How to Choose the Best Integrated Fridge Freezer
Like their name implies, integrated fridge freezers blend in with your kitchen to create an elegant look. They are generally more expensive than freestanding units, but brands like Miele offer high-quality options that are worth the investment.
The SpaceMax technology in this model enables walls that are smaller while maintaining the same amount of insulation. A C energy rating is an excellent option for your pocket. Other features include wipe clean technology and humidity control for fruit and veg.
All-rounders
The best model will enhance the look and function of your kitchen, whether you're looking to replace an existing fridge freezer or adding an integrated option. The most highly rated models focus on energy efficiency, offer precise temperature control and offer large storage options. They also feature a quiet operation, ideal for open-plan living spaces or those with sensitivity to noise.
When choosing the right fridge-freezer for your home, be aware of your family's shopping habits, requirements and budget. Assess the size of your kitchen, and identify any additional features that you want to include like water dispensers, or smart technology integration.
A fridge freezer that is concealed behind cabinet door offers an elegant and uniform appearance. It can also match your existing cabinets. These models often come in various sizes and styles, offering the flexibility to design your kitchen. They are also simple to install and can be fitted by a qualified professional.
Indesit' freezer integrated fridge -litre model is a fantastic example of an all-rounder that provides top quality. It has an energy rating of C, which is more than the majority of fridge freezers that are available. It also has a huge capacity to easily fit your weekly shopping. It also comes with LED lighting, which consumes less energy than conventional bulbs and lasts for longer. It also comes with Bosch's VitaFresh system which keeps fresh fruit and vegetables more fresh for longer.
Pick a fully integrated refrigerator freezer if you are looking for an appealing appearance. These models are designed to be seamless with door panels for cabinets and offer a sleek look. However, they can be more expensive than semi-integrated models. The appliance must be maintained frequently to ensure it is in good working order.
Large capacity
The PSE25KYH is a tall integrated refrigerator freezer from Samsung with a massive storage capacity of up 247 litres. It comes with Samsung's SpaceMax technology, which features thinner walls for the same level of insulation, and also has more space inside. It has No Frost Technology to prevent frost build-up, and also an water dispenser that is simple to use and comes with an ice function.
When deciding on the best integrated refrigerator freezer for your kitchen, take into consideration your budget and personal preferences. You'll need to select one that is able to fit into the space in question without interfering with other appliances or disrupting the flow of the work triangles in your kitchen. Also, be aware of the energy label and consider whether you would prefer a quieter operation particularly if your kitchen happens to be part of an open-plan living space or if you are concerned about noise sensitivity.
Fully-integrated models sit inside your kitchen cabinetry and are tucked behind cabinet doors to provide a sleek design and seamless integration. These models can be more costly than freestanding units, but they offer superior functionality and long-lasting. Installing them is either an DIY project or the work of a professional installer. Make sure you're prepared before purchasing. You can also choose semi-integrated models, which sit on top of cabinetry, however, they still have doors visible. This makes it easier to access external features like displays or temperature controls. They won't blend in as well with the kitchen design. They are more difficult to clean as the fridge and freezer compartments of these models are hidden behind their door panels. These models are not suitable for kitchens with limited space or if you are looking for modern, minimalist design.
Frost-free
Frost-free technology eliminates the necessity to manually defrost your freezer which is time-consuming. Instead every six hours, a heating coil is activated to melt away any ice that builds up. The water then drains away and evaporates back to the surrounding air and leaves your freezer free of frost.
Emma Cabourn-Hall of Appliances Direct believes that this mid-priced Samsung fridge freezer is a "clever option". She particularly likes the twin cooling system which uses separate circuits to maintain temperatures for freezer and fridge sections. She also cites humidity control for fruit and vegetable compartments, reversible doors with LED lighting, and clean surfaces that can be cleaned with a wipe as extra wins.
Reversible hinges on doors allow you to choose which side of the freezer to open the fridge to this is beneficial if you or family members often forget to close the fridge correctly. A power-on indicator light lets you know the freezer is operating and there's a door alarm that will peep at you if it's left open. There are four removable wire shelves in this model and the freezer has an interior light as well as adjustable feet that can be adjusted to balance on uneven floors.
This upright freezer is priced slightly more than other freezers that are frost-free however it's a reliable option with consistently positive customer reviews. It's also slightly more energy efficient than other freezers of a similar size. Its biggest drawback is that it doesn't have a sealed air system. This exposes food to larger temperature fluctuations, thereby increasing the risk of freezer burn. You can minimize this risk by wrapping the frozen food in a tight, tightly wrapped food items or vacuum sealing them.
Smart-connected
A smart fridge-freezer can bring a touch of tech-savvy into your kitchen. Some fridge freezers that are smart can simplify meal planning and shopping lists to help reduce food waste. They also save you money. Some models may have cameras built-in that allow you to monitor what's inside the room without opening the door, or internal LED lighting that can reduce energy consumption and last longer.
The most basic models come with features such as the ability to turn off the lights when you leave the room, whereas more advanced options let you manage your diary and calendar, control your other appliances using voice commands and monitor your energy usage. Certain refrigerators will send you a message if they believe that you locked the door but not locked it or that you are running low on water.
As the name implies integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit into your cupboards to give a seamless finish. They're usually 60cm wide and 178cm high. Be willing to pay more than a freestanding unit.
Despite the cost however, there are still some good models that are affordable from brands like Beko, Candy, Fridgemaster, Hotpoint and Indesit. If your budget grows there are models from Bosch, Haier, and Siemens. Brands with a premium reputation like Miele and Liebherr offer a range of integrated models.
The top integrated fridge freezers offer a range of storage options, including drawers and adjustable shelves to make it easy to store a variety of sizes and kinds of food. There are also models with doors-in-door designs that let you quickly access ingredients without having to open the entire fridge. Certain models also have Wi-Fi connectivity with other smart devices, so you can control them with just one app. For example Samsung's Family Hub Refrigerator is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and LG's SmartThinQ utilizes the combination of Bixby and SmartThings.
Budget
Consider an integrated model if you are looking for a freezer fridge and want one that is as unobtrusive as possible. They can save you money by blending seamlessly with the doors of your cabinet. But a top-quality built-in refrigerator can still be an investment and it's a good idea to do some research before purchasing. Consider your household's food consumption, how much space you have and your energy costs to help you select the best model for you.
Integrated models tend to be slightly more expensive than freestanding refrigerators, because manufacturers have less room for sales and discounts. However, you can still get a great deal if you keep your budget under PS800. In this price range you can choose from a range of low-cost brands, including Beko, Candy, Fridgemaster and Hoover. You can also pick mid-range models from brands like Bosch, Haier, and Neff.
Seek out models that feature more advanced technology such as the Samsung PSE25KYH, which has SpaceMax technology and No Frost feature. You can speedily cool the interior of your refrigerator after filling it full of hot leftovers, or increase the production of ice by pressing of a button. It comes with an A+ rating for energy efficiency and comes with a two-year warranty.
You should also consider the overall construction of a refrigerator freezer that is integrated since this could have a long-term effect on your costs. A well-constructed model is less likely to break or require frequent repairs, which will save you money in the long run. A refrigerator with low noise levels is especially desirable in the case of an open-plan kitchen, and you're worried about causing disruption to the other rooms in your home.