Integrated fridges are flush with cabinets and counters with an inset door. They blend into the style of your kitchen. They're camouflaged, so that even compressor vents are hidden from view.
This makes them a very popular choice for those with contemporary-style kitchens. But do they really warrant the cost? Here's what you should know.
Seamless Design
One of the main advantages of an integrated fridge is that it blends with the cabinetry of your kitchen seamlessly. This allows you to create a luxurious look in your kitchen and accent your cabinets, which makes it ideal for modern kitchens. The doors on integrated refrigerators usually have inset handles that don't protrude. Many are panel-ready to hide the appliance behind your cabinetry. This makes it hard for guests to see the refrigerator even when it's closed, and creates a seamless kitchen a seamless look.
If you want to integrate your fridge to your kitchen's design, it's important to choose a top-rated model. The best brands offer a wide range of styles and designs that are sure to complement your kitchen design. Additionally, they have a wide selection of sizes to ensure that your refrigerator is the right one for your kitchen.
The Bosch Benchmark RS36A72J1N, for instance is a 36" French door refrigerator with modern and sleek style. It also comes with panels that are ready to match your cabinetry. Its clever internal design makes the most of vertical space to keep food at the perfect temperature. It also has Wi-Fi Connect so you can easily check the settings of the refrigerator right from your phone.
Integrated refrigerators can be cheaper than freestanding models, making them an affordable option for those on a budget. It's important to think about the potential resales value of your house before purchasing an integrated refrigerator. This is because buyers may be swayed by the custom style of your kitchen, and may decide to redesign it to suit their preferences.
Get a professional designer kitchen design to assist you in selecting the best model for your home if you are considering an integrated refrigerator. They'll be able to recommend the most suitable models for your home based on both your requirements and budget. They'll also help you through the process of installing your new refrigerator and offer you tips on how to make the most of it.
Permanently installed
An integrated fridge freezer becomes part of your kitchen's cabinetry and is positioned right in the middle of your counters, meaning it doesn't protrude from the rest of the space. They are popular with homeowners who want a contemporary or high end kitchen design because they conceal the refrigerator's mechanical components. The cabinets that house the fridge also act as a sound insulator which makes the fridge more quiet than a freestanding refrigerator.
They are available in a variety of sizes. They usually have the option of splitting the door into a 50/50 fridge/freezer, or alternatively, they can have more space in the fridge than the freezer. This is great if you want to store frozen and fresh foods.
Alongside the visually pleasing design, integrated fridge freezers also come with a number of advantages. They're more energy efficient than freestanding units and have extra features like door sensors that you can connect to your smartphone in order to shut off the appliance when you are away. They are also more durable than freestanding refrigerators, since they're not subject to the elements.
There are some drawbacks to having an integrated fridge. They're typically more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This has nothing to do with superior mechanical systems or performance, but is primarily due to a lower number of customers willing to shell out more for a seamless design. In addition the installation and customization options can rack up a considerable bill. Some homeowners might not be able afford these expenses. Another issue is that these refrigerators are permanent fixtures and can't be removed as easily a freestanding refrigerator freezer. This can be a problem if ever decide to sell your house in the future and would like to move the fridge with you.
Customized Doors
Contrary to counter depth refrigerators that extend beyond your cabinets, integrated refrigerators are fully hidden within your cabinetry. The body of the integrated fridge is the same width and height as your cabinet doors. When closed, the door is in line with the surroundings. This creates a seamless appearance that is hard to miss.
You can make a custom panel to your integrated fridge or simply make use of a cabinet door and cover it. This is a task that requires planning and a lot of time to complete but it will appear much more seamless than using an appliance handle or a separate refrigerator handle. This will protect your refrigerator from scratches and dents.
If fridge sale decide to install cabinet doors you'll require the appropriate adhesive. Many home improvement stores carry adhesive strips designed specifically for this type installation. You'll need to apply the strips, and then carefully place the cabinet door or panel onto the refrigerator. Make sure that it is in the center and press down on the area near the refrigerator to allow the adhesive to take hold.
The benefit of having a fully integrated refrigerator is that you can completely modify it to fit your kitchen and personal preferences. However, this type of refrigerator is more expensive than other models and could reduce the the value of resales because buyers will likely be looking to modify it according to their personal preferences.
The ZIC30GNNII from Liebherr is a refrigerator integrated which comes with a freezer drawer and refrigerator door installed. The model is spacious in interior with adjustable glass shelves and door bins that can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of items. LED lighting highlights the interior and it features Cool Air Flow technology that maximizes the way food is chilled. A middle drawer is ideal for storing wine, a cheeseboard or other things you wish to keep at the ideal temperature. This refrigerator has a stainless steel wall on the back that prevents drips and ice from forming.
Longer Lifespan
Integrated refrigerators are more durable than freestanding models as they are permanently installed. They are also less likely to be damaged by a sudden change in temperature or rough treatment of careless children and pets. This is because the refrigerator is concealed and not exposed to the elements as it is in a freestanding appliance.
The downsides of an integral refrigerator is that they cannot be moved if you renovate or change your kitchen layout and their price point is higher than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity is due to their aesthetic value and the fact that they are a premium product. Their price is a reflection of the fact that they cater to customers who are willing to pay more for a refrigerator that is both functional and beautiful.
Costly Installations and Customizations
The major disadvantage of an integrated fridge is that it can be expensive to set up and modify. This is because you will need to work with cabinetmakers to design an overlaid panel that is matched to the style of your kitchen. This could cost thousands of dollars when it is all said and done.
They also stand taller than freestanding units. If you have placed your cabinets over it, you may need to add a bridging cabinet to bridge the gap between it and the cabinet housing. In addition, if your current freezer isn't the same size as the integrated fridge then you'll need to have it modified to ensure that the door opens and shuts properly.
Capacity
Depending on the model you select A fridge freezer with an integrated refrigerator can come with many different features that help prolong the shelf life of your food items. They can, for example have a separate compartment for meat that's kept at a low temperature to prevent it from becoming fat or rotten. There is also a closed compartment for regulating humidity in fruit that is often prone to going rapidly soggy or rotten.
