The 10 Most Scariest Things About Integrated Fridge Freezer

Integrated Fridge Freezers

Hidden behind subtly integrated fascias concealed behind subtly integrated fascias, fridge freezers are an integral element of your dream kitchen. But don't be fooled - they're packed with cavernous storage and smart tech like wine racks, four door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.

They can be fitted with Hettich and Ingol hinges for a long-lasting performance.

Size

Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are designed to be installed directly into your cabinetry. They're usually smaller than freestanding models. They're a great choice if you're looking for a sleek, modern appliance that blends into your cabinets and counters. They're also a great choice if you don't have room in your home for an additional freezer.

However, there are a few things to consider when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is because of the additional expenses associated with buying and installing refrigerator cabinets as well as a kitchen cabinet door and a bridging cupboard to integrate the refrigerator.

It is also important to note that integrated fridge-freezers can be difficult to servicing. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its housing cabinet and doors for kitchen cabinets must be rehung, which can take months or even weeks. It is therefore essential to find an experienced kitchen fitter who will be able to do the job right.

It is essential to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new integrated refrigerator freezer. Make sure you leave space on either side of the appliance for you to to open the doors. It's also recommended to take a examine the hinges on the doors of the refrigerator. Many models that are cheap have inferior hinges that aren't made to handle the weight of a fridge and could break after a couple of months.

Refrigerators with integrated freezers are available in a variety of width sizes, which can aid in maximizing storage space. The depth of the fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. If you plan to add tall cabinets above your refrigerator, you might need the appliance to be made to a specific length to ensure it will fit. Be sure to ensure that the ventilation of the refrigerator is cut correctly in case it's not cut correctly, you could face issues later on.

Style

It's important to consider several factors before making a decision. Freestanding fridge freezers are more popular because they are bulky and can take up a lot of space. Integrated models are more sleek and seamless and blend in with your cabinetry.

They typically sit flush with the surrounding cabinetry and counters with doors that are inset so they don't protrude and are often panel-ready to give a more sleek look to your kitchen. Many have stainless-steel fronts that give them a modern and stylish appearance.

The freezer section is still quite big, and is usually located at the bottom, giving ample space for your frozen meals. There are also a variety of widths available. Most brands have between 20 and 24 inches in width, which is larger than freestanding freezers.

Because of their design and the fact that they are built into your kitchen, you will likely find integrated fridges to be more expensive than freestanding fridge freezers. The cost of the fridge's housing cabinet as well as the kitchen cabinets which surround it will increase the total cost.

They are also more difficult to move if you are planning to move which may be an issue for some. You'll need to take out the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance, then removing it like with the freestanding model.

Refrigerators that are integrated can be more difficult to repair as they are installed inside your kitchen. In the event of an issue, you'll need a fridge engineer to disassemble and replace any damaged components. This can be a costly process and is definitely more expensive than purchasing an entirely new fridge freezer as a replacement.

Energy efficiency

A integrated refrigerator with high efficiency will lower your monthly household bills. It will also help save energy by cutting down on the time it takes to run, and also be more eco-friendly by making use of less energy. Choose a model that has an A or B energy rating to make a real difference.

Unlike freestanding fridge freezers, which have a separate housing integrated models come with doors built into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend seamlessly into the kitchen design and give it an elegant, uniform appearance. Certain models come with sliding doors that let you to open your fridge freezer freestanding without opening your cupboard door. Some are panel-ready, which means that they can be placed with a cabinet door to disguise the refrigerator behind your kitchen cabinets.

The disadvantages of integrated fridge freezers is that they tend to be more expensive than other options. The reason is that they're made in smaller quantities and are more of a premium product. However, the installation costs also play a part. Additional hinges and panels along with the additional expenses of making your furniture fit around a fridge are all aspects.

Additionally integrated fridge freezers usually require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some needing to be defrosted frequently to get rid of ice build-up. Some models have been made to eliminate the need for this, with Beko's range of fridge freezers that are integrated featuring frost-free technology that minimises defrosting and eases maintenance.

Another important consideration is the capacity of a fridge/freezer integrated. The more litres, the more food that can be stored. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres of space in the fridge and as much as 350 litres in the freezer. You can pick from a range of storage options, such as shelves and drawers that offer plenty of space for fresh produce or bottle racks that can hold larger milk bottles. There are even integrated fridge freezers that have 50/50 splits that can be used for both storage of frozen and chilled foods.

Storage

The main benefit of integrated fridge freezers is that they consume less space than freestanding fridge freezer models, helping you make the most of your kitchen. They can also be positioned in a flush position with counters and cabinets, blending in to create a seamless design. However, this means that they have a smaller capacity for storage than freestanding models.

Additionally, they're usually more expensive to purchase and operate than freestanding fridge freezers with the same specifications. This is due to several factors, including their high cost of development and manufacturing and the fact that they're considered a luxury item, and the extra installation and customization costs.

In addition to this integrated fridge freezers are more difficult to access than their freestanding counterparts, which could 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 hinges that are not well-made and 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. Think about how much you would like to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll need to store any 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 have features that help keep your food fresh and healthy. Some models will come with airflow technology, which distributes cool air evenly over the shelves, while others will have antibacterial linings that reduce the odours. Some models even come with a fast-freeze setting that rapidly reduces the temperature of your freezer, meaning you can freeze fresh-bought items without them freezing solid.

If you want to keep your meat, fish, and dairy products at a specific temperature, then you should look for refrigerators with integrated freezers that feature a BioFresh section. They are kept at a lower humidity level and will keep fish, meat and dairy fresher for a longer period than conventional fridge freezers. In addition, vegetables and fruits can be kept more crisp for longer in a HydroSafe compartment that's maintained at a higher level of humidity.