fridge freezers!

[nykkieberry]

We've been told taht we need an integrated fridge freezer for our fitted kitchen as it will be housed in a cupboard with doors. What's the difference between an intergrated one and a normal one? THe cupboard is also only 55cm deep yet all the models I have seen are 60cm deep - where do you but shallower units from? Help!

[PhilLew]

I have worked as both a kitchen salesman and a fitter in the past so will try to answer as best I can (it may get a little confusing so hold on!) Integrated appliance simply means that it is hidden behind a solid door, There is no difference in the workings of the fridge, the only thing stopping you using a normal fridge is the slight difference in depth and the fittings to attach the door to. An integrated appliance does not sit in a cupboard but is, in fact, free standing. it appears to be in a cupboard because of the door front. The difference in depth is only the thickness of the door as a normal fridge would sit flush with the other units and an integrated fridge has to sit slightly further back so the 'door' is flush. Hope this helps :-)

[nykkieberry]

Thank you so much Phil - that really helps. My only other concern is that the engineer who came round said that we need to buy a fridge freezer with a fan at the bottom and the reason our last one packed up was because it was poorly ventiliated. Struggling to find one with a fan! I've serached for intergrated ones on the net and they are all a bit too deep- i'll keep searching!

[PhilLew]

The most common way around the venting problem, if you end up using a normal fridge, is to fit a thin vent along the back of the worktop above the fridge, not pretty but it works. :-)