Integrated Fridge Freezers
Hidden behind subtle fascias, fridge freezers that are integrated serve as a subdued part of your dream kitchen. Don't be fooled by the appearance they're packed with smart tech and ample storage, such as wine racks and four adjustable door shelves. They also have twin fruit and vegetables bins.
They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Size
The integrated fridge-freezers are designed to fit directly into your cabinetry. They tend to be smaller than freestanding models. If you want a sleek appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters, they can be a great choice. They're also a great choice when you don't have space in your home for an additional freezer.
However, there are some things to be aware of when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. One of the primary reasons for their higher cost is because they are built-in models. This is because of the additional expenses associated with purchasing and installing refrigerator cabinets as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cabinet to integrate the refrigerator.
It is also important to note that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult for servicing. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator has to be removed from its housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinet doors have to be rehung, which can take several weeks or even months. Therefore, it is essential to find a reliable trustworthy kitchen fitter who can spend the time and effort needed to do the job right.
It is important to measure the area before buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Be sure to leave some space on between the two sides of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. It's also a good idea to examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. A lot of cheap models have hinges that aren't made to handle the weight of a refrigerator and could break after a few months.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are available in a range of widths that will help you maximize storage. built in fridge freezer of the refrigerator can also affect the kitchen cabinets. If you are planning to install tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you may require the appliance made to a specific length to ensure it fits. Check that the ventilation of the refrigerator is cut properly. If not, you could have issues later.
Style
The decision of whether to purchase an freestanding or integrated fridge freezer is one that will affect your kitchen design for quite a while to come and it's essential to take a lot of things into consideration before making any final decision. The integrated fridge freezer is often preferred over freestanding models because they offer a sleek and seamless look to your kitchen and are designed to blend with cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the space.
They usually sit in a flush position with the counters and cabinets, with their doors set so they don't protrude. They are usually panel-ready for an elegant look to your kitchen. Many have stainless-steel fronts that give them a sleek and contemporary design.
The freezer section is quite big, and is usually at the bottom to give ample space for your frozen foods. There are a variety of width sizes available. Most brands offer between 20 and 24 inches in width which is more than freestanding freezers.
Because of their design and the fact that they are integrated into your kitchen you will probably find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freezers for freestanding fridges. This is mainly because the cost of a fridge's housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets used to create the surround for it will push up the overall price.
Some people might be unable to move them when they decide to move. You will need to disassemble the entire appliance from its cabinetry. It's not as simple as disconnecting the appliance and taking it off as you would with a stand-alone model.
Integrated refrigerators are more difficult to repair because they are installed in your existing kitchen. In the event of an issue, you'll need a fridge engineer to take apart and replace any damaged components. This could be a costly procedure, and definitely more expensive than purchasing a new refrigerator freezer.
Energy efficiency
A integrated refrigerator freezer that is high-efficiency will reduce your household bills. It will also help save energy by reducing the amount of time it runs, and also be more sustainable as 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 have their own housing integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This lets the fridge blend seamlessly into the kitchen design and create a sleek, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that let you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be overlaid with a cabinet door to essentially camouflage the refrigerator behind cabinets in the kitchen.
The drawback of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they're usually more expensive than freestanding options. This is partly because they're produced in smaller volumes and are more of a high-end product however, it's also due to the additional costs that come when installing them. Additional hinges and panels as well as the extra cost of fitting your furniture around a fridge are all aspects.
In addition integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, with some having to be defrosted regularly to remove ice build-up. Beko's integrated fridge freezers come with frost-free technologies that reduce maintenance and reduce defrosting.
Another important consideration is the capacity of a refrigerator/freezer integrated. The more litres, the more food can be stored. Look for models with at least 150 litres of space in the fridge and up to 350 litres for freezer. You can pick from a range of storage options, including shelves that are flexible and drawers that provide plenty of space for fresh produce as well as bottle racks that can hold larger milk bottles. There are fridges that have integrated freezers that have 50/50 splits that can be used for freezing and chilling food items.
Storage
The primary benefit of integrated refrigerator freezers is that they take up less room than freestanding models. This lets you maximize the space in your kitchen. They can also be placed close to counters and cabinets, blending in to create an elegant design. However, this design implies that they have a smaller capacity of storage than freestanding models.
In addition, they're typically more expensive to purchase and operate than fridge freezers that are freestanding and have the same specifications. This is down to a number of reasons including the cost to develop and manufacture and the fact that they're regarded a luxury product and the extra cost of installation and customization that are associated 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 particularly the case when you select a low-end integrated fridge freezer that uses poorly-made hinges, which can break easily over the course of time.
Selecting the best integrated fridge freezer for your home will depend on the size of your household and your storage needs. It is also important to consider how much food you will be storing in your fridge, and if you'll be keeping large platters or frozen foods. Most integrated fridge freezers can store between 150-350 litres. This can accommodate up to 19 shopping bags.
The top integrated refrigerator freezers will have additional features that help to keep your food fresh and healthy. Certain models will have airflow technology, which circulates cool air evenly over the shelves, while others will come with antibacterial linings to reduce odours. Certain models may even have the speed-freeze feature that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, so you can store fresh food items without them forming a solid.
For those who like to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a certain temperature, consider integrating fridge freezers with a BioFresh compartment. These compartments are kept at a low level of humidity and will keep your fish, meat, and dairy fresher for longer than a typical fridge freezer. Fruit and vegetables will stay crisper longer in the HydroSafe compartment, which is maintained at a high humidity.