Built-in refrigerators are adapted for installation in a kitchen unit so that it blends and looks like a cabinet or cupboard from the outside. Their appearance is not exactly attractive, so they are not suitable for standing alone in a kitchen. They blend perfectly with the kitchen unit, which then looks uniform and elegant. So how would you go about choosing a built-in refrigerator?
Before you make your choice, you need to decide what type of built-in refrigerator you are actually choosing. From a design point of view, you can choose from 3 types of built-in refrigerators:
The most popular are combined refrigerators, which consist of a cooling and freezer compartment. It is always better if both of these parts have their own separate doors. This saves energy and protects stored food. If you already have a free-standing freezer in your home, a monoclimatic refrigerator can provide you with a larger usable volume than a combined refrigerator. A small built-in refrigerator is suitable for 1-2-member households.
There are two types of combined built-in refrigerators:
Freezers in the lower part of the refrigerator usually have 2 to 5 drawers and allow for the freezer to be better regulated. On the other hand Having the freezer at the top, makes it more easily accessible, but its useful volume is usually smaller.
Built-in refrigerators have a special design for easy installation in the kitchen unit, so that, for example, the door does not open too widely. Installation is more complicated and it is advisable to leave it to an expert. It is important to take into account the dimensions of the refrigerator and we recommend that you consult the manufacturer of the kitchen unit or another expert before purchasing a specific model.
Pozn.: When designing a kitchen unit, keep in mind that built-in refrigerators are smaller in volume. When choosing, then pay attention to the internal usable volume in addition to the external dimensions. Before buying, also make sure that the direction of the door opening is changeable (that there are hinges on both sides).
For built-in monoclimatic refrigerators, you will find information on the volume of the cooling section. For combined refrigerators, the total usable volume is given, followed by the usable volume of the refrigerator and the usable volume of the freezer seperately. The total usable volume of built-in combined fridge freezers is usually in the range of 100 to 350 ml,and there are plenty to choose from. For one household member, around 70 liters of refrigeration space and 25 liters of freezer space is generally recommended. However, the required size of the refrigerator depends on the lifestyle of each family, and the layout of the interior space is also important - the number of shelves or the type of drawers used etc.
1-2 member household
3-4 member household
But the use depends very much on the individual. If you make larger purchases, say for a whole week, choose a cooling compartment with a larger volume. If you store a lot of food in the freezer, you will need a larger freezer.
TIP: When buying a new refrigerator, also think about whether your family will grow. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that with your children getting older, it is necessary to set aside more refrigerator space for them.
For easier selection, there is an energy label, which is mandatory for each refrigerator. You will find information on the energy efficiency of the product, supplemented by information on the annual energy consumption, as well as information on the usable volume of the refrigerator and freezer, and its noise levels.
Energy class indicates grouping according to energy consumption. Consumption is derived from operation under ideal conditions, i.e at an ambient temperature of 20 ° C and 70% of the refrigerator space being used. You can choose built-in refrigerators from the least economical Class C models to the more economical Class A+, A++ or most economical A+++ models.
Energy class | Annual consumption in kWh | Costs in CZK / day* | Costs in CZK / year* |
---|---|---|---|
A+++ | 161 | 2,12 | 774 |
A++ | 220 | 2,90 | 1 059 |
A+ | 275 | 3,62 | 1 321 |
A | 305 | 4 | 1 464 |
* Calculated with the price of CZK 4.80 / kWh
** The energy consumption of the refrigerator is affected by the size of the usable volume, the type of compressor, the insulation thickness and other parameters.
The climate class informs us about the temperature of the surrounding environment in which the refrigerator will be located. If the refrigerator is in a different climatic environment than recommended, it may consume more energy and may not cool properly. There are 4 climate classes, but some refrigerators are adapted for operation in more than one class, i.e in a wider temperature range.
Climate class | Ambient temperature range |
---|---|
SN (subnormal temperatures) | +10 to +32 °C |
N (normal temperatures) | +16 to +32 °C |
ST (subtropical temperatures) | +18 to +38 °C |
T (tropical temperatures) | +18 to +43 °C |
If you choose a built-in refrigerator with a freezer, pay attention to its freezing capacity and freezing performance. Many people confuse these two terms, but they are two different parameters.
Freezing capacity indicates how many kilograms of food the freezer is able to freeze in 24 hours.
Freezing capacity indicates the temperature at which the freezer can freeze food and therefore the kind of storage for which it is suitable. The number of stars under the name freezing class most often informs about this parameter.
Star rating | Temperature | Recommended length of food storage |
---|---|---|
* | - 6 °C | days |
** | - 12 °C | weeks |
*** | - 18 °C | months |
**** | - 24 °C | Long-term storage |
Accumulation time indicates how long food remains frozen even after a power failure. It basically shows how well the freezer is insulated. The longer this time, the better.
Even combined refrigerators are now mostly manufactured with one compressor for the refrigeration and the freezing parts, and more and more often you will encounter an inverter compressor, which is quieter and more efficient. An important element in a combined refrigerator is the number of circuits. We recommend choosing a refrigerator with two circuits, as this will allow you to regulate the refrigerator and freezer separately, which makes the use of both parts more efficient, for example when defrosting, you can switch off one part while the other remains in operation.
Built-in refrigerators have the advantage that they are less audible. Nevertheless, pay attention to the noise parameter on the energy label, because the refrigerator will be in operation continuously, and especially in a small apartment, it could bother you. Refrigerators with an operating noise of around 40 dB are considered quiet. But if you want a very quiet refrigerator, choose 37 dB and less.
Today, refrigerators are equipped with the latest technologies and various functions that preserve the quality of food better and longer, affect low consumption, facilitate maintenance, etc. Although it can sometimes mean a slightly higher price, it is a good investment in an appliance that has our food in "their hands".
Built-in combined refrigerators are a practical 2in1 variant and are therefore the most common. They are richly equipped with modern features. The freezer can be located at the bottom or at the top. When choosing, pay attention to the internal volume of the cooling and freezer compartments as well as the number of cooling circuits (we recommend two).
Built-in refrigerators without a freezer, also called monoclimatic refrigerators, only have a cooling compartment. As a result, they can offer a larger usable volume of cooling space. They can be used in households where a large space for storing food is needed an that already has a free-standing freezer
Even though you are limited by a small kitchen space, you do not have to give up the potential to have a harmonized kitchen unit. Thanks to the special design of the doors and walls, it easily slides into a cabinet intended for installation and merges with the design of the kitchen. Their usable volume ranges from 100 to 150 ml and they are suitable for individuals or couples. There are small built-in refrigerators with or without a freezer.
In general, it is necessary to allow for a cooling volume of 70 liters and a freezing volume of about 25 liters per household member. The layout of the interior space is also important - the number of shelves or the type of drawers used. Also consider whether you replenish food often, but in smaller quantities, or whether you make large purchases and what type of food you buy. E.g. storage of fruit and vegetables takes up more space and a special box is suitable for them, in which they retain their freshness better and do not come into contact with other foods. If you like cold drinks, there should be enough space in the refrigerator door for your drink. The shelves should be height-adjustable so that even larger food or a pot can fit in your refrigerator. Also consider how much you freezer food and make long-term supplies, and choose the size of the freezer accordingly.
TIP: When choosing a refrigerator according to capacity, allow for a reserve of space, because the refrigerator should never be completely full in order to maintain good cooling properties. You can learn more about this in the article How to take care of your refrigerator, where you will also find recommendations for the correct distribution of food in the refrigerator.
TIP: Did you know that we also offer second-hand fridges? You can buy an almost new refrigerator for a good price.
The space for the built-in refrigerator must be considered very carefully, as it will be its permanent location.
When designing a kitchen unit with built-in appliances, you can use a simple rule: store - wash - prepare - cook. In practice, this means that first we always take the food out of the cupboard or refrigerator and place it on the work surface. Then we wash them and prepare them for cooking. From an operational point of view, the refrigerator should stand at the beginning of the assembly line, next to it should be a worktop. Ideally, the sink follows, followed by another work surface, and then an oven and a hob.
The kitchen unit can have different shapes and layout options, but no matter where the refrigerator is located, it should not stand next to the oven or hob, or next to other heat sources or by windows where direct sunlight may warm it up.
Allow for at least 5cm between the fridge and the wall, otherwise the door will not open completely and you will not be able to pull the shelves out during cleaning. Sufficient space must be left at the back of the refrigerator for free airflow.
Pozn.: If you notice increased noise in the refrigerator, it is quite possible that the built-in refrigerator will touch the wall somewhere or will not stand straight. Therefore make sure it’s located appropriately.
Sometimes it is easy to confuse the terms base refrigerator and built-in refrigerator. A built-in refrigerator is built directly into a kitchen unit, and blends in perfectly, a base refrigerator is only inserted under the worktop and can be moved.
Each refrigerator must be cleaned regularly, because with or without modern functions, various impurities get into it when storing food. It is advisable to clean the refrigerator about once a month with a clean cloth and a non-aggressive refrigerator cleaner. They are safe for contact with food, eliminate dirt and absorb unwanted odors. But natural cleaners, such as water with baking soda, can also help. Vinegar is also suitable, and it also serves as an effective neutralizer of strong odors. When washing the refrigerator, always remove all food and clean from the top to bottom. Then wipe all shelves and walls of the refrigerator dry.
It is advisable to clean the freezer thoroughly approximately twice a year, and if there is over-icing this must also be removed (icing causes a significant increase in energy consumption and can also lead to damage to the appliance). Set aside a colder day for it. Take out not only the food, but also the shelves and drawers, which should be washed thoroughly, for example in a bathtub. Be careful to wash them in lukewarm water to prevent heat shock and warping of the shelf. Don't forget the seal around the door, which can be a breeding ground for mould. Then dry everything thoroughly with a clean dry cloth and put everything back in place.
TIP: You can learn more about how to clean your refrigerator or how to remove the smell from the refrigerator in our article How to take care of your refrigerator.