Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is flush with your cabinets and counters, blending seamlessly into the style of your kitchen. They also provide more flexibility in customization by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
These are the reasons why many homeowners choose to have an integrated fridge instead of a freestanding one. However, this style of refrigerator can also come with some drawbacks.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers sit in line with the kitchen cabinets and provide a sleek look that looks like an extension of the cabinets. This makes them perfect for contemporary and country cottage-style kitchens. There are a few things to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a major aspect to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in different sizes, which can be adapted to various kitchen sizes. They also stand larger than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food without having to buy a second.
The depth is a different aspect to take into consideration. While freestanding fridges are often counter-depth, integrated fridges are deeper than this. This could limit the number of storage options available, since they won't fit in the cabinets in your kitchen.
In the end, you should take into account the door's design. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. This is important because it affects how the doors of the refrigerator open and close. You'll have to decide if you'd like to split the freezer and fridge parts 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for kitchen refrigerators today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel, while others have a sleek style that blends into the rest of the decor. If you want an elegant look or a built in refrigerator could be the best choice for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you find the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated fridges are designed to sit in a flush position with your cabinets which makes them the ideal option for those who wish to create a unified kitchen design. They have a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so you can't tell where the refrigerator ends and the cabinets begin. They're also a great option for those who have small kitchens or living spaces that are open as they can help to clear the space and make it appear more organized.
The most well-known type of integrated refrigerator is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This model allows you to store larger items such as fish, meat, and other vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It also has an extra middle drawer that can be used for wine storage or for storing the charcuterie board prior to a visit. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller which allows you to set the temperature to your preferences.
The French-door model is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This model of refrigerator features an elegant stainless steel finish that is designed to match your kitchen cabinets. This is a great option for modern homes. It comes with a non-handle front door that gives it an air of luxurious. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry in your kitchen and give it a seamless look without any forward protrusions. These types of fridges are an ideal choice for those looking to achieve a modern or contemporary kitchen style that hides the appliance from the view of. These fridges are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can choose from a variety of storage options such as 50:50 models that offer a similar fridge and freezer space which allows you to store everything from fresh produce and leftovers to frozen meats and ice cream. You can also choose 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which have a larger fridge space and smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C which enhances preservation and prolongs shelf life. There are also a variety of fruit and vegetable drawers that can be controlled by humidity to help fresh food to stay fresh and healthy.
Certain models also come with a dedicated 'frozen' compartment which protects food from frost and ice crystals. This type of appliance is perfect when you love baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your home-cooked creations last as long as is possible.
A separate 'freezer drawer' is a great option for large platters, dishes and containers for takeaway food. This will shield your food from freezer damage and cut down on the need to defrost regularly.
Flexibility
Contrary to freestanding refrigerators fridges can't be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. They are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the interior decor of your home.
This type of fridge is often found in stylish kitchens or homes that require a luxurious modern design. The fridge is hidden behind doors to cabinets that are typically made of a wood or polished stainless steel to give it a seamless appearance that blends in with the decor. The integrated fridge can also be paired with smart home apps to connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with each with each other, respond to commands, and eventually become part of a bigger home control system.
While integrated fridges for sale uk may be rockstars in terms of aesthetics however, they have a few drawbacks. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This isn't due to superior mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are targeted at a premium market, who are willing to pay more for elegant design.
Furthermore, the installation of an integrated refrigerator is costly as it requires changes to your kitchen. This involves cutting out or removing any fillers in the way and installing a bridging cupboard above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated fridges are generally taller than freestanding models that can leave an unsightly gap at the top of your cabinetry. You may need to add an overhang to fill in the gap. This will make it more visually pleasing. This is not an issue If you're content to keep your fridge as it is, but it is something to consider if plan on changing your kitchen layout in the future.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the layout of cooling technology to be compact and also due to the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to pay more for refrigerators with a classy design that is not in conflict with their kitchen style. They also require more professional installation compared to other refrigerators. This can add significant cost to the final cost.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers also offer more energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models is concealed and well-insulated, they keep cold air from getting inside, resulting in fewer temperature fluctuations as well as lower energy consumption. In addition, because doors are set and not protruding out of the cabinetry. This creates a feeling of spaciousness and openness within.
The freezer area of an integrated refrigerator is usually smaller than those found on standalone models, but it can still offer plenty of storage space to store fresh food items and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.
The benefits of integrated refrigerators are enormous. They provide a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also provide superior storage capacity and flexibility, and can be equipped with a variety of features that enhance the functionality. It's no surprise that they are a popular choice among people who are looking for a luxury appliance. It is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each prior to making a choice.
