Benefits of an Integral Fridge Freezer
A fridge freezer that is integrated seamlessly integrates into your kitchen cabinets to create an elegant and seamless appearance. These appliances provide a variety of benefits such as energy efficiency, food preservation and more.
Check that your integrated refrigerator freezer is installed correctly. Make sure that the ventilation is working as per the instructions and not blocked by other appliances like cabinets or dishwashers.
Size
An integrated fridge freezer is a built-in appliance that's placed inside your kitchen cabinets, which means it blends seamlessly with your decor. These are ideal for those who prefer a sleek look or have homes with open-plan living spaces where freestanding appliances could appear overloaded.
They come in different sizes, but all are made to fit inside your cupboard units. The standard size is 60cm wide by 178cm high. They can be fitted with either a fixed or sliding hinge. If you are replacing an integrated fridge freezer it's important that you select like in terms of split type and door opening style to ensure that the kitchen cabinet doors will remain open over the appliance.
There are a few things to think about when choosing the size of an integral fridge freezer that include capacity and storage space. Generally, anything above 350 litres will be suitable for households with moderate size and can hold up to 19 bags of groceries. There are larger capacities available for those who want to store larger items such as meat or frozen foods.
The majority of integrated fridge freezers are divided 50:50, allowing equally space for freezing and refrigeration. This is ideal for those who prefer to mix fresh foods with chilled ready-to-eat meals. However, you can find 70:30 fridge freezers that provide greater refrigerator space if prefer to store a larger portion of fresh food items in your kitchen.
It's not a good idea to overload your integrated refrigerator freezer with items such as huge cartons of milk or oversized fruit juice bottles. The hinges on the fridge freezer aren't designed to handle this kind of load, and they can cause damage. For this reason, we suggest leaving a bit of room to either side of the refrigerator freezer to be able to quickly access items stored there.
Style
Integrated fridge freezers are designed to slot seamlessly into the kitchen, hiding behind cabinet doors so they don't ruin the overall look. They incorporate refrigeration and freezer storage into one device. They typically come with a built-in section at the top that allows you to store bags or ice cream. The latest refrigerator freezer models come with a variety of innovative features that maximize energy efficiency and increase your foods' freshness and taste.
Comparatively to freestanding refrigerators integrated freezers are generally more expensive. However, they have an elegant, modern aesthetic and are generally able to last a longer lifespan than freestanding fridges. If you're building a brand new kitchen or replacing an existing fridge, our range of fridge freezers that are integrated from leading brands like Bosch, Hotpoint and Neff will ensure that your appliance fits your style.
Standard size for refrigerator freezers is 60cm. fridge and freezer are available in either fixed or sliding hinge. The right hinge will determine the fit of your cabinet doors.
Fixed hinge models are more affordable and offer a greater choice of sizes for fridge freezers.
Slide-out fridge freezers are a great option for those with limited space as they come with an even lower depth. The latest models contain antibacterial linings which make it less odour-y and help keep food fresher for longer. They also have advanced temperature controls which allow you to set different temperatures for different kinds of food items.
Other features that are worth mentioning include fast chill or rapid freeze settings that can reduce the time it takes for your fridge or freezer to speed cooling and reduce the requirement for manual defrosting. Some models have air-flow technologies that circulate cool air throughout the interior of the fridge, which helps to eliminate the smell and bacteria and extend shelf life. Some models come with super-cooling settings that increase the efficiency of your fridge. Depending on the model you choose, there might also be a wine rack or glass shelves to give you extra storage space for glasses and bottles.
Energy efficiency
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers aren't only a great way to create an ideal kitchen. They also come with a variety of clever features. Smart fridge freezers, including air-flow and frost-free designs can ease the burden of daily life while improving energy efficiency. Some models can even defrost themselves by itself, saving you time and effort.
You'll also want to examine the storage options available and whether doors or shelves storage can be moved to suit your needs, for example when you have lots of fruit or need space for large milk bottles. Certain models can be upgraded to include an integrated wine rack.
To ensure heat is properly dissipated, most integrated fridge freezers require ventilation. This can be accomplished via small vents or grills on the back. It is also possible that they require an outlet that is hardwired or a particular type in accordance with the type of installation.
In order to reduce household costs, energy efficient fridge freezers are becoming more popular. When shopping for an integrated model be sure to look at the kWh figure on the EU energy label to see how much energy it will consume over a year. This makes it easier to compare products and find the most economical choice for you.
The integrated models are typically smaller in size than freestanding refrigerators, to allow them fit into housing cabinets. But, they're capable of holding up to 8 shopping bags of food due to their spacious refrigerator compartments.
The latest refrigerator freezers are also more energy efficient than their predecessors and can help you save money on your electricity costs. If you're considering buying an integrated model, pick one that has a low energy consumption and a high A or B rating to help keep your expenses lower.
Keep in mind that integrated refrigerator freezers are harder to reach than freestanding appliances, and will cost more to repair when something goes wrong. It's therefore important to check that your new appliance comes with an easy-to-reach service panel and a concise and clear user's guide.
Storage
Refrigerator freezers are available in different sizes and styles. Freestanding fridge freezers can be found in many kitchens and are the most commonly used. The integrated models are hidden behind a cabinet door for an easier-to-use look. There are also American-style fridge-freezers with more storage space and include useful Ice dispensers.
If you're replacing an old appliance or are redesigning your kitchen, a refrigerator with integrated freezer can help you create an elegant and modern appearance. These appliances are hidden behind a cupboard door to complement the design of your kitchen, and they're an excellent choice for those with smaller spaces or open-plan living areas.
You'll need to think about the capacity of your fridge's integrated freezer to ensure it will be able to meet your storage needs. A larger capacity model is ideal for families, while smaller models might be adequate for couples or single people. Use our fridge/freezer capacity calculator to assist you in determining the space you'll need.
The capacity of storage for fridge freezers that are integrated can vary in size, but they're generally smaller than their freestanding counterparts to blend into your kitchen design. This allows you to reduce the size and number of cabinets you require and allow you to store more food items.
The standard width for integrated models is 60cm (including the housing cabinet) and they're usually taller than 178cm, although some models are a little shorter. Depending on the location you're putting the fridge/freezer, you might require a change to other components of your kitchen design such as adding or removing fillers or creating the bridging cabinet above it.
The fridge freezers that are integrated weigh more than freestanding appliances of the same size, so they have hinges that are stronger and can take on the additional weight. Anyone using the fridge or freezer should be mindful of this by not swinging or leaning heavy objects on the fridge. This can cause damage to the hinges.
Prices for integrated fridge freezers vary widely, but you can get less expensive models from brands like Beko, Candy, and Hotpoint starting at around PS250. More premium brands such as Neff, Bosch and AEG can cost as high as PS2,000.