Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is in a flush with your counters and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also allow for greater customization flexibility with panel-ready options and integrated handles.
These features are why many homeowners choose to have an integrated fridge instead of a freestanding one. This kind of fridge could have some disadvantages.
Size
The fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are flush with the kitchen's cabinetry and provide a sleek look that looks like an extension of the cabinets. They are ideal for kitchens that have a modern or country cottage style. There are a few things to take into consideration before buying an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various widths, to accommodate different kitchen sizes. They are also higher than freestanding refrigerators which means you can store more food without needing a second one.
Another aspect to consider is the depth. While integrated refrigerators are deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators are generally counter-depth. This can limit the number of storage options, since they won't fit in all existing kitchen cabinets.
In the end, you should be aware of the door style. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. This is important because it affects how the doors of the refrigerator open and close. You'll also need to decide whether 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 available for kitchen refrigerators of today. Some refrigerators have a unique color or design, whereas others have a sleek design that blends into the other decor. If you're looking for an elegant appearance and style, a built-in or integrated in refrigerator could be the best choice 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 cabinetry, making them the perfect option for those looking to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They come with a door that matches your cabinetry so you can't discern where the refrigerator's end and the cabinets begin. They're also a great choice for those with smaller kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can help to declutter the space and keep it looking clean.
The most well-known type of integrated refrigerator is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This model permits larger items such as fish, meat and even vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that can be used to store wine or Charcuterie platter prior to guests arriving. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller which allows you to set the temperature to your preferences.
Another popular style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel finish that will match your kitchen cabinets. It's a great choice for modern homes and comes with a handleless door which gives it a classy feel. You can also customize your refrigerator by selecting various colors and finishes.
Storage
The integrated refrigerators are built into the cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This gives it an uncluttered appearance with no protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are sought-after by homeowners who are looking to create a modern elegant look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from view. They are also more quiet and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can choose from a wide variety of storage options, including 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 that have more fridge space as well as a smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C, which improves preservation and prolongs shelf life. Fruit and vegetable drawers can be controlled by humidity, ensuring that your food stays fresh and healthy.
Some models come with a "frozen compartment' that protects food from ice and frost. This type of appliance is ideal if you enjoy baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your creations made from scratch last as long as you can.
Another great feature is the possibility to create a separate freezer drawer that can be used for large bowls, platters and containers for takeaway food. This helps to keep fresh food safe from freezer burn and also reduce the requirement for regular defrosting, ensuring that your fridge and freezer in top condition.
Flexibility
Contrary to freestanding fridges and freestanding units, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move. They are fitted into the kitchen cabinetry and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the interior decor of your home.
This type of refrigerator is used in kitchens and homes that are modern and stylish design. The fridge is concealed behind doors for cabinets constructed of wood or stainless steel that is brushed to blend with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances so that they can communicate, respond to commands, and be part of a larger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators may be rockstars in terms of aesthetics but they do have drawbacks. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity has little to be attributed to mechanical systems or superior performance. It's because integrated refrigerators are aimed at a luxury market who are willing to pay more for the upscale design and performance.
Installing an integrated refrigerator can be expensive, as it requires modifications in your kitchen. These include cutting or taking out any fillers that could be blocking the fridge's entrance and putting a bridging cabinet above the fridge to fit the door frame. Typically, integrated fridges are taller than freestanding ones and can leave gaps at the top. This may require you to build a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and provide a more aesthetically pleasing solution. If you're satisfied with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not an issue. However, if you'd like to modify it in the future it may be necessary to add the cross-over cabinet to cover the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology that can fit into a smaller space and the fact that many homeowners will spend more money for an appliance with a high-end design that is not in conflict with their kitchen style. Adding to this the fact that they require more skilled installation than other fridges, which can also add a considerable amount to the final price.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers also offer more energy efficiency. These models are well-insulated, allowing cold air to be trapped inside. This means less fluctuations in temperature and lower energy consumption. In addition, since doors are inset they don't protrude from the cabinetry. fridge deals uk can give an illusion of spaciousness and openness inside.
The freezer section of a fridge integrated is usually smaller than those available on standalone models, but it still provides plenty of storage space to store fresh food items as well as frozen items. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits that allow equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.
The benefits of integrated refrigerators are huge. They have a seamless appearance that blends in with custom cabinetry to create a more unified layout. They also provide superior storage capacity and flexibility, and can be equipped with a variety of features to enhance functionality. As a result, it's not a surprise that they've become a top choice for luxury appliances buyers in the present. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a decision.