Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel

A fridge that is integrated sits close to your counter and cabinets, blending seamlessly into the kitchen design. With panel-ready options as well as inset handles, they can also provide greater flexibility in customization.

These features are why many homeowners choose to have an integrated fridge instead of freestanding models. However, this type of refrigerator comes with a few drawbacks.

Size

The walk-In fridge freezers integrated into the refrigerator are in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen and provide a sleek look that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. This makes them ideal for modern and country cottage-style kitchens. There are a few things to consider before purchasing an integrated refrigerator.

One of the biggest factors to take into consideration is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various sizes, which can be adapted to various kitchen sizes. They're also typically taller than freestanding fridges, allowing you to store more food items in them without the necessity of an additional fridge.

Another factor to consider is the depth. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth, freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth. The variety of storage options is limited, since they cannot be fitted into all kitchen cabinets.

The last thing to consider is that you must think about the design of the door. Integrated refrigerators are available with either a fixed hinge or a sliding model. It's important to note this since it can affect how the fridge's doors open and close. It is also important to decide whether 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 that are on the market in the present. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel, while others have a sleek design that blends in with the rest of the decor. If you're seeking a more subtle 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 remodel.

Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit flush with your cabinets, making them a great option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen design. They come with a door panel that matches your cabinetry, so you can't know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They're also a great option for those with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, because they help declutter the space and keep it looking clean.

The most popular type of integrated refrigerator is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This model permits larger items such as fish, meat, and vegetables to be stored without having to sacrifice storage space. It also comes with a middle bonus drawer which can be used to store wine storage or for storing a charcuterie board before friends visit. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature to your liking.

The French-door model is another popular integrated refrigerator. This kind of refrigerator comes with an elegant stainless steel finish that is designed to match your kitchen cabinets. It's a great choice for modern homes. It comes with a handleless door which gives it a classy feel. You can also customize your refrigerator by choosing various colors and finishes.

Storage

Integrated refrigerators are incorporated into the cabinetry or refrigerator housings in your kitchen. This gives it an uncluttered appearance with no protrusions. These types of fridges are the most popular choice for homeowners who want to create a contemporary or contemporary kitchen style that hides the appliance from the view. These fridges are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.

You can pick from a variety of storage options. For example you can select 50:50 models that provide equally space in the fridge and freezer. This allows you to store anything from leftovers and fresh produce, Walk-In Fridge to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also pick 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which have more space in the fridge and a smaller freezer.

Many integrated fridges come with a drawer for storing fish and meat at 0degC which enhances preservation and extends shelf life. There are also a range of vegetable and fruit drawers which can be controlled by humidity to help fresh food to stay fresh and healthy.

Some models have a 'frozen compartment' that protects food from ice and frost. This type of appliance will be perfect for those who love baking, freezing, or cooking from scratch.

A separate freezer drawer can be installed for large capacity fridge platters, dishes, and containers for takeaway food items. This will protect your food from freezer damage and cut down on the frequency of defrosting.

Flexibility

In contrast to freestanding fridges that are freestanding, integrated refrigerators cannot be easily moved during renovations to your kitchen or move home. This is because they're integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to look seamless and match with the interior decor of your home.

This kind of refrigerator is typically found in kitchens and homes that have a modern, high-end aesthetic. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors that are usually constructed of wood or brushed stainless steel material to create an uncluttered appearance that is a perfect match with the decor. The integrated fridge can also be connected to smart home apps that allow your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate with one other, respond to commands and become part of a bigger home control system.

While integrated refrigerators may be stunning in terms of design but they do have disadvantages. They are, for one, likely to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This difference has nothing to do with be attributed to mechanical systems or better performance. It's due to the fact that integrated refrigerators are targeted at the market of luxury that is willing to pay a premium price for the upscale design and performance.

Moreover, the installation of an integrated fridge is costly as it requires adjustments to your kitchen. These include cutting or taking out any fillers that could be blocking the way, and installing an bridging cabinet over the fridge to fit the door frame. Additionally, integrated refrigerators are generally larger than freestanding models and can leave an unsightly gap on the top of your cabinetry. You may need to add an extra cross-over cabinet to fill in the gap. This will make it more aesthetically pleasing. This isn't a problem for those who are content with keeping your fridge as it is, but it's something to think about if you intend to alter your kitchen layout in the near future.

Cost

The fridge freezers that are integrated cost more than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to the design of cooling technology to fit in a small space, as well as to the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to spend more on an appliance with a high-end look that does not clash with their kitchen design. In addition the fact that they require more skilled installation than other fridges that can increase the final price.

Integrated fridge freezers also provide greater energy efficiency. These models are well-insulated and allow cold air to stay inside. This leads to lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Additionally, because the doors are recessed, they don't protrude from the cabinetry, which can give a more open and open-air feel inside.

The freezer section on an integrated fridge will be smaller than the ones available in standalone models. However, it still provides ample space for storing fresh food items and frozen products. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits, which allow equal storage space for refrigeration and walk-In fridge freezing.

The benefits of an integrated fridge are immense. They provide a seamless appearance that blends into custom cabinetry, which helps to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also have the highest capacity for storage and flexibility, and are equipped with a variety of features to enhance functionality. As a result, it's not a surprise that they've become a top choice for those looking for the best appliances in the market in the present. It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a choice.