Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in refrigerator is integrated into your cabinets and counters, blending seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also offer more flexibility in customization by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
Many homeowners choose an integrated refrigerator over a separate one because of these features. This style of fridge can be a bit limiting.
Size
Refrigerator freezers that are integrated sit in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen, providing a sleek finish that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. This makes them ideal for contemporary and country cottage-style kitchens. There are a few factors to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a major factor to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in different widths, to fit into various kitchen sizes. best fridges uk stand higher than freestanding refrigerators so you can store more food items without having to buy a second.
The depth is another factor to consider. While integrated refrigerators are more than counter-depth, freestanding refrigerators are generally counter-depth. The range of storage options is limited, because they won't fit in all kitchen cabinets.
The last thing to consider is that you need to think about the design of the door. Integrated refrigerators are available with either a hinge fixed or a sliding model. It is important to know this as it affects the way the refrigerator's doors open and close. It is also important to decide if you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split, since this will impact how much space is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles of kitchen refrigerators on the market today. Some refrigerators have a unique color or design, while others have a sleek style that blends in with the rest of the decor. If you're looking for a more discrete look and style, then an integrated or built-in refrigerator might be the perfect fit for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be flush with your cabinets, making them a perfect choice for those looking to create a seamless kitchen design. The door panels match the cabinetry, so you won't be able to tell the difference between the fridge and the cabinets. They are also great for kitchens with small spaces and living spaces that are open as they help to make the space more organized and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most commonly used type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model lets you store larger items like meat, fish and vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It also has a middle drawer that you can use to store wine or appetizer prior to guests arriving. The drawer has an independent temperature control so that you can adjust it to the ideal serving temperature.
The French-door model is another popular integrated fridge. This kind of fridge comes with sleek stainless-looking finish that will match the cabinets in your kitchen. It's an excellent choice for modern homes. It also comes with a handleless door that gives it a luxury feel. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated fridges integrate into the fridge's housing or cabinetry in your kitchen creating an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary, high-end look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from view. They are also more quiet and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can pick from a wide variety 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 select 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which have a larger freezer and smaller fridge.
Many Integrated fridges come with a special drawer for storing meat and fish at 0°C to improve its preservation and extend its shelf lifespan. Fruit and vegetable drawers can be controlled by humidity, which will ensure that your food remains fresh and healthy.
Some models have a 'frozen compartment' that helps protect food from frost and ice. This type of appliance is perfect when you love baking, freezing and cooking from scratch and want to ensure that your homemade creations will last as long as you can.
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 decrease the need to defrost regularly.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved during renovations to your kitchen or move. They are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to look seamless and match with the rest of your home's decor.
This type of refrigerator is usually found in homes or kitchens that are modern and stylish design. The fridge is hidden behind doors to cabinets that are typically made of wood or polished stainless steel to give it an uncluttered appearance that blends in with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate and respond to commands and be part of a larger home control system.
Although integrated refrigerators are rockstars in terms of aesthetics however, they have a few disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This isn't due to better mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are targeted towards a premium market that is willing to pay more for elegant design.
Furthermore the installation of an integrated refrigerator could be expensive, since it requires modifications to your kitchen. These include cutting or taking out any fillers that could be blocking the way, and adding a bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated fridges tend to be higher than freestanding ones and can leave an unsightly gap on the top of your cabinetry. This may mean you need to build a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and offer an attractive solution. If you're satisfied with the layout of your kitchen as it is then this shouldn't be an issue. But, if you'd like to modify it in the near future it may be necessary to add the cross-over cabinet to cover the gap.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is a result of the design of cooling technology that can fit into a small space as well as the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to pay more for a fridge with a premium design that isn't in conflict with the style of their kitchen. Additionally the fact that they require more skilled installation than other fridges that can increase the final cost.
The integrated fridge freezers also offer greater energy efficiency. These models are well-insulated which allows cold air to stay inside. This leads to less temperature fluctuations and reduced energy consumption. In addition, since the doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This can create an illusion of spaciousness and openness within.
The freezer area of an integrated fridge is usually smaller than that available on standalone models, but it still provides plenty of storage space to store fresh food and frozen items. In addition, many integrated refrigerator models have 50:50 splits which permit equally sized refrigeration and freezer space.
The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are huge. They have a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinets to create a unified layout. They also provide greater storage capacity and flexibility, and are fitted with a range of features to improve functionality. As a result, it's not surprising that they have become a popular choice for those looking for the best appliances in the market today. However, it is important to think about all the pros and cons before investing in one for your home.