Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is integrated into your cabinets and counters and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also allow for more flexibility in customization by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners choose to have an integrated refrigerator over freestanding models. However, this kind of refrigerator also comes with a few drawbacks.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers sit completely in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen giving a sleek appearance that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. They are perfect for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are a few factors to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the biggest factors to take into consideration is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various widths, to fit into various kitchen sizes. They also stand taller than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food items without having to buy a second.
The depth is a different aspect to consider. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth fridges, freestanding refrigerators are typically counter-depth. This can limit the number of storage options, since they will not fit in all existing kitchen cabinets.
Finally, you must take into account the door style. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a hinge that is fixed or a sliding model. This is important because it will affect how the fridge doors open and shut. You'll need to decide if you'd like to split the freezer and fridge parts 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are various styles available for kitchen refrigerators of today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel, while others have a sleek design that blends in with the other decor. If you prefer an unobtrusive style, an integrated or built in fridge may be right for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated fridges are designed to fit in a flush position with your cabinets, making them the perfect option for those looking to create a cohesive kitchen design. The door panel matches the cabinetry so that you can't tell the difference between the fridge and the cabinets. They're also a great option for those with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can help declutter the space and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This type of refrigerator lets you store larger items like meat, fish and vegetables without sacrificing valuable storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or a Charcuterie platter before guests arrive. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control so you can adjust it to the ideal serving temperature.
Another type of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of fridge features sleek stainless-looking finish that is a perfect match to the kitchen cabinets. This is an excellent option for homes with modern designs. It has a handleless front door which gives it a touch of luxury. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated fridges are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry of your kitchen, giving it an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are an ideal choice for those seeking a contemporary or high-end kitchen style that conceals the appliance from the view of. They are also more quiet and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can choose from a variety of storage options like 50:50 models, which offer equal fridge and freezer space which allows you to store everything from fresh produce and leftovers to frozen meats and ice cream. You can also choose 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models with a larger freezer and smaller fridge.
A majority of integrated fridges come with a drawer for storing fish and meat at 0degC, which improves preservation and extends shelf life. There are also a range of vegetable and fruit drawers that can be controlled by humidity to ensure that fresh food items stay fresh and healthy.
Some models come with a "frozen compartment' that protects food from frost and ice. This kind of appliance is perfect when you love baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to ensure that your homemade creations will last as long as is possible.
Another useful feature is the option to add a separate 'freezer drawer to store large platters, bowls and containers for takeaway food. This will protect your food from freezer damage and reduce the need to defrost regularly.
Flexibility
Contrary to freestanding refrigerators fridges can't be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. They are integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to blend with the rest of the decor in your home.
This kind of refrigerator is used in kitchens and homes that are modern and stylish design. The fridge is hidden behind doors for cabinets that are typically made of a wood or stainless steel that has been brushed to create an uncluttered appearance that is a perfect match with the surrounding decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate and respond to commands and be part of a larger home control system.
While integrated cheap fridges for sale may be amazing in terms of aesthetics however, they have a few disadvantages. For starters, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This disparity has little to be attributed to mechanical systems or better performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are designed for an elite market who are willing to pay a premium price for the high-end design and functionality.
The installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly due to the need for modifications to your kitchen. This involves removing or cutting any fillers in the way, and adding a bridging cupboard above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated fridges are typically taller than freestanding models and can leave a visible gap at the top of your cabinetry. You might need to install an overhang to fill in the gap. This makes it more visually pleasing. This isn't a problem If you're content to keep your fridge where it is, but it's something to think about if you are planning to change your kitchen's layout in the near future.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is a result of designing cooling systems to be compact as well as the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to pay more for a refrigerator with a high-end design that doesn't clash with their kitchen's style. Adding to this, they require more professional installation than other fridges, which can also add significant amounts to the final price.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models are concealed and well-insulated, they keep cold air inside, which results in less temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, because the doors are recessed, they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which can give a more open and open feeling inside.
The freezer area of an integrated fridge is usually smaller than those found 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, which provide equal storage space for refrigeration and freezing.
The benefits of integrated refrigerators are huge. They have a sleek design that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also provide the highest capacity for storage and flexibility, and can be fitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. It's no surprise that they are the most sought-after option among consumers of luxury appliances today. It is important to consider the pros and cons of each before making a choice.