Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated refrigerator is flush with your counter and cabinetry to seamlessly blend into the kitchen design. They also provide greater customization flexibility by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
Many homeowners choose an integrated refrigerator over a standalone model due to these features. This kind of fridge could have a few drawbacks.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers sit completely flush with the kitchen's cabinetry and provide a sleek look that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are perfect for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are several factors to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important factors to consider is the size. Integrated refrigerators are available in a variety of widths, to accommodate different kitchen sizes. They are also generally larger than freestanding fridges and allow you to store more food items in them without the necessity of another fridge.
The depth is another factor to take into consideration. While freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth, integrated refrigerators are deeper than this. This may limit the range of storage options, since they won't fit in the cabinets in your kitchen.
Lastly, you should be aware of the door's style. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge. It's important to be aware of this as it affects how the fridge's doors open and close. You'll need to decide if you want to split the freezer and fridge sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Some refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design that makes them stand out, and some have sleek exteriors that blend into the interior design. If you want a more discrete appearance or a built in fridge could be a good fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to assist you in finding the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to fit right in the middle of your cabinets, making them the perfect choice for those who want to create a seamless kitchen design. They come with a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so it's difficult to discern where the refrigerator's end and the cabinets begin. These are also great for those with small kitchens and open-plan living areas as they help to declutter the area and make it appear more organized.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model permits larger items like fish, meat, and vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It also comes with a middle bonus drawer which can be used to store wine storage or for storing the charcuterie board prior to a visit. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature to your preferences.
Another popular style of integrated fridge is the French-door model. This kind of fridge comes with an elegant stainless finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in the kitchen. This is a great option for modern homes. It has a handleless front door that gives it a sense of luxury. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator with different colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated fridges integrate into the fridge housing or existing cabinetry in your kitchen creating an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are sought-after by homeowners who want to create a modern, high-end look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from view. fridge for sale near me provide an efficient, quieter method of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick 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, which come with more space in the fridge and a smaller freezer.
Many Integrated fridges come with an additional drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C to enhance the preservation of food and extend its shelf time. Fruit and vegetable drawers can be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food remains fresh and healthy.
Certain models have a "frozen compartment' that protects food from frost and ice. This kind of appliance will be ideal for those who love baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.
A separate freezer drawer can be set up to accommodate large platters, dishes, and containers for takeaway food items. This will protect your food from freezer damage and reduce the frequency of defrosting.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges integrated refrigerators aren't easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move house. This is because they are fitted into the kitchen cabinetry and are designed to appear seamless and blend with the interior of your home.
This type of refrigerator is usually found in kitchens or homes that have a modern, elegant design. The fridge is concealed behind doors to cabinets that are typically constructed of wood or brushed stainless steel material to create a seamless appearance that blends in with the surrounding decor. Refrigerators with integrated systems can be connected to smart home applications that connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with one with each other, respond to commands and form part of a larger home control system.
Despite their appealing appearance integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This disparity has little to have to do with mechanical systems or superior performance. It's because integrated refrigerators are aimed at the market of luxury that is willing to pay a premium price for the high-end design and functionality.
Additionally the installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires changes to your kitchen. This could include cutting out or taking out any fillers that could be in the way and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Integrated fridges are usually higher than freestanding ones, so they could leave a gap at the top. This may mean you need to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and provide an aesthetic solution. If you're happy with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not a problem. However, if you'd like to modify it in the future it may be necessary to add the cross-over cabinet to cover the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to designing cooling systems to fit into a small space and the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more money for a refrigerator with a premium design that isn't in conflict with the style of their kitchen. They also require more skilled installation than other refrigerators. This can add a significant amount to the total cost.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers provide enhanced energy efficiency. They are well-insulated which allows cold air to be trapped within the. This leads to less temperature fluctuations and reduced energy consumption. Furthermore, since the doors are set, they don't extend out from the cabinetry, which can give a more spacious and open feel inside.
The freezer section of an integrated fridge is usually smaller than that found on standalone models, but it can still offer plenty of storage space to store fresh food items and frozen items. In addition, many integrated refrigerator models feature 50:50 splits that allow for equal storage of refrigeration and freezer space.
The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are huge. They have a seamless appearance that blends in with custom cabinets to create a unified layout. They offer superior flexibility and storage space, and are also able to be fitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. It's no surprise that they are an increasingly sought-after choice for people who are looking for a luxury appliance. But, it's important to think about all the pros and cons before making a decision on one for your home.