20 Questions You Must Always ASK ABOUT Integrated Fridge Freezer Before You Buy Integrated Fridge Freezer
Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, integrated fridge freezers are a hidden feature in your dream kitchen. Don't be deceived, they are packed with smart tech and fridge-freezer ample storage options, including wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also come with twin vegetable and fruit bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, which ensure long-lasting performance.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are designed to be inserted directly into your cabinetry. They are usually shorter than freestanding models. If you're looking for a sleek appliance that blends in with counters and cabinets They can be an excellent choice. They're also a great option for those who don't have the space in your home for an additional freezer.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer you must take into consideration certain aspects. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the extra costs of buying and installing a fridge cabinet, kitchen cabinet doors, and a bridging cabinet to make the refrigerator integrated.
It is also important to remember that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult to service. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its housing cabinet and the doors to the kitchen cabinet have to be re-hung, which could take weeks or even months. Therefore, it is essential to hire a reliable kitchen fitter that will be able to do the job right.
It is important to measure the size of the space prior to purchasing a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure you leave space on either side of the appliance for you to to open the doors. You should also look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have inferior hinges that aren't made to handle the weight of a fridge and could break after a few months.
Integrated fridge-freezers are available in various widths which can increase the storage capacity of your home. It is also important to consider the depth of the refrigerator, as it could impact on your kitchen cabinetry. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you may need the appliance to be cut according to a specified length to ensure that it is a good fit. Verify that the ventilation in the fridge is cut properly. If not, you could have problems later.
Style
It is important to take into consideration a number of factors before making a final decision. Refrigerators with integrated freezers are typically preferred over freestanding models due to the fact that they provide an elegant and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend into cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the space.
They are usually flush with the counters and cabinetry around them. The doors are set which means they don't protrude. They are also ready for paneling to give your kitchen a a more streamlined appearance. Many come with stainless-steel fronts to give them a stylish and modern design.
Despite their appearance, they don't reduce storage space, as the freezer section can still be quite large and is usually located at the bottom of the appliance, allowing plenty of room for your frozen goods. There is also a range of width sizes available. Most brands offer between 20 and 24 inches in width, which is larger than freestanding freezers.
Due to their design and the fact that they are integrated into your kitchen you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. This is mainly because the cost of a fridge freezers fridges housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets that make the surround will increase the total cost.
They can be more difficult to move when you are planning to move which may be an issue for some. You'll need to take out the entire unit and cabinetry. It's not as simple as unplugging the appliance and taking it out like the freestanding model.
Refrigerators with integrated components can be more difficult to repair since they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. If something goes wrong, you have to call a fridge engineer in to take the appliance apart and replace the damaged components. This can be expensive and certainly more expensive than simply purchasing a new fridge freezer as a replacement.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency integrated refrigerator freezer will reduce your household bills. It also conserves energy by cutting down on the time it takes to run, and it'll be more environmentally friendly by making use of less energy. Make sure you buy a model with an A or B energy rating to make a huge difference.
Unlike freestanding fridge freezers, which have a separate housing integrated models come with doors integrated into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen and give it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models have sliding doors that allow you to open your fridge without opening the cupboard door. Some models are panel-ready. This means that they can be covered with cabinet to hide your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers are that they're generally more expensive than other alternatives. The reason is that they are produced in smaller quantities and are part expensive and are a part of the premium market. However installation costs also play a part. The additional hinges and panels are a major factor as are the additional costs associated with the need to make your furniture work with the refrigerator.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than freestanding counterparts, and some needing to be defrosted frequently to get rid of the build-up of ice. Some models have been made to eliminate the requirement for this, such as Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated equipped with frost-free technology that reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.
The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is a different aspect to consider. The more litres, the more food you can 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 drawers and flexible shelving that provide plenty of space for fresh produce as well as bottle racks to store larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers with 50/50 splits that can be used for storing chilled and frozen foods.
Stores
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is they take up less room than freestanding models. This allows you to maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be placed flush with cabinets and counters and blend into an elegant look. However, this implies they have a smaller capacity of storage than freestanding models.
What's more, they're often more expensive to purchase and run than freestanding fridge freezers with the same specifications. This is due to a variety of factors such as their high price of development and production and the fact that they're considered a luxury item, and the additional cost of installation and customization.
It is also more difficult to service integrated fridge freezers than freestanding counterparts. This is especially the case when you purchase a cheap integrated fridge freezer that uses hinges that are poorly constructed, and can break easily over the course of time.
The size of your family as well as your storage requirements will determine the most efficient integrated refrigerator freezer. Consider how much you want to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen food items. Most fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators have storage capacities of between 150 and 350 litres. This can accommodate up to 19 bags of groceries.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers offer features that help keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology, which circulates cool air throughout the shelves, and others will have antibacterial linings that eliminate the odours. Certain models have a quick freeze feature that lowers the temperature inside your freezer quickly and allows you to freeze fresh-bought products without them forming solid.
For those who prefer to keep their meat, fish and dairy at a particular temperature, look for integrated fridge freezer small freezers that have a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are kept at a low level of humidity, which is the best fridge freezer to buy will keep your meat, fish and dairy fresher for longer than a standard fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables will remain crisper for longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high level of humidity.