Integrated Fridge Freezers
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are built into kitchen cabinets and appear to be part of them. This is a popular option for those wanting modern, sleek design.
Make sure you have enough room to move the fridge-freezer. It is also important to leave air gaps in order to allow ventilation.
Aesthetics
Integrated fridge freezers sit flush with kitchen cabinetry and have doors that match the rest of your kitchen and create a sleek appearance. These models are a popular choice for homeowners who favor a minimalist design. These models are ideal for those who have small kitchens and open-plan living spaces, because they can save valuable floor space.
The size of your kitchen is the first thing you should consider when choosing an integrated refrigerator freezer. It is essential to ensure that the appliance will fit in your kitchen, as well as any other appliances. The next important factor is capacity, which is the amount of litres that the refrigerator can store. There are models that can hold as little as 18-litres (the equivalent to a bag of grocery items) and as much as 350-litres for large households.
After you've identified the size and type of fridge freezer you need then it's time to consider the options and features available. Certain models feature humidity-controlled crispers that keep food fresh and flavourful. Others feature adjustable glass shelves that offer maximum flexibility. Some models are equipped with the latest technology such as no-frost and super freeze technology that reduces the amount of ice.
When you are choosing a refrigerator with integrated freezer, energy efficiency is also a factor to consider. Make sure you select a model with an A or A+ rating, which can aid in reducing energy costs and minimize environmental impact. GHI experts test refrigerator freezers to identify the most efficient models. They check their temperature control for 24 hours and determine the areas that remain warmer and cooler. The experts also test how fast the appliance can reach its temperature set and maintains it, and how well it recovers after being left open. They also examine whether it has enough space to satisfy your storage requirements.
Energy efficiency
In recent years, fridge freezer manufacturers have made huge progress in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing the cost of running. They've upgraded insulation standards, introduced high-efficiency compressors and enhanced features such as temperature control and defrosting. However, today's integrated fridge freezers are still rated C or D for energy efficiency. The rating system is complicated and considers power consumption as well as the size and dimensions of the appliance.
If you want an item that is more energy-efficient, you should choose one with a smaller volume. It's important to note that the model with the least capacity isn't always more energy-efficient.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator-freezer that is energy efficient, look at its internal configuration. This includes how much space is available in each compartment and whether the split is flexible. Some manufacturers offer an average 50/50 split between fridge and freezer, while others offer 60/40 or even 70/30.
It is also advisable to check the energy labelling. This will allow you to evaluate different appliances and will tell you how much the freezer and fridge consume during the year. It will also display the energy rating that can range from A to G. the greener the appliance, the greater its efficiency.
When you are choosing a new integrated fridge-freezer, remember that eco-friendly appliances aren't only more efficient, they're also better for the environment. A refrigerator and freezer that are efficient will lower your household's energy consumption. This will, in turn, reduce the amount carbon dioxide your appliances emit.
So, while it might cost a little more to purchase a fridge freezer that is integrated with an energy rating of high, you'll be saving money over the long term due to lower electricity costs. This is particularly important if are using a fridge-freezer that isn't energy efficient. If it's over 10 years old, it could be time to think about replacing it with a new model that is more eco sustainable.
Flexibility
Behind the subtly integrated facades, fridge freezers that are integrated are packed with clever technology. These appliances are designed to simplify your life by decreasing the time it takes to defrost your food and keep it in storage for longer.
A lot of the most recent models also come with handy compartments that offer the highest degree of flexibility. For instance Samsung's FlexZone features four temperature settings, allowing you to store various kinds of food items. This is ideal for chilling bottles of wine or keeping all your vegetables in one location when you have guests over. Hisense's My Fresh Choice also has a separate zone which can be set to four different temperatures, which is ideal to store ready-to-eat meals and frozen pizza.
A lot of the integrated refrigerator freezers in our selection have adjustable drawers and glass shelves that are ideal for organizing all kinds of things. Crispers controlled by humidity can help keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer, while large door shelves give you the space to store huge cartons of fruit juice, milk and other items. And, if you need to freeze food items, Hisense's BigBox comes with numerous drawers and compartments that ensure that all your food items are neatly stacked and organized.
Another thing to look for is whether the integrated refrigerator freezer comes with an integrated water and ice dispenser. This is a great choice for anyone who wants to make their kitchen more practical and user-friendly, especially families with children who might require drinks or snacks at any time.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator
Frydge freezer, be sure to match your current appliance's split type (70/30 or 50/50) and also verify the dimensions of the doors to the cabinet. This will ensure your new fridge freezer is of the correct size and doesn't require any expensive work to install it into.
Are you looking for an integrated fridge freezer for your dream kitchen? Explore our selection or schedule an appointment to visit your home with our friendly team. We can even disengage, remove and recycle your old appliance, if required.
Maintenance
Integrated fridge freezers are becoming more popular as they give a stylish and modern look to your kitchen. However, when they do break down, it can be more complicated to get them repaired than a freestanding appliance and you may need to wait longer for an engineer to visit your home. There are a lot of things you can do before calling a repairman.
A lot of fridge freezer issues can be easily solved with simple checks and repairs instead of calling an engineer. For example, if your freezer isn't cooling, it might be because there is an accumulation of ice on the fan of your evaporator. This is a vital component of the refrigerator that has to be cleaned regularly. It could also be because of dirty condenser coils that can affect the fridge's ability to cool. Follow our handy guide to check and clean them on a regular basis.
A faulty thermostat could also be the cause of your freezer not working. An engineer will have to repair this. Unplug your freezer and remove the fan. You can unscrew it and shake it. If it rattles then it's likely that the thermostat is defective.
