Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is in a flush with your cabinets and counters, blending seamlessly into the style of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they also provide greater flexibility in customization.
Many homeowners prefer an integrated refrigerator over a standalone model due to these advantages. This kind of fridge could be a bit limiting.
Size
Refrigerator freezers that are integrated sit in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen, providing a sleek finish that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. They are ideal for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. However there are some things to think about before you decide to buy a refrigerator with integrated features.
The size is a key aspect to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in different sizes, which can be adapted to various sizes of kitchens. They're also typically larger than freestanding fridges which allows you to store more food items in them without the need for another fridge.
The depth is a different aspect to take into consideration. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth fridges, freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth. This could limit the number of storage options, since they aren't able to fit into all existing kitchen cabinets.
Not least, you must consider the style of the door. Refrigerators that are integrated can be equipped with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge. This is crucial because it affects how the doors of the refrigerator open and close. You'll also have to decide whether you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split, since this will impact how much space is allocated to the freezer and
medical fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many different styles of kitchen refrigerators that are on the market today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design, while others have a sleek design that blends in with the rest of the decor. If you prefer an elegant style, an integrated or built in refrigerator could be the best choice for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to assist you in finding the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit flush with your cabinetry, making them the perfect choice for those who want to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They have a door panel that matches your cabinetry, so it's difficult to tell where the refrigerator ends and the cabinets begin. They are also ideal for kitchens with small spaces and open-plan living areas as they help to make the space more organized and make it appear more organized.
The most commonly used type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom
freezer. This type of refrigerator allows larger items such as fish, meat, and vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It also comes with an extra middle drawer which can be used to store wine or storing the charcuterie board prior to a come over for a visit. The drawer comes with an independent temperature control so that you can adjust it to the ideal serving temperature.
The French-door
freezer model is another popular integrated fridge. This kind of fridge features an elegant stainless finish that will match the cabinets in the kitchen. This is a fantastic choice for modern homes. It comes with a non-handle front door which gives it a touch of luxury. You can also personalize your refrigerator by selecting different finishes and colors.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This gives it a seamless appearance without any protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a modern elegant look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from sight. They also provide a quieter, more 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 provide equal freezer and fridge space which 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, which have more fridge space as well as a smaller freezer.
Many integrated fridges include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C, which improves preservation and increases shelf life. Fruit and vegetable drawers can be controlled
side by side fridge humidity, which will ensure that your food is fresh and healthy.
Some models come with a "frozen compartment' that protects food from freezing and frost. This kind of appliance is perfect if you enjoy baking, freezing and cooking from scratch and want to ensure that your creations made from scratch last as long as you can.
Another great feature is the ability to install a separate 'freezer drawer to store large bowls, platters and containers for takeaway food. This will protect your food from freezer damage and decrease the necessity to defrost frequently.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges integrated refrigerators aren't easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move. They are fitted into the kitchen cabinetry and are designed to appear seamless and match with the rest of your home's decor.
This type of refrigerator is typically found in kitchens and homes with a contemporary, elegant design. The fridge is concealed behind doors for cabinets that are typically made of wood or brushed stainless steel material to create an uncluttered appearance that blends into the surrounding decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your fridge and other appliances so that they can communicate and respond to commands and eventually become part of a larger home control system.
Despite their aesthetic appeal integrated refrigerators do have some disadvantages. They're more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity has little to be attributed to 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 the upscale design and performance.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly due to the need for modifications to your kitchen. These include cutting or removing any fillers that might be blocking the fridge's entrance and installing an bridging cabinet over the fridge to accommodate the door frame. In addition, integrated fridges are typically taller than freestanding models that can leave an unsightly gap at 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 visually pleasing. This isn't an issue for those who are content with keeping your fridge where it is, but it is 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 aesthetic and long-lasting installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology to fit in a small space and the fact that a lot of homeowners will spend more on a fridge with a premium appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen design. Additionally, they require more professional installation than other refrigerators that can add a considerable amount to the final price.
As an added benefit, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models are hidden they are well-insulated to keep cold air trapped inside, resulting in fewer temperature fluctuations as well as lower energy consumption. In addition, since the doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This can give a feeling of spaciousness and openness within.