What Is Integrated Fridge And Why Is Everyone Talking About It
Choosing an Integrated fridge freezer For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated fridge sits in a flush position with your counter and cabinets to seamlessly blend into the kitchen design. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they can also provide enhanced customization flexibility.
These are the reasons why many homeowners opt for an integrated refrigerator over freestanding ones. This kind of fridge could have some disadvantages.
Size
Integrated fridge freezers sit completely flush with the kitchen's cabinetry and provide a sleek look that appears to be an extension of the cabinets. This makes them perfect for modern and country cottage kitchens. There are a few factors to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.
The size is a major aspect to consider. Integrated refrigerators come in different sizes, which can be adapted to various kitchen sizes. They are also generally larger than freestanding fridges, allowing you to store more food items in them without the necessity of an additional fridge.
Another aspect to consider is the depth. Freestanding fridges are typically counter-depth, integrated fridges are deeper than this. This could limit the number of storage options available, since they won't fit in all existing kitchen cabinets.
Last but not least, you should take into consideration the design of the door. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge. This is crucial because it will affect the way that fridge doors open and shut. You'll also need to decide if you'd like a 50:50 or 60/40 split, since this will affect the amount of space that is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are various styles available for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Certain refrigerators are distinguished by a color or panel that makes them look unique and others have sleek exteriors that blend with the rest of the room's design. If you prefer a more discrete look and style, a built-in or integrated 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 ideal integrated refrigerator fridge freezers for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated fridges are designed to be in a flush position with your cabinets, making them the perfect option for those looking to create a seamless kitchen design. They have a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry so it's difficult to tell where the refrigerator ends and the cabinets begin. They're also an excellent choice for those with small kitchens or open-plan living spaces, as they can help declutter the space and keep it feeling streamlined.
The most common type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model allows you to store larger items like fish, meat, and other vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It comes with a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or appetizer before guests arrive. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control that allows you to adjust the temperature to your preferences.
The French-door style is another popular integrated refrigerator. This kind of fridge features an elegant stainless finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in the kitchen. It's an excellent choice for fridge freezers modern homes. It also features a door with no handles that gives it a luxurious appearance. It's also simple to personalize your refrigerator with a variety of colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge housing or existing cabinets in your kitchen and give it an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are sought-after by homeowners who are looking to create a contemporary elegant look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from view. They also provide an efficient, quieter way to cool your food than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick between a variety of storage options. For example, you can opt for 50:50 models that offer equally 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, which have more space for freezers and a smaller fridge.
A majority of integrated fridges come with a drawer for storing meat and fish at 0degC which helps preserve food and increases shelf life. Fruit and vegetable drawers can also be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food remains fresh and healthy.
Some models come with a "frozen compartment' which helps protect food from frost and ice. This kind of appliance would be ideal for people who enjoy baking, freezing, and cooking from scratch.
Another useful feature is the possibility to create a separate freezer drawer that can be used for large platters, bowls and containers of takeaway food. This will protect your food from freezer damage and cut down on the necessity to defrost frequently.
Flexibility
Unlike freestanding fridges, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved during renovations to your kitchen or move house. They are integrated into the kitchen cabinets and are designed to blend with the rest of the decor of your home.
This type of fridge is typically utilized in kitchens with a stylised design or homes which require a premium contemporary design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors constructed of wood or brushed steel to blend in with the decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your fridge and other appliances so that they can communicate, respond to commands, and become part of a bigger home control system.
Despite their attractive appearance integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This is not to be attributed to mechanical systems or superior performance; it's because integrated refrigerators are aimed at a luxury market who are willing to pay a premium price for their elegant design and performance.
Furthermore the installation of an integrated refrigerator is costly as it requires adjustments to your kitchen. This includes removing or cutting any fillers that are in the way and putting an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Typically, integrated fridges are larger than freestanding fridges which means they can leave an opening at the top. This may require you to install a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and offer an aesthetic solution. If you're happy with the layout of your kitchen, this is not a problem. However, if you want to change it in the near future you might need to add an over-the-counter cabinet to conceal the gap.
Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models because of their sleek design and permanent installation. This is a result of designing cooling systems to be compact and the fact that a lot of homeowners are willing to pay more for a refrigerator with a stylish design that isn't in conflict with their kitchen's style. They also require more skilled installation than other refrigerators. This can add significant cost to the total cost.
Additionally integrated fridge freezers offer improved energy efficiency. Since the exterior of these models are concealed they are well-insulated to keep cold air from getting within, which results in fewer temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. In addition, since doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This creates a feeling of spaciousness and openness within.
The freezer area on an integrated fridge will be smaller than those available in standalone models. However, it has plenty of space for storing fresh food and frozen goods. In addition, many integrated refrigerator models come with 50:50 splits that permit equal refrigeration space and freezer space.
The benefits of an integrated fridge are numerous. They are sleek and stylish that blends in with custom cabinets to create a more cohesive layout. They also have superior storage capacity and flexibility, and are fitted with a range of features that enhance the functionality. It's not a surprise that they're a popular choice among luxury appliance buyers today. However, it is important to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages before investing in one for your home.