Integrated Fridge Freezers
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are incorporated inside kitchen cabinets, and appear as part of the cabinetry. This is a popular choice for those who want modern, sleek design.
Make sure you have enough room to maneuver the fridge freezer into place. It is also important to leave air gaps in order to allow ventilation.
Aesthetics
The integrated fridge freezers are flush with kitchen cabinetry, and their doors match your kitchen cabinets. This creates an elegant look. These models are a favorite for homeowners who prefer a minimalist aesthetic. They are also suitable for kitchens with small spaces or with open-plan living spaces because they free up valuable floor space.
The first thing you need to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer is the size of your kitchen. Ensure that you have enough room for the appliance to function properly, as well as any other appliances you plan to install in your kitchen. The capacity of the refrigerator is also an important aspect. It refers to the volume of litres it can store. There are refrigerators that can hold just 18-litres (the equivalent of a bag of groceries) and up to 350-litres for households with large families.
After you've identified the size and type of fridge freezer you'll need now is the time to look at the options and features available. For example, some models come with humidity-controlled crispers to keep fresh produce crisp and flavourful Some models feature adjustable glass shelves to give you maximum flexibility. americsn fridge freezer feature modern technology, such as no-frost options and super freeze technology that reduces the amount of ice accumulation.
When selecting an integrated refrigerator freezer energy efficiency is something to be considered. Make sure to choose a model with an A or A+ rating, which can allow you to cut down on the cost of energy and reduce environmental impact. GHI experts test refrigerator freezers to determine the best-performing ones, monitoring their temperature regulation over 24 hours, and determining the areas that stay the coolest and warmest. The experts also examine the speed at which the appliance reaches its temperature set and maintains it, as well as how well it recovers from being left open. They also test whether it has enough space to accommodate your storage needs.
Energy efficiency
In recent years, manufacturers of fridge-freezers have made significant strides to improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs. They've increased the insulation standards, introduced high-efficiency compressors and added features such as defrosting and temperature control. The majority of integrated fridge freezers receive a C or D rating for energy efficiency. The rating system is complex and takes into account the power consumption as well as the size and space of the appliance.
If you want an option that is more energy efficient, you'll need to choose one with a smaller capacity. It's important to keep in mind that the smallest model may not always the most energy efficient.
When choosing an integrated refrigerator-freezer that is energy efficient, look at its internal configuration. This is the space available in each compartment and whether the split can be adapted. Certain manufacturers provide an average 50/50 split between freezer and fridge, whereas others offer 60/40 or even 70/30.
It is also important to look over the energy labelling. This will allow you to compare different appliances, and should tell you how much your freezer and fridge consume in a year. It will also reveal the energy rating, which ranges from A to G - the greener the appliance, the better its efficiency.
When you are choosing a new fridge-freezer that is integrated, keep in mind that eco-friendly appliances aren't only more efficient but also better for the environment. A fridge that is efficient will help reduce your household's energy use and, in turn, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released by your appliances.
Although it might cost more to buy an appliance with a higher energy rating than a standard model, you'll save money over time because you will be able to lower the cost of electricity. This is especially important when your refrigerator isn't energy efficient. If your fridge-freezer has been in use for more than 10 years, it could be time to upgrade it to a more environmentally friendly integrated model.
Flexibility
Behind subtly incorporated facades, fridge freezers that are integrated are packed with clever technology. These appliances are designed to simplify your life by cutting down on the time needed to defrost your food and keep it in storage for longer.
Many of the latest models also come with handy compartments that offer the ultimate in flexibility. For instance, Samsung's FlexZone comes with four temperature settings that allow you to store various kinds of food items. This is great for chilling bottles of wine or storing all your vegetables in one spot when you're hosting guests. Hisense's My Fresh Choice also has an additional zone that can be set to four different temperatures, which is ideal for storing meals that are ready to eat and frozen pizza.
Similar to the previous example to the above, many of the fridges with integrated freezers we have in our collection include adjustable glass shelves and drawers that are ideal to organize items of all sizes. Crispers controlled by humidity can help keep your fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. doors with large shelves give you the space to store large cartons of juice, milk, and more. Hisense's BigBox freezer has a number of drawers and compartments for storing and organising your frozen food items.
Another thing to look out for is whether your fridge freezer has an integrated water and an ice dispenser. This is a fantastic feature to have for those who wish to make their kitchen user-friendly and convenient, especially for families with young children who may require a drink or snack at any moment.
Lastly, when choosing an integrated fridge freezer, make sure it matches the split type of your existing appliance (70/30, 50/50 or 60/40) and verify the dimensions of your cabinet doors too. This will ensure that the new fridge freezer is of the correct size and doesn't need any expensive work to fit it in.
Want to know more about an integrated fridge-freezer for your dream kitchen. Browse our range or book an appointment with our friendly team. We can even remove, recycle and disconnect your old appliance.
Maintenance
The integrated fridge freezers are becoming more popular as they give a stylish and contemporary look to your kitchen. If they fail they can be more difficult to fix them than a freestanding device and you might have to wait longer to have an engineer visit your house. There are many things that you can do before making a call to a repairman or woman.
A lot of fridge freezer issues can be easily resolved by simple checks and repairs rather than calling an engineer. If your freezer doesn't freeze, it could be caused by a buildup of ice in the evaporator. It is essential to clean it regularly because it assists the refrigerator circulate air. It could also be because of dirty condenser coils that could hinder the refrigerator's ability to cool. You can check and clean them on a regular basis by following our handy guide.
A malfunctioning thermostat may be the reason behind your freezer not functioning. An engineer will have to repair this. You can test this by unplugging your freezer by opening the compartment in the back and taking off the fan. It is possible to remove it and shake it. If it shakes, then it is likely that the thermostat is faulty.
You can fix a freezer door that does not seal properly by taking it off, loosening screws on the sides and the top, then stripping off the gasket, and replacing it with a fresh gasket. Be sure to purchase the right type of gasket replacement for your model and that it's securely screwed into the correct position. Find a wide selection of spare parts for fridge freezers online, such as heaters for defrosting. It is worth checking if your manufacturer has a spares website before you start shopping for spares. You can also compare prices on sites like Amazon. These sites often include detailed instructions on how to replace and install the device. If you're planning to complete the work yourself, you must to follow these guidelines.