How Much Can Integrated Fridge Experts Make?
Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A built-in fridge is flush with your counters and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the style of your kitchen. They also provide greater customization flexibility by incorporating panel-ready options and handles.
These features are why many homeowners opt for an integrated fridge over freestanding ones. However, this kind of refrigerator also comes with a few drawbacks.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers are in line with the kitchen cabinets and offer a sleek design that appears to be a continuation of the cabinets. They are ideal for kitchens that have a modern or country cottage style. There are several factors to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a key factor to consider. Refrigerators with integrated features are available in different widths to accommodate different kitchen sizes. They are also larger than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food without needing a second.
Another aspect to consider is the depth. 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 all existing kitchen cabinets.
Last but not least, you must take into consideration the design of the door. Refrigerators that are integrated can be equipped with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge. This is important as it affects how the fridge doors open and shut. It is also important to decide if you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split. This will impact how much space is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for kitchen refrigerators of today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel, while others have a sleek design that blends in with the other decor. If you're seeking a more subtle appearance and style, then an integrated or built-in refrigerator might be the perfect fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to assist you in finding the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be flush with your cabinets, making them a perfect choice for those looking to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They come with a door panel that matches your cabinetry, so it's difficult to discern where the refrigerator's end and the cabinets begin. They're also an excellent choice for those with smaller kitchens or living spaces that are open, as they can help reduce clutter and make it appear more organized.
The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom-freezer. This type of refrigerator allows larger items like fish, meat, and vegetables to be kept without having to sacrifice storage space. It also has a middle drawer which you can use to store wine or charcuterie before guests arrive. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control so you can set it to the ideal serving temperature.
The French-door design is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This model of refrigerator features a sleek stainless steel finish that is designed to match your kitchen cabinets. It's an excellent choice for modern homes and features a door with no handles which gives it a classy look. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated fridges are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry of your kitchen and give it an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are the most popular choice for homeowners seeking a contemporary or high-end kitchen style that hides the appliance from the view. They also provide an efficient, quieter way to cool your food than freestanding refrigerators.
You can choose from a wide variety of storage options such as 50:50 models that provide equal freezer and fridge space which allows you to store everything from fresh produce and leftovers to frozen meats and ice cream. You can also pick 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which have more space in the fridge and a smaller freezer.
Many refrigerators with integrated refrigeration have a drawer that stores meat and fish at 0degC, which improves preservation and increases shelf life. The drawers for vegetables and fruits can also be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food stays fresh and healthy.
Certain models have a "frozen compartment' which helps protect food from ice and frost. This type of appliance will be perfect for those who enjoy baking, freezing, and cooking from scratch.
A separate freezer drawer is a great option for large platters, dishes and containers of takeaway foods. This helps to keep fresh food safe from freezing burn and decrease the requirement for regular defrosting, keeping your fridge and freezer in top condition.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move house. They are incorporated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to match the rest of the decor of your home.
This kind of fridge is typically found in stylish kitchens or in homes which require a premium contemporary design. The fridge is concealed behind doors for cabinets that are typically constructed of wood or polished stainless steel to give it a seamless appearance that blends in with the surrounding decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your fridge and other appliances so that they can communicate, respond to commands, and eventually become part of a bigger home control system.
While integrated refrigerators can be rockstars in terms of aesthetics however, they have a few disadvantages. For one, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding fridges. This is not to do with mechanical systems or better performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are aimed at an elite market who are willing to pay more for their elegant design and performance.
Furthermore the installation of an integrated fridge could be expensive, since it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This could include cutting out or the fillers that may be in the way and putting an bridging cabinet over the fridge to allow for the door frame. Integrated fridges tend to be taller than freestanding ones which means they can leave gaps at the top. You may need to add an overhang to fill in the gap. This makes it more visually pleasing. If you're happy with the design of your kitchen as it is, this is not an issue. But, if you'd like to modify it in the future you might need to add the cross-over cabinet to cover the gap.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models because of their sleek appearance and permanent installation. This is a result of designing cooling technology to fit in a smaller space and the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more money for a refrigerator with a premium design that doesn't clash with their kitchen's style. Additionally, they require more professional installation than other refrigerators that can increase the final cost.
Refrigerators with integrated freezers also offer more energy efficiency. These models are well insulated which allows cold air to be trapped inside. cheap fridge results in less temperature fluctuations and reduced energy consumption. In addition, since doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This can create an illusion of spaciousness and a feeling of openness inside.
The freezer area on integrated fridges will be smaller than the ones that is found on standalone models. However, it still has plenty of space to store fresh food items as well as frozen items. A majority of integrated fridge models feature 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage for both refrigeration and freezing.
The benefits of a fridge that is integrated are vast. They offer a seamless look that blends seamlessly with custom cabinets, which help to create a more harmonious kitchen layout. They offer superior flexibility as well as storage, and can also be fitted with a variety of features to enhance functionality. It's not a surprise that they're a popular choice among luxury appliance buyers today. It is essential to take into consideration the pros and cons of each prior to making a decision.