Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is in a flush with your cabinets and counters, blending seamlessly into the style of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also offer enhanced customization flexibility.
These features are why many homeowners choose to have an integrated fridge over a freestanding one. This type of fridge may have a few drawbacks.
Size
Refrigerator freezers that are integrated sit flush with the kitchen's cabinetry giving a sleek appearance that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. They are great for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are a few things to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important aspects to consider is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features are available in a variety of sizes to fit different kitchen sizes. They're also typically larger than freestanding fridges which allows you to store more food in them without the need for an additional fridge.
The depth is a different aspect to consider. Freestanding fridges are typically counter-depth, integrated fridges sit deeper than this. The variety of storage options is limited because they won't fit into all kitchen cabinets.
The last thing to consider is that you should think about the design of the door. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a hinge that is fixed or sliding model. This is important as it will affect the way that fridge doors open and shut. You'll have to decide if you want to divide the freezer and fridge parts 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles of kitchen refrigerators that are on the market today. Some refrigerators have a unique color or design, whereas others have a sleek style that blends with the rest of the decor. If you're looking for an elegant appearance, an integrated or built in fridge could be a good fit for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to fit flush with your cabinets, making them an ideal choice for those looking to create a seamless kitchen design. They come with a door that matches your cabinetry which means you won't be able to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They are also ideal for kitchens with small spaces and open-plan living areas, as they can make the space more organized and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most common style of integrated fridge is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This type of refrigerator allows larger items such as meat, fish and even vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It comes with a bonus middle drawer which you can use to store wine or charcuterie prior to guests arriving. 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 popular integrated fridge. This kind of fridge comes with an elegant stainless finish that matches the cabinets in the kitchen. This is a fantastic option for homes with modern designs. buy fridge uk features a no-handle front door which gives it a touch of luxury. You can also personalize your refrigerator by choosing different finishes and colors.
Storage
The integrated refrigerators are built into the cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This gives it an uncluttered appearance with no protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are an ideal choice for those looking to achieve a modern or high-end kitchen style that block the appliance from the view. They also provide a quieter, more efficient way of cooling your food than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick between various storage options. For example, you can opt for 50:50 models that offer equally space in the fridge and freezer. This lets you keep everything from leftovers and fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream, and even leftovers. You can also select 60/40 splits or 70/30 models, which have a larger freezer and smaller fridge.
Many Integrated fridges come with a special drawer for storing meat and fish at 0degC to enhance the preservation of food and extend its shelf lifespan. Fruit and vegetable drawers can be controlled by humidity, ensuring that your food stays fresh and healthy.
Some models also have an enclosed freezer compartment which protects food from ice crystals and frost. This type of appliance is perfect when you love baking or freezing food from scratch and want to make sure that your homemade creations will keep as long as possible.
Another useful feature is the ability to install a separate 'freezer drawer to store large platters, bowls and containers of takeaway food. This helps to keep fresh food safe from freezer burn and reduce the requirement for regular defrosting, ensuring that your fridge and freezer in top condition.
Flexibility
Unlike freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move. This is because they're fitted into the kitchen cabinetry and are designed to look seamless and match with the interior decor of your home.
This type of fridge is usually utilized in kitchens with a stylised design or homes that require a high-end contemporary design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors that are usually constructed of wood or brushed stainless steel material to create an uncluttered appearance that blends in with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances so that they can communicate, respond to commands, and be part of a larger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators may be amazing in terms of aesthetics but they do have disadvantages. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to have to do with mechanical systems or superior performance. It's due to the fact that integrated refrigerators are designed for a luxury market who are willing to pay more for the high-end design and functionality.
Additionally the installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires modifications to your kitchen. This involves cutting or removing any fillers and installing a bridging cupboard above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated refrigerators are generally larger than freestanding models and can leave an unsightly gap on the top of your cabinetry. This may mean you need to install an additional cabinet that can cover the gap and offer a more aesthetically pleasing solution. This is not an issue If you're content to keep your fridge where it is, but it is something to think about if you plan on changing your kitchen layout in the near future.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models because of their sleek design and permanent installation. This is a result of designing cooling technology to fit into a small space and also the fact that many homeowners are willing to pay more for a refrigerator with a stylish design that doesn't clash with their kitchen's style. Adding to this the fact that they require more skilled installation than other fridges, which can also add a considerable amount to the final cost.
The integrated fridge freezers also offer better energy efficiency. They are well-insulated which allows cold air to stay inside. This means less fluctuations in temperature and lower energy consumption. In addition, because doors are set they don't protrude from the cabinetry. This can create a feeling of spaciousness and openness within.
The freezer area of an integrated fridge is typically smaller than the one available on standalone models, but it still provides plenty of storage space to store fresh food and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits that allow equal storage for both freezing and refrigeration.
In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are vast. They feature a seamless design that blends with custom cabinets to create a unified layout. They offer superior flexibility as well as storage, and can be outfitted with a variety of features that can enhance the functionality. As a result, it's not a surprise that they've become a popular choice for those looking for the best appliances in the market today. But, it's important to consider all the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision on one for your home.