Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel

A built-in fridge is flush with counters and cabinets that blend seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they can also provide greater flexibility in customization.

Many homeowners prefer an integrated refrigerator over a standalone one because of these features. However, this type of refrigerator can also come with some disadvantages.

Size

Integrated fridge-freezers sit in line with the kitchen cabinets and offer a sleek design that appears to be a continuation of the cabinets. This makes them ideal for modern and country cottage kitchens. There are a few things to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.

The size is a major aspect to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in a variety of sizes to fit various kitchen sizes. They are also higher than freestanding refrigerators therefore you can store more food without needing a second.

Another thing to take into consideration is the depth. While freestanding fridges are often counter-depth, integrated fridges sit deeper than this. The variety of storage options is limited, since they cannot be fitted into all kitchen cabinets.

Not least, you need to consider the style of the door. Refrigerators that are integrated come with either a fixed hinge or a sliding model. This is important as it will affect the way that fridge doors open and shut. You'll also need to decide if you want a 50:50 or 60/40 split, since this will impact how much space is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.

Aesthetics

There are many styles of kitchen refrigerators on the market today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design, while others feature a sleek design that blends with the rest of the decor. If you're looking for a more discrete style and Fridge-freezer style, then an integrated or built-in fridge may be the right fit for your home. Our team at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you find the perfect integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.

Integrated fridges are designed to be flush with your cabinetry and are the ideal option for those looking to create a unified kitchen style. The door panels match the cabinetry, so you won't be able to tell the difference between the refrigerator and the cabinets. They are also ideal for those with small kitchens 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 allows you to store larger items like fish, meat and vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It also has a middle bonus drawer which can be used to store wine or storing a charcuterie board before friends come over for a visit. The drawer comes with an additional temperature control, so you can set it to the perfect serving temperature.

The French-door style is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This type of fridge has an elegant stainless finish that matches the kitchen cabinets. This is an excellent option for homes with modern designs. It comes with a non-handle front door which gives it a touch of elegance. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator with different colors and finishes.

Storage

Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge's housing or cabinetry of your kitchen and give it an elegant look with no forward protrusions. These kinds of fridges are a popular choice for homeowners seeking a contemporary or high-end kitchen style that block the appliance from view. They also provide the quietest, most efficient way to cool your food than freestanding refrigerators.

You can pick from various storage options. For example you can select 50:50 models that provide the same amount of space in the fridge and freezer. This lets you keep everything from leftovers and fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream, and even leftovers. You can also select 60/40 splits or 70/30 models with bigger freezers and smaller fridge.

Many integrated fridges come with a drawer for storing meat and fish at 0°C which helps preserve food and prolongs shelf life. There are also a variety of fruit and vegetable drawers which can be controlled by humidity to help fresh food to stay fresh and healthy.

Some models also feature an insulated compartment for frozen food which helps to protect food from ice crystals and frost. This kind of appliance would be ideal for people who love baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.

A separate 'freezer drawer' can be installed for large platters, dishes and containers of takeaway foods. This will help protect fresh food from freezer burn and also reduce the need for frequent defrosting, ensuring that your freezer and fridge in top condition.

Flexibility

Unlike freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move house. They are integrated into the kitchen cabinets and are designed to match the rest of the decor fridge freezer Small of your home.

This kind of refrigerator is used in homes or kitchens that have a modern, high-end aesthetic. The fridge is hidden behind cabinet doors constructed of wood or polished steel to blend with the decor. Refrigerators with integrated systems can be integrated with smart home applications that connect your fridge and other appliances to communicate with each other, respond to commands and become part of a larger home control system.

Despite their aesthetic appeal, integrated refrigerators have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This isn't due to better mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are targeted at a premium market, who are willing to pay more for the upscale design.

Furthermore, the installation of an integrated refrigerator could be expensive, since it requires adjustments to your kitchen. These include cutting or the fillers that may be blocking the way, and putting an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to allow for the door frame. Integrated fridges are usually larger than freestanding fridges which means they can leave an opening at the top. You might need to install an extra cross-over cabinet to fill in the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. If you're satisfied with the layout of your kitchen as it is it isn't an issue. But, if you'd like to alter it in the near future it may be necessary to add an over-the-counter cabinet to conceal the gap.

Cost

Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to designing cooling technology to fit into a small space as well as the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more money for a refrigerator with a stylish design that isn't in conflict with their kitchen's style. Adding to this, they require more professional installation than other refrigerators and can add significant amounts to the final cost.

Integrated fridge freezers also provide greater energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models are hidden they are well-insulated to keep cold air from getting within, which results in less temperature fluctuations and lower energy usage. In addition, because the doors are inset they don't protrude from the cabinetry. This can give an illusion of spaciousness and openness inside.

The freezer area of a fridge integrated is typically smaller than the one is found on standalone models but it still provides plenty of storage space to store fresh food and frozen items. Moreover, many integrated fridge models feature 50:50 splits that allow for equal refrigeration space and freezer space.

The advantages of an integrated refrigerator are vast. They have a sleek design that blends seamlessly with custom cabinetry, which helps to create a more cohesive kitchen layout. They also have greater storage capacity and flexibility, and can be equipped with a variety of features to improve functionality. As a result, it's not surprising that they have been a top option for buyers of luxury appliances today. However, it is important to weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision on one for your home.