10 Healthy Integrated Fridge Habits
Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated refrigerator is in a flush position with your counter and cabinetry and blends seamlessly into the kitchen design. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they also provide enhanced customization flexibility.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over freestanding ones. This style of fridge can have some disadvantages.
Size
The fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen, providing a sleek finish that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are great for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are several factors to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration is the size. Integrated refrigerators are available in different widths to accommodate different kitchen sizes. They are also generally larger than freestanding fridges which allows you to store more food items in them without the necessity of an additional fridge.
Another thing to take into consideration is the depth. While freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth, integrated refrigerators are higher than this. The variety of storage options is limited, as they will not fit in all kitchen cabinets.
In the end, you should consider the door style. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge. This is important as it affects how the refrigerator doors open and close. You'll also have to decide whether you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split, since this will affect the amount of space that is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles of kitchen refrigerators available on the market today. Some fridges have a standout color or panel that gives them a unique look and others have a sleek exterior that blends with the rest of interior design. If you're looking for a more discrete look and style, then an integrated or built-in refrigerator may be the right choice for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to fit flush with your cabinetry which makes them the ideal choice for those who want to create a unified kitchen aesthetic. They come with a door that matches your cabinetry which means you won't be able to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They're also a great option for those with small kitchens or living spaces that are open as they can help to reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most common type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model allows you to store larger items such as fish, meat and vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or charcuterie before guests arrive. The drawer has an additional temperature control, so you can adjust it to the ideal serving temperature.
Another style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of fridge features sleek stainless-looking finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in the kitchen. This is a great choice for modern homes. It has a handleless front door which gives it a touch of elegance. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the existing cabinetry or refrigerator housings in 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, high-end look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from sight. They are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can pick from a variety of storage options such as 50:50 models that 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 choose 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models with a larger freezer and smaller fridge.
Many integrated fridges have a drawer that stores meat and fish at 0°C which enhances preservation and increases shelf life. Fruit and vegetable drawers can also be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food remains fresh and healthy.
Certain models have a "frozen compartment' which helps protect food from frost and ice. This type of appliance is perfect when you love baking, freezing and cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your home-cooked creations keep as long as possible.
A separate freezer drawer can be installed for large platters, dishes and containers for takeaway food items. This will shield your food from freezer damage and reduce the need to defrost regularly.
Flexibility
Unlike freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges can't be relocated easily when you are renovating your home or move. 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 kind of refrigerator is usually found in kitchens and homes with a contemporary, high-end aesthetic. The fridge is hidden behind doors for cabinets that are typically constructed of wood or polished stainless steel to create an uncluttered appearance that blends into 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 bigger home control system.
Despite their appealing appearance integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to do with mechanical systems or superior performance. It's because integrated refrigerators are aimed at the market of luxury who are willing to pay more for the upscale design and performance.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires modifications in your kitchen. These include cutting or removing any fillers that might be in the way and adding an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Integrated best fridge uk are usually taller than freestanding ones which means they can leave an opening at the top. This could require you to add an additional cabinet that can cover the gap and provide an attractive solution. If you're content with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not a problem. However, if you want to change it in the near future you might need to install the cross-over cabinet to cover the gap.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the layout of cooling technology that can fit into a smaller space and also due to the fact that a lot of homeowners will spend more money for refrigerators with a classy appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen style. They also require a more professional installation compared to other fridges. This can add a significant amount to the total cost.
Additionally, integrated fridge freezers provide an increase in energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models are hidden and well-insulated, they keep cold air trapped inside, resulting in fewer temperature fluctuations and lower energy consumption. In addition, because doors are set and not protruding out of the cabinetry. This can give an impression of space and openness inside.
The freezer section on integrated fridges will be smaller than those available in standalone models. However, it still offers plenty of space for storing fresh food and frozen goods. Moreover, many integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits which allow for equally sized refrigeration and freezer space.
Ultimately, the benefits of an integrated fridge are numerous. They are sleek and stylish that blends with custom cabinets to create a more unified layout. They offer superior flexibility as well as storage, and can also be fitted with a variety of features that can enhance the functionality. It's not a surprise that they're an increasingly sought-after choice for consumers of luxury appliances today. It is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each prior to making a decision.