Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is flush with counters and cabinets, blending seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they also provide enhanced customization flexibility.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners choose to have an integrated refrigerator over freestanding ones. However, this style of refrigerator also comes with some drawbacks.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are integrated into the kitchen cabinets and provide a sleek look that resembles a continuation of the cabinets. They are perfect for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. However there are a few things to think about before you decide to buy an integrated refrigerator.
One of the biggest factors to take into consideration is the size. Integrated refrigerators are available in a variety of sizes, which can be adapted to different sizes of kitchens. They are also larger than freestanding refrigerators, which means you can store more food items without needing a second.
The depth is a different aspect to take into consideration. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators are typically counter-depth. The variety of storage options is limited as they will not fit in all kitchen cabinets.
Not least, you need to take into consideration the design of the door. Integrated refrigerators can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. It's important to be aware of this because it will impact the way the refrigerator's doors open and close. You'll also have to decide whether you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split, as this will affect the amount of space that is allotted to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are various styles available for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Some refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel that gives them a unique look, and some have a sleek exterior that blends into the interior design. If you're looking for an elegant appearance or a built in refrigerator could be the best choice for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit perfectly with your cabinets, making them an ideal option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen design. They come with a door that is a match to your cabinetry which means you won't be able to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They're also a great choice for those with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can help declutter the space and make it appear more organized.
The most common style of integrated fridge is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This model permits larger items such as fish, meat and other vegetables to be kept without having to sacrifice storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or Charcuterie platter before guests arrive. The drawer comes with a separate temperature controller so you can set the temperature to your preferences.
Another style of integrated fridge is the French-door model. This model of refrigerator features an elegant stainless steel look that can be matched to the kitchen cabinets. It's a great choice for modern homes and features a door with no handles that gives it a luxury feel. You can also customize your refrigerator by selecting various colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated fridges are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry in your kitchen creating a seamless look without any forward protrusions. These kinds of fridges are an ideal choice for those looking to achieve a modern or high-end kitchen design that conceals the appliance from view. They also offer a quieter, more efficient way of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick between various storage options. For instance you can choose 50:50 models that provide the same amount of space in the fridge and freezer. This allows you to store anything from leftovers to fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream, and even leftovers. You can also pick 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which have a larger freezer and smaller fridge.
Many integrated fridges come with a drawer for storing meat and fish at 0°C, which improves preservation and increases shelf life. There are also a variety of vegetable and fruit drawers that can be controlled by humidity to ensure that fresh food items stay fresh and healthy.
Some models come with a "frozen compartment' which helps protect food from frost and ice. This type of appliance is perfect when you love baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to ensure that your creations made from scratch keep as long as possible.
Another great feature is the possibility to add a separate 'freezer drawer that can be used for large platters, bowls and containers of takeaway food. This helps to protect fresh food from freezer burn and also reduce the requirement for regular defrosting, which keeps your fridge and freezer in top condition.
Flexibility
Contrary to freestanding refrigerators fridges cannot be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. This is because they are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear seamless and blend with the rest of your home's decor.
This type of fridge is often used in stylised kitchens or in homes which require a premium modern design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors constructed of wood or stainless steel that is brushed to blend with the decor. Integrated fridges can also be connected to smart home applications that connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate with one and respond to commands and form part of a bigger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators may be stunning in terms of design however, they have a few disadvantages. For starters, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This isn't due to better mechanical systems or performance. It's because integrated fridges are marketed to a luxury market, who are willing to pay more for high-end design.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive due to the need for modifications in your kitchen. This means cutting out or removing any fillers, and adding a bridging cupboard above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. In addition, integrated refrigerators tend to be larger than freestanding models and can leave an unsightly gap on the top of your cabinetry. This could require you to add an additional cabinet that can cover the gap and provide an aesthetic solution. If you're content with the layout of your kitchen, this is not a problem. However, if fridge on sale want to change it in the near future, you may need to add a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
The fridge freezers that are integrated cost more than freestanding models because of their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to the layout of cooling technology that can fit into a smaller space, as well as to the fact that a lot of homeowners will pay more for a fridge with a premium look that does not clash with their kitchen design. Additionally, they require more professional installation than other fridges that can increase the final cost.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models is hidden they are well-insulated to keep cold air within, which results in fewer temperature fluctuations as well as lower energy consumption. Additionally, since doors are inset and not protruding out of the cabinetry. This creates an impression of space and openness inside.
The freezer area on integrated fridges will be smaller than the one that is found on standalone models. However, it offers plenty of space for storage of fresh food items as well as frozen items. Moreover, many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits which allow for equal refrigeration space and freezer space.
The benefits of integrated refrigerators are enormous. They have a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinetry to create a more unified layout. They also offer superior storage capacity and flexibility, and can be equipped with a variety of features to improve functionality. It's not a surprise that they're the most sought-after option among consumers of luxury appliances today. However, it's crucial to think about all the pros and cons before deciding to purchase one for your home.