How to Choose the Best Integrated Fridge Freezer
Like their name implies, integrated fridge freezers blend with your kitchen for an elegant look. They're typically more expensive than stand-alone models, but they offer top-quality options and are well worth the extra cost.
This model's SpaceMax technology allows for thinner walls with the same amount of insulation, while a C energy rating is great news for your budget. Other features include wipe clean technology and humidity control for fruit and veg.
All-rounders
The best model will enhance the appearance and functionality of your kitchen, whether you're looking to upgrade an existing fridge freezer or add an integrated option. The most highly rated models focus on energy efficiency, offer precise temperature control, and provide large storage options. These models are also quiet, which makes them perfect for those who live in open-plan spaces or have noise sensitivities.
When selecting the right fridge freezer for your home, take into consideration your family's shopping habits, needs and budget. Analyze the space of your kitchen and identify any additional features that you would like to add such as water dispensers or smart technology integration.
A fridge freezer that is hidden behind cabinet doors offers a sleek, uniform appearance and can complement the cabinets in your kitchen. These models are available in a wide range of sizes and colors to match your kitchen style. They are also easy to install and can be installed professionally.
Indesit's 413-litre model is a great example of a multi-purpose model that provides top quality. It comes with an energy rating of C that is better than the majority of fridge freezers available that are available and has a large capacity that can easily accommodate your weekly shop. It also comes with LED lighting, which consumes less energy than traditional bulbs and lasts for longer. It also comes with Bosch's VitaFresh system, which keeps fresh fruit and vegetables more fresh for longer.
Choose a fully integrated fridge freezer for an appealing appearance. These models are designed to blend perfectly with the door panelling of your cabinet and offer a streamlined appearance. They are more expensive than semi-integrated models. The appliance needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it in good working order.
Large capacity
The PSE25KYH from Samsung is a tall and integrated fridge freezer that has a huge capacity of 247 litres. It comes with Samsung's SpaceMax technology, which has thinner walls, which provide the same amount of insulation, and also has more space inside. It also has No Frost Technology to prevent the build-up of frost, and also a water dispenser that's simple to use and includes an ice function.
When deciding on the most suitable integrated refrigerator freezer for your kitchen, take into consideration your budget and personal preferences. You'll need to select a model that fits into the designated space without interfering with other appliances or causing disruption to the flow of the work triangle in your kitchen. Also, pay attention to the energy label and consider whether you would prefer a quieter operation especially if your kitchen is part of an open-plan living room or when noise sensitivity is a concern.
Fully integrated models fit inside your kitchen cabinetry, sitting behind cupboard doors for a sleek look and seamless integration. They can be more expensive than freestanding units, but they offer superior functionality and long-lasting. You'll have to install them yourself or hire an expert to install them and you must ensure that you have the required expertise before purchasing. You can also opt for semi-integrated models that sit on top of cabinets, however, they still have doors visible. This makes it easier to access other features such as display controls for temperature or temperature. However, they will not blend as seamlessly into the kitchen design. They can be more difficult to clean as the freezer and fridge compartments of these models are concealed behind the door panels. These models aren't ideal for kitchens with limited space or if you prefer a minimalist, modern design.
Frost-free
Frost-free technology eliminates the need to defrost your freezer by hand which is time-consuming. Instead every six hours, the heating coil is activated to melt any ice that builds up. The water is then drained away and evaporates back to the surrounding air and leaves your freezer free of frost.
Emma Cabourn Hall of Appliances Direct calls this Samsung mid-range fridge freezer a "clever choice". She particularly likes its dual cooling system, which makes use of separate circuits for the freezer and fridge sections to maintain tailored temperature control. She also highlights LED lighting, reversible doors and humidity control for the compartments for vegetables and fruits, and clean-up surfaces.
A reversible door hinge allows you to choose which side of the freezer to open the fridge on, which is useful for those who frequently forget to shut the fridge correctly. The light that powers the freezer will inform you that it is working. A door alarm will alert you in the event that the door is open. The model comes with four adjustable wire shelves as well as an interior light. It also comes with adjustable feet that allow you to balance the freezer on uneven floors.
This upright freezer is a little more expensive than frost-free models, but its reliability and customer reviews are always positive. It's also marginally more energy efficient than other freezers of similar size. One drawback is that it lacks an air seal, which could expose food to wider temperature variations and increase the risk of a freezer burn. You can prevent this from happening by tightly wrapping your frozen food or vacuum sealing it.
Smart-connected
A smart fridge-freezer can add a bit of technology into your kitchen. Certain fridge freezers with smart technology can streamline meal planning and shopping lists to help reduce food waste. They also help you save money. Some might have an integrated video camera to let you observe what's in the 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, while more advanced options will help you manage your diary and calendar and control other appliances via voice commands, and monitor your energy usage. Some fridges will send you a message if they believe you've left the door unlocked or that you are low on water.
As the name suggests integrated fridge freezers are designed to fit within your cupboards to give an elegant look. They're typically 60cm wide and 178cm tall. If you decide to go with this model be prepared to spend more than the cost of a freestanding model.
Despite the cost, there are still good value models on the market from brands like Beko, Candy, Fridgemaster, Hotpoint and Indesit. If you're looking to increase your budget, you'll also discover options from Bosch, Haier and Siemens and premium brands such as Miele and Liebherr offer a variety of integrated models.
The best fridge freezers that integrate have a variety of storage options, including shelves that are adjustable to make it easy to store various sizes and varieties of food. There are models that have doors that are door-in-door, which allows you to quickly access your food items without opening the entire fridge. Some models also have Wi-Fi connectivity with other smart devices so you can control them using only one app. Samsung's Family Hub Refrigerator is an example. It is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings, while LG SmartThinQ integrates Bixby and SmartThings.
50/50 fridge freezer integrated should consider an integrated model if are looking for a fridge freezer, and you want one that is as discrete as possible. They can save you money by seamlessly blending with your cabinetry doors. However, a good quality built-in refrigerator can still be a significant investment which is why it's important to do some research before you buy. It is important to consider your family's food requirements as well as the space you have and your energy bills to choose the most efficient model.
Integrated models are slightly more expensive than stand-alone refrigerators because manufacturers have less space to offer sales and discounts. You can still get the best deal if your budget is under PS800. For this price range you can choose from a range of low-cost brands, such as Beko, Candy, Fridgemaster and Hoover. You can also select mid-range models from brands like Bosch, Haier, and Neff.
You can also search for models with higher tech settings, like the Samsung PSE25KYH, which comes with their SpaceMax technology and No Frost feature. This lets you quickly cool the interior after having filled it with hot leftovers or increase the production of ice at the push of the button. It also has an A+ energy rating and a two-year warranty.
You should also consider the overall design of an integrated refrigerator freezer since this could have a long-term effect on your costs. A well-constructed fridge is less likely to break or require frequent repairs, which will save you money in the long run. If your kitchen is open plan you might want to consider a fridge with low levels of sound.