Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in buy fridge freezer is in a flush with your cabinets and counters and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also provide an increased degree of customization.
Many homeowners prefer an integrated refrigerator over a standalone one due to these advantages. However, this style of refrigerator can also come with a few drawbacks.
Size
The fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen and provide a sleek look that appears to be an extension of the cabinets themselves. This makes them perfect for contemporary and country cottage-style kitchens. However, there are a few things to consider before you decide to purchase an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a key aspect to take into consideration. Integrated refrigerators come in various widths to fit various kitchen sizes. They’re also typically larger than freestanding fridges, allowing you to store more food items in them without the need for another fridge.
Another factor to consider is the depth. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth, freestanding refrigerators are usually under counter fridge-depth. The range of storage options is limited, as they will not fit in all kitchen cabinets.
The last thing to consider is that you need to think about the design of the door. Integrated refrigerators are available with either a hinge that is fixed or sliding model. This is crucial because it will affect how the doors of the refrigerator open and close. You’ll also have to decide whether you want a 50:50 split or a 60/40 split, as this will impact how much space is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many styles of kitchen refrigerators available on the market today. Certain refrigerators are distinguished by a color or panel that gives them a unique look and others have a sleek exterior that blends into the your room’s style. If you’re looking for a more discrete style, then an integrated or built-in fridge could be the best option for your home. Our team at Spencer’s TV & Appliance is here to assist you in finding the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated fridges are designed to be right in the middle of your cabinets and are the ideal option for those looking to create a cohesive kitchen aesthetic. The door panel is matched to the cabinetry, refrigerators so you won’t be able to tell the difference between the fridge and the cabinets. They are also great for kitchens with smaller spaces and open-plan living areas because they can help declutter the area and keep it looking clean.
The most well-known type of integrated fridge is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This model lets you store larger items such as meat, fish and vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It also has a middle drawer that you can use to store wine or charcuterie prior to guests arriving. The drawer is equipped with an additional temperature control, so you can set it to the perfect serving temperature.
The French-door design is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This kind of fridge comes with an elegant stainless finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in the kitchen. This is a great option for modern homes. It comes with a non-handle front door which gives it a touch of luxurious. It’s also easy to customize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated fridges are integrated into the fridge’s housing or cabinets in your kitchen creating a seamless look without any forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are an ideal choice for those seeking a contemporary or high-end kitchen design that block the appliance from the view. They also provide the quietest, most efficient way of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick from a wide variety of storage options like 50:50 models, which offer equal fridge and freezer space, allowing 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 come with a larger fridge space and smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0degC, which improves preservation and increases shelf life. There is also a variety of drawers for vegetables and fruits that can be controlled by humidity to ensure that fresh food to stay fresh and healthy.
Certain models have a “frozen compartment’ which helps protect food from freezing and frost. This kind of appliance will be perfect for those who love baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.
Another handy feature is the possibility to install a separate ‘freezer drawer to store large bowls, platters and containers for takeaway food. This will help protect fresh food from freezer burn and reduce the need for regular defrosting, which keeps your fridge and freezer in top shape.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges integrated refrigerators aren’t easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move house. This is because they are integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the interior decor of your home.
This kind of fridge is often used in stylised kitchens or in homes which require a premium contemporary design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors made of wood or stainless steel that is brushed to blend with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your fridge and other appliances so that they can communicate and respond to commands and be part of a larger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators can be rockstars in terms of aesthetics, they do have some drawbacks. They’re more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to have to do with mechanical systems or better performance; it’s because integrated refrigerators are targeted at the market of luxury who are willing to pay more for the upscale design and functionality.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive because it requires changes to your kitchen. This could include cutting out or the fillers that may be blocking the fridge’s entrance and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated fridges are typically taller than freestanding models that can leave an unsightly gap on the top of your cabinetry. This may mean you need to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and offer a more aesthetically pleasing solution. This is not an issue if you’re happy to keep your fridge as it is, but it’s something to think about if you plan on changing your kitchen’s layout in the near future.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to designing cooling technology to fit into a small space and also the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more money for a refrigerator with a stylish design that doesn’t clash with their kitchen’s style. They also require more skilled installation compared to other refrigerators. This can add significant cost to the final cost.
As an added benefit, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. These models are well insulated, allowing cold air to stay within the. This means less fluctuations in temperature and lower energy consumption. In addition, because doors are set, they do not protrude out of the cabinetry. This can create 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 has plenty of space for storage of fresh food and frozen goods. Many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits, which provide equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.
The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are enormous. They feature a seamless design which blends seamlessly with custom cabinets to create a more cohesive layout. They also provide greater storage capacity and flexibility, and can be fitted with a range of features to improve functionality. It’s no surprise that they are an increasingly sought-after choice for people who are looking for a luxury appliance. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a choice.