Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in refrigerator is in a flush with your counters and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also offer greater customization flexibility by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over a freestanding one. However, this style of refrigerator comes with some disadvantages.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers sit completely flush with the kitchen’s cabinetry giving a sleek appearance that appears to be an extension of the cabinets. They are ideal for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are several factors to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a major aspect to take into consideration. Integrated refrigerators come in different widths, to fit into different sizes of kitchens. They are also taller than freestanding refrigerators, which means you can store more food without needing a second.
Another thing to take into consideration is the depth. While integrated refrigerators are more than counter-depth, freestanding refrigerators are generally counter-depth. The number of storage options is limited because they won’t fit into all kitchen cabinets.
Not least, you must take into consideration the design of the door. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a fixed hinge or sliding model. It is important to know this because it will impact how the fridge’s doors open and close. You’ll have to decide if you want to divide the freezer and fridge sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles available for kitchen refrigerators of today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design, whereas others feature a sleek design that blends into the rest of the decor. If you want an elegant 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 remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be in flush with your cabinets making them a great choice for those looking to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They have a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so you can’t tell where the refrigerator ends and the cabinets begin. They’re also a great option for those with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can help reduce clutter and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom-freezer. This model lets you store larger items such as meat, fish and vegetables without sacrificing valuable storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer which you can use to store wine or Charcuterie platter prior to guests arriving. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature to your liking.
Another type of integrated fridge is the French-door model. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel finish that will match the kitchen cabinets. It’s a great choice for modern homes and comes with a handleless door which gives it a classy feel. It’s also simple to personalize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the existing cabinetry or refrigerator housings in your kitchen. This gives it an elegant appearance with no protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who want to create a modern elegant look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from sight. They are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can choose between a variety of storage options. For instance, you can opt for 50:50 models that provide the same amount of space in the fridge freezer on sale and freezer. This lets you store anything from leftovers to fresh produce to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also pick 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models with more space for freezers and a smaller fridge.
A majority of integrated fridges include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C, Frydge which improves preservation and Frydge prolongs shelf life. There are also a variety of fruit and vegetable drawers that can be controlled by humidity to ensure that fresh food to stay fresh and healthy.
Some models also have a dedicated ‘frozen’ compartment which helps to protect food from frost and ice crystals. This kind of appliance would be ideal for those who love baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.
Another useful feature is the option to add a separate ‘freezer’ drawer for large bowls, platters and containers of takeaway food. This will safeguard your food from freezer damage and decrease the need to defrost regularly.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges aren’t able to be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. They are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to look seamless and match with the rest of your home’s decor.
This kind of fridge is often found in stylish kitchens or homes that require a high-end, modern aesthetic. The fridge is hidden behind cabinet doors made of wood or polished steel to blend with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate, respond to commands, and eventually become part of a larger home control system.
Although integrated refrigerators are amazing in terms of aesthetics however, they have a few drawbacks. For starters, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to be attributed to mechanical systems or better performance; it’s because integrated refrigerators are targeted at an elite market who are willing to pay a premium price for the high-end design and features.
Moreover, the installation of an integrated fridge could be expensive, since it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This includes cutting or the fillers that may be blocking the way, and putting an bridging cabinet over the fridge to allow for the door frame. In addition, integrated refrigerators are typically taller than freestanding models and can create a gap that is unsightly at the top of your cabinetry. This could require you to add an additional cabinet that can cover the gap and provide a more aesthetically pleasing solution. This isn’t an issue If you’re content to keep your fridge as it is, but it is something to consider if intend to alter your kitchen layout in the near future.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models because of their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology that can be compact and the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to spend more on a fridge with a premium design that is not in conflict with their kitchen style. They also require more skilled installation compared to other fridges. This can add a significant amount to the final cost.
Integrated fridge freezers also provide better energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models are hidden and well-insulated, they keep cold air from getting inside, resulting in less temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Furthermore, since the doors are recessed, they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which could give a more spacious and open feel inside.
The freezer area on integrated fridges will be smaller than the one that is found on standalone models. However, it offers plenty of space for storage of fresh food and frozen goods. Many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits that allow equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.
In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are vast. They have a sleek design that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They offer superior Frydge flexibility as well as storage, and are also able to be fitted with a variety of features that enhance functionality. It’s not a surprise that they’re the most sought-after option among consumers of luxury appliances today. It is important to take into consideration the pros and cons of each before making a choice.