How to Choose the Best Integrated Fridge Freezer
Like their name implies integrated fridge freezers blend with your kitchen to create a streamlined look. These models are usually more expensive than stand-alone models, but they offer quality options and are worth the extra expense.
integrated combi fridge freezer in this model enables walls that are thinner while still providing the same insulation. A C energy rating is beneficial for your pocket. Other features include wipe clean technology as well as humidity control for fruit and vegetables.
All-rounders
The best model will enhance the look and function of your kitchen, whether you're looking to replace the fridge freezer you have or adding an integrated option. The best-rated models prioritise energy efficiency, permit precise temperature control and large storage options. These models are also quiet, making them ideal for those who live in open-plan spaces or have noise sensitivities.
When choosing the best fridge-freezer for your home, you should carefully consider your family's shopping habits, requirements and budget. Analyze the space of your kitchen, and determine any additional features you would like to add like water dispensers or smart technology integration.
A fridge freezer that is concealed behind the cabinet door provides an elegant and uniform appearance. It can also complement the cabinets you already have. These models are available in a vast range of sizes and finishes to suit your kitchen design. They're also easy to install and can be fitted by a trained professional.
Indesit's 413-litre model is an excellent example of a multi-purpose model that is of high-quality. It has an energy rating of C, which is much higher than the majority of refrigerators available on the market. It also has a huge capacity to accommodate your weekly shopping. It features LED lighting that is more energy efficient than standard bulbs, and lasts longer. Bosch has also included the VitaFresh System, which helps keep fruits and vegetables fresher longer.
Choose a fully integrated fridge freezer if you are looking for an attractive appearance. These models are designed for seamless integration with cabinet door panels and have a sleek design. However, they are more expensive than semi-integrated options. They also require regular cleaning to ensure that the appliance is in good in good working order.
Large capacity
The PSE25KYH is a tall, integrated refrigerator freezer from Samsung with a massive capacity of storage that can reach 247 litres. It features Samsung's SpaceMax technology, which features thinner walls, which provide the same insulation, and also has more space inside. It also has No Frost Technology to prevent the accumulation of frost and an water dispenser that is simple to use and comes with an ice function.
Selecting the ideal integrated fridge freezer for your kitchen involves considering the space available, your budget, and your personal preferences. You'll want to choose the one that will fit in the space in question without interfering with other appliances or causing disruption to the flow of the work triangle in your kitchen. Additionally, you should pay attention to the energy label and consider whether you'd prefer a quieter operation especially if your kitchen is part of an open-plan living room or when the noise sensitivity of your kitchen is a concern.
Fully-integrated models sit within your kitchen cabinets 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. You will need to install them yourself or employ an expert installer so ensure you have the right skills before buying. Alternately, you can go for semi-integrated models that are set on top of the cabinetry but still have doors that are visible which make it easy to access other features like displays or temperature controls. They will not blend as well with the design of your kitchen. The freezer and fridge compartments are concealed behind door panels, so they can be more difficult to clean than freestanding models. They're also not ideal for kitchens with smaller spaces or those who prefer a contemporary, minimalist design.
Frost-free
Frost free technology eliminates the need to manually defrost a freezer, which could be time-consuming. Instead, every six hours a heating coil is activated to melt away any ice that builds up. The water is then drained away and evaporates back into the air leaving your freezer unfrozen.
Emma Cabourn Hall of Appliances Direct says this Samsung mid-range fridge freezer "clever choice". She particularly likes the twin cooling system that utilizes separate circuits to ensure temperatures for fridge and freezer sections. She also highlights humidity control for the fruit and vegetable compartments, doors that can be reversible as well as LED lighting and wipe clean surfaces as additional benefits.
A hinge that can be reversed allows you to choose which side of the freezer to open the fridge on, which is useful in the event that you or your family members often fail to close the fridge properly. A light to indicate the power status will let you know that the freezer is operating and a door alarm that will sound a warning if the door is left open. There are four removable wire shelves that are included in this model. The freezer has an interior light and adjustable feet that can be adjusted to balance on uneven floors.
This upright freezer is a little higher in price than other frost free models However, its reliability and owner reviews are always positive. It's also marginally more energy efficient than other freezers of similar size. The main drawback is that it doesn't have a sealed air system. This could expose food to greater temperature fluctuations, increasing the chance of sustaining freezer burn. You can avoid this by tightly wrapping your frozen food items or vacuum sealing them.
Smart-connected
A smart fridge freezer can add a bit of tech-savvy to your kitchen. Some smart fridge freezers can simplify meal planning and shopping lists to help you reduce food waste. They also help you save money. Some models may come with built-in video cameras so you can check the contents of your fridge without opening it, or LED lighting that is energy efficient and lasts longer.
The most basic models offer features like the ability to turn off the lights when you leave the room, whereas more advanced options can help you manage your diary and calendar as well as control your other appliances using voice commands and monitor your energy usage. There are refrigerators that will text you a message if they think you've left the door unlocked or have run out of ice.
As the name suggests, integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit within your cupboards for a seamless finish. They are typically 60cm wide by 178cm tall. Be prepared to pay more than a freestanding unit.
Despite the cost however, there are still some good value models on the market from brands such as Beko, Candy, Fridgemaster, Hotpoint and Indesit. As you increase your budget, you'll also find models from Bosch, Haier and Siemens as well as premium brands like Miele and Liebherr offer a range of integrated models.
The top integrated fridge freezers offer a range of storage solutions, including drawers and adjustable shelves to make it easy to store a variety of sizes and types of foods. You can also find models with a useful door-in-door configuration, which lets you access the ingredients quickly, without opening the whole fridge. Certain models can be paired with other smart devices, so you can control them all with one app. For example, Samsung's Family Hub Refrigerator integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant as well as LG's SmartThinQ makes use of the combination of Bixby & SmartThings.
Budget
If you're shopping for a new fridge freezer, and need one that's as unobtrusive as you can, think about an integrated model. They can help you save money by blending seamlessly into the doors of your cabinet. However, a high-quality built-in refrigerator is a significant investment and it's a good idea to do some research before purchasing. Think about your family's consumption of food as well as the space you have available and your energy bill to help you choose the best model for you.
Integrated models tend to be slightly more expensive than freestanding refrigerators, because the manufacturers have less room for sales and discounts. You can still get an excellent bargain if you budget under PS800. For this price range, you can pick from a number of affordable brands, including Beko, Candy, Fridgemaster and Hoover. You can also select from some mid-range options from major brands like Bosch, Haier and Neff.
You can also search for models that have higher technology settings, such as the Samsung PSE25KYH which includes their SpaceMax technology and No Frost feature. This allows you to swiftly cool the interior after having stuffed it with hot leftovers or ramp up the production of ice with the click of the button. It also has an A+ energy rating and a two-year guarantee.
You should also consider the overall construction of an integrated refrigerator freezer as this can affect the long-term cost of the cost of your purchase. A well-constructed model is less likely to fail or require frequent repairs, which could save you money over the long term. If your kitchen is open it is advisable to think about a refrigerator with low sound levels.