Integrated Fridge Freezers
Invisibly concealed behind subdued fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived They are brimming with smart tech and ample storage like wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also have two vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges for long-lasting performance.
Size
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are designed to fit directly into kitchen cabinets 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 in with your cabinetry and counters. You can also use them in the event that your home doesn't have enough room to accommodate an additional refrigerator.
But, there are things to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer. One of the main reasons they are more expensive is the fact that they are built-in models. This is due to the additional costs of buying and installing fridge cabinets and kitchen cabinet doors and a bridging cabinet to integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to keep in mind that refrigerators with integrated freezers can be difficult for servicing. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinet doors have to be rehung, which can take weeks or even months. It's therefore important to hire an experienced kitchen fitter who will take the time to complete the task correctly.
small fridge with freezer is crucial to measure the area before buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Be sure to leave space on either side of the appliance for you to be able to open the doors. It's also a good idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. A lot of cheaper models use inferior hinges, which aren't made to withstand the weight of a refrigerator and often fail after a couple of years.
Integrated fridge freezers come in a variety of widths that can aid in maximizing storage space. The depth of the refrigerator can also affect the kitchen cabinets. For example, if you're planning on installing tall cabinets over the refrigerator then you may need to order the appliance in a custom length to ensure that it will fit. Also, be careful to make sure that the ventilation for the fridge is cut correctly and if it's not done correctly then you may encounter issues in the future.
Style
The decision whether to buy an integrated or freestanding fridge freezer is one that will affect your kitchen design for a long time and it's important that you take a number of factors into account 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. They're designed to blend with cabinetry rather than standing out and dominating the room.
They are usually flush with the counters and cabinets surrounding them. The doors are set and do not protrude. They can also be ready to be panel-ready for your kitchen, giving it a an edgier appearance. Many come with stainless-steel fronts, giving them a modern and stylish design.
The freezer compartment is quite big, and is typically located at the bottom, giving ample space to store your frozen food items. You can also select from a variety of widths with most brands offering between 20-24 inches in 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 housing cabinet and the cabinets for kitchens that surround it will increase the total cost.
They can be more difficult to move if you decide to move house which can be a challenge for some. It is necessary to disassemble the whole appliance from its cabinetry. It's not as simple as unplugging and removing the appliance like you would with a stand-alone model.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to fix because they are a part of your kitchen. If something goes wrong, you must call a fridge engineer in to remove the appliance and replace any damaged parts. This is a costly procedure, and definitely more costly than buying an entirely new fridge freezer.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency will reduce your household bills. It will also save energy by reducing the amount of time it needs to run, and also be more environmentally friendly by making use of less power. Choose models that have an A- or B-energy rating to make a difference.
In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into your kitchen's design, and gives it a sleek, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors that allow you to open the fridge without opening your cupboard door. Others are panel-ready, meaning that they can be layered with cabinet doors to essentially camouflage the fridge behind kitchen cabinets.
The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers are that they are more expensive than other alternatives. The reason is that they are produced in smaller quantities and are more of a premium product. However the installation costs also play a part. Additional hinges and panels and the additional costs of making your furniture fit around refrigerators are all elements.
Certain fridge freezers that are integrated require more maintenance, and some require frequent defrosting to get rid of the accumulation of ice. Beko's integrated fridge freezers have frost-free features that make maintenance easier and minimise defrosting.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The larger the litres, the more food you'll be able to store. Find models that have at minimum 150 litres for the fridge and up to 350 litres for freezer. You can pick from a variety of storage options, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce or bottle racks that can hold larger milk bottles. There are also fridge freezers that have a 50/50 split that can be used for both freezing and chilling food items.
Storage
The main benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they take up less space than freestanding models, which helps you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be placed close to counters and cabinets, blending in to create an elegant look. This design does mean that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding models.
They're also more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding refrigerator freezers that have the same specifications. This is due to a number of reasons like the costs to design and manufacture and the fact that they're regarded as an expensive product and the extra installation and customization costs that come 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 purchase an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with poorly-made hinges that can break in time.
The best integrated fridge freezer for your home will be contingent on the size of your family and the storage requirements you have. You should also consider how much food you will be storing in your fridge and if you'll be stocking large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities of between 150 and 350 litres which can hold up to 19 shopping bags.
The most efficient refrigerator freezers will have additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. Certain models will have airflow technology, which distributes cool air evenly over the shelves, and others will have antibacterial linings that reduce odours. Some models will even have an option for fast-freezing that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, ensuring that you can store fresh food items without them freezing solid.
If you want to keep your fish, meat, and dairy products at a certain temperature then you should look for refrigerators with integrated freezers with a BioFresh section. These compartments are maintained at a lower level of humidity, which will keep your fish, meat and dairy fresher for longer than a standard fridge freezer. In addition, vegetables and fruits can be kept fresher for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that is maintained at a higher humidity.