Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is in a flush with your cabinets and counters and blends seamlessly into the style of your kitchen. They also provide more flexibility in customization with panel-ready options and integrated handles.
Many homeowners prefer an integrated refrigerator over a standalone one due to these advantages. However, this kind of refrigerator comes with some disadvantages.
Size
The integrated fridge-freezers are in line with the kitchen cabinets and give a sleek appearance that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are great for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are a few factors to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important aspects to consider is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various sizes, which can be adapted to various kitchen sizes. They also stand taller than freestanding refrigerators, therefore you can store more food without needing a second.
Another aspect to consider is the depth. While integrated refrigerators are deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth. The number of storage options is limited, since they cannot be fitted in 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. It is important to know this because it will impact how the fridge's doors open and close. You'll need to decide if you'd like to divide the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Certain refrigerators are distinguished by a color or panel that gives them a unique look while others have an elegant exterior that blends into the interior design. If you prefer an unobtrusive look, an integrated or built in fridge could be a good fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to assist you in finding the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be flush with your cabinets, making them a great option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen. The door panel is matched to the cabinetry so that you won't be able to discern a distinction between the fridge and the cabinets. They are also great for kitchens with smaller spaces and open-plan living areas as they help to reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is a bottom freezer refrigerator. This model allows you to store larger items such as fish, meat, and other vegetables without sacrificing valuable storage space. It comes with a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or Charcuterie platter before guests arrive. The drawer is equipped with an additional temperature control, so you can adjust it to the ideal serving temperature.
Another style of integrated fridge is the French-door model. This type of fridge has an elegant stainless finish that is a perfect match to the kitchen cabinets. This is a great option for homes with modern designs. It features a no-handle front door that gives it an air of luxurious. You can also customize your refrigerator by selecting various colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated fridges integrate into the fridge housing or existing cabinetry in your kitchen and give it a seamless look without any forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are an ideal choice for those looking to achieve a modern or contemporary kitchen style that hides the appliance from view. They also offer a quieter, more efficient way to cool your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick from a variety of storage options. For instance you can select 50:50 models that offer equally space in the freezer and fridge. This allows you to store anything from leftovers and fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream, and even leftovers. You can also pick 60/40 splits or 70/30 models that have a larger fridge space and smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges have an additional drawer to store meat and fish at 0degC to enhance its preservation and extend its shelf life. There is also a variety of vegetable and fruit drawers which can be controlled by humidity to help your fresh food stay crisp and healthy.
Certain models have a "frozen compartment' that helps protect food from freezing and frost. This type of appliance is ideal for those who love baking, freezing and cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your creations made from scratch 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 help keep fresh food safe from freezer burn and reduce the requirement for regular defrosting, keeping your fridge and freezer in pristine condition.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved during renovations to your kitchen or move house. 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 typically found in stylish kitchens or homes that require a high-end modern design. The fridge is hidden behind doors to cabinets that are typically made of wood or polished stainless steel to create a seamless appearance that blends in with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate, respond to commands, and be part of a larger home control system.
Despite their appealing appearance, integrated refrigerators have some disadvantages. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This disparity is not 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 the elegant design.
The installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive because it requires changes to your kitchen. This includes cutting or the fillers that may be blocking the way, and adding an bridging cabinet over the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Integrated fridges tend to be taller than freestanding ones and can leave a gap at the top. You may need to add an extra cross-over cabinet to cover the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. If you're satisfied with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not a problem. However, if you'd like to modify it in the near future it may be necessary to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models because of their sleek appearance and their permanent installation. This is due to the layout of cooling technology that can fit in a small space and the fact that many homeowners will spend more on a fridge with a premium appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen style. They also require more skilled installation than other refrigerators. This can add a significant amount to the final price.
As an added benefit integrated fridge freezers offer an increase in energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models is concealed they are well-insulated to keep cold air from getting inside, which results in less temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are recessed, they don't protrude from the cabinetry, which can create a more spacious and open feeling inside.
The freezer area of an integrated refrigerator is usually smaller than those is found on standalone models however, it still offers plenty of storage space to store fresh food items and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits that allow equal storage for both refrigeration and freezing.
fridge on sale of having integrated refrigerators are enormous. They provide a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also offer greater storage capacity and flexibility, and can be fitted with a range of features to improve functionality. It's no surprise that they are a popular choice among people who are looking for a luxury appliance. However, it's crucial to consider all the pros and cons before investing in one for your home.