Integrated Fridge 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel

A built-in refrigerator is integrated into your cabinets and counters and blends seamlessly into the style of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and inset handles, they also offer enhanced customization flexibility.

These are the reasons why many homeowners choose to have an integrated refrigerator over freestanding models. This type of fridge may be a bit limiting.

Size

Refrigerator freezers that are integrated sit in line with the cabinetry of the kitchen giving a sleek appearance that resembles an extension of the cabinets themselves. They are perfect for kitchens with a modern or country cottage style. There are a few factors to consider prior to purchasing an integrated refrigerator.

One of the most important factors to consider is the size. Refrigerators with integrated features come in various widths, to accommodate different sizes of kitchens. They also stand larger than freestanding refrigerators, so you can store more food without having to buy a second.

The depth is another factor to consider. While freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth, integrated refrigerators are deeper than this. The variety of storage options is limited, because they won't fit in all kitchen cabinets.

Lastly, you should be aware of the door style. Integrated refrigerators can be fitted with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. It's important to be aware of this because it will impact the way that refrigerator doors open and close. You'll have to decide if you want to divide the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.

Aesthetics

There are a variety of styles of kitchen refrigerators on the market today. Some refrigerators feature a distinctive color or panel that makes them look unique, and some have an elegant exterior that blends into the interior design. If you're looking for a more discrete look, then an integrated or built-in fridge could be the best fit for your home. cheap fridges uk at Spencer's TV & Appliance is here to help you locate the ideal integrated refrigerator for your kitchen remodeling.


Integrated refrigerators are designed to be in a flush position with your cabinets, making them the perfect option for those who wish to create a cohesive kitchen style. The door panel matches the cabinetry, so you can't tell the difference between the refrigerator and the cabinets. They are also ideal for kitchens with smaller spaces and open-plan living areas because they can help reduce clutter and make it appear more organized.

The most commonly used type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model allows you to store larger items such as meat, fish and vegetables without sacrificing valuable storage space. It has a bonus middle drawer that can be used to store wine or a charcuterie before guests arrive. The drawer comes with a separate temperature control so you can set the temperature to your liking.

Another style of integrated refrigerator is the French-door model. This type of refrigerator has an elegant stainless steel look that is designed to match your kitchen cabinets. This is a great option for homes with modern designs. It comes with a non-handle front door that gives it an air of luxury. It's also easy to customize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.

Stores

Integrated fridges integrate into the fridge's housing or cabinetry of your kitchen and give it a seamless look without any forward protrusions. These kinds of fridges are a popular choice for homeowners who want to create a contemporary or high-end kitchen style that conceals the appliance from the view. They are also more quiet and more efficient than freestanding models.

You can choose between various storage options. For instance you can choose 50:50 models, which offer equally space in the freezer and fridge. This lets you keep everything from leftovers and fresh produce to frozen meats, ice cream, and even leftovers. You can also pick 60/40 splits or 70/30 models, which have a larger freezer and smaller fridge.

A lot of integrated fridges have an extra drawer that can be used to store meat and fish at 0degC to ensure its preservation and extend its shelf life. The drawers for vegetables and fruits can also be controlled by humidity, making sure that your food remains fresh and healthy.

Certain models also come with a dedicated 'frozen' compartment that helps protect food from ice crystals and frost. This kind of appliance is perfect for those who love baking or freezing food from scratch and want to ensure that your creations made from scratch last as long as is possible.

Another handy feature is the possibility to add a separate 'freezer' drawer for large bowls, platters and containers for takeaway food. This will help keep fresh food safe from freezing burn and decrease the requirement for regular defrosting, keeping your freezer and fridge in pristine condition.

Flexibility

Unlike freestanding fridges, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move. They are integrated into the kitchen cabinets and are designed to blend with the rest of the decor in your home.

This type of refrigerator is typically found in kitchens or homes with a contemporary, stylish design. The fridge is concealed behind cabinet doors constructed of wood or polished steel to blend with the decor. Refrigerators with integrated systems can be paired with smart home applications that connect your refrigerator and other appliances to communicate with one and respond to commands and become part of a bigger home control system.

Despite their aesthetic appeal integrated refrigerators do have some disadvantages. They are 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, who are willing to pay more for high-end design.

Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be costly due to the need for modifications to your kitchen. This means cutting or removing any fillers and installing an additional bridging cabinet above the fridge to accommodate the door frame. Typically, integrated fridges are larger than freestanding fridges and can leave gaps at the top. This may require you to install an over-the-counter cabinet to cover the gap and offer an attractive solution. If you're satisfied with the layout of your kitchen then this shouldn't be a problem. But, if you'd like to alter it in the future it may be necessary to add a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap.

Cost

Integrated fridge freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and long-lasting installation. This is due to designing cooling technology to be compact and the fact that many homeowners are willing to pay more for a fridge with a high-end design that isn't in conflict with the style of their kitchen. They also require more professional installation than other refrigerators. This can add a significant amount to the final price.

Additionally integrated fridge freezers offer improved energy efficiency. Because the exterior of these models is concealed they are well-insulated to keep cold air within, which results in fewer temperature fluctuations as well as lower energy usage. In addition, since doors are inset, they do not protrude from the cabinetry. This can give an illusion of spaciousness and a feeling of openness inside.

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

In the end, the benefits of a fridge that is integrated are immense. They offer a seamless look that blends into custom cabinets, which help to create a more harmonious kitchen layout. They also offer greater storage capacity and flexibility, and can be fitted with a range of features to improve functionality. As a result, it's not a surprise that they've become a popular choice for those looking for the best appliances in the market today. However, it's crucial to consider all the pros and cons before making a decision on one for your home.