Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated refrigerator is flush with your cabinetry and counter to seamlessly blend into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also provide enhanced customization flexibility.
These features are why many homeowners opt for an integrated fridge instead of freestanding ones. This style of fridge can have some disadvantages.
Size
The integrated fridge-freezers are flush with the kitchen cabinetry and offer a sleek design that appears to be an extension of the cabinets. They are perfect for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. However, there are a few things to consider before making the decision to purchase an integrated refrigerator.
One of the biggest factors to consider is the size. Integrated refrigerators come in different widths, to fit into different sizes of kitchens. They also stand taller than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food items without needing a second.
Another aspect to consider is the depth. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth fridges, freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth. This can limit the number of storage options available, since they won't fit in all existing kitchen cabinets.
Finally, you must be aware of the door's design. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. It's important to be aware of this since it can affect the way that refrigerator doors open and close. You'll have to decide if you want to divide the freezer and fridge sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles available for kitchen refrigerators today. Some refrigerators are unique in color or design, whereas others feature a sleek design that blends into the other decor. If you want an unobtrusive look and style, a built-in or integrated in fridge could be a good fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you find the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to fit flush with your cabinets, making them a perfect option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They come with a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so it's difficult to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. These are also great for those with small kitchens as well as open-plan living spaces as they help to reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most well-known type of integrated fridge is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This model allows for larger items such as meat, fish, and vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It comes with a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or a Charcuterie platter before guests arrive. The drawer comes with an independent temperature control so that you can set it to the perfect serving temperature.
The French-door design is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This kind of fridge comes with a sleek stainless finish that will match the cabinets in the kitchen. It's an excellent choice for modern homes. It features a door with no handles that gives it a luxurious look. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated fridges are integrated into the fridge housing or existing cabinets in your kitchen and give it an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary and luxurious look for their kitchens. They hide the appliance from view. They also provide the quietest, most efficient way of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick from a range of storage options such as 50:50 models that offer a similar fridge and freezer space which allows you to store everything from fresh produce and leftovers to frozen meats and ice cream. You can also pick 60/40 splits or 70/30 models, which have a larger freezer and smaller fridge.
A lot of integrated fridges have a special drawer for storing fish and meat at 0degC to improve its preservation and extend its shelf life. There are also a range of fruit and vegetable drawers that can be controlled by humidity to help your fresh food stay crisp and healthy.
Certain models also come with a dedicated 'frozen' compartment that helps protect food from frost and ice crystals. This kind of appliance is ideal for those who love baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your home-cooked creations last as long as you can.
Another great feature is the option to add a separate 'freezer' drawer for large bowls, platters and containers for takeaway food. fridges uk will help keep fresh food safe from freezer burn and reduce the need for frequent defrosting, keeping your fridge and freezer in top shape.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move home. This is because they are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the interior of your home.
This kind of fridge is usually used in stylised kitchens or in homes that require a luxurious, modern aesthetic. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors that are usually made of wood or stainless steel that has been brushed to create an uncluttered appearance that is a perfect match with the surrounding decor. Integrated fridges can also be connected to smart home apps to connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with each and respond to commands and become part of a bigger home control system.
Despite their appealing appearance, integrated refrigerators have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity is not due to superior mechanical systems or performance. It's because integrated fridges are targeted at a premium market, who are willing to pay more for the upscale design.
Furthermore the installation of an integrated refrigerator could be expensive, since it requires modifications to your kitchen. This includes cutting out or removing any fillers, and adding an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. Additionally, integrated refrigerators tend to be larger than freestanding models and can leave an unsightly gap at the top of your cabinetry. This could require you to install an over-the-counter cabinet to cover the gap and provide an aesthetic solution. If you're content with the design of your kitchen as it is then this shouldn't be a problem. If you'd like to alter it in the near future it may be necessary to build a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek aesthetic and their permanent installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology that can be compact and also due to the fact that many homeowners are willing to pay more for a fridge with a premium design that is not in conflict with their kitchen design. Adding to this, they require more professional installation than other fridges, which can also increase the final price.
In addition, integrated fridge freezers provide enhanced energy efficiency. They are well-insulated and allow cold air to be confined inside. This means lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. In addition, because the doors are inset and not protruding out of the cabinetry. This can create an impression of space and a feeling of openness inside.
The freezer area of an integrated fridge is typically smaller than the one found on standalone models, but it still provides plenty of storage space to store fresh food items and frozen items. A majority of integrated fridge models feature 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage for freezing and refrigeration.
The advantages of an integrated refrigerator are immense. They feature a seamless design that blends in with custom cabinetry to create a unified layout. They offer superior flexibility and storage space, and can also be fitted with a variety of features to enhance functionality. This is why it's not surprising that they've become a popular choice for buyers of luxury appliances today. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a choice.