A Step-By-Step Guide To Integrated Fridge From Beginning To End
Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated fridge sits close to your counter and cabinets to seamlessly blend into your kitchen design. They also offer more flexibility in customization with panel-ready options and integrated handles.
These features are the reason why a lot of homeowners opt for an integrated fridge over freestanding ones. This kind of fridge could be a bit limiting.
Size
Integrated fridge-freezers sit integrated into the kitchen cabinets and provide a sleek look that appears to be a continuation of the cabinets. This makes them perfect for contemporary and country cottage-style kitchens. However, there are a few things to consider before you make the plunge to buy a refrigerator with integrated features.
One of the most important aspects to take into consideration is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various widths, to fit into different sizes of kitchens. They are also taller than freestanding refrigerators, which means you can store more food without having to buy a second.
The depth is another factor to consider. While integrated fridges are deeper than counter-depth refrigerators, freestanding refrigerators are typically counter-depth. The variety of storage options is limited because they won't fit in all kitchen cabinets.
Last but not least, you must consider the style of the door. Refrigerators with integrated doors can be fitted with either a 'fixed' hinge or a sliding hinge. It's important to note 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 or 60/40 split, as this will determine how much space is allocated to the freezer and fridge sections.
Aesthetics
There are many styles to choose from for refrigerators in the kitchen today. Certain refrigerators feature a distinctive color or design, whereas others feature a sleek design that blends with the rest of the decor. If you're looking for a more discrete look and 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 assist you in finding the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to be flush with your cabinets, making them an ideal option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen aesthetic. They have a door panel that is a match to your cabinetry which means you won't be able to 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 keep it looking clean.
The most well-known type of integrated fridge is a refrigerator with a bottom freezer. This model lets you store larger items like fish, meat, and other vegetables without sacrificing storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that you can use to store wine or Charcuterie platter prior to guests arriving. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control which allows you to set the temperature to your preferences.
The French-door design is another well-liked integrated refrigerator. This type of refrigerator has an elegant stainless steel finish that will match the kitchen cabinets. This is a great choice for modern homes. It features a no-handle front door which gives it a touch of luxurious. You can also customize your refrigerator by selecting different finishes and colors.
Stores
Integrated refrigerators are incorporated into the existing cabinetry or fridge housing of your kitchen. This gives it a seamless appearance without any protrusions. These kinds of refrigerators are popular with homeowners who are looking to create a modern, high-end look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from view. These fridges are also quieter and more efficient than freestanding models.
You can pick between various storage options. For instance you can select 50:50 models, which offer the same amount of space in the fridge and freezer. This allows you to keep everything from leftovers and fresh produce, to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also choose 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models, which have more fridge space as well as a smaller freezer.
Many Integrated fridges come with an extra drawer that can be used to store meat and fish at 0degC to improve the preservation of food and extend its shelf lifespan. Fruit and vegetable drawers can also be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food is fresh and healthy.
Some models have a 'frozen compartment' which helps protect food from frost and ice. This kind of appliance is perfect when you love baking or freezing food from scratch and want to ensure that your homemade creations will last as long as is possible.
A separate 'freezer drawer' can be installed for large platters, dishes, and containers for takeaway food. This can help protect fresh food from freezing burn and decrease the need for regular defrosting, which keeps your freezer and fridge in pristine condition.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges integrated refrigerators aren't easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move home. This is because they are built into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the interior decor of your home.
This type of fridge is often utilized in kitchens with a stylised design or homes that require a high-end, modern aesthetic. The fridge is concealed behind doors to cabinets that are typically made of wood or brushed stainless steel material to give it an uncluttered appearance that blends in with the surrounding decor. Smart home apps can be used to connect your refrigerator and other appliances so that they can communicate and respond to commands and become part of a larger home control system.
Despite their attractive appearance, integrated refrigerators have some disadvantages. They are more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This isn't due to better mechanical systems or performance. It's because integrated fridges are targeted towards a premium market, who are willing to pay more for the upscale design.
Additionally the installation of an integrated fridge could be expensive, since it requires changes to your kitchen. This involves cutting out or removing any fillers that are in the way, and adding an bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate its door frame. Additionally, integrated refrigerators are generally larger than freestanding models and can create a gap that is unsightly at the top of your cabinetry. This may mean you need to install an over-the-counter cabinet to cover the gap and offer an attractive solution. This isn't a problem If you're content to keep your fridge in the same place it is, but it's something to consider if you are planning to change your kitchen layout in the near future.

Cost
Integrated fridge freezers cost more than freestanding models because of their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology to fit in a small space and also due to the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more on refrigerators with a classy appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen style. They also require more skilled installation compared to other refrigerators. This could add a significant amount to the final cost.
In addition, integrated fridge freezers provide improved energy efficiency. These models are well insulated, allowing cold air to be confined inside. This means lower temperature fluctuations and less energy consumption. In addition, since the doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This can create an illusion of spaciousness and openness inside.
The freezer section on an integrated fridge will be smaller than those found in standalone models. However, it provides ample space for storing fresh food items and frozen products.
best fridge uk integrated fridge models have 50:50 splits that allow equal storage space for freezing and refrigeration.
In the end, the advantages of an integrated refrigerator are numerous. They are sleek and stylish that blends with custom cabinetry to create a unified layout. They offer superior flexibility and storage space, and are also able to be fitted with a range of features to enhance functionality. It's not surprising that they've been a top option for those looking for the best appliances in the market today. However, it's crucial to consider all the pros and cons before investing in one for your home.