Integrated Fridge Freezers
Refrigerators with integrated fridge freezers are built into kitchen cabinets and appear as if they are part of them. This is a popular option for those who want a sleek and contemporary look.
Make sure you have enough space to move the fridge freezer. It is also essential to leave air gaps to allow for air circulation.
Aesthetics
Integrated fridge freezers sit close to the cabinets in your kitchen and feature doors that complement the kitchen's overall design giving a clean and sleek look. These models are popular among homeowners who prefer a minimalist look. These models are perfect for kitchens with limited space and open-plan living areas, since they conserve valuable floor space.
The size of your kitchen is the first thing to think about when selecting an integrated refrigerator freezer. It is essential to make sure that the appliance will fit in your kitchen, along with any other appliances. The capacity of the refrigerator is another important aspect to consider. This refers to the volume of litres it can store. There are models that can hold as little as 18 litres (the equivalent to one bag of shopping) all the way to 350 litres for larger households.
After you've identified the type and size of fridge freezer you'll need then it's time to consider the options and features available. For instance some models have humidification systems that keep fresh produce crisp and flavourful, while others have adjustable glass shelves for maximum flexibility. Some models also feature advanced technology, like super freeze and no-frost technology that reduces the amount of ice accumulation.
When you are choosing a refrigerator with integrated freezer energy efficiency is something to be considered. Select a model that has an A or A+ energy rating to cut down on the cost of energy and reduce the environmental impact. GHI experts test refrigerator freezers to determine the most efficient models. They monitor their temperature regulation for 24 hours, and then examine which areas remain coolest and warmer. The experts also examine how fast the appliance can reach its temperature and how long it stays at it, as well as how well it recovers after being left open. They also examine whether it has enough space to meet your storage requirements.
Energy efficiency
In recent years, the manufacturers of fridge-freezers have made significant efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. They've improved their insulation standards, introduced high efficiency compressors, and improved features like temperature control and defrosting. However, today's integrated fridge freezers are still rated C or D for energy efficiency. The rating system is a bit complicated and takes into account not just the power consumption but also the dimensions of the appliance as well as how much space it has inside.
If you're looking for an item that is more energy efficient, you will need to select one with a smaller size. But, it's important to remember that the models with the smallest capacity aren't always the most efficient.
The key to choosing an integrated fridge freezer that is efficient in energy efficiency is to look at the internal configuration, including how much room there is in each compartment, and if there's a movable freezer divide or fridge. Certain manufacturers provide the standard 50/50 split between the freezer and fridge, whereas others offer 60/40, or even 70/30.
Examine the energy labeling. This will help you determine the efficiency of different appliances, and should tell you how much your freezer and fridge use in a year. It will also reveal the energy rating that is a range from A to G - the greener the appliance, the higher its efficiency.
When you are choosing a new fridge-freezer that is integrated, keep in mind that eco-friendly appliances aren't just more efficient, but they are also healthier for the environment. A refrigerator and freezer that are efficient will help reduce the energy use of your household. This will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that your appliances produce.
Therefore, even though it may cost you a bit more to purchase a fridge freezer that is integrated with an energy-efficient rating, you'll be saving money over the long term thanks to lower electricity bills. This is especially important if your old fridge-freezer isn't energy efficient. If your fridge is older than 10 years old, it could be time to replace it with an green model.
Flexibility
The integrated fridge freezers are equipped with clever technology concealed behind a subtle fascia integrated. From storing your food longer and fresher to minimising the need for defrosting, these appliances are built to reduce day-to-day hassle and provide you with plenty of storage options.
Many of the newest models also have compartments designed to offer the greatest flexibility. For instance, Samsung's FlexZone has four temperature settings, allowing you to store various kinds of food items. It's ideal for keeping all your vegetables together in one place and also for chilling a few bottles of wine when you have friends around. Hisense's My Fresh Choice also has an additional zone that can be set to four different temperatures, perfect for storing meals that are ready to eat and frozen pizza.
Similarly to the above, many of the fridges with integrated freezers in our collection have adjustable glass shelves and drawers that are ideal for organising things of all sizes. Large door shelves let you store large containers of milk, juice, fruit and other items. Crispers controlled by humidity will keep your vegetables and fruits fresher longer. Hisense's BigBox freezer has many drawers and compartments for storing and organising your frozen food items.
Another thing to look out for is whether the integrated fridge freezer is equipped with an integrated water and an ice dispenser. This is a fantastic feature to have for those looking to make their kitchen practical and user-friendly, especially for families with children who may require an ice-cold drink or a snack at any moment.
If you decide to purchase an integrated fridge freezer best buy freezer, be sure it matches the split type of your current appliance (70/30 50/50, 60/40 or 70/30) and also check the measurements of your cabinet doors as well. This will ensure that the new fridge freezer is perfectly sized and does not require expensive installation.
Are you interested in learning more about an integrated fridge-freezer to your dream kitchen. Browse our range or book an appointment to visit your home with our helpful team. We can even disengage, remove and recycle your old appliance, if required.
Maintenance
The popularity of integrated fridge-freezers is growing because they give your kitchen a stylish modern and contemporary appearance. However, when they do break down, it may be more complicated to repair them than a freestanding appliance and you might have to wait longer for an engineer to come to your home. There are many things that you can do prior to calling a repairman or woman.
Often, fridge freezer problems can be solved with simple checks and repairs instead of calling in an engineer. For instance, if your freezer isn't freezing it could be due to an accumulation of frozen ice on the evaporator's fan. This is an important part of the refrigerator that needs to be cleaned frequently. It could also be because of dirty condenser coils, which can affect the fridge's ability to cool. Follow our helpful guide to inspect and clean them frequently.
Another reason that your freezer isn't functioning is because the thermostat might be faulty, and that requires fixing by an engineer. You can test this by unplugging your freezer, opening the compartment at the back and taking out the fan. This can be unscrewed and shaken, and if it shakes, then the thermostat might be defective and you'll need to replace it.
It is possible to fix a freezer door that does not seal properly by removing it by loosening screws on the top and sides, stripping off the gasket and replacing it with a new gasket. Make sure you buy the correct gasket for the model you have and that it is securely screwed into the door. You can search a range of fridge freezer spare parts online, including defrost heaters, terminators and timers. It is worth checking if your manufacturer has a spares website before you start shopping around. You can also compare prices on sites like Amazon. Often, these sites will include detailed instructions for replacing and installing as well. These are essential to follow in case you're planning to complete the work yourself.