Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtly integrated fascias, the integrated fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled they're packed with smart tech and ample storage, such as wine racks and four door shelves. They also have two vegetable and fruit bins.
They can be equipped with Hettich and Ingol hinges for long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into kitchen cabinets and are generally smaller in height than freestanding models. If you're looking for a sleek appliance that blends seamlessly with counters and cabinets, they can be a great option. They can also be used if your home doesn't have enough room to accommodate a separate refrigerator.
If you're considering an integrated refrigerator freezer, you must take into consideration a few things. One of the primary reasons why they cost more is the fact that they are built-in models. This is due to the extra costs associated with purchasing and installing refrigerator cabinets, kitchen cabinet door, and a bridging cabinet to integrate the refrigerator.
Another thing to keep in mind is that fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators can be difficult to service. It is necessary to remove the refrigerator from its cabinet and rehang the doors to the kitchen cabinet. This can take several months or even weeks. It is therefore essential to find a reliable kitchen fitter that will take the time to do the job right.
It is essential to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new refrigerator with integrated freezer. Make sure to leave some space on between the two sides of the appliance so that you can open the doors. You should also look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have inferior hinges, which aren't designed to hold the weight of a refrigerator, and often break after a few years.
Refrigerators that are integrated can be found in different width sizes which can increase the storage capacity of your home. The depth of your fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. For example, if you're planning on installing tall cabinets over the refrigerator, you might need to have the appliance built in a custom-length to ensure it is suitable. Make sure that the ventilation of the refrigerator has been cut in the correct way. If it's not, you could face issues in the future.
Style
The decision whether to buy an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer is one that will impact the design of your kitchen for some time to come and it's essential to take a number of factors into account before making any final decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are preferred because they're heavy and can dominate the space. Integrated models are sleek and seamless and blend into the cabinetry.
They are typically flush with the cabinetry and counters around them. The doors are set which means they don't protrude. They can also be panel-ready to give your kitchen a more streamlined look. Many also come with stainless steel fronts to give an elegant and contemporary appearance.
Despite their appearance they don't sacrifice storage space as the freezer section can still be quite large and is usually located in the lower part of the appliance to provide plenty of room for your frozen goods. There is also fridges & freezers of width sizes available. Most brands offer between 20-24 inches of width, which is larger than freestanding freezers.
Integrated refrigerators are more expensive because of their design, and they are also built within your kitchen. This is due to the cost of a fridge housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets to make the surround will increase the overall cost.
Some people may be unable to move their appliances if they decide to relocate. You'll need to remove the entire appliance from its cabinetry and it's not as simple as disconnecting and removing the appliance like you would with a freestanding model.
Integrated fridges can also be more difficult to repair as they are fitted inside of your existing kitchen. If there is a problem, you will require a fridge technician to disassemble and replace any damaged parts. This is a costly process, and certainly more expensive than buying a new refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
A high-efficiency fridge freezer will cut down the cost of your household. It will also save power by reducing the time it runs, and be more sustainable as it consumes less energy. Invest in a model with an A or B energy rating to make a significant difference.
Unlike freestanding models, which come with their own housing, integrated models are built into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into your kitchen design and create an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors, which allow you to open your fridge without opening the cupboard door. Some models are panel-ready. This means they can be covered with cabinet to camouflage your refrigerator behind your cabinets.
The disadvantage of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're usually more expensive than freestanding options. The reason for this is because they are made in smaller quantities and are part of a premium market. However, the installation costs are also a factor. The additional hinges and panels are a big factor here as are the additional expenses associated with the need to make your furniture work with the fridge.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some needing to be defrosted frequently to get rid of ice build-up. Beko's integrated fridge freezers have frost-free features that make maintenance easier and reduce defrosting.
Another factor to consider is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The larger the number of litres and the more food items you'll be able store. Look for models with at least 150 litres of space in the fridge, and up to 350 litres for freezer. You'll find a variety of storage configurations, including drawers and flexible shelves offering plenty of space for fresh produce, as well as bottle racks that can hold your larger milk bottles. There are fridge freezers that are integrated that have 50/50 splits and can be used to store both frozen and chilled food items.
Storage
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is that they require less space than freestanding models. This lets you make the most out of your kitchen. They can also sit in a flush position with counters and cabinets and blend into an elegant design. This means that they are smaller in storage space than freestanding models.
What's more, they're often more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding fridge freezers with similar specifications. This is down to a variety of factors including the costs to design and manufacture and the fact that they're regarded as a luxury product and the extra installation and customization costs that are associated with them.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers are more difficult to access than freestanding counterparts. This can create problems when you need to service them. This is especially true if you purchase an integrated refrigerator freezer that isn't worth the cost with hinges that are not well-made and can break over time.
The size of your family as well as your storage needs will determine the best integrated refrigerator freezer. Think about how much you would like to keep in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres, which can hold up to 19 bags of shopping.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will feature airflow technology, which circulates cool air evenly across the shelves, and others will have antibacterial linings that eliminate the smell. Certain models come with a quick-freeze feature that lowers the temperature of your freezer quickly and allows you to freeze fresh-bought items without freezing solid.
If you like to keep your fish, meat and dairy products at a certain temperature, then look for integrated refrigerator freezers with a BioFresh section. These compartments are maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat and dairy fresher longer than a standard fridge freezer. Fruits and vegetables stay fresher longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high level of humidity.