7 Useful Tips For Making The Best Use Of Your Integrated Fridge
Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated fridge sits close to your cabinetry and counter, blending seamlessly into the kitchen design. They also allow for greater customization flexibility with panel-ready options and integrated handles.
Many homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over a standalone model due to these advantages. This style of fridge can have a few drawbacks.
Size
Refrigerator freezers that are integrated sit flush with the kitchen's cabinetry giving a sleek appearance that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are perfect for kitchens with a contemporary or country cottage style. However, there are a few things to consider before you decide to buy a refrigerator with integrated features.
The size is a key aspect to take into consideration. Refrigerators with integrated features are available in a variety of sizes to fit various sizes of kitchens. They are also higher than freestanding refrigerators which means you can store more food items without needing a second.
The depth is another factor to take into consideration. While freestanding fridges are often counter-depth, integrated fridges are higher than this. The range of storage options is limited as they will not fit into all kitchen cabinets.
In the end, you should consider the door's design. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a hinge that is fixed or sliding model. This is important because it will affect how the refrigerator doors open and close. It is also important to decide if you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split. This will determine how much space is allotted to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many styles of kitchen refrigerators available on the market today. Some fridges have a standout color or panel that gives them a unique look, and some have an elegant exterior that blends with the rest of your room's style. If you want an elegant appearance and style, a built-in or integrated in fridge may be right for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodel.
Integrated fridges are designed to fit flush with your cabinetry, making them the perfect choice for those who want to create a seamless kitchen design. The door panel is matched to the cabinetry, so it is difficult to discern the distinction between the fridge and the cabinets. They are also ideal for those with small kitchens and open-plan living areas, as they can make the space more organized and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most popular type of integrated fridge is a bottom-freezer refrigerator. This model lets you 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 is equipped with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature to your liking.
Another style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of refrigerator comes with a sleek stainless steel finish that will match the kitchen cabinets. This is an excellent option for modern homes. It comes with a non-handle front door that gives it a sense of luxury. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator with different colors and finishes.
Stores
Integrated fridges integrate into the fridge housing or existing cabinetry of your kitchen and give it a seamless look without any forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular with homeowners who want to create a modern and luxurious look for their kitchens. They hide the appliance from sight. These fridges 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, allowing 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 more space for freezers and a smaller fridge.
Many integrated fridges have a special drawer for storing fish and meat at 0degC to enhance the preservation of food and extend its shelf lifespan. There are also a range of fruit and vegetable drawers which can be controlled by humidity to help your fresh food stay crisp and healthy.
Certain models also come with a dedicated 'frozen' compartment which helps to protect food from frost and ice crystals. This kind of appliance is ideal when you love baking or freezing food from scratch and want to make sure that your homemade creations will keep as long as possible.
Another great feature is the ability to install a separate 'freezer' drawer for large bowls, platters and containers of takeaway food. This will help protect fresh food from freezing burn and decrease the requirement for regular defrosting, which keeps your freezer and fridge in top shape.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges aren't able to be moved easily when you remodel your home or move. They are fitted into the kitchen cabinetry and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the interior of your home.
This kind of refrigerator is used in kitchens or homes that are modern and elegant design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors constructed from 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 become part of a bigger home control system.
Despite their aesthetic appeal integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. They're more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to be attributed to mechanical systems or superior performance. It's due to the fact that integrated refrigerators are targeted at the market of luxury that is willing to pay more for their elegant design and performance.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive, as it requires modifications to your kitchen. These include cutting or taking out any fillers that could be blocking the fridge's entrance and installing an bridging cabinet over the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Additionally, integrated refrigerators are typically taller than freestanding models that can create a gap that is unsightly at the top of your cabinetry. You may need to add an extra cross-over cabinet to cover the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. If you're happy with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not an issue. However, if you want to change it in the future you might need to build a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models because of their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology that can be compact, as well as to the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to pay more for an appliance with a high-end appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen design. They also require more professional installation compared to other refrigerators. This can add a significant amount to the final price.
Integrated fridge freezers also provide better energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models are concealed they are well-insulated to keep cold air within, which results in fewer temperature fluctuations as well as less energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This can give an illusion of spaciousness and a feeling of openness inside.
The freezer area of an integrated refrigerator is usually smaller than that available on standalone models, but it still provides plenty of storage space to store fresh food items and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits, which provide equal storage for freezing and refrigeration.
In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are immense. They have a sleek design that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also have greater storage capacity and flexibility, and are fitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. It's not a surprise that they're the most sought-after option among consumers of luxury appliances today. However, it's crucial to consider all the advantages and disadvantages before investing in one for your home.