Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in refrigerator is integrated into counters and cabinets that blend seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also provide more customization options with panel-ready options as well as integrated handles.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over a freestanding one. This kind of fridge could have a few drawbacks.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are integrated into the kitchen cabinets and offer a sleek design that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are perfect for kitchens with a contemporary or fridge-freezer country cottage style. There are several factors to take into consideration before buying an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a major aspect to take into consideration. Integrated refrigerators come in various widths to fit various sizes of kitchens. They are also generally higher than freestanding refrigerators which allows you to store more food items in them without the need for an additional fridge.
Another thing to take into consideration is the depth. Freestanding fridges are typically counter-depth, integrated fridges are higher than this. This could limit the number of storage options, since they will not fit in the cabinets in your kitchen.
In the end, you should be aware of the door’s style. Refrigerators that are integrated can be equipped with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. This is crucial because it will affect 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 many styles to choose from for kitchen refrigerators of today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel, while others have a sleek style that blends into the rest of the decor. If you want an unobtrusive appearance and style, a built-in or integrated in fridge could be a good fit for your home. Spencer’s TV & Appliance can help you choose the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be perfectly with your cabinets, making them an ideal option for those who want to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They have 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. They are also great for those with small kitchens and living spaces that are open because they can help make the space more organized and keep it looking clean.
The most common type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom-freezer. This model permits larger items such as fish, meat and even vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It also features a middle drawer that can be used for wine or storing a charcuterie board before friends visit. The drawer comes with a separate temperature controller which allows you to set the temperature according to your preference.
Another popular style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel look that can be matched to the kitchen cabinets. It’s a great choice for modern homes. It comes with a handleless door that gives it a luxurious appearance. It’s also easy to customize your refrigerator fridge-freezer with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge’s housing or cabinets in your kitchen creating an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a modern elegant look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from sight. They also offer a quieter, more efficient method of cooling your food than freestanding refrigerators.
You can choose from a range 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 opt for 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models that have a larger fridge space and smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges have an extra drawer that can be used to store meat and fish at 0degC to improve the preservation of food and extend its shelf time. The drawers for vegetables and fruits can be controlled by humidity, ensuring that your food stays fresh and healthy.
Certain models also come with a dedicated ‘frozen’ compartment which helps to protect food from ice crystals and frost. This type of appliance will be ideal for people who love baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.
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 reduce the need to defrost regularly.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges can’t be moved easily when you renovate your home or move. This is because they are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear seamless and blend with the interior of your home.
This kind of fridge is typically utilized in kitchens with a stylised design or homes that require a high-end contemporary design. The fridge is hidden behind doors for cabinets constructed from wood or stainless steel that is brushed to blend with the decor. Integrated fridges can also be connected to smart home apps to connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with one other, respond to commands, and eventually become part of a larger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators may be stunning in terms of design however, they have a few disadvantages. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to have to do with mechanical systems or better performance. It’s because integrated refrigerators are designed for an elite market that is willing to pay a premium price for fridge-freezer the upscale design and performance.
Moreover, the installation of an integrated refrigerator is costly as it requires changes to your kitchen. This involves cutting out or removing any fillers that are in the way and putting an bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. In addition, integrated fridges tend to be taller than freestanding models, which could leave a visible gap on the top of your cabinetry. It is possible to add an overhang to fill in the gap. This makes it more visually pleasing. If you’re satisfied with the design of your kitchen then this shouldn’t be a problem. If you’d like to modify it in the near future you might need to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
The fridge freezers that are integrated 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 small space as well as the fact that many homeowners are willing to pay more for a fridge with a premium design that isn’t in conflict with the style of their kitchen. They also require more professional installation than other refrigerators. This could add a significant amount to the final cost.
The integrated fridge freezers also offer greater energy efficiency. These models are well-insulated which allows cold air to be trapped inside. This means less temperature fluctuations and reduced energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are inset they don’t extend out from the cabinetry, which can create a more spacious and open feeling 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 items and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits that allow equal storage space for refrigeration and freezing.
In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are immense. They provide a seamless appearance that blends seamlessly with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They offer superior flexibility as well as storage, and can be outfitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. It’s no surprise that they’re the most sought-after option among luxury appliance buyers today. However, it’s crucial to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages before investing in one for your home.