.