Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel

An integrated refrigerator is in a flush position with your counter and cabinets to seamlessly blend into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also offer an increased degree of customization.

These features are why many homeowners opt for an integrated fridge instead of freestanding models. This style of fridge can have a few drawbacks.

Size

The integrated fridge-freezers are flush with the kitchen cabinetry and offer a sleek design that resembles an extension of the cabinets. This makes them ideal for modern and country cottage-style kitchens. However, there are a few things to consider before making the decision to buy an integrated refrigerator.

One of the most important factors to take into consideration is the size. Integrated refrigerators come in different widths, to fit into various sizes of kitchens. They are also larger than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food items without having to buy a second.

Another factor to consider is the depth. While freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth, integrated fridges are deeper than this. This may limit the range of storage options, since they aren't able to fit into all existing kitchen cabinets.

Finally, you must consider the door style. Refrigerators with integrated doors are available with either a fixed hinge or sliding model. It's important to be aware of this because it will impact the way that refrigerator doors open and close. You'll also have to decide if you want a 50:50 split or a 60/40 split, as this will impact how much space is allotted 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, whereas others have a sleek style that blends into the other decor. If you want a more discrete style, an integrated or built in fridge could be a good 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 remodeling.

Integrated refrigerators are designed to fit flush with your cabinetry and are the ideal choice for those who want to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. The door panel is matched to the cabinetry, so it is difficult to tell the difference between the fridge and the cabinets. These are also great for those with small kitchens as well as open-plan living spaces, as they can declutter the area and make it appear more organized.

The most common type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model permits larger items like fish, meat and even vegetables to be kept without sacrificing storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or charcuterie before guests arrive. The drawer has a separate temperature control so you can set it to the ideal serving temperature.

The French-door design is another popular integrated refrigerator. This kind of fridge comes with a sleek stainless finish that matches the cabinets in your kitchen. It's a great choice for modern homes and has a handleless door which gives it a classy appearance. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.

Storage

The integrated refrigerators are built into the cabinetry or fridge freezer collection housing of your kitchen. This gives them a seamless appearance without any protrusions. These types of refrigerators are popular among homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary, high-end look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from view. They also offer an efficient, quieter method of cooling your food than freestanding refrigerators.

You can pick from a variety of storage options, including 50:50 models which provide equal freezer and fridge space that allows you to store everything from fresh produce and leftovers to frozen meats and ice cream. You can also opt for 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models that have more fridge space as well as a smaller freezer.

A majority of integrated fridges include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C which enhances preservation and increases shelf life. The drawers for vegetables and fruits can also be controlled by humidity, which will ensure that your food remains fresh and healthy.

Some models also have an insulated compartment for frozen food which protects food from frost and ice crystals. This kind of appliance is ideal when you love baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your creations made from scratch last as long as is possible.

A separate freezer drawer is a great option for large platters, dishes and containers of takeaway foods. This will protect your food from freezer damage and decrease the need to defrost regularly.

Flexibility

In contrast to freestanding fridges, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved when you remodel your kitchen or move home. This is because they are fitted into the kitchen cabinetry and Fridge-freezer are designed to look seamless and match with the interior of your home.

This kind of refrigerator is typically found in homes or kitchens with a contemporary, stylish design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors that are usually constructed of wood or brushed stainless steel material to create an elegant appearance that blends into the surrounding decor. The integrated fridge can also be integrated with smart home apps that allow your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate with one with each other, respond to commands and become part of a larger home control system.

Despite their appealing appearance integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. For Fridge-freezer starters, they tend to be more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This disparity is not due to better mechanical systems or performance. It is because integrated refrigerators are marketed to a luxury market that is willing to pay more for upscale design.

Furthermore the installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly, as it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This includes cutting out or removing any fillers, and adding an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. Integrated fridges are usually taller than freestanding ones and can leave an opening at the top. This may mean you need to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and provide a more aesthetically pleasing solution. This isn't a problem if you're happy to keep your fridge where it is, but it is something to consider if you are planning to change your kitchen layout in the near future.

Cost

The fridge freezers that are integrated cost more than freestanding models because of their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology that allows them to fit in a small space and also due to the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more money for an appliance with a high-end appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen design. Adding to this the fact that they require more skilled installation than other refrigerators that can add a considerable amount to the final price.

The integrated fridge freezers also offer better energy efficiency. They are well-insulated, allowing cold air to stay inside. This results in lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. Furthermore, since the doors are inset they do not protrude from the cabinetry, which could give a more spacious and open feeling inside.

The freezer section on an integrated fridge will be smaller than the ones found in standalone models. However, it provides ample space to store fresh food and frozen goods. Additionally, many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits that permit equal storage of refrigeration and freezer space.

The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are huge. They are sleek and stylish that blends with custom cabinets to create a more cohesive layout. They offer superior flexibility and storage space, and can be outfitted with a range of features that can enhance the functionality. It's not a surprise that they're the most sought-after option among luxury appliance buyers today. However, it is important to think about all the pros and cons before making a decision on one for your home.