Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is flush with counters and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also provide greater flexibility in customization.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners choose to have an integrated refrigerator over a freestanding one. However, this kind of refrigerator comes with some drawbacks.
Size
The integrated fridge-freezers are in line with the kitchen cabinets and offer a sleek design that looks like an extension of the cabinets. They are great for kitchens that have a modern or country cottage style. There are several factors to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the biggest factors to consider is the size. Integrated refrigerators come in various widths to fit different sizes of kitchens. They are also generally higher than freestanding refrigerators and allow you to store more food items in them without the need for a second fridge.
The depth is a different aspect to take into consideration. While freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth, integrated refrigerators are higher than this. The variety of storage options is limited as they will not fit in all kitchen cabinets.
In the end, you should consider the door's design. Integrated refrigerators can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. It is important to know this since it can affect the way the refrigerator's doors open and close. You'll have to decide if you'd like to divide the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are many different styles of kitchen refrigerators that are on the market in the present. Some refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel that gives them a unique look and others have sleek exteriors that blend into the interior design. If you're looking for a more discrete appearance, then an integrated fridge or built-in one may be the right option for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you choose the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to fit right in the middle of your cabinets which makes them the ideal option for those who wish to create a unified kitchen style. They have a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so it's difficult to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They are also great for those with small kitchens and living spaces that are open, as they can reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most common style of integrated fridge is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This type of refrigerator lets you store larger items such as fish, meat, and other vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It also features an extra middle drawer which can be used to store wine or storing the charcuterie board prior to a visit. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller so you can set the temperature to your preferences.
Another type of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This type of refrigerator has an elegant stainless steel finish that will match the kitchen cabinets. This is a great choice for modern homes. It features a no-handle front door which gives it a touch of luxury. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are incorporated into the existing cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This gives it an uncluttered appearance with no protrusions. These types of fridges are an ideal choice for those seeking a contemporary or high-end kitchen design that hides the appliance from view. They are also more quiet and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can choose from a variety of storage options such as 50:50 models that offer a similar fridge and freezer space which 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.
A lot of integrated fridges have an extra drawer that can be used to store meat and fish at 0degC to improve its preservation and increase its shelf time. There are also a range of fruit and vegetable drawers that can be controlled by humidity to help fresh food items stay fresh and healthy.
Some models also feature an insulated compartment for frozen food which helps to protect food from frost and ice crystals. This type of appliance is perfect for those who love baking, freezing and cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your homemade creations will last as long as is possible.
Another handy feature is the possibility to add a separate 'freezer drawer to store large platters, bowls and containers for takeaway food. This helps to keep fresh food safe from freezer burn and reduce the need for regular defrosting, which keeps your fridge and freezer in pristine condition.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move home. They are integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to blend with the rest of the decor in your home.
This kind of refrigerator is usually found in homes or kitchens that are modern and elegant design. The fridge is concealed behind doors that are 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, respond to commands, and become part of a bigger home control system.
Despite their appealing appearance, integrated refrigerators have some disadvantages. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity is not due to superior mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are marketed to a luxury market that is willing to pay more for the elegant design.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly due to the need for modifications in your kitchen. This means cutting out or removing any fillers that are in the way and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. Integrated fridges are usually taller than freestanding ones, so they could leave a gap at the top. This may mean you need to build an over-the-counter cabinet to cover the gap and offer an aesthetic solution. This isn't an issue If you're content to keep your fridge in the same place it is, but it's something to consider if plan on changing your kitchen 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 the design of cooling technology that allows them to fit into a smaller space, as well as to the fact that many homeowners will pay more for refrigerators with a classy appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen design. They also require a more professional installation compared to other refrigerators. This could add a significant amount to the final price.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers provide enhanced energy efficiency. These models are well insulated and allow cold air to be trapped within the. This leads to less temperature fluctuations and reduced energy consumption. In addition, since doors are set, they do not protrude out of the cabinetry. This can create an impression of space and openness within.
The freezer area on an integrated fridge will be smaller than those found in standalone models. However, it offers plenty of space to store fresh food items as well as frozen items. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits that allow equal storage for both freezing and refrigeration.
The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are huge. They have a sleek design that blends with custom cabinets, which help to create a more harmonious kitchen layout. They also offer greater storage capacity and flexibility, and are fitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. It's no surprise that they're an increasingly sought-after choice for consumers of luxury appliances today. However, fridge for sale to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision on one for your home.