Integrated Fridge 101: It's The Complete Guide For Beginners
Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
A fridge that is integrated sits flush with your counter and cabinetry to seamlessly blend into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also offer greater flexibility in customization.
Many homeowners prefer an integrated refrigerator over a separate one due to these advantages. This type of fridge may be a bit limiting.
Size
The fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are flush with the kitchen's cabinetry, providing a sleek finish that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. This makes them ideal for modern and country cottage-style kitchens. There are a few factors to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a key factor to consider. Integrated refrigerators are available in a variety of widths, to fit into various sizes of kitchens. They are also higher than freestanding refrigerators so you can store more food items without needing a second one.
The depth is a different aspect to consider. While integrated fridges 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.
Finally, you must consider the door's style. Refrigerators that are integrated can be equipped with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge model. It is important to know this because it will impact the way the refrigerator's doors open and close. You'll have to decide if you'd like to split the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles available for kitchen refrigerators today. Certain refrigerators are distinguished by a color or panel that gives them a unique look, and some have sleek exteriors that blend into the rest of your room's style. If you're looking for a more discrete appearance then an integrated or built-in refrigerator could be the best choice for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you choose the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be flush with your cabinets, making them a perfect option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen design. They come with a door panel that matches your cabinetry, which means you won't be able to discern where the refrigerator's end and the cabinets begin. These are also great for kitchens with small spaces and living spaces that are open, as they can reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most common type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model lets you store larger items like meat, fish and vegetables without sacrificing valuable storage space. It comes with a bonus middle drawer which you can use to store wine or a charcuterie prior to guests arriving. The drawer is equipped with an independent temperature control so that you can set it to the perfect serving temperature.
Another style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This kind of fridge comes with sleek stainless-looking finish that will match the cabinets in the kitchen. This is a great choice for modern homes. It has a handleless front door that gives it an air of luxurious. You can also customize your refrigerator by selecting different finishes and colors.
Storage
Integrated fridges are integrated into the fridge housing or existing cabinetry of your kitchen and give it an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who want to create a modern, high-end look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from sight. They also offer the quietest, most efficient method of cooling your food items than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick between various storage options. For example you can choose 50:50 models that provide the same amount of space in the fridge and freezer. This allows you to store anything from leftovers and fresh produce to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also opt for 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which come with a larger fridge space and 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, ensuring that your food is fresh and healthy.
Some models have a 'frozen compartment' that helps protect food from frost and ice. This kind of appliance is ideal for those who love baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your creations made from scratch last as long as you can.
A separate 'freezer drawer' can be set up to accommodate large platters, dishes, and containers of takeaway foods. This will help protect fresh food from freezer burn and also reduce the requirement for regular defrosting, keeping your freezer and fridge in top shape.
Flexibility
Unlike freestanding refrigerators, integrated fridges can't be moved easily when you renovate your home or move. They are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to look seamless and blend with the rest of your home's decor.
This kind of refrigerator is usually found in kitchens or homes that are modern and elegant design. The fridge is hidden behind doors for cabinets that are typically made of wood or polished stainless steel to give it an elegant appearance that blends in with the surrounding decor. The integrated fridge can also be connected to smart home apps to connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate with each other, respond to commands, and eventually become part of a larger home control system.
Although integrated refrigerators are rockstars in terms of aesthetics, they do have some drawbacks. They're more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to do with mechanical systems or better performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are targeted at a luxury market that is willing to pay more for their elegant design and functionality.
The installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive because it requires changes to your kitchen. This could include cutting out or taking out any fillers that could be blocking the fridge's entrance and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to fit the door frame. Typically, integrated fridges are higher than freestanding ones and can leave gaps at the top. It is possible to add an extra cross-over cabinet to cover the gap. This will make it more visually pleasing. If you're happy with the layout of your kitchen, this is not an issue. But, if you'd like to modify it in the near future, you may need to install an over-the-counter cabinet to conceal the gap.
Cost
fridge sale that are integrated cost more than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology to fit into a smaller space and also due to the fact that a lot of homeowners will spend more on an appliance with a high-end design that is not in conflict with their kitchen style. They also require a more professional installation compared to other refrigerators. This can add a significant amount to the final cost.
The integrated fridge freezers also offer more energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models are concealed and well-insulated, they keep cold air from getting inside, resulting in fewer temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, since the doors are set, they don't extend out from the cabinetry, which can give a more open and open-air feel inside.
The freezer section of an integrated fridge is usually smaller than those found on standalone models, but it can still offer plenty of storage space to store fresh food items and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.
The benefits of an integrated refrigerator are immense. They have a sleek design that blends with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also offer the highest capacity for storage and flexibility, and are equipped with a variety of features that enhance the functionality. It's no surprise that they are a popular choice among luxury appliance buyers today. It is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a decision.