Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel

A built-in refrigerator is flush with your counters and cabinets that blend seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. They also offer more flexibility in customization with panel-ready options as well as integrated handles.

These features are why many homeowners choose to have an integrated refrigerator over freestanding ones. This type of fridge may have some disadvantages.

Size

Integrated fridge-freezers are in line with the kitchen cabinets and offer a sleek design that resembles an extension of the cabinets. They are ideal for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are a few factors to take into consideration before buying an integrated refrigerator.

One of the biggest factors to take into consideration is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various widths, to fit into various sizes of kitchens. They also stand taller than freestanding refrigerators, which means you can store more food items without having to buy a second.

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

Last but not least, you must consider the style of the door. Integrated refrigerators are available with either a hinge fixed or sliding model. This is important because it affects how the refrigerator 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 many styles to choose from for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Certain refrigerators are distinguished by a color or design that gives them a unique look and others have sleek exteriors that blend with the rest of interior design. If you prefer an unobtrusive look and style, a built-in or integrated in refrigerator could be the best choice for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.

Integrated refrigerators are designed to be right in the middle of your cabinets which makes them the ideal choice for those who want to create a seamless kitchen style. They come with a door panel that matches your cabinetry, so you can't know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. 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 style of integrated fridge is a bottom freezer refrigerator. This type of refrigerator allows larger items like fish, meat, and vegetables to be kept without losing storage space. It also has a middle drawer that can be used to store wine or Charcuterie platter before guests arrive. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature according to your preference.

Another type of integrated fridge is the French-door model. This type of fridge has sleek stainless-looking finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in your kitchen. This is an excellent choice for modern homes. It has a handleless front door that gives it a sense of luxury. You can also customize your refrigerator by choosing various colors and finishes.

Stores

Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This creates an uncluttered appearance with no protrusions. These types of refrigerators are sought-after by homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary, high-end look in their kitchens. They hide the appliance from view. They also provide a quieter, more efficient method of cooling your food than freestanding refrigerators.

You can pick from a wide variety of storage options like 50:50 models, which offer a similar fridge and freezer 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 a larger fridge space and smaller freezer.

Many integrated Fridges & Freezers include a drawer to store meat and fish at 0°C, which improves preservation and prolongs shelf life. There is also a variety of vegetable and fruit drawers that can be controlled by humidity to ensure that fresh food items stay fresh and healthy.

Certain models also come with an enclosed freezer compartment which protects food from frost and ice crystals. This kind of appliance would 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 for takeaway food items. This will safeguard 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 renovate your kitchen or move. They are integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to blend with the the decor of your home.

This type of refrigerator is usually found in homes or kitchens with a contemporary, stylish design. The fridge is concealed behind doors to cabinets that are typically made of a wood or polished stainless steel to give it an uncluttered appearance that is a perfect match with the 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 bigger home control system.

Despite their attractive appearance, integrated refrigerators have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This difference has nothing to do with do with mechanical systems or superior performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are targeted at the market of luxury that is willing to pay more for the upscale design and features.

Moreover the installation of an integrated fridge is costly as it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This includes removing or cutting any fillers and installing a bridging cupboard above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. In addition, integrated fridges are typically higher than freestanding ones, which could leave an unsightly gap on the top of your cabinetry. This may mean you need to build a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and provide an aesthetic solution. If you're happy with the layout of your kitchen as it is then this shouldn't be a problem. However, if you want to change it in the future it may be necessary to install the cross-over cabinet to cover the gap.

Cost

Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is a result of the design of cooling technology that can fit in a smaller space as well as the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to pay more for a fridge with a high-end design that isn't in conflict with their kitchen's style. They also require more professional installation compared to other fridges. This can add a significant amount to the final price.

Additionally integrated fridge freezers offer improved energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models is hidden and well-insulated, they keep cold air within, which results in fewer temperature fluctuations and lower energy usage. Additionally, because the doors are inset they don't extend out from the cabinetry, which could give a more spacious and open feel inside.

The freezer section on integrated fridges will be smaller than the ones available in standalone models. However, it still has plenty of space to store fresh food items and frozen products. Additionally, many integrated fridge freezer models come with 50:50 splits that permit equal storage of refrigeration and freezing space.

The advantages of having integrated refrigerators are enormous. They provide a seamless appearance that blends into custom cabinets, which help to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also offer greater storage capacity and flexibility, and can be equipped with a variety of features to enhance functionality. It's no surprise that they're an increasingly sought-after choice for people who are looking for a luxury appliance. However, it is important to consider all the pros and cons before making a decision on one for your home.