An integrated refrigerator is in a flush position with your counter and cabinets, blending seamlessly into your kitchen design. They also allow for greater customization flexibility by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
These features are why many homeowners choose to have an integrated fridge over freestanding models. However, this style of refrigerator can also come with some drawbacks.
Size
The integrated fridge-freezers are flush with the kitchen cabinetry and give a sleek appearance that looks like an extension of the cabinets. This makes them ideal for modern and country cottage-style kitchens. However there are a few things to think about before you make the plunge to buy an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important factors to consider is the size. Integrated refrigerators are available in a variety of sizes, which can be adapted to different sizes of kitchens. They're also typically higher than freestanding refrigerators, allowing you to store more food items in them without the need for another fridge.
The depth is another factor to consider. While freestanding fridges are often counter-depth, integrated refrigerators are deeper than this. This can limit the number of storage options, since they aren't able to fit into all kitchen cabinets currently in use.
Last but not least, you should take into consideration the design of the door. Integrated refrigerators can be fitted with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge. This is crucial because it will affect the way that fridge doors open and shut. You'll need to decide if you want to split the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for kitchen refrigerators of today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design, whereas others have a sleek style that blends with the other decor. If you're looking for a more discreet look and style, then an integrated or built-in fridge might be the perfect fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV Appliance is here to help you locate the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit right in the middle of your cabinets and are the ideal choice for those who want to create a seamless kitchen design. They have a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so it's difficult to discern where the refrigerator's end and the cabinets begin. These are also great for kitchens with small spaces and open-plan living areas, as they can reduce clutter and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model allows for larger items like fish, meat, and vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It also features a middle drawer which can be used to store wine storage or for storing a charcuterie board before friends visit. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control that allows you to adjust the temperature to your preferences.
The French-door style is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This kind of fridge comes with sleek stainless-looking finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in the kitchen. It's an excellent choice for modern homes and comes with a handleless door that gives it a luxurious look. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge housing or existing cabinetry of your kitchen, giving it an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are a popular choice for homeowners looking to achieve a modern or contemporary kitchen style that block the appliance from view. They are also more quiet and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can pick between various storage options. For instance, you can opt for 50:50 models that provide equal space in the freezer and fridge. This allows you to store anything from leftovers to 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 freezer and smaller fridge.
Many integrated fridges have a special drawer for storing meat and fish at 0degC to improve its preservation and extend its shelf life. The drawers for vegetables and fruits can also be controlled by humidity, ensuring that your food stays fresh and healthy.
Some models come with a "frozen compartment' which helps protect food from ice and frost. This kind of appliance would be perfect for those who enjoy baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.
A separate 'freezer drawer' can be installed for large platters, dishes, and containers for takeaway food. This will shield your food from freezer damage and cut down on the frequency of defrosting.
Flexibility
Unlike freestanding fridges integrated refrigerators aren't easily moved during renovations to your kitchen or move. They are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the rest of your home's decor.
This type of refrigerator is used in kitchens or homes with a contemporary, elegant design. The fridge is hidden behind doors for cabinets that are typically made of a wood or polished stainless steel to create a seamless appearance that blends into the decor. Integrated fridges can also be connected to smart home applications that connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with one with each other, respond to commands and form part of a larger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators can be amazing in terms of aesthetics but they do have disadvantages. For starters, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This disparity has little to have to do with mechanical systems or superior performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are targeted at the market of luxury who are willing to pay more for the high-end design and features.
Additionally, the installation of an integrated refrigerator is costly as it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This includes cutting out or removing any fillers and putting an bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Integrated fridges tend to be higher than freestanding ones, so they could leave gaps at the top. You may need to add a cross over cabinet to cover the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. This isn't an issue if you're happy to keep your fridge in the same place it is, but it is something to consider if you are planning to change your kitchen's layout in the future.
Cost
The fridge freezers that are integrated cost more than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to the layout of cooling technology to fit into a smaller space and also due to the fact that many homeowners will pay more for a fridge with a premium appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen style. Adding to this, they require more professional installation than other fridges, which can also add a considerable amount to the final cost.
best fridges uk integrated fridge freezers also offer better energy efficiency. These models are well insulated which allows cold air to be trapped within the. This results in lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are inset they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which can give a more spacious and open feel inside.
The freezer area of an integrated refrigerator is typically smaller than the one found on standalone models, but it can still offer plenty of storage space to store fresh food and frozen items. Additionally, many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits that permit equal refrigeration space and freezer space.
In the end, the benefits of an integrated fridge are immense. They offer a seamless look that blends with custom cabinets, which help to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also provide superior storage capacity and flexibility, and are fitted with a range of features that enhance the functionality. It's not a surprise that they're an increasingly sought-after choice for consumers of luxury appliances today. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each before making a decision.
