Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is in a flush with counters and cabinets that blend seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also provide more flexibility in customization with panel-ready options and integrated handles.
Many homeowners choose an integrated refrigerator over a standalone one due to these advantages. However, this kind of refrigerator also comes with some disadvantages.
Size
The fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are flush with the kitchen's cabinetry, providing a sleek finish that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. They are great for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are several factors to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the biggest factors to consider is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various sizes, which can be adapted to various sizes of kitchens. They're also typically higher than freestanding refrigerators and allow you to store more food items in them without the need for an additional fridge.
The depth is another factor to consider. While integrated refrigerators are deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators are generally counter-depth. This may limit the range of storage options, since they won't fit in all existing kitchen cabinets.
In the end, you should take into account the door's style. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge. It's important to note this since it can affect how the fridge's doors open and close. You'll also have to decide if you'd like a 50:50 split or a 60/40 split. This will determine how much space is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Some refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel that makes them look unique and others have sleek exteriors that blend into the rest of the room's design. If you want a more discrete appearance, an integrated or built in refrigerator could be the best choice for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you locate the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit in a flush position with your cabinets and are the ideal option for those looking to create a unified kitchen style. They come with a door that matches your cabinetry so it's difficult to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They are also ideal for those with small kitchens and living spaces that are open, as they can make the space more organized and make it appear more organized.
The most common style of integrated fridge is a bottom freezer refrigerator. fridge deals uk permits larger items like fish, meat, and vegetables to be kept without having to sacrifice storage space. It also features an extra middle drawer which can be used to store wine storage or to store the charcuterie board prior to a come over for a visit. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature according to your preference.
The French-door style is another popular integrated refrigerator. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel look that is designed to match your kitchen cabinets. This is a great choice for modern homes. It features a no-handle front door that gives it an air of luxury. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the existing cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This gives them an uncluttered appearance with no protrusions. These kinds of fridges are a popular choice for homeowners looking to achieve a modern or high-end kitchen design that conceals the appliance from view. They also provide the quietest, most efficient method of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can choose from a range of storage options like 50:50 models, which offer a similar fridge and freezer space that allows you to store everything from fresh produce and leftovers to frozen meats and ice cream. You can also opt for 60/40 splits or 70/30 models, which have more space in the fridge and a smaller freezer.
Many refrigerators with integrated refrigeration have a drawer that stores meat and fish at 0degC, which improves preservation and increases shelf life. There are also a range of drawers for vegetables and fruits which can be controlled by humidity to ensure that your fresh food stay crisp and healthy.
Some models also feature an enclosed freezer compartment which helps to protect food from frost and ice crystals. This type of appliance will be ideal for those who enjoy baking, freezing, and cooking from scratch.
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 reduce the frequency of defrosting.
Flexibility
Contrary to freestanding refrigerators fridges cannot be moved easily when you renovate your home or move. This is because they are integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to look seamless and blend with the interior of your home.
This type of refrigerator is typically found in homes or kitchens that are modern and stylish design. The fridge is hidden behind doors that are constructed of wood or brushed steel to blend in with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate and respond to commands and eventually become part of a bigger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators can be rockstars in terms of aesthetics but they do have drawbacks. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity is not due to better mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are targeted at a premium market that is willing to pay more for the elegant design.
Moreover, the installation of an integrated fridge could be expensive, since it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This means removing or cutting any fillers in the way and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Integrated fridges are usually larger than freestanding fridges which means they can leave gaps at the top. You might need to install a cross over cabinet to fill in the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. This is not an issue If you're content to keep your fridge as it is, but it is something to think about if you intend to alter your kitchen's layout in the near future.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models because of their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is a result of the design of cooling technology that can fit into a small space as well as 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. In addition, they require more professional installation than other refrigerators that can add a considerable amount to the final price.
In addition, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models is hidden they are well-insulated to keep cold air trapped within, which results in fewer temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, because the doors are inset they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which can give a more open and open feeling inside.
The freezer area on integrated fridges will be smaller than the one found in standalone models. However, it still provides ample space for storing fresh food items as well as frozen items. Additionally, many integrated fridge models feature 50:50 splits that allow for equally sized refrigeration and freezing space.
In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are vast. They provide a seamless appearance that blends into custom cabinets, which help to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also have the highest capacity for storage and flexibility, and are equipped with a variety of features to improve functionality. It's no surprise that they're an increasingly sought-after choice for consumers of luxury appliances today. It is essential to take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a decision.