Why Choosing a Premium A-Rated Fridge Freezer Makes More Sense in a High-End Kitchen

(From By Design Cambridge)

At By Design Cambridge, we believe that the appliances in your kitchen should reflect the quality of the cabinetry, the attention to detail, and the lifestyle you love. A fridge-freezer isn’t just a white box: it’s the heart of your kitchen storage, the silent partner of your food habits, and a reflection of your home investment.

When you’re specifying integrated appliances for a premium kitchen, you might ask:

“Should I pick the cheaper model and save now, or invest for the long-term?”

Let’s compare two real-world examples to help you decide.

The Contenders

Premium Option: A-Rated integrated appliance

• Model: Liebherr ICBa 5123 Plus (BioFresh + DuoCooling)
• Energy consumption: 105 kWh/yr
• Key features: BioFresh drawers (optimum humidity for meat, fish, fruit & veg), DuoCooling (separate fridge/ freezer air streams), ultra-quiet operation (~32 dB)
• Classification: High-end integrated appliance, designed for premium kitchens
• Purchase price (example): ~£1,000 more than a budget alternative

Budget Option: Value model with higher energy usage

• Model: Indesit INC18D011B1
• Energy consumption: 227 kWh/yr
• Features: Basic integrated fridge/freezer unit with standard cooling performance
• Classification: Entry-level integrated appliance, suited for value kitchens

Running Cost Comparison

Using the current energy rate from British Gas Fixed Electric (November 2026) of £0.2645 per kWh, here’s how the numbers stack up:

So, the premium unit saves around £32 per year in electricity compared to the budget model.

If the upfront extra cost is around £1,000, then purely on electricity savings the payback period is:

£1,000 ÷ £32 ≈ 31 years

This means that from an energy-only perspective, you’d recoup the extra investment only after more than 30 years — far beyond many typical kitchen appliance replacement cycles.

Where the Real Long-Term Value Comes In

If you only look at electricity bills, the cheaper unit may seem tempting. But at By Design Cambridge we encourage you to look at the whole-life value — the day-to-day impact, the quality you feel, and the hidden savings you may not spot instantly.

1. Reduced food waste
   With Liebherr’s BioFresh system, fresh produce, meat and dairy stay in better condition for longer. That means fewer meals discarded, fewer top-up shops, and less stress about “what’s in the back of the fridge.” Over a decade that benefit adds up.
2. Consistency & reliability
   DuoCooling and premium components help maintain stable temperatures and humidity — fewer temperature swings, fewer thaw-refreeze events, less risk of odor transfer or freezer ‘ice-burning’. That’s quality you feel, not just a spec sheet.
3. Quiet, refined performance
   A kitchen’s temperament matters. The premium unit whispers while you entertain, pairs beautifully with bespoke cabinetry, and supports a seamless overall feel. In a luxury setting every detail counts — including how “silent” the machine is.
4. Match the kitchen investment
   If you’re spending on artisan cabinetry, luxury finishes and curated appliances, it makes sense to choose an appliance that matches that level. An entry-model fridge freezer may feel out of step with the rest of your design narrative.
5. Resale & property value
   Kitchens influence buyers. A premium integrated appliance from a recognised brand like Liebherr helps build buyer confidence. That doesn’t show as “£ saved in the electricity bill” but it supports the perception of quality when your home is on the market.

Our Recommendation

If you’re specifying a high-end kitchen and expecting it to perform, look polished and last for years — then yes, spend the extra on the A-rated Liebherr. The premium features and long-term benefits justify the investment.

If your budget is tight, your kitchen is value-oriented, and you expect to replace appliances more frequently — then the Indesit value model is defensible.

At By Design Cambridge we’ll always guide you towards appliances that feel right for your space and fit your lifestyle — not just the cheapest box. And when you go premium, you want the benefits to show, day after day.

Want to Spec It in Your Kitchen?

If you’d like to see the Liebherr in our showroom or understand how it integrates with bespoke cabinetry, join us at By Design Cambridge. We’ll show you the real-world look, talk through installation, service and how it suits your space.

Blog by By Design Cambridge – Bespoke Kitchens & Interiors