Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated fridge sits in a flush position with your counter and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the kitchen design. With panel-ready options as well as inset handles, they can also provide greater flexibility in customization.
Many homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over a standalone model due to these advantages. This type of fridge may be a bit limiting.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers sit completely in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen, providing a sleek finish that looks like an extension of the cabinets. They are great for kitchens with a contemporary or country cottage style. However, there are a few things to consider before you make the plunge to purchase an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important factors to take into consideration is the size. Integrated refrigerators come in different sizes, which can be adapted to various kitchen sizes. They are also higher than freestanding refrigerators which means you can store more food items without needing a second.
The depth is an additional factor to take into consideration. While integrated refrigerators are deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth. This may limit the range of storage options, as they aren't able to fit into all kitchen cabinets currently in use.
In the end, you should be aware of the door's design. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a hinge fixed or sliding model. It's important to be aware of this as it affects the way the refrigerator's doors open and close. You'll have to decide if you'd like 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. Some refrigerators have a unique color or design, while others have a sleek design that blends with the rest of the decor. If you're looking for an elegant style or a 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 fridges are designed to be right in the middle of your cabinets which makes them the ideal option for those who wish to create a unified kitchen design. The door panels match the cabinetry so that you won't be able to discern a distinction between the fridge and the cabinets. They're also a great choice for those who have small kitchens or living spaces that are open as they can help to reduce clutter and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This model permits larger items like meat, fish and even vegetables to be stored without sacrificing storage space. It also has a middle drawer which you can use to store wine or charcuterie prior to guests arriving. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller so you can set the temperature to your liking.
Another type of integrated fridge is the French-door model. This type of fridge has a sleek stainless finish that matches the cabinets in your kitchen. This is a fantastic option for modern homes. It has a handleless front door which gives it a touch of luxurious. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator with different colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry of your kitchen and give it an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These types of fridges are the most popular choice for homeowners looking to achieve a modern or contemporary kitchen style that block the appliance from view. They also provide an efficient, quieter way of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can choose from a range of storage options like 50:50 models, which offer a similar 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, which have more space in the fridge and a smaller freezer.
Many Integrated fridges come with an extra drawer that can be used to store fish and meat at 0degC to improve its preservation and increase its shelf time. The drawers for vegetables and fruits can also be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food stays fresh and healthy.
Certain models also come with a dedicated 'frozen' compartment which protects food from ice crystals and frost. This kind of appliance would be ideal for people who love baking, freezing, and cooking from scratch.
A separate freezer drawer can be set up to accommodate large platters, dishes and containers for takeaway food. This will protect your food from freezer damage and cut down on the frequency of defrosting.
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Unlike freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges can't be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. This is because they're integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear seamless and match with the interior decor of your home.
This kind of refrigerator is typically found in kitchens or homes that are modern and elegant design. The fridge is concealed behind doors for cabinets that are typically made of wood or stainless steel that has been brushed to create a seamless appearance that blends in with the decor. Refrigerators with integrated systems can be connected to smart home applications that connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with one and respond to commands, and eventually become part of a larger home control system.
Despite their aesthetic appeal integrated refrigerators do have some disadvantages. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This isn't due to superior mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are targeted at a premium market that is willing to pay more for the upscale design.
Moreover the installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires modifications to your kitchen. This includes cutting out or removing any fillers in the way, and adding a bridging cupboard above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. Integrated fridges tend to be higher than freestanding ones, so they could leave gaps at the top. You may need to add a cross over cabinet to fill in the gap. This makes it more visually pleasing. If you're content with the layout of your kitchen it isn't a problem. But, if you'd like to modify it in the near future it may be necessary to build a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is a result of designing cooling technology to fit into a small space and also the fact that many homeowners are willing to pay more for a refrigerator with a premium design that doesn't clash with their kitchen's style. They also require a more professional installation compared to other fridges. This can add significant cost to the final price.
In addition, integrated fridge freezers provide enhanced energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models are hidden and well-insulated, they keep cold air from getting inside, resulting in fewer temperature fluctuations as well as lower energy usage. Furthermore, since the doors are recessed, they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which can give a more spacious and open feeling inside.
The freezer section on an integrated fridge will be smaller than the ones that is found on standalone models. However, it offers plenty of space to store fresh food and frozen goods. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits that allow equal storage space for refrigeration and freezing.
The advantages of having an integrated refrigerator are immense. They have a seamless appearance which blends seamlessly with custom cabinetry to create a more unified layout. They are a great choice for flexibility and storage, and can be outfitted with a range of features that enhance functionality. It's no surprise that they are an increasingly sought-after choice for consumers of luxury appliances today. It is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a decision.