A built-in fridge is in a flush with your counters and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they can also provide enhanced customization flexibility.
Many homeowners choose an integrated refrigerator over a standalone one due to these advantages. However, this kind of refrigerator also comes with some disadvantages.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers sit in line with the kitchen cabinets and give a sleek appearance that looks like an extension of the cabinets. This makes them perfect for modern and country cottage-style kitchens. However there are some things to think about before you decide to buy a refrigerator with integrated features.
One of the biggest factors to consider is the size. Integrated refrigerators are available in a variety of sizes to fit various kitchen sizes. They are also taller than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food without having to buy a second.
The depth is an additional factor to take into consideration. While freestanding fridges are often counter-depth, integrated refrigerators are deeper than this. The number of storage options is limited, because they won't fit into all kitchen cabinets.
Last but not least, you need to consider the style of the door. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge. This is important because it affects how the fridge doors open and shut. You'll have to decide if you'd like to split the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles of kitchen refrigerators available on the market in the present. Some refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design that gives them a unique look, and some have sleek exteriors that blend into the interior design. If you're looking for an unobtrusive style, an integrated or built in fridge could be a good fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you locate the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit perfectly with your cabinets, making them an ideal option for those who want to create a seamless kitchen design. They come with a door that matches your cabinetry which means you won't be able to tell where the refrigerator ends and the cabinets begin. They're also a great option for those who have small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, because they help reduce clutter and make it appear more organized.
The most common style of integrated refrigerator is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This model allows for larger items such as fish, meat, and vegetables to be stored without losing storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that can be used to store wine or charcuterie before guests arrive. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller that allows you to adjust the temperature according to your preference.
Another type of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This type of fridge has an elegant stainless finish that is a perfect match to the kitchen cabinets. This is a fantastic option for homes with modern designs. It features a no-handle front door which gives it a touch of luxury. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the cabinetry or refrigerator housings in your kitchen. This gives them an elegant appearance with no protrusions. These kinds of fridges are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a contemporary or contemporary kitchen style that block the appliance from the view. They also provide an efficient, quieter method of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.You can pick from a variety of storage options. For instance you can choose 50:50 models that provide equal space in the freezer and fridge. This allows you to store anything from leftovers and fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also opt for 60/40 splits or 70/30 models, which have more space in the fridge and a smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges have a special drawer for storing fish and meat at 0degC to enhance the preservation of food and extend its shelf time. There are also a range of drawers for vegetables and fruits that can be controlled by humidity to help fresh food to stay fresh and healthy.
Some models also have an insulated compartment for frozen food which protects food from ice crystals and frost. This kind of appliance is perfect for those who love baking, freezing and cooking from scratch and want to ensure that your creations made from scratch keep as long as possible.
Another handy feature is the option to create a separate freezer drawer that can be used for large platters, bowls and containers for takeaway food. This will protect your food from freezer damage and reduce the necessity to defrost frequently.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move home. They are integrated into the kitchen cabinets and are designed to blend with the the decor in your home.
This kind of fridge is typically found in stylish kitchens or homes that require a luxurious, modern aesthetic. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors constructed of wood or polished steel to blend with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and Frydge other appliances to communicate and respond to commands and be part of a bigger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators may be rockstars in terms of aesthetics but they do have drawbacks. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This difference has nothing to do with have to do with mechanical systems or better performance. It's due to the fact that integrated refrigerators are targeted at the market of luxury that is willing to pay more for the high-end design and features.
Additionally, the installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires modifications to your kitchen. This includes cutting or the fillers that may be blocking the fridge's entrance and adding a bridging cabinet above the fridge to fit the door frame. Typically, integrated fridges are taller than freestanding ones which means they can leave a gap at the top. This could require you to add a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and provide an aesthetic solution. If you're happy with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not an issue. If you'd like to alter it in the near future, you may need to add a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology to fit into a smaller space and also due to the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to spend more money for refrigerators with a classy appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen design. They also require more skilled installation compared to other refrigerators. This can add a significant amount to the final cost.
As an added benefit, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. These models are well-insulated, allowing cold air to be trapped inside. This means lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Furthermore, since the doors are recessed, they don't extend out from the cabinetry, which can create a more spacious and open-air feel inside.
The freezer section of an integrated refrigerator is usually smaller than those available on standalone models, but it can still offer plenty of storage space to store fresh food and frozen items. A majority of integrated fridge models feature 50:50 splits that allow equal storage for both refrigeration and freezing.
In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are vast. They provide a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinets, which help to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also offer superior storage capacity and flexibility, and can be equipped with a variety of features to improve functionality. This is why it's not a surprise that they've become a top choice for buyers of luxury appliances today. However, it is important to think about all the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to purchase one for your home.
