Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated fridge sits flush with your counter and cabinets, blending seamlessly into your kitchen design. With panel-ready options as well as inset handles, they also offer enhanced customization flexibility.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over freestanding ones. However, this style of refrigerator also comes with some disadvantages.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are flush with the kitchen cabinetry and give a sleek appearance that looks like a continuation of the cabinets. They are great for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. However there are a few things to think about before you decide to buy an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a major aspect to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in different widths, to fit into different kitchen sizes. They also stand taller than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food items without needing a second one.
Another thing to take into consideration is the depth. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth fridges, freestanding refrigerators are generally counter-depth. This can limit the number of storage options available, since they aren't able to fit into all existing kitchen cabinets.
Lastly, you should take into account the door's design. best fridge uk that are integrated come with either a fixed hinge or a sliding model. It's important to note this since it can affect the way that refrigerator doors open and close. You'll also need to decide if you want a 50:50 split or a 60/40 split, since this will affect the amount of space that is allotted to freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles of kitchen refrigerators on the market today. Some fridges have a standout color or panel that makes them look unique and others have a sleek exterior that blends into the rest of interior design. If you want an unobtrusive look and style, a built-in or integrated in fridge could be a good 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 fit flush with your cabinets, making them a great option for those who want to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They have a door panel that matches your cabinetry so you can't tell where the refrigerator ends and the cabinets begin. They're also an excellent choice for those with small kitchens or living spaces that are open because they help reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most popular type of integrated fridge is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This type of refrigerator lets you store larger items like fish, meat and vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It also features a middle drawer that can be used for wine or storing a charcuterie board before friends come over for a visit. The drawer is equipped with an independent temperature control so that you can set it to the perfect serving temperature.
Another style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of fridge features an elegant stainless finish that will match the kitchen cabinets. It's a great option for modern homes and has a handleless door that gives it a luxurious appearance. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinets in your kitchen, giving it an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular with homeowners who are looking to create a modern and luxurious look for their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from sight. They also provide an efficient, quieter method of cooling your food than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick from a variety of storage options like 50:50 models, which 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 that have more fridge space as well as a smaller freezer.
Many Integrated fridges come with a special drawer for storing fish and meat at 0degC to improve its preservation and extend its shelf time. There are also a variety of fruit and vegetable drawers which can be controlled by humidity to ensure that fresh food items stay fresh and healthy.
Some models also have a dedicated 'frozen' compartment which helps to protect food from frost and ice crystals. This type of appliance will be perfect for those who enjoy baking, freezing, and cooking from scratch.
Another handy feature is the possibility to install a separate 'freezer drawer that can be used for large bowls, platters and containers for takeaway food. This helps to protect fresh food from freezing burn and decrease the need for frequent defrosting, ensuring that your fridge and freezer in pristine condition.
Flexibility
Unlike freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges aren't able to be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. They are incorporated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to complement the rest of the decor in your home.
This type of fridge is typically used in stylised kitchens or in homes that require a luxurious modern design. The fridge is concealed behind doors for cabinets that are typically made of a wood or stainless steel that has been brushed to create an elegant appearance that blends into the surrounding decor. The integrated fridge can also be integrated with smart home apps that allow your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate with each and respond to commands and form part of a larger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators may be stunning in terms of design but they do have drawbacks. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This difference has nothing to do with have to do with mechanical systems or better performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are aimed at a luxury market who are willing to pay a premium price for their elegant design and features.
The installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive, as it requires modifications to your kitchen. This includes cutting out or removing any fillers that are in the way, and adding an bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated fridges are generally higher than freestanding ones, which could leave a visible gap at the top of your cabinetry. You may need to add a cross over cabinet to cover the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. This is not an issue if you're happy to keep your fridge as it is, but it's something to consider if you are planning to change your kitchen's layout in the future.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology that can fit in a small space, as well as to the fact that many homeowners will spend more on a fridge with a premium appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen style. Additionally, they require more professional installation than other fridges and can add a considerable amount to the final price.
Integrated fridge freezers also provide better energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models is hidden and well-insulated, they keep cold air trapped inside, which results in less temperature fluctuations and lower energy usage. In addition, since doors are set they don't protrude out of the cabinetry. This can create an impression of space and a feeling of openness inside.
The freezer section of an integrated fridge is usually smaller than that 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 have 50:50 splits which allow for equal storage of refrigeration and freezing space.
In the end, the advantages of an integrated refrigerator are numerous. They have a sleek design that blends into custom cabinets, which help to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also provide the highest capacity for storage and flexibility, and are equipped with a variety of features to improve functionality. This is why it's not a surprise that they've become a popular choice for buyers of luxury appliances in the present. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each prior to making a choice.