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Integrated Fridge Freezers

Hidden behind subtle fascias, integrated fridge freezers play an invisible role in your dream kitchen. But don't be fooled - they're packed with cavernous storage space and sophisticated technology like wine racks, four adjustable door shelves, and twin fruit and vegetable bins.

They can also come with Hettich or Ingol hinges, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Size

Integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into kitchen cabinets and are usually smaller in height than freestanding models. They can be an excellent choice if you're seeking a sleek, modern appliance that will blend into your cabinets and counters. They can also be used when your home isn't big enough to accommodate an additional refrigerator.

But, there are things to consider when deciding on an integrated fridge freezer. First, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding models. This is due to the additional costs involved in buying and installing refrigerator cabinets, kitchen cabinet door, and a bridging cupboard to connect the refrigerator.

Another aspect to be aware of is that fridge freezers integrated aren't easy to maintain. This is due to the fact that the refrigerator needs to be removed from its cabinet, and kitchen cabinet doors have to be rehung, which can take weeks or even months. It's therefore important to hire a reliable kitchen fitting service that will be able to do the job right.

It is important to measure the size of the space prior to buying a new refrigerator with integrated freezer. Make sure to leave a little space to either side of the appliance to ensure you can open the doors. Also, you should look at the hinges for the doors on the refrigerator. Many models that are cheap have inferior hinges that are not designed to withstand the weight of a fridge and can break after a couple of months.

The integrated fridge freezers are available in a range of widths, which can help you maximize storage. The depth of your fridge can also affect your kitchen cabinets. For instance, if planning on installing tall cabinets over the refrigerator, then you may have to order the appliance with a specific length to ensure it is suitable. Check that the ventilation of the refrigerator has been cut in the correct way. If not, you may have problems later.

Style

It is essential to consider various factors prior to making a decision. Integrated fridge freezers are often preferred over freestanding models as they offer an elegant and seamless look to your kitchen. They are designed to blend in with cabinets, rather than standing out and dominating the space.

They are typically flush with the counters and cabinets around them. Their doors are inset and do not protrude. They are also ready for paneling to give your kitchen a an elegant look. Many have stainless-steel fronts, giving them a modern and stylish look.

The freezer section is very large, and it's usually located at the bottom, giving ample space for your frozen meals. You can also select from a wide range of widths, with the majority of brands offering between 20 and 24 inches of width, which is more than what you'll find on freestanding freezers.

Integrated refrigerators are more expensive due to their design and also because they are built within your kitchen. This is mainly because the cost of a fridge housing cabinet and the kitchen cabinets used to create the surround for it will push up the overall cost.

They can be more difficult to move if you decide to move house which may be an issue for some. It is necessary to remove the entire appliance and cabinetry. It's not as easy as unplugging the appliance and removing it like with a freestanding one.

Refrigerators with integrated components are more difficult to fix because they are installed inside the kitchen you already have. In the event of problems, you'll require a fridge technician to take apart and replace any damaged parts. This is expensive and definitely more expensive than buying the fridge freezer an alternative.

Energy efficiency

A high-efficiency fridge freezer can cut down on your household bills. It will also help save energy by reducing how long it runs, and be more environmentally friendly because it uses less energy. Choose models that have an Aor B energy rating to make a difference.

In contrast to freestanding models, which have their own housings integrated models are incorporated into the cabinetry. This allows the fridge to blend in seamlessly with your kitchen's design, and gives it a sleek, uniform look. Certain models come with sliding doors, which allow you to open your refrigerator without opening your cabinet door. Others are panel-ready. This means that they can be placed with cabinet doors to disguise the refrigerator behind cabinets in your kitchen.

The downside to integrated fridge freezers are that they're generally more expensive than other alternatives. This is partly because they're produced in smaller volumes and tend to be more of a premium market, but it's also down to the extra costs involved when installing them. Additional hinges and panels, along with the additional cost of fitting your furniture around the fridge are all aspects.

What's more, integrated fridge freezers often require more maintenance than their freestanding counterparts, and some having to be defrosted regularly to remove the accumulation of ice. Some models are made to eliminate the need for this, including Beko's range of integrated fridge freezers with frost-free technology, which reduces defrosting and eases maintenance.

The capacity of an integrated fridge/freezer is another crucial aspect to consider. The more litres you get and the more food items you'll be able to keep. Find models that can hold at least 150 litres of space in the fridge and as much as 350 for the freezer. You'll find a range of storage configurations, with 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 a 50/50 split and can be used to store frozen and chilled food items.

Stores

The primary benefit of fridge freezers with integrated refrigerators is that they require less space than freestanding models, allowing you make the most of your kitchen. They can also sit in a flush position with counters and cabinets and blend into an elegant design. This design, however, implies that they have a smaller capacity for storage than their freestanding counterparts.

Additionally, they're usually more expensive to buy and run than freestanding fridge freezers with the same specifications. This is down to a number of reasons including the costs to design and manufacture, the fact that they're regarded to be a luxury item and the extra costs for installation and customization that come with them.

In addition to this integrated fridge freezers are harder to access than their freestanding counterparts. This can cause problems when you require them to be serviced. This is especially true if you buy 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 and your storage requirements will determine the best integrated fridge freezer. Think about how much you'd like to store in your refrigerator, and whether you'll be storing any large platters or frozen foods. The majority of fridge freezers that are integrated will have capacities between 150 and 350 litres which can hold up to 19 shopping bags.

The most efficient fridge freezers can include additional features that will help keep your food fresh and healthy. For instance, some models have an airflow system that distributes cool air evenly across shelves, while others include an antibacterial lining that will minimize odours as well as prevent mould. Some models will even have an option for fast-freezing that quickly reduces the temperature of your freezer, ensuring that you can freeze fresh-bought items without them forming a solid.

For those who prefer to keep their fish, meat and dairy at a specific temperature, you should look for integrated Fridge Freezer Best Buy freezers with a BioFresh compartment. They're maintained at a low level of humidity and will keep meat, fish and dairy fresher for a longer period than standard fridge freezers. Fruits and vegetables remain crisper for longer in the HydroSafe compartment which is kept at a high level of humidity.