Integrated Fridge 101:"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Choosing an Integrated Fridge For Your Kitchen Remodel
An integrated refrigerator is in a flush position with your counter and cabinets and blends seamlessly into the design of your kitchen. With panel-ready options and integrated handles, they also provide an increased degree of customization.
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 completely flush with the kitchen's cabinetry and provide a sleek look that looks like an extension of the cabinets themselves. This makes them perfect for modern and country cottage-style kitchens. However, there are a few things to think about before you decide to buy an integrated refrigerator.
The size is an important aspect to take into consideration. Refrigerators with integrated features are available in different widths to accommodate various sizes of kitchens. They are also generally higher than freestanding refrigerators and allow you to store more food items in them without the necessity of an additional fridge.
Another factor to consider is the depth. While integrated refrigerators are deeper than counter-depth fridges, freestanding refrigerators are usually counter-depth. This may limit the range of storage options available, since they aren't able to fit into all kitchen cabinets currently in use.
Finally, you must take into account the door style. Refrigerators that are integrated can be equipped with either a fixed hinge or a sliding hinge model. It's important to note this because it will impact the way the refrigerator's doors open and close. You'll need to decide if you want to divide the fridge and freezer sections 50:50 or 60/40.
Aesthetics
There are a variety of styles available for kitchen refrigerators today. Some fridges have a standout color or design that makes them look unique while others have sleek exteriors that blend into the rest of your room's style. If you're looking for a more discreet appearance then an integrated or built-in fridge might be the perfect fit for your home. Spencer's TV & Appliance can help you select the right integrated refrigerator for your kitchen renovation.
Integrated refrigerators are designed to sit perfectly with your cabinets, making them a great option for those wanting to create a seamless kitchen. They come with a door that matches your cabinetry, so it's difficult to know where the refrigerator's finish and the cabinets begin. They're also a great option for those with smaller kitchens or living spaces that are open, as they can help to reduce clutter and keep it looking clean.
The most common type of integrated refrigerator is the bottom freezer. This model permits larger items like fish, meat and even vegetables to be stored without sacrificing storage space. It also comes with an extra middle drawer which can be used to store wine or storing a charcuterie board before friends come over for a visit. The drawer is equipped with a separate temperature controller so you can set the temperature according to your preference.
The French-door model is another popular integrated fridge. This kind of fridge comes with an elegant stainless finish that is a perfect match to the cabinets in your kitchen. It's a great choice for modern homes. It has a handleless door that gives it a luxury feel. You can also customize your refrigerator by choosing different colors and finishes.
Storage
Integrated refrigerators are integrated into the fridge housing or existing cabinetry of your kitchen and give it an uncluttered look without forward protrusions. These types of refrigerators are sought-after by homeowners who want to create a modern, high-end look in their kitchens. They conceal the appliance from sight. They also provide the quietest, most efficient way to cool your food than freestanding refrigerators.
You can pick between various storage options. For instance you can choose 50:50 models that offer equal space in the fridge and freezer. This lets you store anything from leftovers and fresh produce to frozen meats, ice cream and even leftovers. You can also pick 60/40 splits, or 70/30 models that have more space for freezers and a smaller fridge.
Many integrated fridges include a drawer to store fish and meat at 0degC which helps preserve food and prolongs shelf life. There are also a variety of drawers for vegetables and fruits which can be controlled by humidity to help your fresh food stay crisp and healthy.
Some models have a 'frozen compartment' that protects food from frost and ice. This type of appliance is ideal if you enjoy baking and freezing, or cooking from scratch and want to make sure that your home-cooked creations keep as long as possible.

Another handy feature is the ability to add a separate 'freezer drawer to store large platters, bowls and containers for takeaway food. This will safeguard your food from freezer damage and cut down on the necessity to defrost frequently.
Flexibility
In contrast to freestanding fridges, integrated refrigerators can't be easily moved when you renovate your kitchen or move house. This is because they are integrated into kitchen cabinets and are designed to appear like a seamless piece of furniture and match the rest of your home's decor.
This type of fridge is typically used in stylised kitchens or homes that require a high-end contemporary design.
cheap fridges uk is concealed behind doors for cabinets made of wood or polished steel to blend with the decor. Refrigerators with integrated systems can be paired with smart home apps that allow your fridge and other appliances to communicate with one and respond to commands and become part of a larger home control system.
Despite their aesthetic appeal integrated refrigerators come with a few disadvantages. They're more expensive than freestanding refrigerators. This difference has nothing to do with be attributed to mechanical systems or better performance. It's due to the fact that integrated refrigerators are designed for an elite market that is willing to pay a premium price for the high-end design and functionality.
Installation of an integrated refrigerator can be expensive due to the need for modifications to your kitchen. These include cutting or removing any fillers that might be blocking the way, and putting an bridging cabinet over the fridge to allow for the door frame. In addition, integrated refrigerators are generally larger than freestanding models and can create a gap that is unsightly on the top of your cabinetry. This could require you to add a cross-over cabinet to hide the gap and provide a more aesthetically pleasing solution. This is not an issue If you're content to keep your fridge as it is, but it's something to consider if plan on changing your kitchen layout in the future.
Cost
Refrigerators with integrated freezers are more expensive than freestanding models due to their sleek design and permanent installation. This is due to the use of cooling technology that allows them to fit in a small space, as well as to the fact that many homeowners are willing to spend more money for refrigerators with a classy appearance that doesn't clash with their kitchen style. Adding to this, they require more professional installation than other refrigerators and can add a considerable amount to the final price.
The integrated fridge freezers also offer more energy efficiency. These models are well insulated, allowing cold air to stay inside. This leads to less temperature fluctuations and reduced energy consumption. In addition, because doors are inset they don't protrude out of the cabinetry. This can create an impression of space and a feeling of openness inside.
The freezer area of an integrated fridge is typically smaller than the one is found on standalone models but it can still offer plenty of storage space to store fresh food and frozen items. Many integrated fridge models come with 50:50 splits that allow equal storage for freezing and refrigeration.
The benefits of integrated refrigerators are enormous. They provide a seamless appearance that blends seamlessly with custom cabinets, which help to create a cohesive kitchen layout. They also have the highest capacity for storage 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 consumers of luxury appliances today. It is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a choice.