Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated refrigerator is flush with your counter and cabinetry to seamlessly blend into your kitchen design. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also offer greater flexibility in customization.
These are the reasons why many homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over freestanding ones. However, this style of refrigerator can also come with some disadvantages.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are flush with the kitchen cabinetry and offer a sleek design that looks like an extension of the cabinets. This makes them ideal for contemporary and country cottage-style kitchens. However there are some points to be considered before you make the plunge to buy a refrigerator with integrated features.
The size is an important aspect to take into consideration. Integrated refrigerators come in different sizes, which can be adapted to various sizes of kitchens. They are also taller than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food items without needing a second one.
The depth is a different aspect to consider. While integrated refrigerators are deeper than counter-depth, freestanding refrigerators are generally counter-depth. This can limit the number of storage options, since they aren’t able to fit into all existing kitchen cabinets.
In the end, you should take into account the door’s style. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a hinge fixed or a sliding model. It’s important to be aware of this as it affects how the fridge’s doors open and close. It is also important to decide whether you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split, since this will affect the amount of space that is allotted to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for kitchen refrigerators of today. Certain refrigerators are distinguished by a color or design that makes them stand out and others have an elegant exterior that blends into the rest of interior design. If you’re seeking a more subtle style then an integrated fridge or built-in one could be the best fit for your home. Our team at Spencer’s TV & Appliance is here to assist you in finding the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit flush with your cabinets, making them an ideal option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen design. They have a door panel that matches your cabinetry which means you won’t be able to discern where the refrigerator‘s end and the cabinets begin. They’re also an excellent choice for those with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can help declutter the space and keep it looking clean.
The most commonly used type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom-freezer. This model permits larger items like meat, fish, and vegetables to be stored without having to sacrifice storage space. It also comes with a middle bonus drawer that can be used for fridge and freezer wine storage or for storing the charcuterie board prior to a come over for a visit. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller so you can set the temperature to your liking.
The French-door model is another popular integrated refrigerator. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel look that will match the kitchen cabinets. This is a great option for modern homes. It comes with a non-handle front door that gives it an air of luxury. It’s also easy to customize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the existing cabinetry or the fridge housing in your kitchen. This creates a seamless appearance without any protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are sought-after by homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary, high-end look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from sight. These fridges are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can pick from a range of storage options like 50:50 models, which offer equal fridge and freezer space that 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.
A lot of integrated fridges have an extra drawer that can be used to store meat and fish at 0degC to ensure its preservation and extend its shelf life. Fruit and vegetable drawers can also be controlled by humidity, which will ensure that your food is fresh and healthy.
Certain models also come with an insulated compartment for frozen food that helps protect food from ice crystals and frost. This kind of appliance is perfect if you enjoy baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your creations made from scratch last as long as you can.
Another great feature is the ability to install a separate ‘freezer drawer that can be used for large platters, bowls and containers of takeaway food. This can help protect fresh food from freezer burn and reduce the need for frequent defrosting, which keeps your fridge and freezer in top shape.
Flexibility
Unlike 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 complement the the decor in your home.
This type of refrigerator is used in kitchens and homes that have a modern, high-end aesthetic. The fridge is hidden behind doors to cabinets that are typically made of wood or stainless steel that has been brushed to give it an elegant appearance that blends in with the decor. The integrated fridge can also be integrated with smart home apps that allow your fridge and other appliances to communicate with one with each other, respond to commands and become part of a bigger home control system.
Despite their appealing appearance integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. 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 an elite market who are willing to pay more for their elegant design and performance.
Additionally, the installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires modifications to your kitchen. This means cutting out or removing any fillers and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. In addition, integrated fridges tend to be taller than freestanding models that can create a gap that is unsightly on the top of your cabinetry. It is possible to add an extra cross-over cabinet to fill in the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. This isn’t a problem if you’re happy to keep your fridge as it is, but it’s something to consider if are planning to change your kitchen’s layout in the near future.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology to fit into a smaller space and also due to the fact that a lot of homeowners will spend more on an appliance with a high-end look that does not clash with their kitchen style. They also require a more professional installation compared to other fridges. This can add significant cost to the final cost.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers also offer better energy efficiency. These models are well insulated, allowing cold air to stay inside. This results in lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are recessed, they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which can give a more spacious and open feel inside.
The freezer area of a fridge integrated 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. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage for freezing and refrigeration.
The advantages of an integrated refrigerator are immense. They have a seamless appearance that blends with custom cabinetry to create a more unified layout. They are a great choice for flexibility and storage space, and can also be fitted with a variety of features that enhance functionality. It’s not a surprise that they’ve become a top choice for luxury appliances buyers today. It is essential to take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a decision.