Integrated Fridge Freezers
The fridge-freezers integrated into cabinets in the kitchen and appear as if they are part of them. This is a popular option for those who want modern, sleek design.
Make sure you have enough room to manoeuvre the fridge-freezer into its place. It is also crucial to leave air gaps in order to allow ventilation.
Aesthetics
The fridge freezers that are integrated are flush with cabinets in the kitchen, and their doors match the cabinets in your kitchen. This creates a sleek appearance. These models are popular with homeowners who prefer a minimalist look. They are also great for small kitchens or those with open-plan living spaces since they free up valuable floor space.
The first thing to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer is the size of your kitchen. You need to ensure that the appliance can fit in your kitchen, along with any other appliances. The capacity of the refrigerator is also an important aspect. It refers to the volume of litres it is able to hold. There are models that can hold as little as 18 litres (the equivalent of one bag of shopping) all the way up to 350 litres for larger families.
Once you've determined the type and size of fridge freezer you'll need, it's time to look at the features and options available. For example, some models come with humidity-controlled crispers to keep fresh produce fresh and flavorful, while others come with adjustable glass shelves that allow for maximum flexibility. Some models come with advanced technology like no-frost and super freeze technologies that reduce the amount of ice.
Another consideration when choosing an integrated fridge freezer is its energy efficiency. Make sure you select a model with an A or A+ rating, which will allow you to cut down on energy consumption and reduce environmental impact. GHI experts test fridge freezers to identify the most efficient ones, observing their temperature regulation over 24 hours, and examining 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, and how well it recovers after being left open. They also check if it has enough space to satisfy your storage requirements.
Energy efficiency
In recent years, the makers of fridge-freezers have made major steps to improve efficiency and reduce running 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 complicated and takes into account not just the power consumption but also the dimensions of the appliance as well as how much space it can fit inside.
If you're looking for an efficient model, you'll need to choose one with a smaller capacity. However, it's worth noting that the smallest models aren't always the most energy-efficient.
The most important factor to consider when choosing an integrated fridge freezer that is efficient in energy efficiency is to look at the internal configuration, including how much space is available in each compartment, and whether there's a flexible freezer divide or fridge. Certain manufacturers offer the standard 50/50 split between the fridge and freezer, while others offer 60/40 or 70/30.
It is also important to look over the energy labelling. This will allow you to determine the efficiency of different appliances, and will tell you how much your fridge and freezer uses over the course of a year. Also, you will see the energy rating which is a range from G to A. The more eco-friendly the appliance is the more efficient it is.
Be aware that eco-friendly appliances not only work better, but they are also better for the environment. A highly-efficient fridge and freezer will help reduce your household's energy usage and, in turn, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released by your appliances.
So, while it might cost a little more money to purchase a fridge freezer that is integrated with an energy-efficient rating and a lower energy consumption, you'll save money in the end thanks to lower electricity bills. This is particularly true if your old fridge-freezer isn't energy efficient. If it's over 10 years old, it might be time to replace it with an integrated model that is more eco friendly.
Flexibility
Refrigerators with integrated freezers feature clever technology concealed behind a subdued fascia that is integrated. From keeping your food fresher for longer, to reducing the need to defrost, these appliances are built to simplify your day-to-day tasks and provide you with plenty of storage options.
A lot of the most recent models are also equipped with compartments that provide the most flexibility. For instance Samsung's FlexZone has four temperature settings, allowing you to store various kinds of food items. This is ideal to chill wine bottles or keeping all your vegetables in one location when you're hosting guests. In addition, Hisense's My Fresh Choice has a separate zone that can change between four freezer and refrigerator temperatures - ideal to store frozen pizzas and other ready-to-eat meals.
A lot of the refrigerator freezers that are integrated that we offer come with adjustable drawers and glass shelves that are perfect to organize everything from food items to. Large door shelves allow you to store large cartons of fruit juice, milk and other items. Humidity-controlled crispers keep your fruits and vegetables fresher longer. Hisense's BigBox freezer has many compartments and drawers to store and organizing your frozen food items.
A water and ice dispenser is another option to look for in a fridge with an integrated freezer. This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to make their kitchen more convenient and user-friendly, especially families with children who may need drinks or snacks at any time.
When you choose an integrated refrigerator freezer, be certain to match your existing appliance's split type (70/30 or 50/50) and also look at the dimensions of the doors on your cabinet. This will ensure that the new fridge freezer fits perfectly and doesn't require costly installation.
Are you looking for an integrated fridge freezer for your dream kitchen? Browse our range or book an appointment to visit your home with our friendly staff. We can even disconnect, remove and recycle your old appliance if you need to.
Maintenance
Integrated fridge-freezers are increasingly popular as they give your kitchen a chic modern, contemporary look. When they break down they can be more difficult to get them fixed than a standalone device, and you might have to wait longer to have an engineer come to your home. There are a lot of things you can do prior to calling a repairman.
Often, fridge freezer problems can be solved with simple checks and repairs instead of calling in an engineer. If, for instance, your freezer isn't freezing it might be because there is an accumulation of ice on the evaporator fan. It is important to clean it regularly, as it helps the refrigerator circulate air. It could also be due to dirty condenser coils that could hinder the refrigerator's ability to cool. You can check and clean these regularly by following our helpful guide.
A faulty thermostat could also be the reason for your freezer not working. An engineer will need to fix this. You can test this by unplugging your freezer and then opening the door at the back of it, and taking out the fan. The screw can be removed and shaken. If it rattles then the thermostat could be defective and you'll need to replace it.
You can fix a freezer door that doesn't seal properly by taking it off by loosening screws on the sides and top, then peeling off the rubber gasket, and replacing it with a new one. Make sure you purchase the correct type of gasket for your particular model and that it is securely screwed in place. You can search a range of spare fridge freezer parts online including defrost heaters, terminators and timers. Before you make a purchase, check if your manufacturer has a spares site. You can also compare prices on websites like Amazon. These sites often include detailed instructions on how to replace and install the item. If you're planning to complete the work yourself, you must to follow these instructions.